How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over time ovens have been improved in terms of design and function. For instance, you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven lines.

These lines make the oven's interior more hot, which helps with cleaning. Some models have a timer which can be set without regard to the cooking function.

History

Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire to keep warm and cook food. However, it wasn't until 1490 when the first recorded purpose-built oven came along, created in France made of bricks and incorporating a a grate that could be used to place cauldrons made of steel. be placed.

The new oven was a step up over the open flames of the fireplace where cooking was conducted by using large metal pots which were placed above. However it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and refinement before a method was developed for efficiently baking bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without becoming blackened in the process.

Ovens have been improving 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 hung over for heating. However, it took two decades before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was and then the first gas stoves that had top burners and interior ovens.

In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invented the first oven that was semi-failure. By 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens came out in the 60 years following depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced into households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're called hobs. However, the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses a heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and you can find one that does almost everything you want it to do from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.

There are a variety of options to meet the needs of every budget and taste regardless of whether you're looking for wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. But, like the ovens of the past, they aren't indestructible and they can be damaged from time to time - which is the reason we are here. We can help you when you require repairs to your oven or replace a piece. Give us a call or email us.

Technology

There is a broad range of oven technologies. For example, many are fan assisted. The fan distributes hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, in addition to the oven element. This is especially useful when baking.

Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app. This is especially helpful if you're busy or want to have dinner ready when you return from work.

Multicooking technology is also accessible that lets you cook using traditional microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. You can make professional-looking results quicker, such as perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy use by as much as 50%. This type of technology is often called a "multicooker", but we think that the term "gourmet" is an accurate description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a staple of the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking and even for making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven, it's essential to select one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too.

Owing to the rise in electricity costs, it's more important than ever before to think about how much an oven cost to run. It is important to verify the energy rating on each product's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating that will help you reduce your household expenses.

In addition to examining the energy efficiency You should also think about the additional features available. For instance, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, you should look for models that have self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spillages. This will save you from having to clean your oven on a regular basis.


Other features worth looking out for are the child lock, which prevents children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which lets you set a specific amount of time for cooking. Some ovens are also smart that let you connect to a smartphone app and control it remotely, if desired.

According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is about 17p per hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right model for your home, so that you can cut the cost of energy. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.

Another method to cut down on your energy consumption when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly protected. Install a reflective insulation on your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it'll mean that your oven doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you enjoy Your oven could come with several functions to help you prepare food. Some of these functions include bread proofing, which creates an environment that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. or lower heat settings that ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Some models have rapid heat settings to achieve temperatures faster, which is ideal for those who are working in a hurry.

Certain ovens come with a defrost function that uses low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen food items without cooking them, saving time and money. Other options like the Interior Light feature lets you see your food as baking and the Reheat mode keeps hot dishes at lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking.

It's evident that an oven is an essential kitchen appliance. If you're looking to make the most of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with the various functions of it.

For instance, if you're making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast comes out well cooked and crisped. If you're planning to grill your meat by using the Grill mode is much more effective at producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.

Ovens usually come with a selection of built in accessories such as racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. There are also models with extra features such as a warming drawer or small steam ovens that provide a healthy alternative to conventional baking, maximizing the nutrients and removing harmful additives.

Stand- oven with hob Ovens & Hobs , on contrary, tend to contain fewer features and are typically available in smaller capacities. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30-40 litres, however some are larger. They may be more suited to homes with a limited space or who don't make use of cooking hobs. Some have several cooking options, such as pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate to steam vegetables.