How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time, ovens have been continuously improving in both design and functionality. You can now find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines make the oven's interior hotter which aids in cleaning. Some models have the option of a timer that can be set independent of the cooking function.
History
Since the time humans have existed, we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a special oven was constructed in France, made of bricks and a grate on where cauldrons made of steel could be attached.
The new oven was an improvement over the open flames in a fireplace in which cooking was performed with large metal pots that were placed 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 becoming black.
Ovens improved over the ages. By the 1800s, sizeable brick hearths were constructed using a brick oven where a fire pit was built within, with cauldrons made of metal hung over for heating. However, it took two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833, then followed by the first gas stoves equipped with top burners and internal oven s.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared around 60 years later depending on how quickly electricity was introduced into households.
In the US they're known as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as a hob or a cooker, but the term "oven is used more commonly to describe any oven that cooks with an alternative source of heat than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of different types of ovens and it is possible to locate one that does almost everything you want to bake to grilling, frying or steaming.
There are plenty of options to meet all budgets and tastes regardless of whether you're looking for wood-fired Aga or double walled oven. They're not impervious to damage, and can break down at any point. This is where we come in. We can help you when you need to fix your oven or replace a piece. Call us, or contact us online.
Technology
Ovens are available in a variety of technologies. For instance, some ovens are what is known as fan assisted. The fan distributes heat evenly across the oven cavity, in addition to the oven element. This is especially useful when baking.
In addition, certain ovens are smart, which means they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful if you are busy or want your dinner to be ready when you get in from work.
There are also multicooking technologies available that let you cook with traditional methods, microwave and steam in the same oven. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy usage by up to 50 percent. This type of technology is often described as a multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven" is more appropriate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are an essential part of many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven it's important to find the right one that will meet all 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 cost your oven will cost to operate. This is why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on each product page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help lower your monthly expenses.
In addition to examining the energy rating it is also important to consider what other features are available. If you're looking to save time cleaning your oven, for instance, select an oven that comes with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spills. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.
A minute minder is another important feature to look for. It allows you to set a timer for cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely using an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch the electric oven can cost around 17p per hour of usage, so it's essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens.
Another way to cut down on energy use when cooking is to make sure that your oven is properly insulated. Install a reflective insulation behind your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower your energy bills, as your oven won't have to perform as hard to keep an even temperature.
Cooking options
Based on the frequency which you cook and your most loved recipes, your oven may include a variety of features that make food preparation easier. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates an environment that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. Or lower heat settings that ensure uniformity and gentle cooking. Some models offer rapid heat settings to get temperatures up to speed and is perfect for those who are in a rush.
Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food items without cooking them, saving time and money. Other options, such as the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it's baking and the Reheat function keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
If you think about the many kinds of foods you can make in an oven, it's evident that it's a crucial kitchen appliance in every home. But if you want to get the most of it, acquainting yourself with its various functions can make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is much more effective at producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens usually come with a selection of built-in accessories like racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. You can find models with additional features like warming drawers, small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These models maximise the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, tend to have fewer built in features and are available in more limited capacity sizes. They're generally smaller than cookers and be able to hold 30 to 40 litres, however some are larger. They are ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't need to do cooking on the hob often. Some come with several cooking options, such as pizza stones that produce crisp crusts and a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.