How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

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

These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Some models also have an automatic timer that can be set independently of cooking functions.

History

Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that a special oven was created in France built of bricks, with grills on which metal cauldrons can be placed.

The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames in the fireplace in which cooking was performed using large metal pots that were hung over. However it was difficult to control the temperature. It took years of experimentation and improvement before a system was created to efficiently bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without a blackening during the process.

Ovens have been improving over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were constructed with a brick oven where a fire pit was set within, with metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. This was followed by the development of the first gas stoves that had top burners as well as 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 common kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years to come around before electric ovens came into the market depending on the speed that electricity was introduced to households.

In the US, they're known as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as hobs . However the term "oven" is used more broadly to describe any kind of oven that utilizes any heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are hundreds of types of ovens available in the present. You will find one that can handle whatever you need to, from baking to grilling to steaming.

If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there's a broad choice to suit every budget and taste. However, just like the ovens of old they aren't impervious to damage and can be damaged periodically which is where we come in. If you require oven repair or replacement part, give us a call or get in touch online and we will assist you.

Technology

There is a wide range of technology used in ovens. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is because as well as the oven component heating up the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air in the oven cavity to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for baking.

In addition, some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful for busy people or those who want to cook dinner before you arrive home 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 get professional results in less time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you to reduce the energy you use by up to 50%. This technology is sometimes called a "multicooker" however we believe that the term "gourmet" is more accurate!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for baking, roasting, and even for making some of our favorite desserts. So when you're looking to buy an oven, it's crucial to select one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient as well.

Owing to the rise in the cost of electricity, it's more important than ever to consider how much an oven cost to operate. It's important to check the energy rating on each oven's page. It is ideal to have an oven that has an A+ or above energy rating, which will help reduce your household's expenses.

As well as examining the energy efficiency You should also think about the additional features available. If you want to save time cleaning the oven for example, choose one with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spillages. This will save you from having to clean your oven regularly.

Other functions worth checking for are the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain time limit to cook. Some ovens can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone.

According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is approximately 17p per hour. It is therefore essential to select the right oven for your home in order to cut down on 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. This can be done by putting an insulation sheet that is reflective behind the cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce your energy costs, since your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Options for cooking

Based on the frequency at the frequency you cook, as well as the recipes you love, your oven may include a variety of functions that will make food preparation simpler. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates an environment that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. Or lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and gentle cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings to reach temperatures faster and are ideal for those who are who are in a hurry.

Certain ovens have a defrost feature that uses low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light function 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.

It's obvious that an oven is an essential kitchen appliance. However, if you want to get the most out of it, acquainting yourself with its many functions will assist you in achieving delicious results every time.

For instance, if making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crisped. If you plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.

Ovens have a variety of built-in accessories like racks and trays. They also have telescopic runners for shelves. There are ovens that come with additional features like warming drawers or a small steam ovens that offer a healthy alternative to conventional baking, maximizing nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.


Stand-alone ovens, on contrary, tend to come with fewer built-in features and are typically available in more limited capacity sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Some models have larger capacities. These may be better suited to homes with a limited space or who don't make use of cooking on the hob. There are some that have various cooking options, like pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.