How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over time ovens have evolved in terms of design and performance. For example you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven liners.

These lines make the oven's interior more hot and helps in cleaning. Some models also have the ability to set a timer which can be set independent of Cooking Efficiency functions.

History

Since the beginning of the time, people have relied on fire to stay warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that the first recorded purpose-built oven was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a an apron on which metal cauldrons could be placed.

This new oven was a big improvement over the open flames of a fireplace. cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots hung above, but it was still difficult to regulate 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 improved over time. By the 1800s, sizeable brick hearths were constructed with a brick oven where a fire pit was set within, and metal cauldrons that were hung over the fire to heat it. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired oven to be invented in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves that had top burners as well as ovens inside.

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 from that point before electric ovens were introduced in accordance with the speed that electricity was introduced to households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as a hob or cooker. However, the term "oven' is more generally used to describe any oven that cooks with an alternative source of heat than an open flame or metal cauldron. There are a myriad of different types of ovens and it is possible to find one that does almost everything you want to bake to grilling, baking, or steaming.

If you're looking for a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide selection available to meet any budget and style. However, just like ovens of the past, they're not impervious to breakage and may even fail at times which is the reason why we are here. We can help you when you require repairs to your oven or replace a piece. Contact us, or contact us online.

Technology

There is a broad range of oven technologies. Many ovens are fan assisted. The fan circulates heat evenly across the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is especially useful for when you are baking.

Similarly, some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful if you are busy or want your dinner to be ready when you arrive from work.

Multicooking technology is also accessible that allows you to cook using traditional microwave or steam in the same kitchen appliance. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy usage by as much as 50 percent. This kind of technology is usually described as a multicooker but we think the term 'gourmet oven' is a better term!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are an essential part of most UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking and even for making some of our favorite desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven it's important to select one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too.

Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it's more important than ever that you think about the cost your oven will cost to operate. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. You should choose an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help you reduce your household expenses.

You should also consider the additional features that are 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 to 400-500 degrees Celsius, and burn any food spills. You can avoid having to clean your oven frequently.

Other functions worth checking out for include the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a predetermined duration for your cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely with an app for smartphones.

According to Uswitch the electric oven is priced at approximately 17p per hour of use, so it's essential to select the best model for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances, like microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers, use less energy than an electric oven.

You can also cut down on your energy use by ensuring that your oven is sealed. This can be done by installing a reflective insulation sheet behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect the heat back into the oven cavity. This will lower the cost of energy, since your oven won't have to perform as hard to keep an even temperature.

Options for cooking

Based on the frequency at the frequency you cook, as well as your most loved recipes the oven might come with a variety of functions that help you prepare food more efficiently. This could include bread proofing settings that offer an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise or lower temperatures for cooking that is gentle and a consistent cooking. Some also provide rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker and are ideal for those who are needing to rush.

Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low heat to gradually thaw frozen food items without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. You can also utilize the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function keeps hot dishes at lower temperatures so they do not dry out or become overcooked.

It's no surprise that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you're planning to get the most out of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with the various functions of it.

For instance, if making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it comes out well cooked and crisped. If you plan to grill meat using the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks.

Ovens come with a variety of built-in accessories including racks and tray. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are ovens with extra features such as warming drawers or a small steam ovens that provide an alternative to traditional baking, maximising the nutritional value and removing unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens on the contrary, tend to come with fewer built-in features and are typically available in smaller capacities. They're generally smaller than cookers and can be able to hold 30-40 litres, although some are larger. They're ideally for homes with a small amount of space, or who don't make use of hob cooking. Some come with multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that make crisp crusts, as well as an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.