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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

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

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles 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 may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

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

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

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

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven with hob to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric best hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.