The modern oven is an appliance that is almost a necessity in every household. However, the keyword there is “modern.” People didn’t have these modern ovens in the olden days, so then what did they use to bake their goods? They used many different oven alternatives or substitutes, and their food actually turned out great! Cast-iron ovens came into being around 1728. An architect by the name of François de Cuvilliés came up with the first enclosed oven, which was known as the Castrol stove.
You might not always have the monetary means available to buy these ovens. You might not even always have access to gas and electricity. Or, you might even be looking for survival options. People often have the question of “how to bake a cake without an oven?” or “how to make cookies without an oven?” Here are a few options that you can explore.
Baking Without an Oven
Experimenting with different baking methods that don’t really require you to have an oven can actually be very exciting. This is especially true if you’re someone who loves to cook and experiment with new things. People have been baking bread from the beginning of times, even before electricity was invented. So how did they do that? There are many methods that you can use to bake without an oven.
Baking in Dutch Ovens
This is a great oven alternative that you can use. It makes use of heavy gauge cooking pots with tight lids on top. These are definitely all-purpose cookware that can help you cook by way of providing constant directional heat to the food that is being cooked inside. Dutch ovens have been in existence since primitive times since they are extremely easy to use. Whether you want to make soup, roast something, or make different types of bread, all of it can be done easily using a Dutch oven.
The best part is that Dutch ovens are really cheap. Many Dutch oven users suggest using charcoal briquettes since you can control the temperature in a much better way using these.
An Earthen Oven
This type of oven has been in use ever since the 1800s and is still very popular today. All you need is mud and clay to make this type of oven. It may look more like a poor man’s pizza oven due to its simplistic nature, but don’t let those simplistic looks fool you.
You can bake all kinds of bread, pizza, casseroles, and a lot more using this type of oven. All you need to make this kind of over are basic things like sand, clay, straw, paper, bricks, a canvas tarp, and water.
Solar Oven
As the name suggests, solar ovens are powered solely by the sun. Reflective, lightweight material is used in the construction of these ovens. For those who are looking for an economical yet efficient tool for baking, this is definitely what you’re looking for!
In situations where electricity is unavailable, and people are looking for minimalist survival options, a solar oven is the best thing to use. All kinds of bread and soup can be made using this oven. You can simply make this oven using a pizza box and aluminum foil. Yes, that’s how easy it is!
Brick Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
We all love wood-fired pizza, right? The best part about a brick wood-fired oven is that it can reach a very high temperature and can distribute the heat evenly. That is why wood-fired pizzas always taste so good. This oven is made using bricks and cement and is mostly constructed in outdoor spaces.
Due to the fact that it is based on uncomplicated technology, you can literally just get one of these made for yourself, and it will last you for a very long time – no electricity or power supply required. The aroma of the wood adds that extra oomph to your pizzas and ensure that they taste mouthwateringly delicious.
Tandoor Oven
You can cook really delicious Middle Eastern food like kebabs and naan bread if you make use of a Tandoor oven. Tandoor ovens are easy to assemble. You can literally get done with making this in an hour.
These ovens are made using clay and any insulating material like mud or concrete. They are cylindrical in shape and are curved inwards. This allows the heat to be concentrated on whatever is kept in the center of these ovens. The top opening is clear to allow for adequate ventilation. Flatbreads turn out extremely delicious if they’re made in these ovens.
Stovetop Baking
All you need for stovetop baking is a big piece of cookware with a tight lid on top. Yes, that is how simple it is! You just need to put that on the stove and then place your baking tray inside that the pot. The heat from your cooking pot will warm up the contents in the baking tray, and you will see great results.
One risk of using this type of oven is the risk of burning whatever is inside the baking tray. The idea of an oven is to bake something. If too much heat transfers from the pot to the baking tray, the food inside the tray might burn, which is not what you want.
The best thing you can do is to add space between your pot and your baking tray. This will ensure that the contents don’t overheat. The hot air that circulates inside will work its magic.
Can You Bake With an Induction Cooktop?
An induction cooktop is one that works by way of electromagnetism to heat the cookware. The hotplates make use of electric heating using the induction process of heat transfer. This way, you can heat up your cookware by making changes to the temperature just as you desire. Of course, you need to make sure that your cookware is compatible; you can make use of cast iron or stainless steel so that it doesn’t stick to the surface of the cooktop.
You can perfect cooktop baking by experimenting with it. People often complain that they get burned bases by using these. You need to make sure that you cook at the desired temperature to get the best results.
Conclusion
With so many alternatives to baking without an oven, there are many options for you to explore and find which one suits you best. If you love cooking, then this will definitely be something that you enjoy doing.
