How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over the years ovens have been improving in both design and functionality. You can now find ovens that self-clean their lines.
These lines heat 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 used fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that an oven specifically designed for cooking was created in France built of bricks with grills on which metal cauldrons can be attached.
This new oven was a big improvement over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was typically done in large metal pots that were hung above but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took many years of research and improvement before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without it turning black.
Ovens improved over the centuries. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick oven were built, and metal cauldrons were hung above to cook. However, it took two years before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was and then the first gas stoves that 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 around 60 years after that before electric ovens made an appearance, depending on the speed that electricity was introduced to households.
In best oven uk referred to as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're called a hob. However, the term "oven" is used more broadly to describe any type that uses a heat source that isn't an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens available in the present. You will find one that can handle anything you want, from baking to grilling to steaming.
Whether you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there is a wide choice to suit every budget and taste. However, just like the ovens of the past, they're not indestructible and they can fail from time to time - which is where we come in. We can help you when you need to fix your oven or replace a component. Give us a call or send us an email.
Technology
There are a variety of oven technologies. Many ovens are fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven component heating up the food, there's a fan which distributes the hot air throughout the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for baking.
In addition, certain ovens are smart, which means they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful in times of stress or if you need your meal to be ready when you return from work.
Multicooking technology is also accessible that lets you cook with traditional microwave, steam or even microwave in the same appliance. You can make professional-looking results quicker, such as perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can cut down your energy usage by as much as 50 percent. 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 crucial part of many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even for the preparation of some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to selecting an oven, it's crucial to find the right one that can meet all of our cooking needs whilst being energy efficient too.
Due to the increasing price of electricity, it's more crucial than ever that you consider the cost your oven will cost you to run. It's important to check the energy rating of each product's page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help keep your household costs down.
In addition to examining the energy efficiency You should also think about what additional features are available. If you're looking to save time cleaning your oven, for example, choose a model that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spillages. It will eliminate the need to clean your oven on a regular basis.
Other functions worth checking out for include the option of a child lock that stops children from operating the oven, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a predetermined duration for cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p per hour. It's therefore important to select the right model for your home, so that you can cut your energy bills. Other appliances, such as microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers consume less energy than an electric oven.
You can also cut down on your energy usage by making sure that your oven is properly sealed. This can be done by installing a reflective insulation sheet on the hood of your cooker, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce the cost of energy, since it will mean that your oven isn't having to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Options for cooking
Based on the frequency the frequency you cook, as well as the recipes you love the oven might come with a variety of features that make food preparation easier. Some of these settings include bread proofing that creates a warm, controlled environment that allows dough to rise. Or lower heat settings to ensure consistency and gentle cooking. Some also provide rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker, ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Some ovens include the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot food at lower temperatures, so that they don't get dry or overcooked.
When you consider how many different kinds of food items you can prepare with an oven, it's clear that it's an essential kitchen appliance for any home. However, if you want to get the most of it, becoming familiar with its functions can make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.
If you are making a traditional roast it is recommended that you make use of the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. If you're planning to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens usually have a range of built in accessories such as racks, trays and even a telescopic run for shelves. There are models that have additional features, such as warming drawers, a small steam oven, or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone models on the contrary, are smaller and have fewer features. They also come with smaller sizes. They are generally smaller than cookers and have capacities of 30-40 litres, however, some are larger. They are ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't do cooking on the hob often. Some also have a variety of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray which creates a crispy crust and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.