How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have evolved in terms of design and function. There are now ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines warm the interior of the oven, which is beneficial for cleaning. Certain models come with an automatic timer that can be set independent of the cooking function.
History
Since humans have been around we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was created in France constructed of bricks with grills on where cauldrons made of steel could be placed.
The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames in 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 getting blackened in the process.
Ovens have continued to improve over the ages. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths with 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. This 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. By 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years to come around before electric ovens made an appearance in accordance with the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're called toaster ovens. In Britain they are known as a hob or cooker, but the term "oven is more often used to describe any oven that cooks with a source of heat other than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens that are available in the present. You can find one to do anything you want, from baking to grilling to steaming.
If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet any budget and style. However, just like the ovens of the past, they're not impervious to damage and can break down from time to time - which is where we come in. If you require oven repair or a replacement part, give us call or contact us online and we will help you out.
Technology
There are a variety of technology used in ovens. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is because, as well as the oven element cooking the food, there is an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful when you're baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially helpful when you're busy or want your dinner to be ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking technology that allow you to cook with traditional microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It could even allow you to reduce the energy you use by up to 50%. This type of technology is often referred to as a 'multicooker but we think 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 favorite desserts. When choosing a new oven it is important to select one that will meet our cooking needs while also being energy-efficient.
Due to the increasing price of electricity, it is more important than ever before that you take into consideration the cost your oven will cost you to run. This is why it's a good idea to look at the energy efficiency rating that is available on each product page. You should choose an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help lower your monthly expenses.
It is also worth looking at the additional features offered. For example, 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 then burn any food spillages. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.
Other useful functions to look for include the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance, and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain amount of time for cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely via an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It's therefore important to select the right model for your home to reduce your energy costs. speaking of , such as air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers, use less energy than electric ovens.
Another method to cut down on your energy use when cooking is to ensure that your oven is insulated. Install a reflective hood over your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will reduce your energy costs, since your oven won't need to be as active to maintain an even temperature.
Options for cooking
Depending on how often you cook and the recipes you enjoy the most, your oven may have a range of specialist functions to help you prepare food. Some of these settings include bread proofing that creates a warm, controlled environment that allows dough to rise. Or lower heat settings that ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Some also offer rapid heat settings that allow you to reach temperatures faster and are ideal for those who are who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen foods without cooking them, 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 so they don't get dry or overcooked.
If you think about the many kinds of foods you can cook in an oven, it's clear that it's a crucial kitchen appliance in every home. However, if you want to make the most of it, becoming familiar with its functions can make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.
If you're cooking traditional roast, it is recommended to use the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. If you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome 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 such as warming drawers, compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to conventional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone models, on the contrary are smaller and come with fewer features. They also come with smaller capacities. They are generally smaller than cookers, and have capacities of 30-40 litres although some are larger. They are ideal for homes with limited space or for those who don't need to do much cooking on the stove. Some come with multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that make crisp crusts and an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.