How to choose the right electric oven

Dependent or independent

All models of modern ovens can be roughly divided into two categories, namely dependent and independent. In the first case, the oven is a built-in set and can function exclusively in tandem with the hob, having a common control panel for two devices. In fact, dependent models are a more modern analogue of the usual kitchen stove, but with more advanced functionality.

As for independent ovens, they can be installed almost anywhere in the kitchen, regardless of the location of the hob. Most buyers give their preference to just such models, since their installation does not imply any restrictions that affect the comfort and efficiency in the cooking process. In addition, the free space can be used to install other household appliances or, for example, additional cabinets for storing kitchen utensils.

Types of oven cleaning

After all the culinary masterpieces are cooked and eaten, you need to take care of cleaning the inner chamber. Previously, this had to be done manually, and cleaning was quite laborious and time-consuming. Manufacturers have taken this nuance into account and have developed special systems for cleaning ovens, thanks to which human intervention is virtually minimized.

Pyrolytic

Pyrolytic cleaning is considered the most powerful and effective. In the process of pyrolysis under the influence of high temperature (about 500 ° C), food residues and fat are burned to the state of ash, you do not have to additionally clean the surface of the chamber after completing the procedure

But when buying an oven, it is worth considering that pyrolytic cleaning puts a lot of stress on the network, so it is important to take care of the excellent condition of the wiring. And do not worry that exposure to high temperatures can negatively affect the device - in this case, high-quality heat-resistant material is used to create ovens

Catalytic

The catalytic system is very popular among consumers and is considered very convenient, because to start cleaning, you do not even need to start a separate mode - contaminants will be removed directly during cooking. That is, after the dish is cooked, it is enough just to wipe the inner surface of the chamber. The secret of this method of cleaning is simple: the walls of the chamber are covered with porous rough enamel on which copper, manganese or cerium oxide is applied. The pores contain particles of a catalyst that will accelerate the breakdown of fats. The catalytic cleaning system can be used in both electric and gas ovens.

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis treatment takes place using water and under the influence of low temperatures. The user needs to pour a small amount of water and a cleaning agent onto the baking sheet, while the oven must be preheated to 50-90 ° C. The temperature in the chamber generates steam, which, in combination with the cleaning agent, softens the dirt formed on the walls, after which you just need to remove the residues with a sponge. It is worth noting that the hydrolysis system is not self-cleaning, so the user will have to take on most of the work, while the method is effective only when the contamination has not yet dried.

Gas or electricity

At one time, the above groups are divided according to the power sources they use.

Gas oven

For a long time, this particular type of oven was the most common.This is due to the fact that the cost of gas is relatively low in contrast to the cost of electricity. The popularity was also increased by the ability to use it in houses located outside the city, even if the gas was not supplied to them. You can just use gas cylinders.

Electric oven

In comparison with the gas version, it is devoid of the aforementioned problem of the gas cabinet. A similar result is possible thanks to the grill located on top. It heats up the air, and the convection fan distributes the air heated by the grill evenly over the entire area of ​​the oven.

But electric ovens also have their own imperfections. The most current flaw is the rather high electricity bill. The second disadvantage is that the purchased oven will have to be separately grounded and made for it a personal power line. This is necessary due to the rather high power of the device.

Oven control system

Usually, the more expensive an electric built-in oven is, the more perfect its electronic filling, the more culinary possibilities can be realized when using it. The very execution of the controls is subdivided into electronic and electronic-mechanical.

1. Electro-mechanical controls are a tribute to traditional toggle switches and verniers. Rotary switches with beak and graduated dial will appeal to older people and vintage lovers. After all, it's just a drive anyway: temperature programs and a timer are connected to electronic microcircuits. True, such devices do not have advanced intelligent control. But many do not use them.

2. Fans of electronic novelties will appreciate the fully electronic control. Buttons are a thing of the past - touchpads are ubiquitous now. Often they are combined into a single unit with a display, which reflects the necessary icons, or even photos of ready-made dishes. Advanced models even come with a USB port and their own processor. In such devices, there are whole combinations of modes for cooking specific dishes, down to the degree.

