How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years ovens have been evolving in design and functionality. You can now find best ovens and hobs uk with self-cleaning oven lines.

These lines heat up the interior of the oven, which is beneficial to clean. Certain models also come with an automatic timer that can be set independent of cooking functions.

History

As long as human beings have been around we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and to cook food. But it was not until 1490 that the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a a grate on which metal cauldrons could be positioned.

This new oven was a big improvement over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was usually done in large metal pots that were hung above the fireplace, but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took years of experimentation and refinement before a method was devised to bake bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without becoming blackened in the process.

Ovens have been improving over time. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were built with a brick oven where a fire pit was built within, and metal cauldrons hung over for heating. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed 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 semi-successful gas oven in 1826 and by 1920 they had become a staple kitchen appliance. Electric ovens appeared in the 60 years following, depending on how quickly electricity was incorporated into homes.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as a hob or a cooker. However, the term "oven is more often used for any type of oven that cooks using an alternative source of heat than an open flame or a metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and it is possible to find one that does nearly everything you'd like to bake to frying, grilling or steaming.

If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood fired Aga there is a wide range of options to satisfy all tastes and budgets. However, just like ovens of old they aren't indestructible and they can break down periodically - which is where we come in. If you need an oven repair or replacement part, give us a call or contact us online and we will help you out.

Technology

Ovens are available in a variety of technologies. For instance, many ovens and hobs uk are what is known as fan assisted. This is because as well as the oven component cooking the food, there's a fan that circulates 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, that means they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful if you're busy or want to prepare dinner when you arrive home from work.

Multicooking technology is also available that allows you to cook with traditional, microwave or steam in the same appliance. You can make professional-looking results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. It could even allow you to reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%. This technology is often referred to as a "multicooker" however we believe that the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are an essential part of the majority of UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for baking, roasting, and even making some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to choosing the right oven, it's essential to find the right one that can meet all of our needs for cooking while being energy efficient too.

Due to the rising the cost of electricity, it's more crucial than ever to consider how much an oven cost to run. It's important to check the energy rating of each product's page. Ideally, you want an oven that has an A+ or higher energy rating that will help you keep your household bills down.

While you're looking at the energy rating You should also think about the additional features available. For instance, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, look for models that have self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven will heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spills. This will save you from having to clean your oven and hob on a regular basis.

A minute minder is another useful feature to look out for. It allows you to set a time limit for your cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone.

According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It's therefore crucial to choose the correct model for your home to reduce your energy bills. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers, use less energy than electric ovens.

You can also cut down on your energy consumption by ensuring that your oven is sealed. You can do this by installing an insulation sheet with reflective properties behind the cooker hood that will reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce your energy consumption, since it will mean that your oven won't have to work so hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on how often you cook and the recipes you love Your oven could come with various functions that make it easier to prepare food. Some of these functions include bread proofing which 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 modes to achieve temperatures quicker which is ideal for those who are in a hurry.

Certain ovens come with a defrost function that uses low heat to gradually thaw frozen foods without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function lets you see your food while baking, and the Reheat mode 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 looking to make the most of your oven, you should be familiar with the various functions of it.

If you are making traditional roast, it is recommended to use the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crisp and well-cooked. If you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.

Ovens typically include a variety of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. There are also models with additional features, such as a warming drawer or compact steam oven that offers a healthy alternative to conventional baking, maximizing nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, usually come with fewer built-in features and can be found in more limited capacity sizes. They're generally smaller than cookers and can have capacities of 30-40 litres, however some are larger. They're ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't have much hob cooking. They also offer a range of cooking options, including pizza stone that creates crisp crusts and a perforated tray for steaming vegetables.