Shawna Fauchery

How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs

Over time ovens and hobs have been constantly improving in both design and function. For example, you can now find ovens that automatically clean their lines.

These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Certain models also come with the ability to set a timer which can be set independently of cooking functions.

History

Since the time humans have existed, we've used fire to keep ourselves warm and to cook food. It wasn't until 1490 that the first oven built specifically for use came along, created in France using bricks and with a a grate on which metal cauldrons could be placed.

The new oven with hob was a step up over the open flames of a fireplace, where cooking was done with large metal pots that were placed above. However it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method was developed to bake bread or roast meat without it becoming black.

Ovens have continued to improve over time. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths were constructed using a brick oven where a fire pit was built within, with metal cauldrons hanging over to heat. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. This was followed by the development of the first gas stoves, with top burners and interior ovens.

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

In the US, they're known as toaster ovens, and in Britain, they're known as hobs. However, the term "oven" is used to describe any type of oven that makes use of any heat source other than an open flame or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of different types of ovens and it is possible to locate one that does just about anything you'd like it to do from baking to frying, grilling or steaming.

There are plenty of options to suit all budgets and tastes whether you're in the market for wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. They are not indestructible and may break down at any time. That's where we come in. We can help you if you require repairs to your oven or replace a component. Contact us or send us an email.

Technology

There are a variety of oven technology available. For example, many are fan assisted. The fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, and also the oven element. This is especially useful for baking.

Additionally certain ovens are smart, that means they can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful if you're busy or want to cook dinner before you return from work.

Multicooking technology is also accessible, which allows you to cook with traditional microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. This can help you get professional results in a shorter time, such as the perfect roast potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can even help you cut down on the energy you use by up to 50 percent. This type of technology is often called a "multicooker" however we think that the term "gourmet" is an accurate description!

Energy efficiency

Ovens are a vital element in many UK kitchens. They are used for roasting, baking and even for making some of our most loved desserts. When it comes to selecting the right oven it is essential to select one that meets our cooking needs while also being energy-efficient.

Due to the increase in electricity costs, it's more important than ever before to consider the amount an oven will cost to run. This is why it's a good idea to take a look at the energy efficiency rating that is available on every product's page. It is ideal to have an oven that has an A+ or above energy rating, which will help reduce your household expenses.

You should also look at the additional features available. If you want to save time cleaning the oven, for example, choose a model that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can get to temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spills, helping you avoid having to clean the oven on a regular basis.

Other features worth looking for are a child lock, which prevents children from operating the appliance, and the minute minder feature, which allows you to set a predetermined time limit for cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology which lets you connect it to an app on your smartphone and control it remotely, should you wish.

According to Uswitch the electric oven is priced at approximately 17p per hour of use and it's important to select the best hob model for your home if you are looking to lower your energy bills. Other appliances like air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens.

Another way to reduce your energy use when it comes to cooking is to ensure that your oven is and properly insulated. Install a reflective insulation behind your cooker's hood, which will reflect heat back into the cavity. This will reduce your energy consumption, since it means that your oven doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature.

Cooking options

Depending on the frequency you cook and the recipes you love Your oven could come with several functions to make it easier to prepare food. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates an environment warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. or lower heat settings that ensure the consistency of your cooking and a gentle cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings that allow you to heat up faster which is ideal for those needing to rush.

Some ovens have a defrost function that uses low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food items without cooking technology them, which saves 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 dishes at lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking.

It's obvious that an oven with hob is an essential kitchen appliance. But if you want to get the most out of it, becoming familiar with its various functions can assist you in achieving delicious results every time.

If you're making a traditional roast it is advised to use the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. However, if you're planning to grill your meat by using the Grill mode is far more effective in making juicy and delicious steaks.

Ovens usually have a range of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and even a shelf with a telescopic run. You can also find models with extra features such as a warming drawer or small steam ovens that offer an alternative to traditional baking, maximising nutrients and eliminating unhealthy additives.

Stand-alone models on the contrary, are smaller and have less features. They also come in smaller sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models come with larger capacities. These may be better suitable for homes with a small amount of space, or that don't require a lot of cooking on the hob. There are some that have several cooking options, such as pizza stones that make a crisp crust and a perforated plate to steam vegetables.