The best electric oven with hotplates

This appliance combines the functions of an oven and a hob. It can rightfully be considered super functional, since electric stoves have much more possibilities for preparing different dishes.

If the budget allows, you can opt for appliances with a glass-ceramic hob. The high price is compensated by the stylish and modern design and user-friendly controls.

The budget option is a stove with conventional electric burners. The distinctive quality of the best appliance is the burners for regular and accelerated heating.

Specifications:

• dimensions 85 × 60 × 50 cm,
• chamber volume 52 liters,
• 8 operating modes,
• built-in convection fan.

Pros:

• functionality,
• fast heating burners,
• storage box for pans and trays,
• affordable price,
• stylish design,
• the set includes baking sheets, wire rack, grill.

Minuses:

some models do not have convection mode.

Types and differences of kitchen ovens

Do you want to cook like the chefs from famous restaurants? Then know that half of their skill lies in using the right technique, so the success of cooking directly depends on which oven you prefer. Fortunately, there are many types of ovens on the market right now, so finding the perfect appliance that fits all your needs is not that hard. All ovens can be divided into several types:

1. By location: built-in and freestanding.
2. By type of heating: gas and electric.
3. By the way of management: dependent and independent.

Also, the devices may differ in size (depending on the features of the kitchen layout, you can choose both full-size and compact equipment), the method of cleaning the camera and the number of functions.

Profitability

When buying an oven, it is important to pay attention to such a nuance as the power consumption, because the level of expenses for paying for utilities depends on this. If such a parameter matters to you, then before making a choice, you need to weigh all the pros and cons

Energy consumption for a gas oven

Of course, the level of energy consumption depends primarily on how much and how often you cook. Usually, a gas oven consumes up to 2 cubic meters of gas per hour, but this is an average figure, accurate data can be obtained by looking at the operating instructions for the device. According to consumer reviews, on average, they consume from 5 to 10 cubic meters of gas per month, depending on the frequency of use. But in any case, given the very reasonable prices for "blue fuel", gas ovens are very, very economical.

Electric oven consumption

Depending on the class, an electric oven consumes from 2.5 to 4 kW of electricity per hour. If you cook a lot, but want to save money, you should give preference to class A and A + devices - they consume about 2.5 kW per hour, or even less. But if you are engaged in culinary experiments only on holidays, and the rest of the time the oven is practically idle, then you do not need to worry too much about energy costs.

Design and user friendliness ↑

Choosing the right oven will give you the opportunity to enjoy delicious and healthy meals every day.

When choosing an oven, pay attention to its design and think about where you will put it. It is the place of installation that determines the convenience of the equipment for the hostess of the kitchen.

It is best if the oven is installed at chest or eye level. Then you do not have to bend over or stand on tiptoe to check the readiness of the dish. And, of course, you should like the look of the oven. After all, if the design pleases you, your mood and well-being will improve, which means that your health will also improve.

It is best to clean the oven after every cooking. Do not neglect this rule, because fresh dirt is always easier to remove. If you clean the oven occasionally, you will spend more time and energy. Better to do it regularly.

Moreover, today many manufacturers strive to facilitate the process of caring for their product as much as possible. More and more often, quick cleaning functions began to appear in the characteristics of goods. For example, in the new line of ovens, Indesit has introduced a model with a unique Click & Clean function. Now a simple and convenient way of cleaning with just 2 taps has become available to users. Click: all it takes is to press the side flaps, remove the top panel and easily reach the glass. Clean: Place the glass in the dishwasher or wash it by hand.

The new system for removing and cleaning the inner glass of the door turns the maintenance process into a simple but effective procedure.

These innovations will dramatically increase the life of your oven.

If you decide to purchase an oven with a self-cleaning coating, remember that self-cleaning does not free you from regular cleaning.

Which is better - gas or electric?

First, let's find out in which cases it is better to choose a gas oven, and in which - an electric one.

Where does the gas oven win?

