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One of the biggest purchase decisions you will ever have to make when it come to your kitchen is choosing the right oven. After all, it is the kitchen appliance whose features and functionality you have to seriously consider before buying. There are so many different options, functions, and styles to choose from that it can be at times difficult to know where to start.
A good oven, however, should be efficient, reliable, and long-lasting. Here are all the things you should know about buying an oven.
The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types to consider; cooker or oven.
Cooker
A cooker is of a more traditional design and usually features a hob, oven, and grill. Cookers are available as gas, electric or a combination of both. Some have a warming drawer or storage along with a lid that covers the hob when it is not in use.
Freestanding cookers offer excellent value for money since they are available in a wide variety of styles and since they are unattached, you can take the oven with you if you move house. Freestanding cookers come in 3 standard widths: 50cm, 55cm, and 60cm. Most are about 80 cm tall and anywhere from 60 to 65 cm deep, which means that they should sit flush with work counters.
Oven
Ovens are built-in cooking units that offer flexibility depending on your kitchen space and cooking needs. Built-in ovens neatly integrated within kitchen cabinets either underneath the countertop or at eye-level, depending on the option that’s ideal for you. They are available as either single or double oven, depending on your needs and how you cook. You can see more about which to consider here.
Electric Vs. Gas
Once you have decided on the type of oven you like, you will then need to decide the type of energy supply, electric or gas.
Gas ovens offer fast and responsive heat, usually at lower cost and a ‘layered’ heat supply. The heat rises and distributes varying temperatures across the oven’s separate levels, which is great if you are looking to cook different dishes simultaneously according to the different heat levels.
Electric ovens, on the other hand, are usually fan assisted, which means that they achieve evenly distributed heat throughout the oven. Electric ovens usually cook food faster and more efficiently without the need for pre-heating.
Summary
The key factors to consider when looking for an oven to buy are capacity, features, fitting, functions, and cleaning. Choosing the right size of oven depends on your cooking style and lifestyle. For instance, if you host dinner parties regularly or have a large family, a larger-sized oven would be more beneficial.
The capacity of an oven is measured in liters, which is why you need to consider the size you need both inside and out and don’t forget to check the oven’s measurement and the available space to ensure the best possible fit.
You also have many extra features to consider depending on your needs, such as compact sizes, steam cooking, and slide away doors. Technological advances mean that you can actually choose an oven with a self-cleaning function, such as the Pyrolytic Oven by NEFF along with many other extra features for a more enjoyable and efficient cooking experience. Other functions include bottom heat, full surface grill, plate warming, and low temperature cooking to name just a few.
