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Cooking appliance myths debunked
Need some help separating fact from fiction? We’ve got all the real answers you need to shop with confidence.
When it comes to shopping for a new appliance, it’s hard to know which advice to trust. Does opening the oven door ruin your meals and is an induction hob really cheaper to run than gas? We’re here to bust all the myths that are floating around, so you know how to get the most out of your new appliance, no matter what.
Do induction hobs use more energy than gas?
While induction hobs use electricity, which is more expensive than gas per unit, they’re often the most efficient option. That’s because gas hobs use a flame that heats the pan and the air around it, while induction sends heat directly to the base, which converts around 85-90% of the energy it uses straight into cooking. That means there’s hardly any wasted energy with induction, so if you’re after a hob that’s incredibly efficient, you can’t beat induction.
Are range cookers worth it?
For keen cooks and big families, a range cooker's definitely worth thinking about. With multiple ovens and up to 8 burners or zones, they give you loads of space to cook large meals or several dishes at once. Since they take up more room than a typical oven and hob, as well as costing more to buy and run, it’s a big decision to make. But if you’ve got the space and the budget, the extra flexibility they give you makes them well worth the investment.
Is a double oven always better than a single oven?
It really depends on what you’re after. Double oven give you loads of flexibility, with 2 cavities to cook at different temperatures at once as well as a grill setting on the top half. It’s perfect for big families or making multiple meals.
One downside to double ovens is that they don’t always match single models for smart features. Steam cooking, meat probes, self-cleaning programmes, and smart connectivity are more common in single ovens. If you’ve got the space, you could always install 2 singles side-by-side to balance tech and capacity. Otherwise, a standard double oven is a practical choice for multi-meal cooking in a single unit.
Do fan ovens really cook faster?
Fan ovens cook much quicker than traditional conventional ovens since they circulate hot air around the whole cavity, doing away with cold spots and helping food cook evenly. That means you can usually reduce cooking temperatures by around 20°C, which saves a bit of energy too.
For the best performance, keep your oven clean. Grease and food buildups can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, increase cooking times, and make food cook unevenly. So, it’s well worth staying on top of it.
Does opening the oven door ruin your food?
It depends on what you’re cooking. For delicate dishes like cakes or soufflés, opening the oven door can make them collapse disaster. But for most dishes, like a roast, taking a quick peek won’t ruin the meal. However, it lets hot air escape which makes the overall temperature drop. That means it might take a bit longer to cook, and the oven will have to work harder to get back to temperature.
For consistent results and efficient cooking, try to keep the door closed as much as possible. Use your oven light and check on food through the glass door instead there’s a good excuse to keep the glass spotless too.
Can you use any pan on an induction hob?
Induction hobs only work with compatible cookware. Check the base of your pan for a coil symbol. This means it’s induction ready. If you suspect it’s compatible but doesn’t have a clear symbol, try popping a magnet to the base. If it sticks, the pan should work on an induction hob.
Don’t worry about using a non-compatible pan though, it won’t damage your hob. Some newer models will beep or flash a light to show you it’s not working, but not all models do this so it not heating up will be the most obvious sign.
Are gas hobs better than induction hobs?
The best hob for your cooking style is completely up to you. Gas hob deliver instant heat and precise flame control, which lots of people prefer. They’re especially good for stir-fries and similar dishes. However, they are less efficient than induction models since heat can escape up the side of the pan.
Induction hobs use magnetic technology to directly heat the base of the pan, so very little energy is lost. It also makes them faster and incredibly good at maintaining consistent temperatures. So, they’re better for delicate tasks, like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. They’re also incredibly safe as the hob surface stays cooler and goes completely cold quicker after you’ve finished cooking. And if you need another reason to switch to induction, the smooth glass surface is the easiest to clean.
Ultimately, induction makes the best all-arounder for most homes, while gas is still popular for those who prefer cooking with a visible flame and traditional heat control.
Do bigger ovens cost more to run?
Bigger ovens use more energy to heat up since they have a larger space to fill with hot air. But once they’re up to temperature, a well-insulated large oven doesn’t use loads of energy to stay hot. So, for long cooking sessions, they’re not overly expensive.
The running costs of any oven depend on how often you use it, how long you cook for, and the oven’s energy efficiency rating. So, while a larger model might use more overall, if you choose one with a high energy rating, you can get the best value for money on running costs.
For the best of both worlds, look out for models with splitters. They separate the oven into 2, so you don’t have to heat the full space if you’re only making a batch of chips or a quick meal for 1.
Are self-cleaning ovens worth it?
If you dread the big oven scrub, a self-cleaning model is worth the cost. Run the programme regularly to avoid big buildups of grease and food, and you won’t have to spend time dealing with a big job yourself.
Pyrolytic ovens use temperatures as high as 500°C to burn any spills to ash, so you only need to wipe away the residue. Hydrolytic models use steam to soften any dirt, so it just wipes away afterwards. And then there are catalytic models, which are lined with a material that absorbs and breaks down grease while you’re cooking, so it’s harder for splashes to stick and burn on. And hydrolytic ovens
While self-cleaning cycles use more energy, loads of people think the convenience is worth the cost. They can save you lots of time and effort, as well as reducing the need for harsh chemicals. If you want the benefit without the running cost, catalytic liners are a good middle ground.
Do new cooking appliances really save money?
Getting a new appliance can save money on the running costs, especially if you’ve got a really old appliance. That’s because newer models are held to stricter efficiency standards and benefit from advances in heating technology. If you’re replacing a model that’s 15 years old for a newer A-rated option, it can use up to 30% less energy for the same tasks. Of course, this depends on the appliance, how often you use it, and its energy rating.
Now you’ve got all the facts, you can confidently choose the right appliance for your home and cooking style without getting bogged down figuring out what’s right and what’s nonsense. Happy cooking!
