GitLab

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of 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.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode 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 the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

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

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.