How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years, ovens have been continuously evolving in design and functionality. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines.

These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is beneficial for cleaning. Certain models come with a timer which can be set without regard to the cooking function.

History

Since the time humans have been around we have utilized fire to keep warm and cook food. However, it wasn't until 1490 when the first recorded purpose-built oven was built in France made of bricks and incorporating a a grate that could be used to place cauldrons made of steel. be placed.

This new oven was an enormous improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out 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 was developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.

Ovens have been improving over time. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed with an oven built of brick, with the fire pit was placed within, with metal cauldrons hung over for heating. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. Then came the invention of the first gas stoves, that had top burners as well as ovens inside.

British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920, they had become a staple kitchen appliance. It took about 60 years to come around before electric ovens were introduced depending on the speed of the introduction of electricity to households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're known as a best hob or cooker. However, oven the term "oven' is more generally used for any oven that cooks with the use of a source other than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are hundreds of types of ovens that are available today. You can find one to do everything you need from grilling to baking to steaming.

There are a variety of options to suit all budgets and tastes whether you're in the market for wood-fired Aga or double walled oven. They're not durable, and can break down at any moment. That's where we come in. We can help you if you need to fix your oven or replace a piece. Give us a call or email us.

Technology

Ovens are available in a range of technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. The fan distributes hot air evenly around the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is particularly helpful when you are baking.

Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through 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 lets you cook using traditional microwave or steam 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 as much as 50%. This type of technology is often described as a multicooker however we believe the term "gourmet oven uk" is a better term!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a crucial element in many UK kitchens. They are used to bake, roast and even for the preparation of some of our most loved desserts. So when it comes to selecting a new oven it's important to select one that will meet all our needs for cooking while being energy efficient too.

Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it is more important than ever that you take into consideration the amount your oven will cost you to run. It's essential to look up the energy rating on each oven's page. Ideally, you'll want an oven that has an A+ or better energy rating that will help you reduce your household's expenses.

As well as examining the energy rating You should also think about what additional features are available. If you're looking to save time cleaning the oven for instance, select one with self-cleaning features. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off food spills and will eliminate the need to clean the oven on a regular basis.

A minute minder is another important feature to look for. It allows you to set a time limit to cooking. Some ovens also have a smart feature that let you connect it to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely, should you wish.

According to Uswitch an electric oven costs around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to choose the correct model for your home in order to cut down on your energy costs. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves use less energy than ovens.

You can also reduce your energy usage by making sure that your oven is sealed. You can do this by fitting a reflective insulation sheet behind the cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven 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 the same temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on the frequency you cook and what recipes you love the most, your oven may have various functions that make it easier to prepare food. These include bread proofing settings that offer a warm and controlled environment to encourage dough to rise and bottom temperatures for cooking that is gentle hobs and ovens even consistency. Some models offer rapid heat settings that allow you to get temperatures up to speed, which is ideal for those working in a hurry.

Certain ovens have the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function lets you see your food while it's baking, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking.

It's evident that an oven is a very essential kitchen appliance. If you want to get the most out of your oven, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven.

If you are making traditional roast, it is recommended that you use the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast comes out crispy and well-cooked. If you plan to grill meat by using the Grill mode is far more effective in making juicy and delicious steaks.

Ovens come with a variety of accessories built in like racks and tray. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. There are ovens with extra features such as warming drawers or a small steam ovens that provide a healthier alternative to conventional baking, maximising the nutrients and removing harmful additives.

Stand-alone ovens on the contrary, tend to have fewer built in features and are typically available in smaller capacities. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and have capacities from 30-40 litres, although some are larger. They may be more for homes with a smaller space or that don't use a lot of cooking on the hob. There are some that have multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.