Today’s kitchen appliances are not just about baking and roasting; they are a blend of innovation and convenience, designed to enhance your cooking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the culinary world, understanding the various features of contemporary ovens can significantly elevate your cooking game.
In the points below, we’ll explore some top oven features that you might not have realised you needed!
1. Precision Temperature Control
Forget the days of guesswork and constantly checking your oven – modern ovens come with precision temperature control, allowing you to set the exact temperature you need for your dish. This means your recipes turn out just the way you want, every time.
2. Self-Cleaning Technology
Cleaning ovens can be a tedious task, but not anymore. Many contemporary ovens are equipped with self-cleaning technology – this feature heats the oven to a high temperature to burn off food residue, turning it into ash that you can easily wipe away.
3. Smart Connectivity
In the age of smart technology, ovens are not left behind – Wi-Fi-enabled ovens can be controlled remotely via your smartphone. Preheat your oven on your way home or adjust settings from another room, all with a few taps on your phone.
4. Steam Cooking
Steam ovens are a game-changer, especially for health-conscious cooks. These nifty appliances use steam to cook food, retaining more nutrients and flavour compared to traditional baking or roasting. It’s perfect for vegetables, fish, and even desserts.
5. Convection Cooking
Convection ovens are not a new concept, but their benefits continue to make them a popular choice. They use a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air around the food, leading to faster and more even cooking.
6. Combination Cooking – Combi vs Convection Oven
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Combination ovens, or “combi ovens”, offer the best of both worlds: they combine the features of a convection oven with steam cooking. This versatility allows you to roast, steam, bake, and even smoke food, all in one appliance.
7. Sabbath Mode
This is a unique feature designed for those observing the Sabbath. It allows users to disable certain features of the oven in accordance with religious requirements, such as automatic shut-off.
8. Integrated Temperature Probes
Say goodbye to overcooked roasts. Ovens with integrated temperature probes let you monitor the internal temperature of your meat, ensuring perfect cooking every time without having to open the oven door.
9. Specialised Cooking Modes
Modern ovens come with a variety of pre-programmed cooking modes for specific foods or cooking techniques. Whether you’re baking bread, dehydrating fruits, or slow cooking a stew, these modes adjust the oven’s settings to suit your dish.
10. Slide and Hide Doors
A feature that’s both stylish and functional – slide and hide doors are perfect for small kitchens, as they neatly tuck away, providing better access to the oven cavity and reducing the risk of burns.
In conclusion, the evolution of oven technology has brought forward features that not only simplify cooking but also enhance the quality of your dishes. Whether it’s the versatility of a combi oven or the precision of a temperature probe, these features are designed to cater to a variety of cooking styles and needs. Remember, the right oven can change the way you cook and open the door to culinary creativity and convenience. Happy cooking!