How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been improved in terms of design and performance. Today, you can find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior, which helps with cleaning. Certain models also come with a timer that can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
As long as human beings have been around we have utilized fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a special oven was built in France constructed of bricks and a grate to which metal cauldrons can be placed.
The new oven was a huge improvement on the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots hung above, but it was still 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 turning black.
Ovens continued to improve throughout the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths that had a brick oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were used to cook. But it was another two years before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was followed by the first gas stoves with top burners and internal ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared about 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they are known as a hob, or a cooker. However, the term "oven' is more generally used to describe any oven that cooks using a source of heat other than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are hundreds of types of ovens available today. You can find one that can do whatever you need to from grilling to baking to steaming.
There are many options available to meet all budgets and tastes whether you're in the market for an wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. They are not indestructible and are susceptible to breaking down at any moment. This is the place we step in. We can help you if you need to fix your oven or replace a part. Give us a call or send us an email.
Technology
There is a wide range of technology used in ovens. Many ovens are fan assisted. The fan distributes heat evenly across the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is especially useful for baking.
Similarly, some ovens are smart which means they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is particularly handy if you are busy or you want your dinner ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking technologies that allow you to cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and conventional the same oven. You can achieve professional results quicker, such as perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you cut down on the energy you use by as much as 50 percent. This kind of technology is usually referred to as a 'multicooker' but we think the term 'gourmet oven' is a better description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for baking, roasting, and even making some of our most loved desserts. So when it comes to selecting a new oven it's important to choose one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too.
Due to the rising cost of electricity, it is more important than ever that you think about the cost your oven will cost you to run. It's important to check the energy rating on each oven's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or better energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.
As well as examining the energy efficiency, you should also consider what other features are available. If you're looking to save time cleaning your oven, for example, choose one with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spills. You can avoid having to clean your oven regularly.
A minute minder is another useful feature to look out for. It allows you to set a time limit for cooking. Some ovens also have a smart feature, which allows you to connect it to an app on your smartphone to manage it remotely, if desired.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs approximately 17p per hour. It's therefore important to choose the correct model for your home to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than an electric oven.
Another way to cut down on energy consumption when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. Install a reflective insulation behind your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help reduce your energy bills, as your oven won't need to be as active to keep the same temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency at the frequency you cook, as well as your most loved recipes, your oven may have a variety of special features that will make food preparation simpler. Some of these settings include bread proofing, which creates a warm, controlled environment that allows dough to rise. Or bottom heat settings to ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Some also provide rapid heat modes to reach temperatures faster and are ideal for those who are needing to rush.
Certain ovens have the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to check on what's cooking. The Reheat function keeps hot foods at lower temperatures so they don't get dry or overcooked.
It's obvious that an oven is a very essential kitchen appliance. But if you want to get the most of it, familiarising yourself with its many functions will make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.
For example, if you're making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast comes out well cooked and crisped. If, however, you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is far more effective in creating juicy and tasty steaks.
Ovens typically include a variety of built in accessories like racks, trays and even a telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features like a warming drawer, small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These models maximise the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand- hobs oven on the contrary, tend to have fewer built in features and can be found in smaller sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers, and have capacities from 30 to 40 litres, however some are larger. These may be better suited to homes with a limited amount of space, or that don't use a lot of cooking hobs. There are some that have several cooking options, such as a pizza stone that creates crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.