• Efficiency of use is the main advantage, because gas is significantly cheaper than electricity.
• The gas oven itself costs a little less than an electric one.
• Simple and familiar to everyone control with the most necessary set of functions.
• The taste of dishes cooked under a gas grill is more similar to dishes cooked on charcoal.
• If your kitchen has poor electrical wiring, then a gas oven is the best and sometimes the only correct option.
• The design of the gas cabinet is simple, and therefore it is easier to maintain and break down less often.

And yet, there are reasons why electric ovens are in demand today more than gas ones.

In what way does the gas oven lose?

• In cheap models of gas ovens there is no convection function, which means that food in them will be baked unevenly and overcooked from below. The electric oven distributes heat more evenly.
• Today, most ovens are equipped with an electric ignition and gas control function, so the likelihood of gas leaks is minimal. And yet, such a risk cannot be completely ruled out.
• If the gas cabinet can be heated to a maximum of 230 ° C, then the electric one - up to 300 ° C, which is important if you often cook, for example, pizza.
• The gas oven heats up more slowly to the desired temperature.
• Electric ovens have many more functions and programs. For example, some electric ovens can reheat or defrost food in the microwave and even cook in the double boiler.

Technical parameters of different brands

It is no secret that certain brands have their own proprietary know-how, which are promoted as a distinctive feature of the brand. It makes no sense to list the advantages based on the description of individual products. Therefore, for the convenience of choice, it is worth considering useful functionality so that the future owner independently determines which combination of advantages is optimal for the wallet and the needs of the family.

1. The presence of the maximum number of heating elements. The designation "3D heating" can mean that there are at least three heating elements. This is very good, since even with the maximum load of the usable volume of the oven, the picture of uneven heating of the food will not be observed. This option is a distinctive feature of Bosh products. Of particular note: having a maximum number of heaters almost automatically means that the owner will have many different cooking programs available.
2. Complex convection. Hot air blowing mode is not surprising. Literally all electric ovens are equipped with this option. But only some brands allow separate control of convection and ventilation. Among them is Electrolux, which offers both numerous modes using hot air blowing, and individual modes using a hood during cooking.
3. Expanded control and display system. A distinctive feature of Ariston products is the exclusively electronic principle of regulation and control. There are often touch panels, convenient indicators, displaying the stages of cooking, for example, a notification about the start of the thermostat. The rationality of such functionality is the subject of numerous discussions, electronics, to put it mildly, does not like grease and burning. Therefore, Ariston equipment of a high level is protected and has a high price tag in comparison with direct competitors. In contrast, it can offer a great variety of multi-stage programs, with a couple of taps on the sensor, it is easy to set the cooking mode, for example, a shortbread cake.
4. Filtration system. Oven exhaust can be a problem. The smell, unlike the hob, cannot be removed immediately well with a hood. Therefore, the models from Electrolux look very interesting, which are equipped with multi-stage filters capable of retaining odors and grease.
5. Protection. All brands, without exception, approach the issue of security, depending on the price tag that they plan to put on a particular model. There are non-heating doors, locks, child protection, turning off the convection fan when opening, and much more.The use of certain measures can significantly affect the price of the final product, so the need for specific functions should be assessed independently, with a high degree of criticality.
6. The last feature that future owners of ovens will definitely appreciate is the type and number of trays. This is not only a difference in number and type (flat, lattice, deep). Baking trays can be simple, inserted into the recesses of the side walls. They are telescopic, it is very convenient - such a container can be easily pulled out, you do not need to support it with your hands. The most perfect type is baking trays on a telescopic system, which provide the ability to adjust the installation height.

The best compact electric ovens

Compact ovens have a standard width, but the height is reduced to 45-50 cm. They, like narrow ovens, have a small internal volume. Such models can be built into any part of the furniture, including the space above the table top.

Bosch CMG6764B1 - ultra-modern oven with microwave and temperature probe

5.0

★★★★★
editorial estimate

92%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

The electric oven has almost all the capabilities of modern ovens, with the exception of steaming and spit cooking. It is equipped with a microwave function that allows you to quickly reheat food.

