How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been improving in terms of design and function. There are now ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is beneficial in cleaning. Certain models come with the option of a timer that can be set without regard to the cooking function.
History
As long as human beings have been around we have used fire to keep warm and cook food. But it wasn't until 1490 when the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was built in France using bricks and with a the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
This new oven was a huge improvement on the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above the fireplace, but it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and improvement before a method was developed for efficiently baking bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened during the process.
Ovens have continued to improve throughout the years. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were hung above to cook. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. Then came the invention of the first gas stoves which had top burners and ovens inside.
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 around 60 years to come around before electric ovens came into the market in accordance with the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens, and in Britain, they're known as hobs. However the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type of oven that makes use of an energy source other than an open fire or metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and it is possible to find one that can do almost everything you want to bake to frying, grilling or steaming.
If 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. But, like the ovens of the past, they're not impervious to breakage and may even be damaged from time to time - which is the reason why we are here. We can help you if you require repairs to your oven or replace a part. Call us or send us an email.
Technology
Ovens are available in a range of technologies. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is because, as well as the oven element cooking the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air throughout the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is particularly helpful when you are baking.
Additionally, certain ovens are smart, that means they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful if you're busy or want to have dinner ready when you get home from work.
There are also multicooking technology that allow you to cook using traditional microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy usage by up to 50%. This kind of technology is usually called a'multicooker' but we think the term "gourmet oven" is a better description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a staple of most UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even making some of our most loved desserts. When you're looking to buy an oven, it's crucial to find the right one that can meet all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient as well.
Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it's more important than ever that you take into consideration the amount your oven will cost you to run. It's important to check the energy rating of each product's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating that will help you reduce your household's expenses.
You should also consider the additional features offered. If you're looking to cut down on time cleaning the oven for example, choose one with self-cleaning features. 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 frequently.
A minute minder is an additional useful feature to look for. It lets you set a timer for your cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p per hour of usage It's therefore essential to select the best hob uk model for your home if are looking to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances, such as air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers consume less energy than electric ovens.
Another way to reduce your energy use when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is insulated. You can do this by putting an insulation sheet with reflective properties behind the cooker hood that will reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will lower your energy bills, as your oven won't have to be as active to keep an even temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency at you cook and your most loved recipes, your oven may include a variety of features that make food preparation easier. These could include bread proofing settings that provide the perfect temperature hob and oven control to encourage dough to rise or lower temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker which is ideal for those in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with the ability to defrost using low heat to gradually thaw frozen foods without cooking them, which saves time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function let you see your food while baking and the Reheat function keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
When you consider how many kinds of foods you can cook with an oven, it's clear that it's a vital kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you're planning to get the most out of your oven, you should learn about the functions of your oven.
If you're cooking a traditional roast, it's recommended that you use the Conventional setting to ensure that it is cooked well and crispy. However, if you're planning to grill your meat, using the Grill mode is much more effective at creating juicy and tasty steaks.
Ovens are equipped with a range of built-in accessories including racks and tray. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. There are ovens with additional features, such as a warming drawer or compact steam oven that offers an alternative to traditional baking, increasing the nutritional value and removing unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the contrary, tend to have fewer built in features and are available in more limited capacity sizes. They're generally smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30-40 litres, however some are larger. They're ideally suited to homes with a smaller space or that don't require a lot of cooking on the hob and oven. There are also a range of cooking options, including a pizza stone tray which creates crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.