How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over time, ovens have improved in terms of design and performance. There are now ovens that have self-cleaning lines.

These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is beneficial 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 as a way to stay warm and cook food. It was not until 1490 that the first oven built specifically for use came along, created in France made of bricks and incorporating a an apron where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.

This new oven was a huge improvement on the open flames of a fireplace. cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above the fireplace, but it was tricky to control the temperature. It would take a lot of time and improvement before a system was created to efficiently bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening in the process.

Ovens have improved over time. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were built, and metal cauldrons were used to heat. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. This was followed by the development of the first gas stoves with top burners and interior ovens.

British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven in 1826, which was a semi-successful one, and by 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens came out about 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was incorporated into homes.

In the US, they're known as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're called a hob. However the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses an energy source that isn't an open fire or a cauldron made of metal. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available today. You can find one to do anything you want, from baking to grilling to steaming.

There are a variety of options to meet all budgets and tastes regardless of whether you're looking for an wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. However, just 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 when you require repairs to your oven or replace a part. Call us or email us.

Technology

Ovens are available in a variety of different technologies. Many ovens are powered by fans. The fan distributes heat evenly across the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is particularly helpful when you are baking.

In addition, certain ovens are smart, that means they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful in times of stress or need your meal to be ready when you return from work.

There are also multicooking technology that allow you to cook using traditional, microwave and steam in the same oven. best oven can get professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. It can even help you reduce the energy you use by up to 50 percent. This type of technology is usually called a'multicooker' but we think the term 'gourmet oven' is a better description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a vital element in many UK kitchens. They are used for roasting, baking and even for the preparation of some of our most loved desserts. When choosing an oven that is new it is important to select one that meets our requirements for cooking, while being energy efficient.

Owing to the rise in electricity prices, it's now more important than ever before to consider how much an oven will cost to run. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on each product page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help reduce your household expenses.

It is also worth looking at the additional features available. For example, if you're trying to cut down on time spent cleaning the oven, you should look for a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spillages. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven frequently.

Other useful functions to look out for include the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance, and an hour minder that lets you set a specific time limit for cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology, which allows you to connect to a smartphone app and control it remotely, should you wish.

According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p per hour of use It's therefore essential to choose the right model for your home if you are looking to lower your energy bills. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves use less energy than ovens.

You can also reduce your energy usage by making sure that your oven is properly sealed. You can do this by fitting a reflective insulation sheet behind the 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 be as active to keep an even temperature.

Options for cooking

Depending on how often you cook and the recipes you enjoy the most, your oven may have various functions that in the preparation of food. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates a warm, controlled environment that encourages dough to rise. or lower heat settings to ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings to heat up faster and are ideal for those who are needing to rush.

Some ovens include a defrost feature that uses low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function lets you see your food as it bakes, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.

It's obvious that an oven is a very essential kitchen appliance. However, if you want to get the most out of it, familiarising yourself with its many functions will help you achieve delicious results every time.

For instance, if you're making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast is cooked to perfection and crisped. However, if you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is more effective in producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.

Ovens usually come with a selection of built in accessories like racks, trays and a shelf with a telescopic run. There are also models with extra features such as warming drawers or a compact steam oven that offers a healthy alternative to conventional baking, increasing the nutrients and removing harmful additives.

Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, usually contain fewer features and are typically available in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models have larger capacities. They're ideally for homes with a small amount of space or those that don't require a lot of cooking on the hob. There are some that have several cooking options, such as pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.