How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have evolved in terms of design and function. You can now find ovens that have self-cleaning lines.
These lines make the oven's interior hotter, which helps with cleaning. Certain models also come with a timer that can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since the beginning of time, humans have utilized fire as a way to stay warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a special oven was built in France constructed of bricks, with a grate on where cauldrons made of steel could be placed.
The new oven was an enormous improvement on the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically done in large metal pots and hung above the fireplace, but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without becoming black.
Ovens have continued to improve over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were built with a brick oven where a fire pit was built within, with metal cauldrons hanging over to heat. However, it took two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833. It was then followed by the first gas stoves with top burners and interior ovens.
British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven in 1826, which was a semi-successful one, and by 1920 they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared around 60 years later depending on how quickly electricity was introduced into households.
In the US they're known as toaster ovens and in Britain they are known as a hob or a cooker. However, the term "oven is used more commonly for any oven that cooks using the use of a source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of oven types and you can find one that does just about anything you'd like it to do 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 broad range of options to satisfy any budget and style. They're not durable and are susceptible to breaking down at any point. That's the place we step in. We can help you if you require repairs to your oven or replace a part. Give us a call, or contact us online.
Technology
There is a wide range of technology used in ovens. For example, many are fan assisted. The fan circulates hot air evenly around the oven cavity, in addition to the oven element. This is especially useful for baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely via an app. This is particularly useful when you're working or need to cook dinner before you arrive home from work.
Multicooking technology is also available that lets you cook using traditional microwave or steam in the same appliance. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. It could even allow you reduce the energy you use by up to 50%. This technology is sometimes called"multicooker", but we prefer the term "multicooker" however we believe the term "gourmet" is more accurate!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a common feature in the majority of UK kitchens and are used on a daily basis for roasting, baking and even making some our most loved desserts. So when you're looking to buy the right oven, it's essential to choose one that meets all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it is more crucial than ever that you consider how much your oven will cost to operate. That's why it's a good idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on the product's page. You want an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help lower your monthly expenses.
As well as examining the energy efficiency it is also important to consider the additional features available. If you're looking to cut down on time cleaning the oven for instance, select an oven that comes with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spills. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven on a regular basis.
A minute minder is another useful feature to look out for. It allows you to set a time limit to your cooking. Some ovens also have a smart feature, which allows you to connect it to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely, if desired.
According to Uswitch, an electric oven can cost around 17p per hour of use and it's important to choose the right oven for your home if want to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than an electric oven.
You can also reduce your energy use by ensuring that your oven is sealed. You can do this by putting an insulation sheet that is reflective 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'll mean that your oven won't have to work so hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency at you cook and your favorite recipes, your oven may have a variety of special features that help you prepare food more efficiently. These include bread proofing settings that provide the perfect temperature and control to help dough rise or lower heat settings for gentle cooking and a consistent cooking. Some models have quick heat settings to achieve temperatures faster and is perfect for those working in a hurry.
Some ovens include the option of defrosting that utilizes low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options, such as the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it's baking and the Reheat function keeps hot dishes at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.
It's no surprise that an oven is a very vital kitchen appliance. If you're planning to get the most out of your oven, it is essential to learn about all its functions.
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 you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens usually have a range of built in accessories such as racks, trays and a telescopic run for shelves. There are models that have additional features like 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 contrary, tend to have fewer built in features and are available in smaller sizes. read full article are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Certain models have bigger capacities. They're ideal for households with limited space or for those who don't do much cooking on the stove. There are also a range of cooking options, like pizza stone tray which creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.