This Is A Guide To Oven And Hob In 2024

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. 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 were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-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 an essential requirement. 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 in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which 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 preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs and ovens are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven with hob or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.