How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have evolved in terms of design and functionality. For instance you can now find ovens and hobs that self-clean their liner.
These lines make the oven uk's interior hotter, which helps with cleaning. Some models have an automatic timer that can be set independent of the cooking function.
History
Since the time humans have been around we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. But it wasn't until 1490 when the first oven built specifically for use was built in France from bricks and featuring the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
The new oven was an improvement over the open flames of the fireplace in which cooking was performed with large metal pots that were hung above. However it was difficult to control the temperature. It would take a lot of time and improvement before a method was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening during the process.
Ovens have continued to improve over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were built with an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was set within, and metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. It took another two decades before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833, followed by the first gas stoves with top burners and interior ovens.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first semi-successful gas oven in 1826 and by 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced around 60 years later depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US, they're known as toaster ovens hobs. In Britain they're referred to as hobs. However the term "oven" is used more broadly to describe any kind of oven that utilizes a heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of different kinds of ovens and you can locate one that does nearly everything you'd like it to do from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide choice to suit all tastes and budgets. But, like the ovens of the past, they're not impervious to damage and can fail from time to time and that's the reason we are here. If you need an oven repair or replacement part, give us call or get in touch online and we will assist you.
Technology
There are a variety of oven technologies. Many ovens are powered by fans. This is because, as well as the oven element heating up the food, there is an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven's cavity to ensure the food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for baking.
Similarly, some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful when you're busy or if you need your meal to be ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking technology available which allow you to cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you cut down on the energy you use by as much as 50%. This type of technology is often referred to as a "multicooker", but we believe the term "gourmet" is more accurate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital part of many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven, it's important to choose one that meets our cooking needs while also being energy efficient.
Owing to the rise in the cost of electricity, it's more crucial than ever to consider how much an oven will cost to operate. It is important to verify the energy rating of each product's page. It is ideal to have an oven that has an A+ or better energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.
You should also consider the additional features that are available. For example, if you're looking to save time on cleaning the oven, choose a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can reach temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off any food spills, helping you avoid the need to clean your oven on a regular basis.
Other useful functions to look out for include a child lock, which prevents children from operating the oven, and an hour minder that lets you set a specific time limit for cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It is therefore essential to choose the correct model for your home in order to cut down on your energy bills. Other appliances like air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves use less energy than an oven.
You can also reduce your energy usage by making sure that your oven is properly sealed. Install a reflective hood over the cooker's hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower your energy bills, as your oven won't have to be as active to maintain a constant temperature.
Options for cooking
Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you love the most, your oven may have several functions to help in the preparation of food. These include bread proofing settings that provide the perfect temperature and control to help dough rise and bottom temperatures for cooking that is gentle and even consistency. Some also offer rapid heat settings to reach temperatures faster and are ideal for those who are needing to rush.
Some ovens include the option of defrosting that utilizes low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, thus saving time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to observe 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 using an oven, it's clear that it's a vital kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you want to make the most of your oven, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the various functions of it.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked well and crisped. If, however, you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it is more effective in producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens are equipped with a range of accessories built in including racks and trays. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are models that have additional features, such as a warming drawer, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize nutrients and remove harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, tend to come with fewer built-in features and are available in more limited capacity sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30 to 40 litres, however some are larger. They may be more suited to homes with a small amount of space or those who don't make use of cooking best hobs. They also offer a range of cooking options, including a pizza stone tray that produces crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.