Welcome to the world of British cuisine, where the kitchen is the heart of the home and where culinary masterpieces are created. The kitchen is a space where you can express your creativity, inventiveness and taste. To achieve this, your kitchen needs to be equipped with the best appliances. Which ones, you ask? We’re here to share our insights on the most crucial appliances for your British cuisine journey, all of which can be found on your doorstep, right here in the UK.
The Heart of the Kitchen: The Oven
When you think of traditional British food, you might conjure images of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, pies, and hearty stews. These are all dishes that require an oven, making it one of the most important appliances for cooking British food.
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Ovens in the UK are designed with British cuisine in mind. They offer a wide range of features that cater to different cooking styles and needs, which makes them perfect for cooking traditional British food. These include fan-assisted ovens which provide an even heat distribution, perfect for achieving a uniform brown on your Sunday roast.
When looking to buy an oven, opt for energy-efficient options. This will not only save you money on your energy bills but also contribute to a greener environment. A self-cleaning feature is another aspect to consider, as it can save you time and effort, making the cleaning process a breeze.
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British-made ovens such as AGA, Rangemaster and Neff are renowned for their high-quality design and functionality. They offer a variety of styles, sizes and colours to cater to different tastes and kitchen sizes, making them a staple in many British kitchens.
The Best Friend of the Busy Cook: The Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is another must-have appliance for cooking traditional British food. Slow cookers are designed to retain moisture while cooking, which is perfect for preparing hearty stews, casseroles and slow-roasted meats – all staples of British cuisine.
Like ovens, slow cookers should also be energy efficient. A slow cooker uses less energy than an oven, making it a more eco-friendly choice for cooking.
UK brands like Morphy Richards and Crock-Pot manufacture high-quality slow cookers that are not only energy-efficient but also offer a range of features such as adjustable temperature settings and timers. These features provide you with more control over the cooking process and make the appliance easier to use.
The Versatile Appliance: The Air Fryer
In recent years, the air fryer has gained popularity for its ability to create crispy foods without the excessive use of oil. This appliance circulates hot air around the food to cook and crisp it, making it an excellent choice for cooking traditional British foods like fish and chips.
Air fryers are also known for their fast cooking times and energy efficiency. They use less energy than conventional ovens and can cook food in a shorter amount of time.
Popular UK brands for air fryers include Tefal and Philips. They offer air fryers with features such as adjustable temperature control, automatic shut-off and a variety of cooking modes.
The Essential: The Cookware
While not technically an appliance, cookware is an essential part of any kitchen and can significantly impact the food you cook. When it comes to traditional British foods, certain types of cookware can enhance the cooking process and the final result.
Cast iron cookware, for example, is excellent for cooking many traditional British dishes. It retains heat well, providing even cooking and a steady simmer for stews and casseroles.
UK brands like Le Creuset are known for their high-quality cast iron cookware. They provide a range of colours to match any kitchen design and their pieces are renowned for their durability and performance.
The Wizard of the Kitchen: The Food Processor
The food processor is a versatile appliance that can save you time and effort in the kitchen. It can chop, slice, grate, and puree, making it ideal for preparing ingredients for traditional British dishes like shepherd’s pie or cauliflower cheese.
UK brands such as Kenwood and Russell Hobbs offer top-notch food processors with a variety of attachments and features. This flexibility makes them an excellent addition to any kitchen.
In the end, cooking is a journey, and having the right kitchen appliances can make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, investing in high-quality, British-made appliances can enhance your cooking experience and help you create mouthwatering traditional British dishes.
The Must-Have: The Sous Vide
When one thinks of British cuisine, perfectly cooked meats and delicate flavours come to mind. This is where the sous vide comes in. Originally a French cooking technique, the sous vide has been embraced by the English kitchen for its precision and consistency.
Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing food in a bag, then cooking it to a very precise temperature in a water bath. This technique is perfect for achieving a uniform cook on meats, poultry, and fish.
What’s more, sous vide cooking allows for better retention of nutrients and flavours. So, your roast beef or leg of lamb will come out tasting more delicious and flavourful than ever.
UK appliance brands like Instant Pot and Russell Hobbs offer sous vide machines that have adjustable temperature settings for precision cooking. They also come equipped with timers, so you can set it and forget it.
A sous vide machine with a good energy rating will ensure you’re not only cooking delicious food but also saving on energy costs. Energy efficiency is a key consideration when selecting your sous vide machine, making an energy-efficient sous vide an ideal addition to your English kitchen.
The All-Rounder: The Multicooker
A multicooker is a multi-purpose, versatile kitchen appliance that combines several cooking functions into one. It can sauté, steam, slow cook, and even make yoghurt.
In the context of traditional British cuisine, a multicooker can be used for everything from steaming puddings to slow cooking a pot roast. The steam cooking function is particularly useful for preserving the nutrients in vegetables, making your meals healthier.
Multicookers come in varying capacity litres, which gives you the flexibility to cook meals of different sizes. When purchasing a multicooker, consider one with an energy rating A or higher, as these models are more energy-efficient.
Brands like Instant Pot and Morphy Richards are known for their high-quality multicookers. Other noteworthy features include stainless steel pots for durability, keep warm functions, and the ability to delay the start of cooking.
Conclusion: Selecting the Best for Your British Kitchen
In this article, we have explored a variety of kitchen appliances that are perfect for making traditional British cuisine. From the heart of the kitchen, the oven, to a sous vide for precision cooking, the choices are endless.
Remember to consider factors such as energy efficiency, capacity litres, and features when making your decision. A high-quality, energy-efficient appliance not only saves on energy costs but also contributes to a greener environment.
Also, keep your kitchen design in mind. Whether it’s a stainless steel look you’re after or a pop of colour, many UK brands offer appliances in a range of styles to fit every English kitchen.
Cooking is an art, and having the right kitchen appliances can help bring your culinary creations to life. So, go ahead, equip your kitchen with the best oven, multicooker, or sous vide machine, and enjoy the journey of cooking traditional British food.
Whether it’s a Sunday roast or a hearty stew, these appliances will have you cooking like a true British chef. So, let’s get cooking, shall we?
