How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been constantly evolving in appearance and functionality. For example there are now ovens that automatically clean their lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior and helps in cleaning. Certain models also come with the ability to set a timer which can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that a purpose-built oven was created in France constructed of bricks with a grate to where cauldrons made of steel could be attached.
The new oven was a step up over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was conducted with large metal pots that were hung over. However it was difficult to control the temperature. It would take a lot of time and improvement before a method was created to efficiently bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening in the process.
Ovens continued to improve throughout the centuries. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed with a brick oven Uk (P1-media.de) where the fire pit was placed within, with metal cauldrons hung over for heating. It took another two years before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was then followed by the first gas stoves that 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. Electric ovens appeared around 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was incorporated into homes.
In the US, they're known as toaster-ovens and hobs uk and in Britain, they're known as hobs. However the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses any heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and it is possible to locate one that does nearly everything you'd like to bake to frying, grilling or steaming.
Whether 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. But, like the ovens of old they aren't impervious to damage and can fail periodically which is where we come in. We can help you when you require repairs to your oven or hob replace a part. Give us a call, or contact us online.
Technology
There is a broad range of oven technology available. Many ovens are fan assisted. The fan circulates hot air evenly around the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is especially useful for when you are baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful in times of stress or want your dinner to be ready when you return from work.
There are also multicooking technologies available which allow you to cook with traditional methods, microwave and steam in the same oven. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy usage by up to 50%. This technology is often referred to as a "multicooker" however we think that the term "gourmet" is an accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are an essential part of most UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for roasting, baking and even making some our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting an oven, it's crucial to find the right one that will meet all our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too.
Due to the rising cost of electricity, it is more important than ever before that you take into consideration how much your oven will cost to run. It's a great idea to look at the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or better energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.
While you're looking at the energy efficiency it is also important to consider the additional features available. For example, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, you should look for an oven that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat up 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 stops children from operating the oven, and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain time limit to cook. Some ovens can be controlled remotely with an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is approximately 17p per hour. It's therefore important to select the right oven for your home to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.
Another method to cut down on your energy use when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly protected. This can be done by installing a reflective insulation sheet behind the cooker hood that will reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since your oven won't need to be as active to keep an even temperature.
Cooking options
Based on the frequency you cook and your favorite recipes, your oven may come with a variety of functions that will make food preparation simpler. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates a warm, controlled environment that allows dough to rise. Also, lower heat settings that ensure consistency and a gentle cooking. Some also offer rapid heat modes to reach temperatures faster which is ideal for those needing to rush.
Some ovens have a defrost function that uses low temperatures to slowly melt frozen foods without cooking them, saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot dishes at lower temperatures, so that they do not dry out or become overcooked.
If you think about the many different kinds of food items you can cook using an oven, it's evident that it's a vital kitchen appliance in every home. If you're planning to make the most of your oven, you must learn about all its functions.
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 plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens typically come with a selection of built-in appliances like racks, trays and even a Telescopic run for shelves. You can also find models with extra features such as a warming drawer or compact steam oven that offers an alternative to traditional baking, maximising nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, tend to contain fewer features and can be found in more limited capacity sizes. They're generally smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30-40 litres although some are larger. They may be more for homes with a smaller space or who don't make use of cooking hobs. There are also a range of cooking options, such as a pizza stone tray that creates crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.