History of ovens

Brick Oven

Jan 1, 1490

the first oven in history was recorded in France, made of brick and tile.

Iron Stove/Oven

Jan 1, 1735

The French Oven was invented. The French Oven is also referred to as the Scottish Oven or the White Oven. The French Oven had a rectangular base where the fire was held and a dome on top where the food was kept. It was the first introduction to baking using indirect heat. This is also the reason it is often referred to as a White Oven. Because there is no fire in the chamber with the food, it was the first oven stay (for the most part) burn mark free and ash free.

Cast Iron Stoves and Ovens

1800

Due to the higher availability of metal during the industrial revolution, its use in manufacturing cast iron stoves and ovens was almost a no-brainer. It was cheaper and easier to construct than a French oven and it baked much faster. Coal was also introduced to the oven which provided a more consistent temperature for baking as well as the ability to cook for a longer period of time without the worry of maintaining a fire with wood.

Gas Ovens

1920

By the 1920’s gas had been introduced into the oven-making process and most homes were equipped with them

Electric Ovens

1930

Electric powered ovens began to compete with gas-powered ovens and the battle wears on into today.

Microwave Oven

1967

An engineer for the Raytheon Corporation, Percy LeBaron Spencer, was doing research on microwave-producing magnetrons when he discovered that the candy bar in his pocket had melted. He experimented further with microwave radiation and realized that it could cook food more quickly than through the application of heat. Eight years later, the company produced its first commercial microwave oven; its Amana division released the first domestic version in 1967.

Range Oven

1995

Range ovens were created to accommodate large families.