How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs Over time ovens have evolved in terms of design and function. For example you can now find ovens that have self-cleaning oven liner. These lines create a warmer oven's interior, which helps with cleaning. Some models have a timer which can be set independently of the cooking function. History Since the time humans have been around we have used fire to keep ourselves warm and to cook food. But it wasn't until 1490 when the first known oven constructed specifically for cooking was built in France from bricks and featuring the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be positioned. The new oven was an improvement over the open flames that were used in a fireplace where cooking was conducted using large metal pots that were hung above. However, it was still difficult to control the temperature. It took many years of testing and improvements before a method could be developed to bake bread or roast meat without turning black. Ovens have continued to improve over time. In the 1800s, large brick hearths were constructed with an oven made of bricks that had a fire pit was built within, with cauldrons made of metal hung over for heating. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created 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 that was semi-successful in 1826 and by 1920 they had become a staple 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 known as toaster ovens, and in Britain, they're known as a hob. However, the term oven is used more broadly to describe any kind of oven that utilizes a heat source other than an open flame or a cauldron made of metal. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens that are available today. You can find one that can do everything you need, from baking to grilling to steaming. There are a variety of options to meet the needs of all tastes and budgets, whether you're interested in an wood-fired Aga or an oven with a double wall. They are not indestructible and may break down at any point. That's where we come in. If you require an oven repair or replacement part, give us call or get in touch via email and we'll assist you. Technology Ovens are available in a variety of designs and technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. This is because, as in addition to the oven element heating the food, there is an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air throughout the oven's cavity to ensure all the food cooks evenly. This is particularly helpful when you are baking. Some ovens can also be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially useful for busy people or those who want to prepare dinner when you get home from work. There are also multicooking technologies available which allow you to cook using traditional, microwave and steam in the same oven. You can make professional-looking results quicker, such as perfectly cooked potatoes or a whole chicken*. It can also help you cut down on the energy you use by up to 50%. This type of technology is usually described as a multicooker but we think the term gourmet oven is more appropriate! Energy efficiency Ovens are an essential part of most UK kitchens and are used on a regular basis for roasting, baking, and even making some of our favourite desserts. When it comes to selecting an oven, it's crucial to choose one that meets all of our needs for cooking while being energy efficient too. Due to the increasing cost of electricity, it is more crucial than ever that you take into consideration the cost your oven will cost you to run. It's a great idea to check the energy efficiency rating that is available on each product page. You want an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, since this will help keep your household costs down. You should also look at the additional features that are available. If you want to save time cleaning the oven, for example, choose one with self-cleaning capabilities. This means that the oven can heat up to 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn any food spillages. You can avoid having to clean your oven on a regular basis. A minute minder is another important feature to look for. It lets you set a time limit to cooking. Certain ovens can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone. According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p per hour. It is therefore essential to choose the correct model for your home to reduce your energy bills. Other appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens. Another method to cut down on energy usage when it comes to 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 costs, since your oven won't have to perform as hard to maintain a constant temperature. Options for cooking Based on the frequency you cook and the recipes you love Your oven could include a variety of functions that help you prepare food more efficiently. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates an environment that is warm and controlled that encourages dough to rise. Also, lower heat settings to ensure uniformity and gentle cooking. Some models have rapid heat settings to get temperatures up to speed which is great for those working in a hurry. Some ovens come with the option of defrosting that utilizes low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, thereby saving time and money. Other options like the Interior Light function lets you see your food as it's baking and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking. When you consider how many kinds of foods you can make using an oven, it's obvious that it's a crucial kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you're looking to make the most of your oven, it is essential to be familiar with the functions of your oven. If you are making a traditional roast, it's recommended to select the Conventional setting to ensure that the roast is cooked well and crispy. If you're planning to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will produce juicy and flavoursome steaks. Ovens typically have a range of built-in appliances such as racks, trays and even a Telescopic run for shelves. There are models with additional features such as warming drawers, a compact steam oven, or healthier alternative to conventional baking. These models maximise nutrients and eliminate unhealthy additives. Stand-alone models on the contrary, are smaller and have less features. They also come with smaller capacities. Generally, they're smaller than cookers, and be able to hold 30 to 40 litres, however some are larger. They may be more for homes with a limited amount of space or those that don't require a lot of cooking hob s. Some come with multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that produce crisp crusts, as well as a perforated plate for steaming vegetables.
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