How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have evolved in terms of design and function. For instance there are now ovens that automatically clean their liners.
These lines make the oven's interior more hot and helps in cleaning. Some models also have a timer that can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since the time humans have been around we have used fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was created in France built of bricks, with grills on which cauldrons made of metal could be attached.
The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was done using large metal pots that were hung above. However, it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take a lot of time and refinement before a method was created to efficiently bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened in the process.
Ovens have been improving throughout the years. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were built with an oven made of bricks that had a fire pit was set within, and metal cauldrons hanging over to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves, that had top burners as well as ovens inside.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years from that point before electric ovens came into the market in accordance with the speed that electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're referred to as a hob or cooker but the term 'oven' is more generally used for any type of oven that cooks with a source of heat other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of different types of ovens and it is possible to find one that can do almost everything you want to bake to grilling, baking, or steaming.
There are plenty of options to meet the needs of all budgets and tastes, whether you're interested in a wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. They're not impervious to damage and may break down at any moment. This is where we come in. If you require oven repair or replacement part give us a call or get in touch online and we will help you out.
Technology
Ovens come in a variety of different technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component cooking the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air throughout the oven's cavity to ensure the food is cooked evenly. This is especially helpful when baking.
Similarly some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is particularly useful if you're busy or want to prepare dinner when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also available that allows you to cook using traditional, microwave or steam within the same appliance. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can cut down on your energy consumption by up to 50%. This kind of technology is often called a'multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven" is a better description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital element in many UK kitchens. They are used to bake, roast and even for the preparation of some of our favorite desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven, it's essential to find the right one that will meet all our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increase in electricity costs, it's more important than ever to consider how much an oven cost to operate. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating which is listed on each product page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or better energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.
As well as examining the energy efficiency, you should also consider the additional features available. If you want to save time cleaning the oven for example, choose one with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can get to temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off any food spillages and will eliminate having to clean the oven regularly.
Other useful functions to look for include the option of a child lock that stops children from operating the appliance, and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain amount of time for your cooking. Some ovens are also smart which lets you connect to an app on your smartphone and control it remotely if desired.
According to Uswitch an electric oven is priced at around 17p an hour. It is therefore essential to select the right Oven uk for your home to reduce the cost of energy. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers, use less energy than electric ovens.
Another method to reduce your energy usage when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. You can do this by installing an insulation sheet that is reflective behind the cooker hood, which will help to reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain the same temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency you cook and the recipes you love the oven might have a variety of special features that make food preparation easier. Some of these settings include bread proofing which creates a warm, controlled environment that allows dough to rise. Or lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and a gentle cooking. Some models offer rapid heat settings that allow you to reach temperatures quicker which is great for those in a hurry.
Some ovens include the option of defrosting that utilizes low temperatures to slowly melt 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 function keeps hot foods at lower temperatures to ensure they don't dry out or become overcooked.
It's no surprise that an oven is an essential kitchen appliance. If you want to get the most out of your oven, you should be familiar with all its functions.
If you are making a traditional roast, it's recommended to select the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crisp and well-cooked. If you plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens typically come with a selection of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and even a Telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features such as warming drawers, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These models maximise nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, usually contain fewer features and are available in more limited capacity sizes. They are generally smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30 to 40 litres, although some are larger. These may be better for homes with a limited amount of space, or that don't require a lot of cooking on the hob. There are also a range of cooking options, such as pizza stone tray which creates a crispy crust and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.