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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions, 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're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle. The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking. The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven. In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in 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 meat and casseroles. It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot “on the hob” however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range. Functions The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you. A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked 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 grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours. Some ovens come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue. Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down. Plate hobs are another stalwart 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 look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks. The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function. Installation If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes. Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven. The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly. It's best to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.