Let's learn how to choose the right mini-oven. TOP best tips for choosing stoves
There are several proven ways to choose a mini-oven. The main indicators are power, volume, internal coating material, and main operating modes. These and other criteria are discussed in detail in the article.
The content of the article
Volume and power
First of all, you should pay attention to power and volume. Standard models are characterized by the following indicators:
- power 0.5-1 kW;
- volume 3-12 l.
They are suitable for those cases when you cook a little, for example, you make only sandwiches and 1-2 servings of dishes. This is enough for a small family of 2 people.
But if there are 3-4 people or more in the family, it is useful to figure out how to choose the right electric mini-oven. It should have other parameters:
- volume minimum 30 l (can be up to 70 l);
- power indicator ranging from 2.5 to 4 kW.
In such stoves you can cook dishes for several people at the same time, and not just one, but 2-3. For example, meat, poultry or fish are placed on the lower baking sheet. You can also make a pie or pizza on top.
Operating modes
Another way to choose a mini oven for your home is to study the description of a specific model. It has 1 or 2 heating elements installed, and often has a fan, which provides an increased flow of hot air. All this allows you to cook food in the following modes:
- Bottom heat is the same as gentle frying.Suitable for baking, cooking any parts of chicken.
- Heating from above only (convection) - to get a nice crispy crust on top. They work in this mode to make pizza, toast and other dough products. Also ideal for grilling.
- Simultaneous heating in the lower and upper parts - usually used in cooking meat, poultry, and fish. Can also be used for vegetables.
There are also additional options:
- Making toast on one or 2 sides.
- Pizza.
- Baking.
- Quick or regular reheat.
- Frying mode.
Control type
One of the indicators that allows you to understand how to choose the right mini-oven is the type of control. It can be electronic or mechanical. In the latter case, the temperature and cooking time are adjusted by turning a special lever.
Electronic ovens are more expensive, and they have several programs for automatically preparing a particular dish. They regulate the degree of heating as well as the time. You can control it using buttons on the touch screen.
Coating material
You also need to figure out what is the best internal coating for a mini-oven. Today the following materials are used:
- aluminum;
- heat-resistant enamel;
- different types of steel (stainless, galvanized, heat-resistant).
The most reliable in terms of durability is stainless steel. It withstands any cooking temperature well and is resistant to various cleaning agents. But on the other hand, cloudy spots often appear on it, which are associated with the absorption of fat.
Heat-resistant enamel does not have these disadvantages. It is much easier to clean, and its appearance can be maintained for a long period. But on the other hand, the material is quite fragile. Therefore, you need to handle it carefully.
Additional options
Many devices have convenient additional options and accessories, for example:
- built-in thermostat – it allows you to adjust the temperature during cooking;
- timer with shutdown and sound signal;
- self-cleaning - using steam or high temperature;
- automatic shutdown during downtime;
- removable top cover - if you remove it, you get a small home grill.
It’s not difficult to figure out how to choose a mini-oven for baking. First you need to understand what volumes and power are suitable, how many dishes are supposed to be cooked. It is recommended to consider branded models from trusted manufacturers. It is also worth studying customer reviews to evaluate the reliability of the device and its features.