See What Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

Solid plate best hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, 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 surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats 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 since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best hob uk for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked products, and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in 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 types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs and ovens can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven 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.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob - Home, it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.