How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is 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 that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are placed beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.