How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have evolved in terms of design and functionality. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Some models also have an automatic timer that can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have used fire to keep warm and cook food. But it wasn't until 1490 that the first recorded purpose-built oven was built in France made of bricks and incorporating a an apron where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
The new oven was a step up over the open flames that were used in the fireplace where cooking was conducted by using large metal pots which were hung over. However, it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It took many years of testing and improvements before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without it turning black.
Ovens have improved throughout the years. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were built with a brick oven where the fire pit was placed within, with metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. But it was another two decades before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833, followed by the first gas stoves equipped with top burners and interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced in the 60 years following, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're called toaster ovens. In Britain they're known as a hob or a cooker, but the term "oven is used more commonly for any type of oven that cooks with a source of heat other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and you can find one that can do just about anything you'd like it to do from baking to grilling, baking, or steaming.
If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a wide choice to suit every budget and taste. They're not impervious to damage and are susceptible to breaking down at any moment. That's where we come in. If you require oven repair or a replacement part, give us a call or contact us online and we'll be able to help you out.
Technology
There is a wide range of technology used in ovens. For instance, some ovens are what is known as fan assisted. This is because as well as the oven element cooking the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is particularly useful when baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app. This is especially helpful when you're working or need to cook dinner before you get home from work.
Multicooking technology is also accessible, which allows you to cook traditional food, microwave or steam within the same appliance. This will help you achieve professional results in a shorter time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can cut down on your energy use by as much as 50 percent. This technology is sometimes called a "multicooker" however we think that the term "gourmet" is more accurate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are an essential part of the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for roasting, baking and even for making some of our favourite desserts. So when you're looking to buy the right oven, it's essential 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 before that you take into consideration how much your oven will cost to operate. It's important to check the energy rating on each oven's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven that has an A+ or better energy rating that will help you reduce your household's expenses.
It is also worth looking at the additional features that are available. For example, if you're looking to save time on cleaning the oven, you should look for models that have self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spills. This will save you from having to clean your oven frequently.
Other functions worth checking for include the option of a child lock that stops children from operating the oven, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a certain amount of time for cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology, which allows you to connect to an app on your smartphone and manage it remotely, should you wish.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right model for your home in order to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than an electric oven.
Another method to cut down on your energy use when cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly insulated. Install a reflective hood over the cooker's hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it'll mean that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain the same temperature.
Cooking options
Depending on how often you cook and the recipes you like the most, your oven may have several functions that make it easier to prepare food. These could include bread proofing settings that provide a warm and controlled environment that encourages dough to rise, or bottom heat settings for gentle cooking and a consistent cooking. Some models offer quick heat settings to get temperatures up to speed and is perfect for those in a 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 check on what's cooking. The Reheat feature keeps hot foods at lower temperatures to ensure they do not dry out or become overcooked.
When you think about the different kinds of food items you can cook in an oven, it's obvious that it's a crucial kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you want to make the most of it, becoming familiar with its functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.
For instance, if making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it comes out well cooked and crisped. If you plan to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens have a variety of built-in accessories, such as racks and trays. ovens uk have telescopic runs for shelves. There are models that have additional features like warming drawers, a small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These models maximise nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, tend to have fewer built in features and are available in smaller capacities. They are generally smaller than cookers and can have capacities from 30 to 40 litres, although some are larger. They're ideal for households with limited space or for those who don't need to do much hob cooking. Some also have a variety of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray that produces crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.