How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years, ovens have been continuously improving in both design and functionality. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior and helps in cleaning. Some models have an automatic timer that can be set independently of the cooking function.
History
Since humans have been around we have used fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that a purpose-built oven was constructed in France, made of bricks with a grate to where cauldrons made of steel could be placed.
This new oven was an enormous improvement on the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically done in large metal pots and hung above the fireplace, but it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It took years of experimentation and improvement before a system was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening during the process.
Ovens have improved over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were built, and iron cauldrons were hung above to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves with top burners and ovens inside.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invents the first semi-successful oven. By 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced around 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced 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 of oven that makes use of any heat source that isn't an open fire or metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and you can find one that can do nearly everything you'd like to cook from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet all tastes and budgets. They're not impervious to damage and may break down at any time. That's the reason we are here. We can assist you if you require repairs to your oven or replace a component. Contact us or send us an email.
Technology
There is a wide range of technology used in ovens. For instance, many ovens are fan assisted. The fan circulates heat evenly across the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is especially helpful when you're baking.
Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful when you're busy or you need your meal to be ready when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also accessible that lets you cook with traditional, microwave or steam in the same appliance. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can cut down on your energy consumption by as much as 50 percent. This type of technology is usually referred to as a 'multicooker but we think the term "gourmet oven" is a better description!
best ovens and hobs are a staple of most UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even making some of our most loved desserts. When you're looking to buy a new oven it's important to choose one that will meet all our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient as well.
Due to the increasing price of electricity, it is more important than ever that you think about how much your oven will cost you to run. This is why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating which is listed on each product page. You should choose an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, which will help lower your monthly expenses.
You should also consider the additional features offered. If you want to save time cleaning your oven, for example, choose one with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spills and will eliminate having to clean the oven on a regular basis.
Other useful functions to look for are a child lock, which stops children from operating the appliance, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a predetermined amount of time to cook. Some ovens also have a smart feature, which allows you to connect it to an app on your smartphone and control it remotely in the event that you want to.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs approximately 17p for every hour of use and it's important to choose the right model for your home if are looking to reduce your energy bills. Other appliances such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.
Another way to reduce your energy use when cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. This can be done by installing a reflective insulation sheet behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will lower the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain an even temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency at you cook and your favorite recipes the oven might come with a variety of functions that make food preparation easier. Some of these functions include bread proofing, which creates a warm, controlled environment that encourages dough to rise. or lower heat settings that ensure the consistency of your cooking and a gentle cooking. Some also provide rapid heat modes to reach temperatures faster, ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Some ovens have the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food items without cooking them, which saves time and money. Other options like the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it bakes, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
It's no surprise that an oven is an vital kitchen appliance. But if you want to get the most out of it, familiarising yourself with its functions can assist you in achieving 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 using the Grill mode, it will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.
Ovens usually have a range of built in accessories such as racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. You can find models with additional features such as warming drawers, a small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize nutrients and remove harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, usually have fewer built in features and are available in more limited capacity sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models have larger capacities. These are better suited for households with limited space or for those who don't have much hob cooking. There are some that have several cooking options, such as a pizza stone that creates crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate to steam vegetables.