How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over the years, ovens have been continuously evolving in design and Oven with hob functionality. Today, food preparation you can find ovens that have self-cleaning lines.

These lines make the oven's interior more hot which aids in cleaning. Certain models come with an automatic timer that can be set without regard to the cooking function.

History

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

This new oven was a huge improvement on the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots hung above the fireplace, but it was tricky to control the temperature. It took years of experimentation and improvement before a system was developed for efficiently baking bread or roasting meat that could be eaten without becoming blackened in the process.

Ovens have been improving throughout the years. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were built with an oven built of brick, with the fire pit was placed within, with cauldrons made of metal hanging over to heat. 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 with top burners and interior ovens.

British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920, they were a common kitchen appliance. Electric ovens were introduced around 60 years later, depending on how quickly electricity was introduced to households.

In the US, they're known as toaster ovens. In Britain, they're known as hobs. However, the term "oven" is used more broadly to describe any kind of oven that utilizes any heat source that isn't an open fire or a cauldron made of metal. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens that are available today. You can find one to do anything you want from grilling to baking to steaming.

There are a variety of options to meet all tastes and budgets regardless of whether you're looking for wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. However, just like ovens of old they aren't impervious to damage and can fail from time to time and that's the reason why we are here. We can help you if you need to repair your oven or replace a component. Give us a call, or food preparation contact us online.

Technology

Ovens are available in a range of technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. This is due to the fact that as well as the oven element heating the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air around the oven to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for baking.

Similarly certain ovens are smart, which means that they can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially useful when you're working or need to have dinner ready when you return from work.

Multicooking technology is also available that allows you to cook using traditional microwave or steam in the same appliance. You can make professional-looking results quicker, such as perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. It could even allow you cut down on your energy use by as much as 50%. This type of technology is usually described as a multicooker however we believe the term 'gourmet oven' is a better description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are an essential part of many hob uk kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even to make some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting a new oven it is essential to select one that will meet our needs for cooking while being energy-efficient.

Due to the rising cost of electricity, it's more important than ever before that you consider the amount your oven will cost to run. That's why it's a good idea to look at the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. You should choose an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help you keep your household costs down.

It is also worth looking at the additional features available. For instance, if you're seeking to reduce the time spent cleaning the oven, choose a model with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spills. You can avoid having to clean your oven on a regular basis.

A minute minder is an additional important feature to look for. It lets you set a time limit to cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology that let you connect it to a smartphone app and manage it remotely, in the event that you want to.

According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is approximately 17p per hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right oven for your home, so that you can cut the cost of energy. Other appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves use less energy than an oven.

Another method to cut down on your energy usage when it comes to cooking is to make sure that your oven is properly protected. Install a reflective insulation on your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower the cost of energy, since it means that your oven won't have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.

Cooking options

Based on the frequency at you cook and your most loved recipes, your oven may come with a variety of functions that make food preparation easier. These could include bread proofing settings that provide an ambiance that is warm and controlled to encourage dough to rise or lower heat settings for gentle cooking and consistency. Some also provide rapid heat settings that allow you to heat up faster and are ideal for those who are who are in a hurry.

Certain ovens come with an option to defrost that makes use of low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food items without cooking them, which saves time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light function let you see your food as it bakes and the Reheat function keeps hot dishes at a lower temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking.

When you think about the different types of food you can cook using an oven, it's evident that it's an essential kitchen appliance for any home. But if you want to make the most of it, familiarising yourself with its functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.

For instance, if making a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure that it is cooked to perfection and crisped. If you plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks.

Ovens typically come with a selection of built-in accessories like racks, trays and even a Telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features, such as warming drawers, compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens maximize nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, tend to have fewer built in features and are typically available in more limited capacity sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers and have capacities from 30-40 litres however some are larger. They may be more suited to homes with a limited amount of space, or that don't use a lot of hob and oven cooking. Some have several cooking options, such as a pizza stone that creates a crisp crust and a perforated plate to steam vegetables.