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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen. Solid plate 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 can be economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of 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 structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks – they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat. The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven. By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat. In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan “on the hob”. However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range. Functions The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs. A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time. Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavor. There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected. Types There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues. Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly. Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner. Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function. Installation It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes. You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob. To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations. Once electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly. It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.