How to choose a mini oven

Often people are faced with the problem of insufficient space in the kitchen, and, therefore, the inability to install full-fledged household appliances – an oven or gas stove combined with an oven, a dishwasher, and so on. But do not be upset – there are options to save space and provide yourself with everything you need.

What is an electric furnace

The machine is a great hybrid of a microwave, oven and bread machine. In terms of size, mini-ovens can be small, like a microwave, or they can be quite decent sizes of a full-fledged oven. However, an electric furnace is often a more economical option in terms of electricity consumption. One of the advantages is the autonomy of the stove from the hob – there is no binding to the place – it can be placed where it is more convenient.

The main consumers of these products are small families, where it is not required to prepare a large amount of food. After all, one of the main parameters of a mini-oven is its size. The functions of an electric oven range from simply heating food to baking complex dishes.

How to choose an electric furnace

First of all, you need to decide on the desired results that you want to see in the output or parameters of the mini-oven:

1. it is important to understand the dimensions of the device – the volume depends on them;

2. compare the calculated volume and amount of food consumed in your family;

3. find out how much electricity the mini oven will consume.

If you easily went through the described points for your convictions, did not find contradictions with yourself and your desires, then you are ready to choose an electric furnace.

Volume

Some of the most popular sizes of mini ovens on the market are as follows:

1. 8.5 liters – one of the smallest volumes, more suitable for heating and cooking semi-finished products. More suitable for 1-2 people.

2. 12 liters – another representative of compact ovens, also suitable for heating and cooking semi-finished products. In general, this and the previous volume most fully duplicate the functions of a conventional microwave oven. This option can be considered by families of two people, but no more.

3. 21 liters – a larger specimen, everything will also allow you to heat food, but already allows you to think about cooking full meals. A family of 5 people can easily use this volume.

4. 28 liters – a slightly larger volume compared to the previous analogue will allow you to load more food into the oven for cooking, which is also suitable for a family of five.

5. 40 liters is a great option, still combining compactness and functionality. Five to six people can use this volume with dignity.

6. 60 liters or more – a very spacious electric furnace. Provides the ability to cook several dishes at the same time.

Power

The power of mini-ovens directly depends on the volumes. The larger the oven volume, the more power it will consume. An average stove up to 21 liters consumes within 1200 watts. As the power increases, the cooking time will decrease. But do not forget about such characteristics as volume and dimensions. Powerful electric furnaces are larger in volume and dimensions.

Internal coating

Another important characteristic is the quality of the inner coating. Every customer is interested in the mini-oven serving as long as possible. Therefore, you should choose a furnace, the inner coating of which will be resistant to mechanical stress, chemical agents. The quality mark in this case is the 'Durastone' label. If it is present in the characteristics of the electric furnace, then you will not have to worry about the safety of the inner coating for many years.

Operating modes

There are several basic modes of operation:

1. warming up – duplicating the most ordinary function of the microwave oven;

2. variability in the choice of heating modes – upper heating, lower heating, simultaneous heating from both sides;

3. grill, skewer – allows you to grill food or bake it on a skewer. Often found in cafes and shops for preparing meat dishes;

4. convection is a feature available in several models. Allows you to bake food efficiently and evenly. Ideal for baking.

Additional functions

Let's look at the main and most useful functions:

1. The door is hinged or side. The hinged door simulates the door of a conventional oven. The opening takes place 'towards itself', which does not allow convenient use of the oven installed at a height. Side – an imitation of a microwave oven, opening occurs sideways by 180 degrees.

2. Auto shutdown – allows you to prevent overheating of the oven during a long absence of the user or when the temperature reaches the limit

3. Electric burners – adds the functions of a conventional stove to an electric furnace. True, such a model cannot be called a full-fledged stove or oven.

4. Pizza trays are more of an optional accessory for pizza lovers. The pizza dish helps housewives in baking their favorite dish in a classic form.

5. Self-cleaning is an indispensable tool that will shorten the oven maintenance time by heating water in a baking sheet or reaching high temperatures.

Control methods

The control methods are classic – mechanical and electronic (touch). Furnaces with a mechanical type of control are easier to operate and cheaper in cost, however, electronic counterparts can boast of greater functions, but also a higher price.

Top manufacturers

There are many popular brands that occupy the bulk of the market: Supra, Scarlett, Mystery and others. These brands of course boast an abundance of functions and a wide price range, but the build quality of ovens, as well as durability, often leaves much to be desired.

You should pay attention to more expensive brands: Delonghi, Bork, Panasonic. The cost of these analogs, of course, will be much higher than the Chinese ones. But the offered functions, and, most importantly, the quality of the mini-ovens will not leave any customer indifferent.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right multicooker for your home and the secrets of choosing a microwave oven.

Mini oven selection video

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.