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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 a range of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may 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. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven with hob and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven with hob coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar 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 that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked items and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate best hobs uk are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

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

You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been 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 using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and best oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.