Oven for home: types and features, how to choose

Not all apartments are equipped with a gas or electric stove with an oven, so you have to buy it separately. If only electric appliances are available for cooking, and you want to bake cakes, pies, bake meat and fish, then you can not do without an electric oven. Consider the types of ovens, their features and how to choose the right model.

Gas or electricity

If the apartment provides a gas line, you can choose an oven on gas. Such equipment has a lower cost and is usually cheaper to use. However, electric models are more often preferred in apartments, because they have a wider functionality. Their capabilities allow you to accurately regulate the temperature of baking, for a long time to maintain the desired indicators.

Dimensions

Width 60 cm, height 60 cm and depth to 60 cm - the standard size that will fit under the countertop. Compact models are 40-45 cm high and 45 cm wide. If you need to cook a lot in one load of the oven, choose equipment up to 90 cm in height. The volume of the chamber of the standard oven from 55 to 68 liters, compact - from 37 to 45 liters.

Standalone or combined

Electric oven can be independent of the hob or combined with it. In dependent models, the control system is common, so if it fails, both devices will not work.

Type of control

The oven is controlled in several ways:

• by means of a touch panel;
• mechanically - by rotary knobs, levers;
• by means of push buttons.

Budget models use mechanical control. In expensive models touch control is used. The average option - a combination of button and electronic control.

Features

Ovens have these additional features:

• Gas ovens have a burner on the bottom of the inner vessel. Electric models have options: top, bottom or combined heating.
• Convection - the movement of air from the action of the fan in the oven allows you to bake food evenly.
• Grill with a motor rotates, and pieces of meat are roasted evenly. 
• In some ovens, the trays are extended by ⅔ length with a telescopic system, while in others they can be removed completely.
• Some models have a microwave function. This saves space in the kitchen because you don't have to install another appliance.
• The option to steam foods makes them juicier.
• Built-in programs allow you to set the desired mode according to the products and the dish you need to cook.

How to choose

Pay attention to such factors:

• Whether you need a gas or electric oven.
• What size should be the equipment.
• Suitable dependent or independent from the hob oven.
• What type of control is more convenient.
• Trays should be fully or partially removable.
• Whether there is a function of self-cleaning.
• What additional options are needed: convection, grill, steam cooking, etc.

Ovens consume up to 4 kWh of electricity, so it is recommended to connect them to a dedicated electrical line. This is especially true if the electrical wiring in the apartment or house is not new. If you want to save on electricity bills when using the equipment, choose a model with economic consumption mode.