An oven is a centerpiece in any kitchen. You can use it to steam, broil, roast, cook, bake, or defrost. However, not all ovens are the best, and even more, ovens are not made the same. As a result, you must take some time comparing the features of different ovens so that you can pick one that will suit your desires. With that in mind, which factors should you consider when looking for the best oven for your kitchen? Let’s have a look.
1. Type
Well, note that the type of oven you pick has a significant impact on the texture of the food and the moisture levels. Therefore, you must determine the foods you need to prepare so that you can select the best oven type. That said, let’s have a look at different types of ovens as you aim to pick the best oven for your kitchen.
Convection oven
Also referred to as a fan-assisted oven, a convection oven integrates a fan at the back. The fan circulates hot air for fast and even cooking. Convection ovens are suitable for food that needs a crisp exterior. However, they are not the best for pastries or dishes that should retain their moisture. Note that there are convection ovens without a fan setting, which means that such types can double as conventional ovens.
Steam oven
Steam ovens are a perfect alternative to frying certain types of foods. These ovens inject steam into the chamber while cooking and they are suitable for cooking vegetables and different kinds of meat. While compared to convection ovens, steam ovens come at a higher price range but the appliances can preserve nutrients and cook food faster.
Microwave oven
Microwave ovens use microwaves while preparing meals. These waves excite molecules in the food so that they can produce heat. Although microwave ovens heat the food unevenly, they are an excellent choice for people with limited space and users who need a cheap oven. Additionally, microwave ovens are an excellent option for an oven that is easy to clean and one that is designed for reheating or cooking small volumes of food.
2. Power source
Besides the type, I would recommend that you consider the oven’s power source. After all, you will want to purchase an oven that will be affordable to maintain depending on its power source. On that note, would you rather opt for an electric oven or gas oven? Well, note that each of the types has several advantages and disadvantages, which means that you must consider that before making a purchase. For instance, electric ovens are easier to install and best suited for foods that require a crispy exterior. On the other hand, gas ovens are suitable for foods that should retain moisture, and they are energy efficient and designed to heat up fast.
3. Heat settings
The best oven must incorporate different heat settings. After all, you will need the oven to prepare different kinds of meals and such meals do not use similar heat settings. With this in mind, get an oven that integrates settings such as preheat, bake, defrost, and grilling for the efficient preparation of all sorts of food.
4. Tray flexibility
If you are planning to prepare different food at a time, opt for an oven that provides optimal flexibility in the interior. Thus, get an appliance with a removable tray, and the tray should be designed in such a way that you can adjust its placement to create different layouts suitable for accommodating varying amounts of food.
5. Delayed start setting
Another feature that you might want your oven to feature is a delayed-start setting. As the name suggests, this is a setting that allows you to pick a time while the food will start cooking, a measure that allows you to cook when the electricity prices are low or before waking up or returning home after work.
Conclusion
There you have it, the factors to consider when looking for the best oven. Whether you need an oven for use at home or business use, ensure that you pay attention to each of these features for the best value for money.
