How to choose the right electric mini oven? Overview of all important features

If the apartment has a small kitchen, there is a desire to save space by purchasing a compact household appliances.

bulky the oven can be replaced by a mini-oven, which is not inferior in the quality of cooking to its full-size version.

What is a mini oven?

Some roasters are designed only for heating cooked food, while others are designed for cooking hot dishes.

Parameters to pay attention to when choosing

On sale you can find many models of roasters that differ from each other Not only for price and design but and in terms of functionality.

To choose the best option, before buying, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the device.

Volume

Chamber volume of desktop mini-ovens varies from 9 to 45 liters.

1. Compact units 9 to 12 liters able to hold one small baking sheet with two servings of food.
2. Furnace volume 18-22 liters have additional functions, such as quick defrost or grill.
   For 2-3 people, this roster will be enough.
3. To feed four or more family members, you need a device with a capacity of 26-45 liters.
   Such devices are used by professional chefs.

Heating modes

The following heating modes can be provided in the roaster:

1. Automatic programs.
   Modern models may have a number of programs, each of which is designed for the automatic preparation of a particular dish.
   The mode is launched in a few seconds, you just need to select the mass of products.
2. Top grill.
   Curved heating element, from 220 ⁰C red-hot.
   Creates a golden crust on the dish.
3. Bottom grill.
   It is used for frying the bottom of cakes, casseroles, etc.
4. Top heating.
   Can be used on its own to brown the surface of almost cooked dishes or to toast vegetables placed on the grill.
5. Bottom heating.
   As a rule, it is hidden behind a metal plate.
   Suitable for long cooking times.
   For best results, place the tray with food in the center.
6. Convection.
   The air heated by the heating element is evenly distributed throughout the chamber with the help of a fan.
   Thanks to this, it is possible to place products on several levels of the oven. In addition, the need for additional heating disappears.
7. Temperature maintenance.
   Used to keep cooked food warm.
8. Steam cooking.
   Allows you to quickly cook healthy meals with hot steam.
9. Defrosting.
   Under the influence of warm air circulation, the defrosting time is accelerated.

Maximum heating temperature

The temperature range varies depending on the task assigned to the instrument.

If you plan to cook pizza or other dishes that require strong heating, you should give preference to units that can heat up to 280 ⁰C.

The most powerful devices can heat up to 320 ⁰C.

At this temperature, the food is browned in front of the eyes, while remaining tender inside.

Control

1. Mechanical.
   It is distinguished by reliability and simplicity, most often used in budget models.
   The device is controlled by turning the switches.
2. Electronic.
   With the help of the display with touch buttons, it is more convenient to navigate the menu.
   But the price of the device in this case increases, and in the event of a breakdown, such a panel is more profitable to replace than to repair.

Timer

Many models have a timer that signals the end time of the device.

This function allows you to go about your business without fear of forgetting about the dish being prepared.

If the roaster will be used solely for warming up, a 15-minute device is sufficient.

Working hours multifunction ovens can be up to 120 minutes.

Equipment features

To avoid inconvenience when using the oven, you should choose a device with high-quality components:

1. Door glass.
   In many models, the double-glazed window is single, but it is best to choose a stove with double glass and a gasket made of heat-insulating material.
   In this case, the door will not get very hot and no one will get burned by touching it.
2. Convection.
   An even distribution of hot air flows in convection mode is necessary for uniform baking of pies, large pieces of meat, etc.
3. Internal coating of the device.
   High-quality coating ensures the durability of the furnace and ease of maintenance.
   The most wear-resistant materials are stainless steel and bioceramics.
   Enamel needs delicate cleaning, it is easy to scratch it.
4. Pallet.
   Protects the heating element from crumbs and greasy splashes.
5. Grid guides.
   It is most convenient to take out a baking sheet with telescopic guides.
   When the door opens, they move forward on their own, so you don’t have to put your hands in the oven.
6. Baking sheets.
   If you plan to use the roaster instead of the oven, make sure it comes with two baking sheets of different depths.
7. Rotisserie, grill.
   The grill mode allows you to achieve a ruddy crust when baking foods.
   If the oven has a spit, you can cook chicken, barbecue, etc. on it.
   Rotating the spit will cook the food evenly on all sides.
8. Removable top cover.
   Turns a roaster into a brazier. It is important that the skewer can be used without contaminating the chamber of the device.

Additional functions

For ease of use in the roster a number of additional options can be provided:

1. Thermostat.
   Allows you to independently choose the optimal temperature for cooking.
   Modern units have a fairly wide temperature range, which starts from 60 ⁰C.
2. Timer.
   It is intended for adjustment of time of work of the furnace.
3. Backlight.
   Used to control the cooking process.
   There is no need to open the door of the unit.
4. Auto power off.
   When the oven reaches the set temperature, the heating is switched off.
   This function ensures the safe operation of the roaster.
5. Self cleaning.
   It is carried out by heating water in a container.
   After treatment with hot steam, the walls of the oven can be easily cleaned of grease and soot.
6. Door lock.
   Especially useful if there are children in the house.
7. Memory of programs.
   The user can independently create a cooking mode by setting the desired temperature and time.

Which is better: microwave or mini-oven?

Besides, the roaster is able to save space in the kitchen by replacing several appliances at once.

Those who are concerned about safety should also pay attention to the compact oven.

If it breaks, it will immediately stop working, while microwaves can enter the environment through small damage to the case.

Which is better: an oven or a mini-oven?

Roaster Advantage in front of the oven not only in compactness, but also in versatility.

And the presence of automatic programs in the device makes cooking as simple as possible even for novice cooks.

Disadvantages of roasters mostly associated with the design features of individual models.

In order not to encounter negative aspects during the operation of the device, it is worth choosing products from well-known manufacturers.

Price categories

The mini-ovens on sale can be divided into three segments:

1. Budget.
   Such stoves are suitable for a small apartment or cottage.
   They are distinguished by their compact size and the presence of a minimum set of operating modes.
   Price - from 3 to 6 thousand rubles.
2. Average price category.
   These models are equipped with all the functions necessary for full-fledged cooking.
   Price - from 6 to 20 thousand rubles.
3. Premium.
   They have an extended set of options.
   Such units will appeal to those who love culinary experiments.
   Price - from 20 to 50 thousand rubles.

Top roster firms

scarlet

• SC-EO93O20;
• SC-EO93O19;
• SC-EO93O18;
• SC-EO93O17;
• SC-EO93O11.

Redmond

• SkyOven 5717S;
• RO-5705;
• RO-5701;
• SkyOven 5706S;
• SkyOven 5727S.

kitfort

• CT-1703;
• KT-1708;
• CT-1709;
• CT-1704;
• KT-1705.

Galaxy

• GL2619;
• GL2623;
• GL2615;
• GL2621;
• GL2617.

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. A properly selected mini-oven can be a good replacement for a microwave and an oven..
   In this case, the device will fit even in a small kitchen.
2. When choosing a roster, it is recommended to consider it inner coating.
   It should be easy to clean, which will inevitably accumulate on the walls of the device, and be scratch resistant.
3. Before buying an oven its characteristics should be studied.
   Modern models are equipped with many features that simplify the cooking process.
4. When choosing a roaster size it is necessary to consider how many people will use the device.
   For a large family, compact models may be inconvenient.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of the GEMLUX GL-OR-2045LUX convection mini-oven: