How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years ovens have evolved in terms of design and functionality. Today, you can find ovens that have self-cleaning lines.

These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is useful in cleaning. Some models have an automatic timer that can be set independent of the cooking function.

History

Since the time humans have existed, we've used fire to keep ourselves warm and cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that a purpose-built oven was constructed in France built of bricks, with grills on which cauldrons made of metal could be attached.

The new oven was an improvement over the open flames of the fireplace in which cooking was performed using large metal pots that were hung above. However, it was still difficult to control the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without becoming black.

Ovens have continued to improve over the ages. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were used to heat. However, it took two years before the first practical coal oven was invented in 1833. It was then followed by the first gas stoves with top burners and ovens with interiors.

In 1826, British inventor James Sharp invents the first semi-successful oven. By 1920, they were a standard kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced in the 60 years following depending on how quickly electricity was introduced into households.

In the US they're referred to as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're called hobs. However, the term "oven" is used to describe any type that uses a heat source other than an open fire or a cauldron made of metal. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and you can find one that does almost everything you want to bake to grilling, frying or steaming.

There are many options available to meet the needs of every budget and taste, whether you're interested in wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. However, just like the ovens of the past, they're not impervious to breakage and may even be damaged at times and that's the reason we are here. If you require oven repair or a replacement part, give us a call or contact us online and we'll be able to help you out.

Technology

Ovens come in a variety of different technologies. For example, many are what is known as fan assisted. The fan circulates hot air evenly around the oven cavity, as well as the oven element. This is especially useful for when you are baking.

Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app. This is especially useful if you're busy or want to prepare dinner when you get home from work.

Multicooking technology is also accessible that lets you cook using traditional microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. You can achieve professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or a whole chicken*. You can reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%. This type of technology is often described as a "multicooker" however we believe the term "gourmet" is a more accurate description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a vital component 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 choosing an oven, it's crucial to find the right one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too.

Owing to the rise in electricity prices, it's now more important than ever to consider the amount an oven will cost to run. It is important to verify the energy rating of each product's page. It is ideal to have an oven with an A+ or higher energy rating which will help to keep your household bills down.

While you're looking at the energy efficiency You should also think about what other features are available. For instance, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, look for a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and burn any food spills. You can avoid having to clean your oven regularly.

Other useful functions to look out for are the option of a child lock that prevents children from operating the appliance, and a minute minder, which lets you set a specific amount of time to cook. Some ovens can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.

According to Uswitch an electric oven is priced at around 17p for every hour of use It's therefore essential to select the best model for your home if are looking to lower your energy bills. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens.

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 on the hood of your cooker that will reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will help to reduce your energy bill, as it'll mean that your oven isn't having to work so hard to maintain a consistent temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you love, your oven could have various functions that make it easier to prepare food. Some of these functions include bread proofing that creates an environment that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. or lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and a gentle cooking. Some models have quick heat settings to get temperatures up to speed and is perfect for those who are in a hurry.

Certain ovens come with the ability to defrost using low temperatures to slowly thaw frozen food items without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. Other options, such as the Interior Light function lets you see your food while it's baking, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.

When you think about the different kinds of food items you can cook with an oven, it's clear that it's a crucial kitchen appliance for any home. If you want to get the most out of it, becoming familiar with its functions can make it easier to achieve delicious results every time.

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

Ovens typically come with a selection of built-in accessories such as racks, trays, and a telescopic run for shelves. You can find models with additional features like warming drawers, compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to conventional baking. These models maximise nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens, on other hand, usually have fewer built in features and are available in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models have larger capacities. They're ideally suited to homes with a smaller amount of space, ovensandhobs or who don't make use of hob cooking. Some also have a variety of cooking options, like pizza stone tray that produces crispy crusts, and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.