How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been improved in terms of design and performance. For example, you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven liner.
These lines make the oven's interior hotter and helps in cleaning. Certain models also come with the ability to set a timer which can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have used fire to stay warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was constructed in France, made of bricks, with a grate on where cauldrons made of steel could be positioned.
The new oven was a huge improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was usually done in large metal pots that were hung above the fireplace, but it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without becoming black.
Ovens have been improving throughout the years. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were constructed with an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was built within, with cauldrons made of metal that were hung over the fire to heat it. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. Then came the invention 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 common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared about 60 years later depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US, they're known as toaster-ovens and in Britain, they're known as hobs. However, the term "oven" is used to describe any type that uses an energy source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens that are available in the present. You can find one that can do whatever you need to from grilling to baking to steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a wide range of options to satisfy any budget and style. They're not durable and are susceptible to breaking 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. Contact us or email us.
Technology
There is a broad range of oven technology available. For example, many are what is known as fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven element cooking the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air throughout the oven to ensure that all the food cooks evenly. This is particularly useful when baking.
Additionally certain ovens are smart, which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful in times of stress or you want your dinner to be ready when you get in from work.
Multicooking technology is also available, which allows you to cook using traditional, microwave or steam in the same kitchen appliance. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter amount of time, like perfect roast potatoes or chicken*. It can even help you cut down on your energy use by up to 50 percent. This kind of technology is usually described as a multicooker however we believe the term 'gourmet oven' is a better term!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital component of many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even to make some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven, it's important to choose one that will meet our needs for cooking while being energy-efficient.
Due to the increase in electricity prices, it's now more important than ever before to consider how much an oven will cost to operate. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating which is listed on every product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven that has an A+ or above energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.
You should also consider the additional features offered. 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 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.
Other useful functions to look out for are the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which lets you set a specific amount of time for cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app.
According to Uswitch the electric oven costs approximately 17p per hour of usage It's therefore essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances, like air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers use less energy than an electric oven.
Another method to reduce your energy consumption when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is protected. This can be done by fitting an insulation sheet that is reflective behind your cooker hood that will reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since your oven won't need to perform as hard to keep the same temperature.
best oven Ovens & Hobs for cooking
Based on the frequency at you cook and your favorite recipes, your oven may include a variety of functions that will make food preparation simpler. These could include bread proofing settings that provide a warm and controlled environment to help dough rise, or bottom heat settings for gentle cooking and a consistent cooking. Certain models provide quick heat settings to achieve temperatures faster and is perfect for those in a rush.
Some ovens come with the option of defrosting that utilizes low heat to slowly warm frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot foods at lower temperatures to ensure they don't dry out or become overcooked.
It's obvious that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you're planning to get the most out of your oven, it is essential to be familiar with the various functions of it.
For example, if you're cooking a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.
Ovens have a variety of accessories that are built-in, such as racks and trays. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are models that have additional features such as warming drawers, a small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These models maximise nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, usually contain fewer features and can be found in more limited capacity sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and can be able to hold 30-40 litres, however some are larger. They're ideal for households with limited space or for those who don't have much hob cooking. There are also a range of cooking options, like pizza stone that produces crisp crusts and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.