How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years, ovens have been continuously improving in both design and functionality. There are now ovens that have self-cleaning lines.

These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is beneficial to clean. 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 as a way to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was created in France constructed of bricks with a grate to where cauldrons made of steel could be attached.

This new oven was a big improvement on the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots hung above, but it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It would take years of experimentation and improvement before a method was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without getting blackened during the process.

Ovens have continued to improve throughout the years. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths that had a brick oven were built, and metal cauldrons were hung above to heat. It took another two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833, then followed by the first gas stoves that had top burners and ovens with interiors.

In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced in the 60 years following, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced to households.

In the US they're known as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're known as a hob or a cooker, but the term "oven is more often used to describe any oven that cooks using a source of heat other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of oven types and it is possible to find one that can do nearly everything you'd like to cook from baking to grilling, baking, or steaming.

If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there's a broad 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 require repairs to your oven or replace a piece. Contact us or email us.

Technology

Ovens are available in a range of technologies. For example, many are fan assisted. This is because, as in addition to the oven element heating the food, there's a fan that circulates the hot air in the oven cavity to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is particularly useful when baking.

Additionally certain ovens are smart, which means that they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially helpful for busy people or those who want to have dinner ready when you arrive home from work.

There are also multicooking technology available that let you cook using traditional microwave, steam and traditional the same oven. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter amount of time, such as perfect roast potatoes or chicken*. You can cut down on your energy consumption by as much as 50 percent. This type of technology is usually called a'multicooker but we think the term 'gourmet oven' is a better term!


Energy efficiency

Ovens are a vital element in many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for making some of our favorite desserts. When choosing ovens and hobs is important to select one that meets our requirements for cooking, while being energy-efficient.

Due to the rising cost of electricity, it is more important than ever that you think about the cost your oven will cost to operate. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each oven's page. Ideally, you want an oven with an A+ or better energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.

In addition to examining the energy rating, you should also consider what additional features are available. If you're looking to save time cleaning the oven for instance, you should choose one with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spills. This will save you from having to clean your oven regularly.

A minute minder is an additional useful feature to look for. It lets you set a timer for cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app.

According to Uswitch an electric oven is priced at around 17p per hour of use It's therefore essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers use less energy than an electric oven.

Another way to cut down on your energy usage when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is and properly insulated. You can do this by fitting a reflective insulation sheet on the hood of your cooker that will reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since it will mean that your oven won't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you enjoy the most, your oven may have various functions to in the preparation of food. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates a warm, controlled environment that encourages dough to rise. Or lower heat settings to ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Certain models provide rapid heat settings to reach temperatures quicker, which is ideal for those who are in a rush.

Some ovens include the ability to defrost using low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to check on what's cooking. The Reheat feature keeps hot dishes at lower temperatures, so that they do not dry out or become overcooked.

It's no surprise that an oven is an important kitchen appliance. But if you want to get the most out of it, familiarising yourself with its various functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.

For example, if you're cooking a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If you plan to grill meat, the Grill mode will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.

Ovens have a variety of built-in accessories, such as racks and trays. They also have telescopic runners for shelves. You can also find models that come with additional features like warming drawers or a small steam ovens that offer an alternative to traditional baking, increasing the nutrients and removing harmful additives.

Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, tend to contain fewer features and can be found in smaller sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and have capacities from 30 to 40 litres, however some are larger. They're ideally suitable for homes with a small amount of space, or that don't use a lot of cooking on the hob. There are some that have various cooking options, like a pizza stone that creates crisp crusts, as well as an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.