There is convection and grilling, a simmering mode, baking pizza, as well as the ability to defrost semi-finished products.

The oven, like many Bosch appliances, has a Shabbat mode, that is, it works without lighting. The 4-glass door and childproof lock make it as safe as possible.

A feature of the model is the presence of a multi-point probe and a baking readiness sensor. Thanks to these options, the oven allows you to prepare gourmet cuisine.

Convenient control of the oven is provided by an animated touch display. And the most effective cleaning method - pyrolysis - makes it as easy to clean as possible.

By heating up to 480 ° C, the oven burns out almost all dirt. All that remains is to remove the crumbled ash with a dry napkin.

Advantages:

• Thermo probe for food and the sensor of baking readiness;
• Pyrolytic cleaning;
• Touch interactive control;
• Microwave function;
• Door with 4 glasses.

Disadvantages:

• No skewer;
• There is no built-in steamer.

The Bosch CMG6764B1 oven is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that is suitable for preparing any culinary masterpieces in your home kitchen. She will especially appeal to housewives who are fond of baking.

Asko OCM8478G - original and functional oven

4.8

★★★★★
editorial estimate

89%
buyers recommend this product

The oven is made of black glass with a "chameleon" effect, which appears gray or brown under certain lighting conditions. But the original appearance is far from the only advantage of this model. Asko is equipped with a microwave oven option, which means that it allows you not only to cook, but also to quickly reheat food.

The oven has touch control with a display. The presence of a fan makes it possible to quickly cool it, and cleaning with steam allows you to easily get rid of any contamination.

The manufacturer did not deprive this model of the grill and convection function, as well as the defrosting program. Well, all parents will appreciate the presence of a child lock.

Advantages:

• Stylish design;
• Touch control;
• Microwave function;
• Steam cleaning;
• Defrosting;
• Protection from children.

Disadvantages:

• No steaming option;
• Stationary guides.

With a width of 60 cm and a height of 45 cm, the Asko OCM8478G oven is suitable for a small kitchen with standard furniture. Thanks to its advanced functionality, it will become a real assistant to the home cook.

Smeg SF4920MCX - the practical oven

4.6

★★★★★
editorial estimate

87%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

The independent electric oven from Smeg has an original design in a classic style.The outer casing and fittings are made of stainless steel and have a coating that protects them from fingerprints.

The oven is combined with a microwave and is equipped with a keep warm mode. In addition, 13 programs are stored in its memory, including a dough rise and ECO light mode, which allows you to minimize energy consumption.

The oven is steam clean and has a hinged door with 3 panes - the outside always stays completely cold. There are also options "Shabbat", "Defrosting", as well as a cooling fan.

Advantages:

• Microwave function;
• 13 programs;
• Defrosting;
• Economy mode;
• Cooling Fan;
• Anti-fingerprint protection.

Disadvantages:

• No temperature probe;
• No skewer.

Smeg SF4920MCX is a technique that will greatly facilitate the fate of home cooks. With its help, you will have to spend a minimum of effort to get the perfect result.

Gas or electric oven: which one to choose?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact answer to this almost eternal question, and in fact the decision depends solely on the user's personal preferences and habits. In any case, each type of oven has its own advantages, which must be taken into account when choosing.

Advantages of gas ovens

Such devices are perfect for those housewives who are accustomed to working with a gas stove and can masterly cook any dish on an open fire. Gas ovens have many advantages:

• profitability;
• ease and convenience of management;
• the presence of the most necessary functions for operation, including electric ignition and gas control;
• simplicity of design avoids problems during maintenance;
• in terms of taste and usefulness, the ready-made meals are closer to those cooked over the fire.

In addition, the gas oven is an ideal option for installation in houses with "weak" wiring, which simply cannot withstand the additional load.

Features of electric ovens

In recent years, gas ovens have been somewhat inferior in popularity to electric ovens, which are considered more environmentally friendly, safe and functional. Due to the design features, hot air is distributed throughout the entire space of the chamber, which allows for uniform baking of dishes. Thus, you can cook on several levels at once, while you can easily set the desired temperature with an accuracy of a degree.

