How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been constantly improving in terms of design and functionality. Today, you can find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines make the oven's interior more hot which aids in cleaning. Certain models come with the option of a timer that can be set independent 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. It wasn't until 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was built in France, made of bricks, with grills on which metal cauldrons can be attached.
The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames that were used in a fireplace, where cooking was done using large metal pots that were hung above. However 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 turning black.
Ovens have continued to improve over time. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were hung above to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves which had top burners and interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invented the first oven that was semi-failure. In 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years to come around before electric ovens came into the market depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're called a hob. However the term "oven" is used to describe any type that uses any heat source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of oven types and it is possible to locate one that does almost everything you want it to do from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.
There are many options available to meet the needs of every budget and taste, whether you're interested in wood-fired Aga or an oven with a double wall. However, just like ovens of old they aren't indestructible and they can be damaged from time to time - which is the reason why we are here. We can help you if you require repairs to your oven or replace a component. Contact us, or contact us online.
Technology
Ovens are available in a range of designs and technologies. Many ovens are powered by fans. The fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is particularly useful when you're baking.
Similarly certain ovens are smart, that means they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful if you are busy or you want your dinner to be ready when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also accessible that allows you to cook with traditional microwave, steam or even microwave in the same kitchen appliance. This can help you get professional results in a shorter time, such as perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. You can reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%. This kind of technology is often described as a multicooker' but we think the term "gourmet oven" is a better term!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking and even making some our favourite desserts. So when it comes to choosing an oven, it's crucial to select one that meets all of our needs for cooking while being energy efficient as well.
Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it is more important than ever before that you consider the cost your oven will cost you to run. That's why it's a good idea to look at the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on every product's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.
You should also consider the additional features offered. If you're looking to cut down on time cleaning the oven for example, choose an oven that comes with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spillages which will help you avoid the need to clean the oven on a regular basis.
A minute minder is an additional useful feature to look for. It allows you to set a time limit for your cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app for smartphones.
According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It's therefore important to select the right oven for your home in order to cut down on your energy bills. Ovens & Hobs , such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than an oven.
Another method to cut down on your energy consumption when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. This can be done by installing an insulation sheet that is reflective behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it will mean that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.
Cooking options
Based on the frequency you cook and your most loved recipes Your oven could include a variety of features that help you prepare food more efficiently. These could include bread proofing settings, which provide the perfect temperature and control to help dough rise or lower temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some also offer rapid heat settings to reach temperatures faster, ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens have a defrost feature that uses low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function lets you see your food as baking, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.
It's no surprise that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. However, if you want to get the most of it, familiarising yourself with its various functions can help you 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 in the Grill mode, it will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.
Ovens typically include a variety of built in accessories like racks, trays and a shelf with a telescopic run. There are models with additional features such as warming drawers, small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, usually have fewer built in features and are available in smaller capacities. They are generally smaller than cookers and can have capacities from 30 to 40 litres, however, some are larger. They may be more for homes with a smaller amount of space or those that don't use a lot of hob cooking. Some have several cooking options, such as a pizza stone that creates a crisp crust and an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.