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How to Choose an Oven That Meets Your Cooking Needs Over the years ovens have been constantly improving in terms of design and functionality. For instance you can now find ovens that self-clean their liner. These lines heat the interior of the oven, which is helpful to clean. Certain models also come with an automatic timer that can be set independently of cooking functions. History Since humans have been around we have used fire to keep warm and to cook food. It was not until 1490 that the first oven built specifically for use was discovered, built in France from bricks and featuring an apron where cauldrons made of metal could be positioned. This new oven was a huge improvement over the open flames of a fireplace where cooking was typically carried out in large metal pots hung above the fireplace, 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 continued to improve throughout the ages. In the 1800s, large brick hearths with a brick-oven were constructed, and metal cauldrons were hung above to cook. It took another two years before the first practical coal oven was created in 1833. This was then followed by the first gas stoves that had top burners and internal ovens. 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 referred to as toaster-ovens and in Britain they're referred to as hobs. However the term “oven” is used more broadly for any type of oven that makes use of a heat source other than an open flame or a cauldron made of metal. Today, there are a variety of different types of ovens and it is possible to find one that does nearly everything you'd like to bake to grilling, frying or steaming. There are plenty of more tips here to meet all budgets and tastes, whether you're interested in a wood-fired Aga or a double walled oven. But, like the ovens of the past, they aren't impervious to damage and can be damaged at times – which is where we come in. We can help you if you need to fix your oven or replace a component. Call us or email us. Technology Ovens are available in a range of technologies. Many ovens have fan assisted. This is because, as well as the oven component heating up the food, there's an air-flow fan that distributes the hot air in the oven's cavity to ensure all food is cooked evenly. This is especially helpful when baking. Similarly, some ovens are smart which means that they can be controlled remotely using an app. This is especially helpful when you're busy or you want your dinner to be ready when you get in from work. Multicooking technology is also accessible that lets you cook traditional food microwave, steam or even microwave within the same appliance. This can help you achieve professional results in a shorter amount of time, such as perfect roast potatoes or a chicken*. It could even allow you to reduce your energy use by as much as 50 percent. 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 many UK kitchens. They are used for baking, roasting and even to make some of our most loved desserts. When you're looking to buy a new oven it's important to find the right one that meets all of our cooking requirements while remaining energy efficient too. Due to the rising the cost of electricity, it's more important than ever before to think about how much an oven will cost to run. It's important to check the energy rating on each oven's page. You want an oven that has an energy rating of A+ or higher, as this will help lower your monthly expenses. While you're looking at the energy efficiency, you should also consider what additional features are available. If you're looking to cut down on time cleaning the oven, for instance, select an oven that comes with self-cleaning capabilities. This means the oven can reach temperatures of 400-500 degrees Celsius and then burn off any food spillages and will eliminate the need to clean your oven on a regular basis. Other functions worth checking for are the child lock, which will stop children from operating the appliance and the minute minder feature, which allows you to set a certain time limit for your cooking. Some ovens can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. According to Uswitch, an electric oven can cost around 17p per hour of use It's therefore essential to choose the right oven for your home if are looking to lower your energy costs. Other appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves also use significantly less energy than ovens. Another method to cut down on your energy use when cooking is to ensure that your oven is properly insulated. You can do this by putting an insulation sheet that is reflective behind your cooker hood, which will help to reflect heat back into the oven cavity. This will lower your energy costs, since your oven won't need to be as active to keep the same temperature. Cooking options Depending on how often you cook and the recipes you like the most, your oven may have various functions to in the preparation of food. Some of these functions include bread proofing which creates a warm, controlled environment that encourages dough to rise. Also, bottom heat settings to ensure uniformity and gentle cooking. Some models offer rapid heat settings that allow you to reach temperatures quicker, which is ideal for those in a hurry. Some ovens have a defrost function that uses low heat to gradually thaw frozen foods without cooking them, thereby saving time and money. Other options, such as the Interior Light function lets you see your food while baking and the Reheat mode keeps hot food at the lower temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking. It's obvious that an oven is a very important kitchen appliance. If you're planning to make the most of your oven, you should familiarise yourself with the functions of your oven. If you're making a traditional roast, it's recommended to use the Conventional setting to ensure that it comes out crispy and well-cooked. If you plan to grill meat in the Grill mode, it will result in juicy and delicious steaks. Ovens typically have a range of built-in accessories like racks, trays, and a shelf with a telescopic run. There are also models that come with additional features like warming drawers or a compact steam oven that offers an alternative to traditional baking, increasing the nutrients and removing harmful additives. Stand-alone models, on contrary are smaller and have fewer features. They also come in smaller sizes. Generally, they're smaller than cookers, and be able to hold 30-40 litres, although some are larger. They're ideal for those with a small space or for those who don't do much hob cooking. There are some that have multiple cooking options, including pizza stones that produce crisp crusts and an insulated plate for steaming vegetables.