How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years, ovens have improved in terms of design and performance. For instance there are now ovens that self-clean their liner.

These lines heat up the interior of the oven, which is helpful for cleaning. Certain models come with a timer which can be set independently of the cooking function.

History

Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.

The new oven was a huge improvement on the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was usually done in large metal pots hung above but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without turning black.

Ovens improved over the centuries. By the 1800s, sizeable brick hearths were built with an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was built within, with metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. Then came the invention of the first gas stoves, which had top burners and ovens inside.

British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920 they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared in the 60 years following depending on how quickly electricity was introduced into households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens, and in Britain they're referred to as a hob, or a cooker. However, the term "oven' is more generally used for any oven that cooks with the use of a source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are many kinds of ovens that are 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 for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a broad choice to suit every budget and taste. But, like the ovens of old they aren't impervious to breakage and may even break down from time to time - which is the reason we are here. If you need an oven repair or a replacement part, give us a call or get in touch online and we will assist you.

Technology

There is a broad range of oven technologies. For instance, some ovens are what is known as 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 throughout the oven's cavity to ensure all the food cooks evenly. This is especially helpful when baking.

In addition, certain ovens are smart, which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful when you're busy or if you need your meal to be ready when you arrive from work.

There are also multicooking technologies available which allow you to cook with traditional methods microwave, steam and conventional the same oven. You can make professional-looking results faster, like perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can cut down your energy use by as much as 50%. This technology is often described as a "multicooker" however we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a crucial component of many UK kitchens. They are used for roasting, baking and even for the preparation of some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven, it's important to choose one that will meet our cooking needs while also being energy efficient.

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

You should also look at the additional features offered. If you're looking to save time cleaning the oven for instance, you should choose a model that has self-cleaning features. This means that the oven can get to temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spills and will eliminate the need to clean your oven regularly.

A minute minder is another important feature to look for. It lets you set a time limit to cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.

According to Uswitch an electric oven costs approximately 17p per hour. It is therefore essential to select the right oven for your home to reduce the cost of energy. Other appliances like air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than an oven.

Another way to cut down on energy consumption when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. You can do this by installing a reflective insulation sheet behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will help to reduce your energy consumption, since it means that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on the frequency with the frequency you cook, as well as your favorite recipes, your oven may come with a variety of features 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 also offer rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker and are ideal for those who are who are in a hurry.

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


If you think about the many kinds of foods you can prepare with an oven, it's evident that it's a vital kitchen appliance for any home. If you're looking to get the most out of your oven, you must familiarise yourself with the various functions of it.

If you're making traditional roast, it is recommended that you use the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. If ovens uk to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.

Ovens are equipped with a range of built-in accessories like racks and trays. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. You can find models with additional features like a warming drawer, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.

Stand-alone models, on contrary, are smaller and have fewer features. They also come in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Certain models have bigger capacities. They're ideal for homes with limited space or for those who don't need to do much cooking on the stove. Some also have a variety of cooking options, like pizza stone tray that creates a crispy crust and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.