How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years ovens have been improved in terms of design and performance. You can now find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.

These lines make the oven's interior more hot which aids in cleaning. Some models also have the ability to set a timer which can be set independent of cooking functions.


History

Since humans have been around we have used fire to keep warm and to cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a special oven was created in France, made of bricks with a grate to where cauldrons made of steel could be positioned.

The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames that were used in a fireplace where cooking was conducted using large metal pots that were hung over. However, it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and refinement before a method was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened during the process.

Ovens have improved over time. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were built with a brick oven where the fire pit was placed within, with cauldrons made of metal hanging over to heat. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. This was followed by the invention of the first gas stoves which had top burners and interior ovens.

In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. By 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years from that point before electric ovens came into the market, depending on the speed that electricity was introduced to households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they are known as a hob or a cooker, but the term "oven' is more generally used for any oven that cooks with an alternative source of heat than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of oven types and it is possible to find one that does just about anything you'd like to bake to grilling, frying or steaming.

If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet every budget and taste. They're not impervious to damage and are susceptible to breaking down at any point. That's the reason we are here. We can help you if you need to repair your oven or replace a part. Call us or send us an email.

Technology

Ovens come in a variety of designs and technologies. For instance, many ovens are fan assisted. Ovens & Hobs is because, as well as the oven component heating the food, there is an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air in the oven to ensure that all the food cooks evenly. This is especially helpful when baking.

Some ovens can also be controlled remotely using an app. This is especially helpful in times of stress or need your meal to be ready when you arrive from work.

Multicooking technology is also accessible that allows you to cook with traditional, microwave or steam in the same appliance. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can cut down your energy consumption by up to 50 percent. This kind of technology is often described as a multicooker but we think the term "gourmet oven" is a better description!

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 favorite desserts. When it comes to choosing the right oven, it's important to choose one that is able to meet our needs for cooking while being energy-efficient.

Due to the increase in the cost of electricity, it's more important than ever to consider how much an oven cost to run. That's why it's a good idea to look at the energy efficiency rating that is available on each product page. You want an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help you keep your household costs down.

As well as examining the energy efficiency You should also think about the additional features available. If you're looking to save time cleaning your oven, for instance, you should choose an oven that comes with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can get to temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off any food spills and will eliminate having to clean the oven on a regular basis.

Other features worth looking out for are the option of a child lock that stops children from operating the appliance and an hour minder that allows you to set a predetermined time limit to cook. Some ovens also have smart technology which lets you connect it to an app on your smartphone and control it remotely, in the event that you want to.

According to Uswitch the electric oven is priced at around 17p per hour of use and it's important to choose the right model for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than an electric oven.

You can also reduce your energy use by ensuring that your oven is sealed. Install a reflective insulation on your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce the cost of energy, since it will mean that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you love Your oven could come with various functions that make it easier to prepare food. These could include bread proofing settings that offer the perfect temperature and control to encourage dough to rise, or bottom heat settings for gentle cooking and consistency. Certain models provide rapid heat settings that allow you to reach temperatures quicker, which is ideal for those working in a hurry.

Certain ovens come with a defrost function that uses low heat to gradually thaw frozen foods without cooking them, which saves time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light function lets you see your food while baking and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking.

If you think about the many different types of food you can make with an oven, it's evident that it's an essential kitchen appliance for any home. If you want to get the most out of it, becoming familiar with its functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.

If you are making traditional roast, it is recommended to make use of the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. If, however, you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it is much more effective at creating juicy and tasty steaks.

Ovens are equipped with a range of accessories that are built-in, such as racks and trays. They also come with 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, maximizing nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, tend to come with fewer built-in features and can be found in smaller sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Some models come with larger capacities. These are better suited for homes with limited space or for those who don't need to do much cooking on the stove. Some come with multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.