How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been improved in terms of design and function. You can now find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines make the oven's interior more hot which aids in cleaning. Some models have the option of a timer that can be set without regard to the cooking function.
History
Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to stay warm and cook food. However, it wasn't until 1490 when the first oven built specifically for use was built in France from bricks and featuring a grate that could be used to place cauldrons made of steel. be placed.
The new oven was a significant improvement over the open flames that were used in a fireplace, where cooking was done by using large metal pots which were hung above. However, 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 improved over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick oven were built, and iron cauldrons were hung above to heat. 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 ovens inside.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first semi-successful gas oven in 1826 and by 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years to come around before electric ovens were introduced, depending on the speed at which electricity was introduced to households.
In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're called a hob . However, the term "oven" is used more broadly for any type that uses any heat source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of oven types and you can locate one that does almost everything you want to cook from baking to grilling, frying or steaming.
If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there's a wide selection available to meet every budget and taste. They are not indestructible and may break down at any moment. That's where we come in. If you require oven repair or a replacement part, give us call or get in touch via email and we'll help you out.
Technology
Ovens are available in a variety of different technologies. For instance, many ovens are what is known as fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component heating the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is particularly helpful when you are baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful if you are busy or you want your dinner to be ready when you get in from work.
Multicooking technology is also available that allows you to cook traditional food microwave, steam or even microwave in the same appliance. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy use by up to 50%. This type of technology is usually referred to as a 'multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven" is more appropriate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital element in many UK kitchens. They are used to bake, roast and even to make some of our favorite desserts. So when it comes to selecting the right oven, it's essential to choose one that meets all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the rising cost of electricity, it is more important than ever that you consider the cost your oven will cost to run. It's important to check the energy rating of each product's page. You should choose an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help reduce your household expenses.
You should also look at the additional features offered. 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 spills. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven on a regular basis.
Other functions worth checking for are a child lock, which prevents children from operating the oven, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a certain amount of time for cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right model for your home to reduce the cost of energy. Other appliances, like air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers use less energy than electric ovens.
Another way to cut down on energy use when cooking is to make sure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. Install a reflective insulation on your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will help reduce the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to work as hard to keep the same temperature.
Cooking options
Based on the frequency at the frequency you cook, as well as your favorite recipes the oven might include a variety of features that make food preparation easier. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates an environment warm and controlled that allows dough to rise. Also, lower heat settings to ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Certain models provide quick heat settings to get temperatures up to speed and is perfect for those who are in a rush.
Some ovens include the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, thus saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to see what's cooking. The Reheat function keeps hot food at lower temperatures, so that they don't dry out or become overcooked.
It's evident that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. But if you want to get the most out of it, familiarising yourself with its many functions will make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.
For instance, if making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that the roast comes out well cooked and crisped. If, however, you're planning to grill meat by using the Grill mode is much more effective at producing juicy and flavoursome steaks.
Ovens usually come with a selection of built in accessories like racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. There are ovens that come with additional features like warming drawers or a small steam ovens that provide an alternative to traditional baking, increasing the nutritional value and removing unhealthy 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 forty litres. Some models come with larger capacities. They're ideal for homes with limited space or for those who don't need to do much hob cooking. Some have various cooking options, like pizza stones that produce crisp crusts and an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.