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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some 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 where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also 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. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked 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 sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clear of obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

It is best hob to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.