How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been evolving in design and function. You can now find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines warm the interior of the oven, which is beneficial to clean. Some models also have a timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since humans have existed, we've used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. But it was not until 1490 that the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was built in France made of bricks and incorporating a an apron where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
This new oven was an enormous improvement over the open flames of a fireplace. cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots that were hung above but it was tricky to control the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and improvement before a system was developed for efficiently baking bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened during the process.
Ovens have improved over the centuries. By the 1800s, sizeable brick hearths were built with an oven made of bricks that had a fire pit was built within, and metal cauldrons hung over for heating. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. This was followed by the invention of the first gas stoves, that had top burners as well as interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invents the first semi-successful oven. By 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced in the 60 years following 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 a hob. However the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type of oven that makes use of any heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are hundreds of types of ovens that are available in the present. You will find one that can handle everything you need from grilling to baking to steaming.
If 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. But, like the ovens of old they aren't impervious to damage and can be damaged from time to time - which is where we come in. We can help you if you need to fix your oven or replace a piece. Call us or send us an email.
Technology
There is a wide range of oven technology available. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is because as well as the oven element heating up the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air throughout the oven cavity to ensure that all food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful when baking.
Additionally, some ovens are smart that means they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful if you're busy or want to cook dinner before you return from work.
There are also multicooking techniques available that let you 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*. You can cut down on your energy consumption by up to 50%. 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 an essential part of most UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for roasting, baking, and even making some our favourite desserts. So when you're looking to buy the right oven, it's essential to choose one that will meet all our needs for cooking while being energy efficient as well.
Owing to the rise in electricity prices, it's now more important than ever to consider how much an oven will cost to operate. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. Ideally, you want an oven that has an A+ or higher energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.
It is also worth looking at the additional features offered. If you're looking to save time cleaning the oven for instance, select an oven that comes with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spillages. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.
A minute minder is another useful feature to look for. It allows you to set a timer for cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p for every hour of use, so it's essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens.
Another method to cut down on energy use when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. You can do this by fitting a reflective insulation sheet behind the 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 need to be as active to maintain the same temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency which you cook and your most loved recipes, your oven may have a variety of special features that make food preparation easier. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates an environment warm and controlled that allows dough to rise. or lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and gentle cooking. Some also provide rapid heat modes to reach temperatures faster and are ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens come with a defrost function that uses low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food items without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it's baking and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.
When you think about the kinds of foods you can make in an oven, it's obvious that it's an essential kitchen appliance in every home. If you want to get the most out of your oven, you should be familiar with all its functions.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it is cooked well and Www.Ovensandhobs.Uk crisped. If you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens come with a variety of accessories built in like racks and trays. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. There are ovens with extra features such as a warming drawer or small steam ovens that offer an alternative to traditional baking, maximising the nutrients and removing harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, usually have fewer built in features and are typically available in more limited capacity sizes. They are generally smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30-40 litres although some are larger. These may be better suitable for homes with a small amount of space or those who don't make use of hob cooking. There are also a range of cooking options, including a pizza stone tray that produces crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.