How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been improved in terms of design and functionality. For instance, you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is useful to clean. Some models have an automatic timer that can be set without regard to the cooking function.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire as a way to stay warm and cook food. However, More about the author wasn't until 1490 that the first oven built specifically for use came along, created in France made of bricks and incorporating a the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
The new oven was a step up over the open flames in a fireplace where cooking was conducted by using large metal pots which were hung above. However, it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.
Ovens have continued to improve over the ages. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed with a brick oven where a fire pit was set within, and metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. But it was another two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833. It was and then the first gas stoves that had top burners and internal ovens.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920, they were a common kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years from that point before electric ovens were introduced depending on 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 a hob. However, the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses an energy source other than an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are many kinds of ovens that are available today. You will find one that can handle anything you want from grilling to baking to steaming.
If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there's a broad range of options to satisfy all tastes and budgets. They're not durable and may break down at any point. This is the place we step in. If you need an oven repair or replacement part give us a call or get in touch via email and we'll help you out.
Technology
Ovens are available in a variety of designs and technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. This is because, as in addition to the oven element heating the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air in the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is particularly useful when you're baking.
Similarly, certain ovens are smart, which means that they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is particularly useful for busy people or those who want to have dinner ready when you get home from work.
There are also multicooking technology that allow you to cook using traditional, microwave and steam in the same oven. This can help you get professional results in a shorter amount of time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. It can cut down your energy consumption by up to 50 percent. This technology is sometimes referred to as"multicooker", but we prefer the term "multicooker" however we believe that the term "gourmet" is an accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital component of many UK kitchens. They are used to bake, roast and even for the preparation of some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to choosing a new oven it's important to select one that meets all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it's more crucial than ever that you consider the amount your oven will cost you to run. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or better energy rating which will help to keep your household bills down.
While you're looking at the energy efficiency it is also important to consider what additional features are available. For instance, if you're trying to cut down on time spent cleaning the oven, look for models that have self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spills. This will save you from having to clean your oven regularly.
Other useful functions to look for include a child lock, which will stop children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which lets you set a specific time limit for your cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch an electric oven can cost approximately 17p for every hour of use and it's important to choose the right oven for your home if you want to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves use less energy than ovens.
Another method to cut down on your energy use when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. Install a reflective hood over your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce your energy bill, as it means that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency you cook and your favorite recipes, your oven may come with a variety of functions that help you prepare food more efficiently. This could include bread proofing settings that provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise and bottom heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and consistency. Some of them also have rapid heat settings to heat up faster, ideal for those needing to rush.
Some ovens come with the ability to defrost using low heat to slowly warm frozen food without cooking it, thus saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to check on what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot dishes at lower temperatures to ensure they do not dry out or become overcooked.
It's obvious that an oven is a very essential kitchen appliance. If you're planning to make the most of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with all its functions.
If you're making traditional roast, it is recommended that you make use of the Conventional setting to ensure that it is cooked well and crispy. If, however, you plan to grill meat using the Grill mode, it is far more effective in making juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens usually include a variety of built-in appliances like racks, trays and even a telescopic run for shelves. There are also models with additional features, such as warming drawers or a small steam ovens that offer a healthy alternative to conventional baking, maximising the nutritional value and removing unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens on the contrary, tend to come with fewer built-in features and can be found in more limited capacity sizes. They're generally smaller than cookers and can have capacities of 30 to 40 litres, although some are larger. They may be more suited to homes with a smaller space or that don't use a lot of cooking on the hob. Some come with multiple cooking options, including a pizza stone that creates a crisp crust and an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.