How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

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 safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked products as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood 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 the Building Regulations.