Have you ever wondered how a single appliance can help you fry, bake, broil, and roast? The technology is rapidly evolving, and so are kitchen appliances. With the introduction of the oven, you can prepare delicious meals without switching appliances with minimal fuss.
Using advanced convection technology, it can fry, bake, broil, and roast without using too much oil. No wonder it is considered the best option in the modern kitchen, where “healthy cooking” is the motto. This blog discusses what an oven is, how it works, and its alternatives!
How Do Ovens Work?
The oven is one of the most important appliances found in almost every household. This is because of their ability to fry, bake, broil, and even roast foods. There are several types of ovens available with a varying range of heat and other settings that you may prefer. Here are some of the oven types and how they work -
Convection Oven
They have a built-in fan to circulate hot air and minimize moisture in the oven. They promote even heat distribution and reduce surface moisture. This results in consistent cooking, especially when you are using multiple racks. It also helps you achieve crisp and caramelized food with tender insides. Some convection ovens also feature a third heating element behind the oven cavity, known as true or European convection.
Gas Oven
Gas stoves, ranges, and ovens use an open flame both inside the oven and on the stovetop, which helps in quick heating. They usually generate heat using propane or natural gas and offer precise temperature control, which makes them best for accurate cooking. Gas ovens do not require a dedicated gas line and can be installed with the help of a professional.
Electric Oven
Electric ranges, wall ovens, and countertop ovens have two heating elements - a lower baking element for general cooking and an upper broil element for a high-heat task like searing, toasting, or melting. Electric heat is drier than gas, which makes it perfect for crisping bread or browning meats or vegetables.
Air Fryer Oven
An air fryer can be used as a separate countertop appliance or be built into ovens and ranges. It uses rapid air circulation to help cook food with minimal oil, which makes the food crispier. It relies on a fan to move hot air around food placed on a perforated basket or tray, which allows all sides to crisp evenly.
Steam Oven
A steam oven circulates the steam instead of hot air through the oven cavity. It heats the water in a reservoir and then fills the oven with moist heat. Since steam transfers heat more efficiently, it cooks food quickly while preserving moisture. However, a steam oven does not brown or crisp food.
What Are Some of the Best Alternatives for Ovens?
Here are some alternatives for ovens that work the best -
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Microwave: Microwaves can quickly heat food. They can be used to reheat, boil, melt, steam, grill, bake, roast, etc.
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Countertop Ovens: These are compact versions of a wall oven with similar functions. Some countertop ovens have advanced features and settings that allow you to use them for various purposes.
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Toaster Ovens: Toaster ovens are smaller and have a limited range of settings. They can be used for toasting or reheating food. It can also be used for roasting, baking, broiling, etc.
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Cooktops: You can cook your favorite food even without an oven. You can use a Dutch oven, skillet, or any other cooktop-safe cookware. You can even use a stovetop griddle as an alternative way to cook familiar dishes.
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Slow Cookers: They are a great alternative to your ovens and can be used to make soups, roasts, and stews.
Can an Oven Help to Dry Food?
Yes, a vacuum oven can help dry foods by reducing pressure. But the best alternative to a vacuum oven is a home freeze dryer. It preserves the nutritional content of perishable food by drying it at low temperatures. Freeze-drying the food keeps it fresh for a longer period of time, as the food can rehydrate quickly and retain its original shape, texture, and flavor.
However, they are more energy-intensive as they require more energy to reach extremely low temperatures. It also dries slower than a vacuum oven but ensures that the food is preserved properly.
