How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens and hobs have evolved in terms of design and function. For instance there are now ovens that self-clean their liner.
These lines heat up the interior of the oven, which is helpful in cleaning. Certain models also come with a timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since the time humans have been around we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 when the first recorded purpose-built oven was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a a grate where cauldrons made of metal could be positioned.
The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames in the fireplace, where cooking was done by using large metal pots which were hung above. However it was difficult to control the temperature. It would take a lot of time hobs and ovens improvement before a method was developed for efficiently baking bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened in the process.
Ovens have continued to improve throughout the years. By the 1800s, sizeable brick hearths were built 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 invented in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves that had top burners as well as ovens inside.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920 they had become a staple kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years after that before electric ovens were introduced in accordance with the speed of the introduction of electricity to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're called a hob. However, the term "oven" is used to describe any type of oven that makes use of a heat source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are a myriad of oven types and it is possible to find one that can do just about anything you'd like it to do from baking to grilling, baking, 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 every budget and taste. They are not indestructible and may 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. Give us a call or email us.
Technology
Ovens come in a variety of designs and technologies. For example, many are what is known as fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component cooking the food, there's a fan that circulates the hot air in the oven to ensure that all the food cooks evenly. This is particularly helpful baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful in times of stress or want your dinner ready when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also available that lets you cook with traditional microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. This will help you achieve professional results in a shorter amount of time, like perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. It can cut down your energy usage by up to 50%. This technology is sometimes described as a "multicooker" however we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a staple of most best hobs uk kitchens and are used on a daily basis for baking, roasting, and even for making some of our favorite desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven, it's essential to select one that will meet all our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the rising electricity prices, it's now more crucial than ever to think about how much an oven will cost to operate. This is why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on the product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven that has an A+ or above energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.
While you're looking at the energy efficiency it is also important to consider what other features are available. For instance, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, choose an oven that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spillages. You can avoid having to clean your oven regularly.
Other useful functions to look out for are a child lock, which will stop children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which allows you to set a predetermined duration for your cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely via an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch, an electric oven costs about 17p per hour of usage, so it's essential to choose the right oven for your home if want to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances, such as air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers, use less energy than an electric oven.
Another method to reduce your energy usage when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. This can be done by putting an insulation sheet that is reflective on the hood of your cooker, which will help to reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce your energy costs, since your oven won't have to perform as hard to keep an even temperature.
Cooking options
Depending on the frequency with you cook and your favorite recipes, your oven may have a variety of special features that help you prepare food more efficiently. These could include bread proofing settings, which provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise, or bottom temperatures for cooking that is gentle and consistency. Some models offer quick heat settings to get temperatures up to speed, which is ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Some ovens include the option of defrosting that utilizes low heat to slowly warm frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light function lets you see your food while it's baking and the Reheat function keeps hot dishes at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
If you think about the many different types of food you can make in an oven, it's obvious that it's an essential kitchen appliance in every home. However, if you want to get the most out of it, becoming familiar with its functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If, however, you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is more effective in producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens have a variety of accessories built in, such as racks and tray. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. There are also models that come with additional features like a warming drawer or small steam ovens hobs that provide a healthy alternative to conventional baking, increasing the nutrients and removing harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, tend to contain fewer features and are available in smaller capacities. They're generally smaller than cookers and have capacities from 30-40 litres, however, some are larger. They may be more for homes with a smaller space or who don't make use of cooking hobs oven. Some come with several cooking options, such as a pizza stone that creates a crisp crust and a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.