How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been constantly improving in both design and functionality. There are now ovens that have self-cleaning lines.
These lines make the oven's interior hotter, which helps with cleaning. Some models also have an automatic timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to stay warm and cook food. But it wasn't until 1490 that the first recorded purpose-built oven came along, created in France made of bricks and incorporating a an apron on which metal cauldrons could be placed.
This new oven was a huge improvement over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above, but it was still tricky to control the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.
Ovens improved over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were built, and metal cauldrons were used to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves with top burners and interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invents the first semi-successful oven. By 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. It took 60 years after that before electric ovens made an appearance in accordance with the speed of the introduction of electricity to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're called a hob. However, the term "oven" is used to describe any type of oven that makes use of any heat source that isn't an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available today. You will find one that can handle whatever you need to from grilling to baking to steaming.
If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet all tastes and budgets. They're not durable and are susceptible to breaking down at any moment. This is the place we step in. We can help you when you need to fix your oven or replace a part. Give us a call or email us.
Technology
There are a variety of oven technologies. For instance, many ovens are what is known as fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven element cooking the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air in the oven cavity to ensure that all food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is particularly handy if you are busy or you need your meal to be ready when you arrive from work.
There are also multicooking technologies available that let you cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. This will help you achieve professional results in less time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can cut down your energy use by up to 50%. This type of technology is usually described as a multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven" is a better term!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are an essential part of many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even to make some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to choosing an oven that is new, it's important to choose one that meets our needs for cooking while being energy-efficient.
Due to the rising cost of electricity, it's more important than ever that you think about the cost your oven will cost to run. That's why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or above energy rating, which will help keep your household bills down.
In addition to examining the energy efficiency it is also important to consider the additional features available. For instance, if you're looking to save time on 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. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.
Other features worth looking out for are a child lock, which stops children from operating the oven, and an hour minder that allows you to set a predetermined duration for cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app.
According to Uswitch an electric oven can cost around 17p for every hour of use and it's important to choose the right oven for your home if you are looking to lower your energy bills. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than an oven.
Another way to reduce your energy use when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is protected. Install a reflective insulation on your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will reduce your energy bill, as it'll mean that your oven won't have to work so hard to maintain the same temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency at the frequency you cook, as well as your most loved recipes the oven might include a variety of functions that make food preparation easier. These could include bread proofing settings that provide a warm and controlled environment to help dough rise or lower heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and consistency. Some models have rapid heat settings to achieve temperatures faster and is perfect for those who are working in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen food items without cooking them, which saves time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function keeps hot dishes at lower temperatures to ensure they do not dry out or become overcooked.
It's evident that an oven is an important kitchen appliance. If you're looking to get the most out of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crisped. If you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens have a variety of accessories built in like racks and trays. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are models with additional features like a warming drawer, compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize nutrients and remove harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, usually have fewer built in features and are typically available in smaller sizes. Generally, hobs oven than cookers and can have capacities of 30-40 litres however some are larger. They may be more suited to homes with a limited amount of space or those that don't require a lot of cooking on the hob. There are also a range of cooking options, like pizza stone that produces a crispy crust and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.