How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large 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 relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional 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 the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.