How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.