How to Choose hob uk That Meets Your Cooking Needs
Over time ovens have been constantly improving in both design and function. You can now find ovens with self-cleaning oven lines.
These lines create a warmer oven's interior which aids in cleaning. Some models also have the ability to set a timer which can be set independently of cooking functions.
History
Since humans have existed, we have used fire to keep warm and to cook food. But it was not until 1490 that the first recorded purpose-built oven was discovered, built in France using bricks and with a the grate, where cauldrons made of metal could be placed.
The new oven was a step up over the open flames that were used in the fireplace in which cooking was performed using large metal pots that were hung over. 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 improved over the ages. In the 1800s, huge brick hearths that had a brick oven were built, and metal cauldrons were placed above to heat. It took another two decades for the first practical coal-fired ovens to be created in 1833. This was followed by the invention of the first gas stoves which had 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. It took 60 years to come around before electric ovens were introduced depending on the speed of the introduction of electricity to households.
In the US, they're known as toaster ovens. In Britain they're referred to as hobs. However the term "oven" is used more broadly to describe any kind of oven that utilizes any heat source other than an open fire or a metal cauldron. There are a myriad of kinds of ovens on the market in the present. You can find one to do whatever you need to from grilling to baking to steaming.
There are many options available to meet the needs of every budget and taste whether you're in the market for 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 fail from time to time and that's the reason why we are here. We can assist you if you need to repair your oven or replace a component. Call us, or contact us online.
Technology
There is a broad range of oven technologies. For instance, many ovens 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 when you're baking.
Certain ovens can be controlled remotely through an app. This is especially helpful if you're busy or want to prepare dinner when you get home from work.
There are also multicooking techniques available that let you cook with traditional, microwave and steam in the same oven. You can get professional results faster, like perfectly roasted potatoes or even a whole chicken*. It can even help you cut down on your energy use by up to 50%. This type of technology is often referred to as"multicooker", but we prefer the term "multicooker" however we believe that the term "gourmet" is an accurate description!
Energy efficiency
Ovens are a vital part 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 a new oven it's important to select one that will meet all our needs for cooking while being energy efficient as well.
Owing to the rise in electricity costs, it's more important than ever to consider how much an oven will cost to operate. It is important to verify the energy rating on each oven's page. You want an oven with an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help reduce your household expenses.
While you're looking at 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, choose models that have self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can get to temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off food spills which will help you avoid the need to clean your oven regularly.
Other features worth looking out for are the option of a child lock that stops children from operating the appliance, and a minute minder, which allows you to set a predetermined duration for cooking. Some ovens also have smart technology that let you connect to a smartphone app and control it remotely should you wish.
According to Uswitch an electric oven costs about 17p per hour. It's therefore crucial to select the right model for your home to reduce your energy costs. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also consume significantly less energy than ovens.
Another method to reduce your energy use when cooking is to ensure that your oven is protected. This can be done by fitting a reflective insulation sheet on the hood of your cooker that will reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will reduce your energy bills, as your oven won't need to perform as hard to maintain the same temperature.
Cooking options
Depending on how often you cook and what recipes you like, your oven could have a range of specialist functions that you prepare food. Some of these settings include bread proofing which creates an environment warm and controlled that allows dough to rise. Or lower heat settings to ensure the consistency of your cooking and gentle cooking. Some of them also have rapid heat settings that allow you to achieve temperatures quicker and are ideal for those who are in a hurry.
Certain ovens have the option of defrosting that utilizes low temperatures to slowly melt frozen food without cooking it, saving you time and money. You can also use the Interior Light feature to observe what's cooking. The Reheat function helps keep hot foods at lower temperatures, so that they don't get dry or overcooked.
When you think about the different kinds of food items you can prepare using an oven, it's clear that it's a crucial kitchen appliance that is essential to any home. If you're looking to get the most out of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with all its functions.
If you are making traditional roast, it is recommended that you select the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crisp and well-cooked. If you're planning to grill meat, the Grill mode will result in juicy and delicious steaks.
Ovens have a variety of accessories built in like racks and trays. They also come with telescopic runs for shelves. There are ovens that come with additional features like a warming drawer or small steam ovens that provide a healthy alternative to conventional baking, increasing the nutritional value and removing unhealthy additives.
Stand-alone ovens on the other hand, tend to come with fewer built-in features and are available in smaller sizes. They are smaller than cookers. Their capacities vary from 30 to forty litres. Some models come with larger capacities. These are better suited for homes with limited space or for those who don't have cooking on the hob often. They also offer a range of cooking options, like a pizza stone tray which creates crispy crusts, and a perforated tray that is ideal for steaming vegetables.