How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time, ovens have been continuously improving in terms of design and function. For instance there are now ovens that have self-cleaning oven liners.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Certain models also come with an automatic timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have used fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was created in France constructed of bricks and a grate to which cauldrons made of metal could be attached.
The new oven was an improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was conducted with large metal pots that were placed above. However it was difficult to control the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.
Ovens have been improving over time. 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 developed in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves with top burners and ovens inside.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared about 60 years later depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced into households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're referred to as a hob or a cooker but the term 'oven is used more commonly for any oven that cooks using the use of a source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of oven types and you can find one that can do just about anything you'd like it to do from baking to grilling, baking, or steaming.
If you're looking for a double wall oven hob or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a wide range of options to satisfy all tastes and budgets. They're not durable, and can break down at any point. This is the place we step in. We can help you when you need to repair your oven or replace a piece. Contact us or email us.
Technology
There is a wide range of hobs oven technology available. Many ovens are powered by fans. This is because, as well as the oven element heating the food, there's a fan which distributes the hot air in the oven's cavity to ensure the food is cooked evenly. This is particularly useful baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful when you're busy or if you need your meal to be ready when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also available, which allows you to cook traditional food microwave, steam or even microwave in the same kitchen appliance. You can get professional results quicker, such as perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy usage by up to 50%. This technology is often referred to as"multicooker", but we prefer the term "multicooker", but we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a staple of most UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for roasting, baking, and even for making some of our favorite desserts. So when it comes to choosing an oven, it's crucial to find the right one that can meet all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increase in electricity costs, it's more crucial than ever to consider how much an oven cost to operate. That's why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on each product page. You should choose an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help reduce your household expenses.
You should also look at the additional features offered. For instance, if you're looking to save time on cleaning the oven, choose a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off food spills which will help you avoid having to clean the oven on a regular basis.
Other functions worth checking for include a child lock, which stops children from operating the appliance, and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain duration to cook. Some ovens also have a smart feature that let you connect it to an app on your smartphone and control it remotely, should you wish.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is about 17p per hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right oven for your home, so that you can cut the cost of energy. Other appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.
Another way to cut down on your energy use when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly protected. Install a reflective hood over your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to perform as hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Options for Cooking Technology
Depending on the frequency you cook and what recipes you love, your oven could have several functions to help in the preparation of food. Some of these functions include bread proofing, which creates an environment warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. Also, lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and gentle cooking. Some also offer rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker, ideal for those needing to rush.
Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen foods without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to see what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot food at lower temperatures so they don't get dry or overcooked.
When you consider how many different types of food you can make with an oven, it's clear that it's a crucial kitchen appliance in every home. If you want to make the most of your oven, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven.
For instance, if you're cooking a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crisped. If you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens have a variety of accessories built in like racks and trays. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are models with additional features, such as a warming drawer, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone models on the contrary are smaller and have fewer features. They also come in smaller capacities. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and can have capacities from 30-40 litres, however some are larger. They are ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't do cooking on the hob often. Some come with several cooking options, such as pizza stones that make crisp crusts and a perforated plate to steam vegetables.