How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been improved in terms of design and performance. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines make the oven's interior hotter, which helps with cleaning. Some models have the option of a timer that can be set independently of the cooking function.
History
Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to stay warm and cook food. However, it wasn't until 1490 that the first recorded purpose-built oven came along, created in France made of bricks and incorporating a a grate where cauldrons made of metal could be positioned.
The new oven was an improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was conducted with large metal pots that were hung over. However it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and refinement before a method was created to efficiently bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without becoming blackened during the process.
Ovens improved over the ages. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were built with an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was built within, with metal cauldrons hung over for heating. However, it took two decades before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. This was then followed by the first gas stoves with top burners and interior ovens.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven in 1826, which was a semi-successful one, and by 1920, they had become a staple kitchen appliance. It took 60 years after that before electric ovens were introduced in accordance with the speed of the introduction of electricity to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're called a hob . However, the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses an energy source that isn't an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of different types of ovens and you can find one that does nearly everything you'd like to bake to frying, grilling or steaming.
If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide choice to suit all tastes and budgets. However, just like the ovens of old they aren't indestructible and they can fail at times which is the reason why we are here. If you need an oven repair or replacement part, give us call or get in touch via email and we'll assist you.
Technology
Ovens are available in a variety of technologies. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component heating 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 helpful when baking.
Similarly, some ovens are smart that means they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is particularly handy if you are busy or if you want your dinner ready when you return from work.
There are also multicooking technology available which allow you to cook using traditional, microwave and steam in the same oven. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter amount of time, like perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It could even allow you reduce the energy you use by up to 50%. This type of technology is often referred to as a "multicooker", but we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a staple of the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for baking, roasting, and even for making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to choosing an oven that is new, it's important to choose one that meets our requirements for cooking, while being energy-efficient.
Due to the increase in electricity costs, it's more important than ever to consider the amount an oven will cost to operate. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each oven's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating, which will help reduce your household's expenses.
You should also consider the additional features that are available. For example, if you're looking to save time on cleaning the oven, look for an oven that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spills. This will save you from having to clean your oven frequently.
A minute minder is a useful feature to look for. It allows you to set a time limit for your cooking. Some ovens also have a smart feature, which allows you to connect it to an app on your smartphone to manage it remotely, in the event that you want to.
According to Uswitch an electric oven is priced at around 17p per hour of usage It's therefore essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than electric ovens.
You can also cut down on your energy consumption by ensuring that your oven is properly sealed. Install a reflective hood over your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it means that your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Options for cooking
Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you enjoy, your oven could have various functions to help in the preparation of food. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates an environment that is warm and controlled that allows dough to rise. or lower heat settings that ensure consistency and a gentle cooking. Some also offer rapid heat modes to heat up faster which is ideal for those needing to rush.
Some ovens come with a defrost feature that uses low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to see what's cooking. The Reheat feature keeps hot foods at lower temperatures to ensure they do not dry out or become overcooked.
When you consider how many different kinds of food items you can cook using an oven, it's evident that it's an essential kitchen appliance in every home. However, if you want to get the most of it, acquainting yourself with its various functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.
For example, if you're making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is far more effective in producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens typically have a range of built-in accessories such as racks, trays and a telescopic run for shelves. There are models that have additional features like warming drawers, a compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone models on the contrary, are smaller and have fewer features. They also come in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models come with larger capacities. They're ideally suited to homes with a smaller space or that don't use a lot of cooking on the hob. There are also a range of cooking options, like pizza stone tray that produces a crispy crust and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.