How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have evolved in terms of design and performance. For example, you can now find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior, which helps with cleaning. Some models have the option of a timer that can be set without regard to the cooking function.
History
As long as human beings have existed, we've used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It was not until 1490 that the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a the grate, that could be used to place cauldrons made of steel. be positioned.
The new oven was an improvement over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was done by using large metal pots which were hung over. However 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 becoming black.
Ovens have continued to improve over the centuries. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed with an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was set within, with cauldrons made of metal hung over for heating. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. This was followed by the development of the first gas stoves, which had top burners and interior ovens.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven in 1826, which was a semi-successful one, and by 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took 60 years to come around before electric ovens came into the market, depending on the speed that 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 more often used for any oven that cooks with the use of a source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of oven types and you can find one that does almost everything you want to bake to frying, grilling or steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet all tastes and budgets. However, just like ovens of old they aren't indestructible and they can break down periodically which is where we come in. We can help you when you need to repair your oven or replace a component. Give us a call, or contact us online.
Technology
There are a variety of oven technologies. For instance, some ovens are what is known as fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component heating up the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air around the oven to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is especially helpful when baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially helpful if you are busy or want your dinner to be ready when you arrive from work.
Multicooking technology is also available, which allows you to cook with traditional microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter time, like perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. It can also help you cut down on the energy you use by up to 50%. This technology is sometimes described as"multicooker" or "multicooker" however we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even for making some of our favourite desserts. So when you're looking to buy a new oven it's important to find the right one that will meet all our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Owing to the rise in electricity prices, it's now more crucial than ever to think about how much an oven will cost to operate. That's why it's a good idea to take a look at the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on each product page. You should choose an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, which will help you reduce your household expenses.
As well as examining the energy efficiency, you should also consider the additional features available. For instance, if looking to save time on cleaning the oven, you should look for a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spillages. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.
Other useful functions to look out for are a child lock, which stops children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which allows you to set a certain time limit for your cooking. Some ovens also have a smart feature that let you connect to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely if desired.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right oven for your home to reduce the cost of energy. Other appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens and hobs uk.
You can also reduce your energy use by ensuring that your oven is sealed. You can do this by putting an insulation sheet that is reflective behind the cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will lower the cost of energy, since it means that your oven doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Cooking options
Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you love, your oven could have various functions to make it easier to prepare food. These include bread proofing settings that offer a warm and controlled environment to encourage dough to rise, or bottom heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and even consistency. Some models offer quick heat settings to reach temperatures quicker and is perfect for those who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen food items without cooking them, saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to check on what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot foods at lower temperatures, so that they do not dry out or become overcooked.
It's obvious that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you're planning to make the most of your oven, it is essential to be familiar with the various functions of it.
If you are making a traditional roast, it's advised to use the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crisp and well-cooked. If you plan to grill meat, the Grill mode will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.
best hob ovens and hobs uk (Itb blog post) typically come with a selection of built-in accessories such as racks, trays, and a telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features, such as a warming drawer, compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to conventional baking. These ovens maximize the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the contrary, tend to have fewer built in features and can be found in smaller sizes. They are generally smaller than cookers, and have capacities of 30 to 40 litres, although some are larger. They are ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't have cooking on the hob often. They also offer a range of cooking options, like pizza stone tray which creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.