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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen. Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run. Origins Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle. The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of 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 due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat. A solution was found using 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 early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace. By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat. In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan “on the hob”. However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range. Functions The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture. Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for 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 features to determine which ones are right for your requirements. The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like 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. Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours. Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities. Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the 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 heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down. Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are positioned under the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect 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 they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function. Installation If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to 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 all the required equipment and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. 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, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came 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 ensure that it's operating correctly. If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.