How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years, ovens have been continuously improving in both appearance and functionality. For instance, you can now find ovens that automatically clean their liners.

These lines warm the interior of the oven, which is helpful for cleaning. Certain models also come with the ability to set a timer which can be set independent of cooking functions.

History

Since humans have existed, we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 when the first oven built specifically for use was discovered, built in France made of bricks and incorporating a the grate, that could be used to place cauldrons made of steel. be placed.

This new oven was an enormous improvement on the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots and hung above, but it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It took many years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without turning black.

Ovens have been improving over the centuries. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths that had a brick oven were built, and iron cauldrons were used to cook. However, hobs and ovens took two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833, then followed by the first gas stoves equipped with top burners and ovens with interiors.

British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920 they had become a staple kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years from that point before electric ovens made an appearance in accordance with the speed that electricity was introduced to households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as a hob. However the term "oven" is used to describe any type that uses a heat source that isn't an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available today. You will find one that can handle whatever you need to, from baking to grilling to steaming.

There are many options available to meet the needs of all tastes and budgets regardless of whether you're looking for wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. However, just like the ovens of the past, they aren't indestructible and they can fail at times and that's the reason we are here. If you require oven repair or replacement part give us a call or get in touch online and we'll be able to assist you.

Technology

There is a broad range of technology used in ovens. For hobs , many are what is known as fan assisted. The fan distributes hot air evenly around the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is particularly useful when you are baking.

In addition, some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is particularly handy when you're busy or you want your dinner to be ready when you arrive from work.

There are also multicooking techniques that allow you to cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and conventional the same oven. You can get professional results quicker, such as perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy use by as much as 50 percent. This type of technology is usually described as a multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven" is a better term!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a crucial element in many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for making some of our favourite desserts. So when you're looking to buy an oven, it's crucial to choose one that can meet all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient as well.

Due to the rising electricity costs, it's more crucial than ever to consider how much an oven will cost to run. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each oven's page. It is ideal to have an oven that has an A+ or higher energy rating which will help to reduce your household expenses.

As well as examining the energy rating, you should also consider what other features are available. For instance, if looking to save time on cleaning the oven, you should look for a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off any food spillages which will help you avoid having to clean the oven on a regular basis.


Other useful functions to look out for are the option of a child lock that will stop children from operating the appliance and an hour minder that allows you to set a predetermined amount of time for cooking. Some ovens are also smart which lets you connect it to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely in the event that you want to.

According to Uswitch an electric oven costs around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right oven for your home to reduce the cost of energy. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers, use less energy than electric ovens.

Another way to cut down on energy use when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is protected. Install a reflective insulation behind your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it will mean that your oven doesn't have to work as hard 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 functions that will make food preparation simpler. These include bread proofing settings that provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise and bottom temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat modes to achieve temperatures quicker which is ideal for those who are in a hurry.

Some ovens come with the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options, such as the Interior Light function lets you see your food as it bakes, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.

When you think about the different kinds of food items you can make in an oven, it's evident that it's a vital kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you're looking to get the most out of your oven, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the various functions of it.

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

Ovens usually come with a selection of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and a telescopic run for shelves. You can also find models with extra features such as warming drawers or a small steam ovens that provide a healthy alternative to conventional baking, maximizing nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, usually have fewer built in features and can be found in more limited capacity sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities range from 30 to forty litres. Certain models have bigger capacities. These are better suited for homes with limited space or for those who don't do cooking on the hob often. hobs have a variety of cooking options, such as pizza stone that creates crisp crusts and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.