If I could only choose one way of cooking among the hob, oven, slow cooker, or microwave, I would choose the oven. The oven is an incredibly versatile cooking appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks and techniques, making it a valuable and indispensable tool in the kitchen.
Here are some reasons why I would choose the oven:
Versatility: The oven allows you to bake, roast, broil, grill, and even slow cook with the right settings. From baking bread and cakes to roasting vegetables and meats, the oven covers a wide array of cooking methods.
Even Cooking: Ovens provide consistent and even heating, ensuring that food cooks uniformly, reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking certain parts.
Retains Flavor and Texture: Baking and roasting in the oven can help seal in the flavors and retain the natural textures of the food, resulting in delicious and flavorful dishes.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once you place the food in the oven and set the temperature and time, you can largely leave it alone, freeing you up to attend to other tasks in the kitchen.
Cooking for Larger Groups: Ovens are suitable for cooking larger quantities of food, making them ideal for family gatherings, parties, or meal prep.
Energy Efficiency: While ovens do consume electricity or gas, they can be relatively energy-efficient when used efficiently, especially when compared to some other cooking methods.
Ability to Use Cookware: Ovens can accommodate various types of cookware, including baking dishes, roasting pans, and casseroles, allowing for a wide range of cooking possibilities.
While the other methods you mentioned (hob, slow cooker, microwave) also have their advantages and are great for specific tasks, the oven's versatility and ability to handle a wide variety of cooking techniques make it my top choice if I could only have one method of cooking.