How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time, ovens have improved in terms of design and function. There are now ovens that have self-cleaning lines.
These lines warm the interior of the oven, which is useful in cleaning. Certain models come with the option of a timer that can be set independently of the cooking function.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire to stay warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was built in France built of bricks with a grate to where cauldrons made of steel could be placed.
This new oven was a huge improvement over the open flames of a fireplace. cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above, but it was still tricky to control the temperature. It would take a lot of time and improvement before a method was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening in the process.
Ovens improved over the ages. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths that had a brick oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were used to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. This was followed by the development of the first gas stoves that had top burners as well as ovens inside.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first semi-successful gas oven in 1826 and by 1920, they were a common kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years from that point before electric ovens made an appearance depending on the speed that electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're known as toaster ovens, and in Britain they are known as a hob, or a cooker, but the term "oven is used more commonly for any type of oven that cooks with the use of a source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of oven types and you can find one that can do nearly everything you'd like it to do from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.
There are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets regardless of whether you're looking for wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. They are not indestructible, and can break down at any time. This is the place we step in. We can help you when you require repairs to your oven or replace a component. Call us, or contact us online.
Technology
Ovens are available in a range of technologies. Many ovens are powered by fans. The fan distributes hot air evenly around the oven cavity, in addition to the oven element. This is especially useful for when you are baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is particularly handy when you're busy or need your meal to be ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking techniques that allow you to cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and conventional the same oven. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you to reduce your energy use by up to 50%. This kind of technology is usually described as a multicooker' but we think the term 'gourmet oven' is a better description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a crucial element in many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for making some of our favorite desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven, it's important to choose one that meets our cooking needs while also being energy efficient.
Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it's more crucial than ever that you consider how much your oven will cost you to run. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each oven's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating, which will help keep your household bills down.
It is also worth looking at the additional features that are available. If you want to save time cleaning the oven for example, choose a model that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spills. You can avoid having to clean your oven frequently.
ovens and hobs is another useful feature to look out for. It lets you set a time limit for cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right oven for your home in order to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves use less energy than an oven.
Another method to cut down on energy consumption when cooking is to ensure that your oven is insulated. Install a reflective insulation on the cooker's hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower your energy bill, as it means that your oven isn't having to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Options for cooking
Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you enjoy the most, your oven may have several functions to make it easier to prepare food. These include bread proofing settings, which provide a warm and controlled environment to help dough rise and bottom heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and a consistent cooking. Some models have rapid heat settings to achieve temperatures faster, which is ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen foods without cooking them, which saves time and money. Other options like the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it's baking, and the Reheat mode keeps hot dishes at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.
It's no surprise that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you want to get the most out of your oven, you must familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven.
For instance, if making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it is cooked well and crisped. If you plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens usually come with a selection of built in accessories such as racks, trays and even a telescopic run for shelves. You can also find models with additional features, such as a warming drawer or compact steam oven that offers an alternative to traditional baking, increasing the nutrients and removing harmful additives.
Stand- ovens and hobs on the other hand, tend to have fewer built in features and can be found in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Some models come with larger capacities. These are better suited for homes with limited space or for those who don't need to do much hob cooking. Some come with various cooking options, like pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.