How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been constantly improving in both design and function. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines heat up 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 to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was constructed in France, made of bricks with grills on which cauldrons made of metal could be attached.
This new oven was an enormous improvement on the open flames of a fireplace. cooking was usually done in large metal pots that were hung above but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took many years of testing and improvements before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without becoming black.
Ovens have improved throughout the years. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed using an oven built of brick, with a fire pit was built within, and metal cauldrons hung over for heating. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. Then came best hobs of the first gas stoves, which had top burners and interior ovens.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. In 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years from that point before electric ovens were introduced in accordance with the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're known as a hob or a cooker. However, the term "oven is more often used for any oven that cooks using the use of a source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available in the present. You will find one that can handle everything you need from grilling to baking to steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there's a broad choice to suit all tastes and budgets. However, just like ovens of the past, they aren't indestructible and they can be damaged at times and that's the reason why we are here. We can assist you if you need to fix your oven or replace a part. Call us or email us.
Technology
Ovens come in a variety of designs and technologies. For example, many are fan assisted. The fan distributes heat evenly across the oven cavity, and also the oven element. This is especially helpful when you're baking.
Additionally, some ovens are smart that means they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is particularly useful if you're busy or want to cook dinner before you get home from work.
Multicooking technology is also available, which allows you to cook with traditional microwave or steam in the same kitchen appliance. This can help you get professional results in a shorter time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you to reduce the energy you use by as much as 50%. This technology is sometimes called a "multicooker", but we believe the term "gourmet" is more accurate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in most UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even making some our favourite desserts. So when you're looking to buy a new oven it's important to select one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient as well.
Due to the increasing price of electricity, it's more important than ever before that you take into consideration the cost your oven will cost to operate. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each product's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating which will help to keep your household bills down.
You should also consider the additional features offered. For example, if you're trying to cut down on time spent cleaning the oven, choose a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn off food spills and will eliminate the need to clean the oven on a regular basis.
Other useful functions to look for are the option of a child lock that will stop children from operating the oven, and an hour minder that allows you to set a certain time limit to cook. Some ovens also have smart technology which lets you connect to a smartphone app and manage it remotely, in the event that you want to.
According to Uswitch the electric oven costs around 17p for every hour of use, so it's essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.
You can also cut down on your energy use by ensuring that your oven is properly sealed. Install a reflective hood over the cooker's hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help to reduce the cost of energy, since it means that your oven doesn't have to work as 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 several functions to make it easier to prepare food. These could include bread proofing settings, which provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise or lower temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some models offer rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures faster, which is ideal for those working in a hurry.
Some ovens include a defrost feature that uses low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. Other options like the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while baking, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
When you consider how many kinds of foods you can make in an oven, it's obvious that it's an essential kitchen appliance in every home. But if you want to make the most of it, becoming familiar with its many functions will assist you in achieving delicious results every time.
For instance, if you're cooking a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and crisped. However, if you're planning to grill your meat using the Grill mode, it is far more effective in making juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens typically include a variety of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and even a Telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features, such as a warming drawer, compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to conventional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize nutrients and remove harmful additives.
Stand-alone ovens, on the other hand, tend to come with fewer built-in features and can be found in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Certain models have bigger capacities. They are ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't do much hob cooking. Some also have a variety of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray which creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.