Tool Reviews

A built-in oven is present in almost any kitchen. When choosing household appliances of this type, it is important to consider the main and auxiliary technical characteristics.

Modern built-in ovens are able to turn a beginner into a skilled cook thanks to their wide functionality.

Characteristics of built-in ovens

Types of ovens

The first parameter to consider is the type of oven. Embedded devices are of two types:

• Gas;
• Electrical.

gas cabinets built-in type – this is a classic version of kitchen appliances. They are equipped with heating elements located at the top and bottom of the working chamber to ensure natural convection.

Gas appliances are equipped with a grill, a skewer, an electric ignition system and gas control. Such devices are suitable for gasified houses and buildings with overloaded household wiring.

Electrical cabinets compatible with various types of cooking surfaces.

Some models provide automatic cooking modes for specific products according to a given algorithm. The only drawback of the devices is the high power consumption.

Dependent and independent built-in ovens

Dependent cabinets are a functional part of a set of household kitchen appliances, equipped with a special control panel for setting the operating modes of cooking in the oven and on the hob, which is compatible with it. It is recommended to choose such equipment from one manufacturer in order to ensure full compatibility of devices. In this case, the cabinet is mounted under the hob.

Independent cabinets are autonomous devices and are operated separately from the hob. They can be installed in any place convenient for the user in the kitchen, equipped with a separate control panel. You can choose the manufacturer of your choice.

Maximum temperature

Modern ovens are able to maintain the maximum heating temperature of the inner chamber. The optimum temperature for cooking is between 180 and 250 degrees. Built-in oven maintains temperatures from 50 to 500 degrees.

Chamber height, depth, width and volume

For embedded technology, dimensions are of great importance. Devices of this type are full-sized and compact. The standard width of full-size cabinets is 60 cm.

There are models whose width is 90 cm. The height of the devices is from 55 to 60 cm, and the depth is up to 55 cm.

Compact models have modest dimensions, up to 45 cm wide. The depth and height of such ovens corresponds to full-size models. This is the best option for small kitchens in standard apartments, studios and dorm rooms.

For a family of 2-3 people, a device with a volume of 50 liters is suitable, for a family of 4-5 people or for use in catering establishments – devices with a volume of 75 liters or more. The volume of the chamber in compact models is 35 – 45 liters.

Door and number of glasses

To install the oven, the issue of opening the door is important – it can be hinged, retractable and hinged (left and right-hand opening).

• Hinged door – in the classic version, it leans down towards the floor;
• The retractable door is a complex design, equipped with additional devices – baking sheets, trays and grates that slide out together with it, which simplifies the preparation of the oven for the cooking process. The only drawback of this type of door is the rapid drop in temperature when it is opened for a long time;
• The hinged door is designed for side mounting with left or right opening. This option is optimal if the appliance is installed in kitchen furniture at a distance of 1 meter from the floor level.

The oven door is equipped with a different number of glasses. Traditional models have one glass, expensive multifunctional devices have double (or triple) glasses that prevent heating of the outer surface of the door and third-party objects located near the device. At the same time, all the heat produced in the working chamber remains inside. Elite models of devices are equipped with 4 glasses, but they are extremely rare.

Case color and style

The front panel of the oven body is presented in a wide range of colors – from classic white to trendy red and purple. In addition to the color scheme, manufacturers offer style performance.

So built-in ovens are presented in the following styles:

• Provence. Rustic style, which is characterized by lightness of forms, naturalness and good lighting. Light tones of the body with decorative elements in ivory, coffee with milk, bronze and antique look predominate;
• Country. This style has similar features with Provence, only represented by a wide range of colors. Here are models of ovens made in bright copper, cocoa, green, sand, gold colors. Decorative elements are made of cast iron or brass alloys.
• Retro. The popular style, which combines the advantages of Provence and Country, is distinguished by a wide range of colors.
• High tech. A style that represents a symbiosis of two materials – glass and metal. The preferred color is black. Decorative elements are made of stainless steel.
• Modern. Modern style, the distinguishing features of which are the severity and conciseness of lines, classic colors.
• Classic. This is a popular and sought after style. Geometric shapes, reliable execution and an attractive range of shades.

