How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have evolved in terms of design and function. For example, you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven liners.
These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is useful for cleaning. Certain models also come with an automatic timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire as a way to stay 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 a grate where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
The new oven was a step up over the open flames of the fireplace in which cooking was performed with large metal pots that were placed above. However it was still difficult to regulate the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.
Ovens improved over the centuries. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths with a brick-oven were built, and metal cauldrons were hung above to cook. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. This was followed by the invention of the first gas stoves with top burners and ovens inside.
In 1826, British inventor James Sharp patents the first semi-successful oven. By 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 referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain, they're known as hobs. However, the term "oven" is used more broadly for any kind of oven that utilizes a heat source that isn't an open fire or metal cauldron. Today there are hundreds of oven types and it is possible to find one that can do nearly everything you'd like it to do from baking to grilling, frying or steaming.
If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there's a wide range of options to satisfy any budget and style. They're not impervious to damage and are susceptible to breaking down at any time. This is where we come in. If you require an oven repair or a replacement part give us a call or get in touch via email and we'll assist you.
Technology
Ovens are available in a variety of technologies. For instance, many ovens are fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component cooking the food, there is a fan which distributes the hot air in the oven to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is especially helpful when you're baking.
Similarly some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is particularly useful for busy people or those who want to prepare dinner when you arrive home from work.
Multicooking technology is also available that allows you to cook traditional food, microwave or steam within the same appliance. This can help you achieve professional results in less time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or chicken*. You can cut down on your energy usage by as much as 50 percent. This technology is sometimes called"multicooker" or "multicooker" however we think that the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a staple of most UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for baking, roasting, and even making some of our favorite desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven it is essential to select one that meets our needs for cooking while being energy-efficient.
Due to the increasing price of electricity, it is more important than ever before that you consider how much your oven will cost to operate. It is important to verify the energy rating on each product's page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help lower your monthly expenses.
You should also consider the additional features offered. If you want to save time cleaning the oven for instance, you should choose one with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spillages. This will save you from having to clean your oven on a regular basis.
Other features worth looking for are the child lock, which prevents children from operating the oven, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a predetermined amount of time to cook. Some ovens also have a smart feature, which allows you to connect to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely, should you wish.
According to Uswitch, an electric oven costs approximately 17p for every hour of use It's therefore essential to select the best model for your home if you are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers, use less energy than electric ovens.
Another method to cut down on your energy use when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. You can do this by installing an insulation sheet with reflective properties on the hood of your cooker, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will help to reduce your energy bill, as it'll mean that your oven doesn't have to work so hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Cooking options
Depending on the frequency you cook and what recipes you love the most, your oven may have a range of specialist functions that in the preparation of food. This could include bread proofing settings, which provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise, or bottom temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some also offer rapid heat settings that allow you to heat up faster, ideal for those needing to rush.
Certain ovens have the option of defrosting that utilizes low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, thus saving 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 lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking.
It's obvious that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you're planning to get the most out of your oven, it is essential to familiarise yourself with all its functions.
For instance, if you're making a traditional roast using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it comes out well cooked and crisped. If you plan to grill meat, the Grill mode will yield juicy and flavorful steaks.
Best ovens UK include a variety of built-in accessories such as racks, trays and a shelf with a telescopic run. There are models with additional features like warming drawers, small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These models maximise the nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Stand-alone models on the contrary, are smaller and have fewer features. They also come with smaller capacities. Generally, they're smaller than cookers, and have capacities of 30-40 litres, although some are larger. These are better suited for those with a small space or for those who don't need to do much cooking on the stove. They also offer a range of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray which creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.