How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years, ovens have been continuously improving in both appearance and functionality. You can now find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines warm the interior of the oven, which is beneficial to clean. Certain models also come with the ability to set a timer which can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire to stay warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a special oven was built in France, made of bricks, with grills on which cauldrons made of metal could be positioned.
The new oven was an enormous improvement on the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above but it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without it turning black.
Ovens continued to improve throughout the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were constructed using an oven made of bricks that had a fire pit was set within, with metal cauldrons hanging over to heat. But it was another two decades before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was followed by the first gas stoves equipped with top burners and interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invented the first oven that was semi-failure. In 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared about 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as a hob or a cooker, but the term "oven is used more commonly to describe any oven that cooks using a source of heat other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available today. You will find one that can handle whatever you need to, from baking to grilling to steaming.
If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a wide selection available to meet any budget and style. However, just like the ovens of the past, they're not indestructible and they can be damaged at times which is the reason why we are here. We can help you if you need to repair your oven or replace a component. Call us, or contact us online.
Technology
Ovens are available in a range of different technologies. For instance, many ovens are fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component heating the food, there is an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven cavity to ensure that all the food cooks evenly. This is especially helpful when you're baking.
In addition some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful in times of stress or if you need your meal to be ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking technologies available which allow you to cook with traditional microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. This can help you achieve professional results in less time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. It can also help you to reduce your energy consumption by up to 50 percent. This kind of technology is often called a'multicooker' but we think the term 'gourmet oven and hob' is a better description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for baking, roasting, and even making some our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven, it's essential to choose one that can meet all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increase in electricity prices, it's now more important than ever before to think about how much an oven cost to operate. It's important to check the energy rating of each product's page. Ideally, you want an oven with an A+ or above energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.
While you're looking at the energy rating You should also think about what other features are available. If you're looking to cut down on time cleaning the oven, for instance, you should choose one with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spillages. You can avoid having to clean your oven regularly.
Other features worth looking out for include the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which allows you to set a certain time limit for your cooking. Certain ovens hobs can be controlled remotely using an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs approximately 17p per hour of usage, so it's essential to select the best oven model for your home if are looking to lower your energy bills. Other appliances like air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.
You can also cut down on your energy usage by making sure that your oven is sealed. This can be done by fitting an insulation sheet that is reflective behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain the same temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency you cook and the recipes you love the oven might have a variety of special functions that make food preparation easier. These include bread proofing settings that offer an ambiance that is warm and controlled to help dough rise, or bottom heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and a consistent cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings to achieve temperatures quicker and are ideal for those who are who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low heat to gradually thaw frozen food items without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat feature keeps hot foods at lower temperatures to ensure they don't dry out or become overcooked.
If you think about the many different kinds of food items you can make with an oven, it's obvious that it's an essential kitchen appliance for any home. If you want to get the most out of your oven, you must familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven.
If you're cooking a traditional roast it is recommended that you make use of the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crisp and well-cooked. If you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens have a variety of built-in accessories, such as racks and tray. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. You can find models with additional features such as warming drawers, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone models, on contrary, are smaller and have smaller features. They also come in smaller capacities. They're generally smaller than cookers and can have capacities from 30-40 litres however some are larger. They may be more suitable for homes with a smaller space or who don't make use of cooking hobs. There are also a range of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray that creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.