In addition, electric ovens are distinguished by the presence of many functions and programs with the help of which even the inexperienced chef can prepare a restaurant-grade dish. Steam cooking, grilling, skewering, defrosting - all this is possible only with electric models.

Basic characteristics

Most often, a built-in electric oven is purchased. This is the most significant segment of sales, products are often mounted by owners in the bottom row of kitchen cabinets, forming a familiar format: a hob with an oven under it. From here comes the basic list of criteria that can be applied to the basic design of an electric oven.

Geometry. Kitchen sets vary in size. The standard models are equipped with a 600 mm worktop, and the depth of the built-in space is sufficient for the average oven. However, if the furniture was made to order, it is worth measuring the available dimensions of the installation site. This is an important factor as the electrical cabinet requires certain clearances and installation rules for proper and efficient air circulation.
Control scheme. Products from the same brand - hobs and ovens are often used together. In this case, all controls are located on the upper block. The front panel of the oven has only indicators and a knob. This option is convenient and popular.The main thing is not to make the mistake of trying to make friends with the hob and oven from different brands. There are very few cases when joint (dependent) management is available for different brands.
Useful volume. "Landing" dimensions in width for electric ovens are in a standardized size range. These are 600 mm, 700, 900, 1200. But the usable volume is not determined by a simple multiplication of width-height-depth. Many ovens are equipped with lower compartments for storing pallets, kitchen utensils, dishes

When choosing the model you like, you should pay attention to two numbers at the same time - overall dimensions and useful volume.
Basic regulators and control systems. A modern electric oven cannot be imagined without temperature control sensors and a cooking timer.

But it is worth choosing a model with additional features. A backlight, an indicator that displays the parameters inside in real time, a temperature probe that allows you to determine the readiness of the dish without opening the door are required.

An excellent choice would be a model that has ready-made programs for cooking. This can be pizza, baked meat, flour products, special settings for cooking in convection mode.

Which oven to buy

1. If you are already a fairly experienced hostess and live in a house with main gas, buy yourself an inexpensive gas oven - its capabilities will be enough for you to cook your favorite dishes and pastries. Choose the volume taking into account the size of the kitchen and the appetites of your family.

2. Young housewives and those who cannot cook in the oven in any way will be helped by an electric model with touch control and an abundance of programs stored in memory. With it, you will definitely not confuse the temperature according to the recipe and get perfectly baked dishes. And most importantly, you do not have to constantly slam the door to check the degree of readiness of the products. Smart technology will turn itself off when the time comes.

3. If you have a small kitchen, where everything needs to be placed as compactly as possible, look for a built-in oven 45 cm wide. In this case, it is advisable to choose a "hybrid" model with the function of a microwave and a double boiler. It will be more expensive, but you can refuse to buy unnecessary equipment and save a little more useful space.

4. Do you have a large kitchen and bake a lot? Take a spacious freestanding oven for 60-90 liters. Additional features such as the skewer and top grill are welcome to add even more variety to your everyday menu. It is desirable that the design provides for catalytic, or better pyrolytic, cleaning of the chamber.

5. For those who use the oven infrequently, an inexpensive and compact model with a width of 45 cm will suffice. If it is an electric cabinet, it is not worth chasing superpower - 2 kW will be enough. At the same time, you will take care of the weak wiring.

Oven installation norms

If your kitchen has a 55 cm wide cabinet for built-in appliances, do not expect to "cram" a standard oven into it. According to the norms for the installation of electric heating devices for cooking, the distance between the body of the device and the side walls of the furniture must be at least 5 mm. Considering that the front panel is exactly 60 cm wide, it is desirable that the cabinet for embedding has no less width along the outer edge of the walls. The cavity between the bottom of the oven and the floor of the cabinet must be at least 85 millimeters. The back wall is often removed; there is no need for it.

