How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs Over time ovens have been improving in both appearance and functionality. Today, you can find ovens that self-clean their lines. These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Some models also have a timer that can be set independent of cooking functions. History Since the beginning of time, humans have used fire to keep warm and cook food. It wasn't until the year 1490 that a special oven was created in France built of bricks with grills on where cauldrons made of steel could be placed. This new oven was a big improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically done in large metal pots that were hung above but it was difficult to regulate the temperature. It took years of testing and improvements before a method could be 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 cook. It took another two decades to get the first practical coal-fired oven to be developed in 1833. Then came the development of the first gas stoves, which had top burners and ovens inside. British inventor James Sharp patented the first gas oven in 1826, which was a semi-successful one, and by 1920 they had become a staple kitchen appliance. It took around 60 years after that before electric ovens came into the market, depending on the speed of the introduction of electricity to households. In the US, they're known as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're called a hob. However the term oven is used to describe any kind of oven that utilizes an energy source that isn't an open fire or a metal cauldron. Today, there are a variety of different kinds of ovens and you can locate one that does just about anything you'd like to bake to grilling, frying or steaming. If you're looking to buy a double wall oven or a traditional wood-fired Aga there is a wide range of options to satisfy every budget and taste. But, like the ovens of the past, they're not impervious to breakage and may even be damaged from time to time which is where we come in. We can help you when you require repairs to your oven or replace a component. Call us or email us. Technology Ovens are available in a range of technologies. For instance, some ovens are fan assisted. The fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, in addition to the oven element. This is particularly helpful baking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely via an app. This is especially helpful when you're busy or you need your meal to be ready when you get in from work. Multicooking technology is also accessible, which allows you to cook with traditional, microwave or steam within the same appliance. You can make professional-looking results quicker, such as perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. It could even allow you reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%. This technology is sometimes described as a multicooker, but we believe that the term gourmet is an accurate description! Energy efficiency Ovens are an essential part of the majority of UK kitchens and are utilized on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even for making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to choosing an oven that is new it is essential to select one that is able to meet our cooking needs while also being energy-efficient. Due to the increase in the cost of electricity, it's more important than ever to think about how much an oven will cost to run. That's why it's a good idea to take a look at the energy efficiency rating, which can be found on each product page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help you reduce your household expenses. In addition to examining the energy rating You should also think about what additional features are available. For instance, if you're looking to save time on cleaning the oven, you should look for an oven that has self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven will reach temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spillages which will help you avoid the need to clean the oven on a regular basis. A minute minder is an additional important feature to look for. It lets you set a timer for your cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology which lets you connect to an app on your smartphone to control it remotely, if desired. According to Uswitch the cost of an electric oven is around 17p an hour. It's therefore important to select the right oven for your home, so that you can cut the cost of energy. Other appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than an oven. Another method to cut down on your energy usage when cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly and properly insulated. Install a reflective hood over your cooker hood to reflect heat back into the cavity. This will lower your energy bill, as it means that your oven isn't having to work as hard to maintain the same temperature. Cooking options Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you love Your oven could come with several functions that you prepare food. This could include bread proofing settings that provide the perfect temperature and control to encourage dough to rise and bottom heating settings to ensure gentle cooking and consistency. Some of them also have rapid heat settings to heat up faster which is ideal for those who are in a hurry. Some ovens include a defrost feature that uses low heat to slowly thaw frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options such as the Interior Light feature lets you see your food while it bakes, and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at lower temperatures to avoid drying out or overcooking. When you think about the different types of food you can cook using an oven, it's clear that it's a vital kitchen appliance for any home. But if you want to get the most of it, becoming familiar with its many functions will make it easier to achieve delicious results every time. For example, if you're cooking a traditional roast, using the Conventional setting is recommended to ensure it comes out well cooked and crisped. If you're planning to grill meat by using the Grill mode is much more effective at producing juicy and flavoursome steaks. Ovens are equipped with a range of accessories that are built-in, such as racks and tray. They also have telescopic runs for shelves. There are models with additional features, such as warming drawers, a compact steam oven or a healthier alternative to traditional baking. These ovens are designed to maximize nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives. Stand-alone models, on contrary, are smaller and have fewer features. They also come in smaller capacities. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to 40 litres. Some models come with larger capacities. These are better suited for homes with limited space or for those who don't have much hob cooking. Some have various cooking options, like pizza stones that produce crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.
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