Ovens how to choose what functions are

Let's talk about such an indispensable appliance in the kitchen as an oven. Someone may argue that life is great without an oven, but we are sure that it is definitely necessary in most kitchens, as it allows you to significantly diversify the choice of dishes.

There are many manufacturers of ovens, perhaps the most popular ovens are Bosch, Electrolux, Ariston and for good reason, but we will talk about the general principles for choosing an oven for the kitchen. What to look for, which features will be useful, and which ones you can save on.

Immediately make a reservation that we are considering electric ovens. Of course, gas ovens exist and are also useful, and even more economical, but they have several significant disadvantages, which excluded their review from our article:

• open fire – well, firstly, it is always more dangerous and requires careful handling, and secondly, it gives less room to regulate the temperature. You will not be able to cook at low temperatures, and also set the exact temperature if the recipe requires it.
• lack of convection – we have met gas ovens with the possibility of convection, but it is not implemented very well and there is a high probability of blowing out the flame during cooking.

Dependent and independent ovens

Dependent ovens are ovens that come with a hob and have a common control system. They can be integrated with the hob (freestanding stove) or built-in, but they still have to be placed one under the other.

On the plus side, dependent kits are usually cheaper than buying independent devices. They are easier to connect (one outlet instead of two).

Independent ovens do not depend on the hob in any way. You can buy an oven of a different brand than the cooktop, and you can also place it where you like, for example, at eye level in a vertical cabinet. You also have more choice of hob, for example, if you do not need four burners, you can choose a two or three burner hob. Use a gas or mixed hob.

Dimensions

The standard oven measures 60 x 60 x 56 cm, making it easy to fit into any standard kitchen cabinet. However, there are other options.

So, if you are limited in space, then a narrow oven with a width of 45 cm is suitable for you. You can also consider an oven with a microwave function, such devices are only 38 cm high and will replace two kitchen units at once.

For owners of a large kitchen and outstanding culinary talents, there are 90 cm wide ovens. Often these ovens have two independent compartments.

When choosing a standard width oven, still pay attention to the volume indicated by the manufacturer. It can vary from 50 to 68 liters, and this is quite a noticeable difference.

Convection

The convection function of the fan, which creates the movement of hot air and allows you to cook some dishes faster, provides an even distribution of hot air and the ability to cook several dishes at the same time on different levels of the oven, while providing each with a crispy crust.

The function is undoubtedly useful, but you should not use it when baking from yeast dough and with caution when baking meat and fish dishes, as it can dry out food.

When cooking meat or fish, you can turn on this function at the very beginning for a short time and at a slightly elevated temperature, as soon as the crust is formed, turn it off and cook in the standard mode. So the dishes will look appetizing and at the same time will not lose their juiciness, and often turn out even more juicy.

Grill

The grill function is a heating element at the top of the oven that can heat it up to 250-300 degrees. It can be used as a home grill – fry skewers, bake vegetables or cook a steak. Some models even have a spit.

Pair function

During cooking, you pour water into a special compartment or recess at the bottom of the oven. Baking with steam, you will get more juicy dishes. The dough rises and bakes better. If you follow a healthy diet, then you can use it as a double boiler and get meals with maximum benefit.

defrosting

We think everything is clear here, it allows you to quickly and gently defrost food.

Microwave function

We already wrote that there are models with microwave oven functions. These models can be compact or full size. You can use the microwave function both separately and in conjunction with the functions of the oven.

It should be borne in mind that such ovens require more power, pay attention to this when connecting.

Low temperature function

This is a function of heating and maintaining a low temperature. Required when fermenting yogurt or drying vegetables and mushrooms, and can also keep the temperature of the dish, for example, before the arrival of guests.

Useful extras

Telescopic rails

A useful addition to the appliance will be telescopic guides, they allow you to extend the baking sheet and, without holding it, perform the necessary manipulations, for example, salt or sprinkle with cheese.

Thermometer

If you are a steak lover, it will help determine the degree of roasting. Also useful when roasting large pieces of meat (lamb leg) or whole poultry. With it, you can check if the dish is baked inside.

Self-cleaning system

Makes it easier for you to take care of your device. There are several types:

• hydrolysis, or steam cleaning. It is necessary to pour water into a baking sheet, put it on the lower level and set the temperature to 100 degrees (or according to the instructions), open it after a certain time, wipe the oven with a rag, all soot should easily move away.
• the catalytic cleaning system works right during cooking. Thanks to the special coating on the walls, the fat breaks down into carbons and water at a temperature and is easily cleaned off, however, the glass and guides will have to be cleaned separately
• pyrolytic system, this is heating to a very high temperature (500 degrees), during operation the door is usually blocked to avoid burns. During heating, the plaque turns into ashes and is simply removed with a napkin after the device cools down. The trays and guides usually need to be removed before cleaning and will need to be cleaned yourself.

Nice extras

Removable glass on the door greatly simplifies its cleaning.

The glass cooling system will help protect against accidental burns, especially if you have children.

The timer will help you keep track of the cooking time.

Built-in programs allow you to set a special mode with one touch, for example, for baking or pizza. Some ovens themselves will select not only the required temperature and mode, but also the time depending on the weight of the dish.

We have listed the main functions of ovens, we hope this will help you with the choice.