Minimum installation tolerances

These precautions are aimed at ensuring fire safety. After all, the oven can work continuously for several hours.

During this time, adjacent surfaces become very hot, despite the thermal insulation layers of the frying chamber provided by the manufacturer. There is enough air gap in order to make the operation of the devices safe, so do not neglect these rules when trying to save space.

Types of ovens

The classification of kitchen ovens provides for their division into several main groups. As a rule, they are distinguished by the type of energy carriers used (gas or electricity), as well as by the method of installation.

Gas

Cooking food with good old gas burners. Such an oven is cheaper than an electric oven, but it also significantly loses to it in functionality. The simplest control principle is used here - the intensity of the burner is adjusted by turning the knob. In modern models, you can also find auto ignition and gas control functions.

The maximum heating of the chamber usually does not exceed + 230 ° C. As for the overall dimensions of such equipment, the height and depth here are almost always standard 60x60 cm. Only the width varies from 45 to 90 cm, due to which a different internal volume is obtained (from 25 to 74 liters).

Pros:

• Relative energy independence and low gas cost;
• Large capacity;
• Simple, reliable and completely maintainable design;
• Fast warm-up;
• You can find models with additional functions (for example, with a top grill);
• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• Poor functionality by today's standards;
• Fire hazard;
• A modest assortment of individual models;
• Strict safety requirements that must be observed during installation and connection.

The food in the gas oven tastes like it was cooked over a fire, although the combustion products that get into the food are not very healthy. But compared to an electric oven, a gas oven breaks less often, and its repair is much easier and cheaper.

Electric

Powerful infrared heating elements are used here for cooking, although induction ovens have recently begun to appear. These cabinets have an enviable set of functions and can cook almost any dish. However, they are not cheap, and repairs, in which case, will cost a pretty penny.

Electric models can provide heating up to +500 ° C, but you will have to pay for this - in the truest sense of the word. The power consumption of such equipment (depending on its class) ranges from 600-1600 W • h. In addition, the electric oven needs to be connected to a separate line with the installation of a good outlet, since its power is quite high: 1-4 kW.

Oven capacity ranges from 25 to 111 liters, while the main dimensions remain the same as for gas models. In this case, only the width of the chamber can reach 120 cm.

Pros:

• Multifunctional, often have a large selection of automatic and customizable programs;
• Relatively easy to install;
• Very powerful and at the same time provide uniform heating of dishes;
• Safe if you correctly connect the wiring;
• A wide selection of models for every taste and budget.

Minuses:

Built-in

The main advantage of built-in wardrobes is their invisibility. They can be hidden in any kitchen module, leaving only a glazed door with a control panel in plain sight. As a rule, they do not differ in large sizes - their width does not exceed 45-60 cm. The type of energy carrier does not matter - it is equally possible to build into a furniture wall with the same success both a gas and an electric oven.

Pros:

• Can be installed in any convenient place in the working area;
• Fits well into the general row of cabinets;
• Doesn't take up extra space.

Minuses:

• The cost is higher than for free-standing models;
• It is rare to find a large built-in wardrobe;
• They require a ventilated niche device strictly according to the size of the case.

Standing separately

This category includes table and floor models that are not intended to be built into furniture. They are equipped with height-adjustable legs, but otherwise they are no different from other ovens.

Pros:

• No problems with selection and installation;
• Simplicity and reliability;
• The ability to move the oven to another point in the kitchen;
• Adequate cost.

Minuses:

• They occupy a useful area;
• In the case of outdoor models, you will have to bend over to control the cooking.

Oven types

A conventional built-in oven is divided into dependent and independent. And it makes us think about which one to choose. Dependent appliances consist of two parts at once - an oven and a hob. Both of these parts have the same design, so they do not need to be matched to each other. Such kits are cheaper and this attracts many. But if one of the parts breaks, then the second part will no longer be used.

There is no hob in an independent oven. Its main advantage is that such a device can fit anywhere in the kitchen. If such an oven breaks down, then this will not affect the hob in any way, since it is independent, you can also continue to cook on it.