Energy class and connection power

Businessman Calculating Energy Efficiency Rate At Desk

An important technical characteristic of the device is the energy class. According to the degree of energy consumption, devices are divided into several classes – A, B, C, D, E, F, G.

Given this division, the devices are distributed in the range from economical to energy-intensive values. Oven models that belong to the economy class have the following markings – A, A +, A ++.

Class B and C devices are less economical, class D devices are medium in capacity, and class E, F, G devices with a high level of energy consumption.

Connection power – a characteristic that determines the allowable voltage that is required for the full operation of the device. Built-in ovens operate on standard household power, so the power is from 0.8 to 5.1 kW.

Grill power provides for quick cooking – accelerated frying and getting a crispy crust. The operating power of the grill differs from the connection power and ranges from 1 to 3 kW.

Microwave power determines the strength of microwave radiation, which affect the degree of heating of the products and the speed of cooking. It is indicated on the factory packaging and ranges from 0.6 to 1.49 kW.

Connection

Ovens are divided into two categories depending on the type of heating – electric and gas.

Gas appliances are equipped with burners, which are located at the bottom and top of the working chamber, while the lower burner is gas, and the upper one is electric. There are models that are equipped only with gas burners.

Electrical appliances are equipped only with high power electric burners – from 2 to 4 kW. They are placed around the perimeter of the inner chamber. Such devices require reinforced wiring with grounding contacts.

Additional oven

Some models of appliances have an additional oven located above, below or to the side of the main working chamber. It has a small volume and a standard set of functions.

An additional oven, like the main one, is of electric and gas type.

This oven allows you to cook several dishes at the same time, which significantly reduces the time for cooking. In the main chamber you can bake meat, fish or vegetables, and in the additional chamber you can dry fruits, prepare desserts or hot sandwiches.

An additional oven in the side position is found in cabinet models whose width is from 60 cm. The lower and upper position of the appliance is found in models with a height of 85 cm and above.

Functions of built-in ovens

Built-in grill

Built-in ovens are equipped with a built-in grill. The grill is a heating element that provides uniform heat treatment of any food. The high heating temperature allows you to get a crispy and fragrant crust, while maintaining the softness and juiciness of the dishes.

It is used for roasting, frying, stewing meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, snacks, baking, etc. It happens gas, electric and infrared.

Grill gas installed in gas appliances, allows you to quickly cook various dishes at a given temperature. Electrical cabinets are rarely equipped with this type of grill;

Grill electric may be present in gas and electrical appliances. It is multifunctional because it allows you to set the desired cooking program and set the time for its completion.

Grill infrared – a kind of electric grill, the heater of which is a conventional halogen lamp. It heats up and cools down quickly and is more economical in terms of energy consumption.

Gas appliances are more in demand among ordinary consumers. The gas grill is located at the bottom of the working chamber.

Models with an electric heater are no less popular due to the cheapness of electricity. The electric grill is located on the top, bottom, sides and even on the back wall of the chamber. This creates a uniform heating of the inner chamber around the entire perimeter.

In addition, the electric grill allows you to set a more accurate temperature regime and maintain it throughout the entire cooking period.

Built-in spit

Multifunctional ovens are equipped with a built-in spit that allows you to fry large pieces of meat, fish, poultry, cook shish kebab and bake grilled chicken. In most cases, the spit is equipped with an additional electric motor that provides a significant rotation speed.

Built-in cooling fan

The design of the built-in oven provides for the installation of a turbine fan, which allows cold air to be sucked in through the back of the case, mixed with the hot air mass inside the chamber and discharged through the door back into the room.

The cooling fan is activated when the oven is turned on and can continue to work until it has completely cooled the walls of the appliance. This is a tangential cooling option for household appliances, which is provided in most oven models.

In some devices, the fan turns on when any cooking mode is activated and turns off after it is completed. This is not entirely practical and safe, so you should give preference to ovens equipped with a tangential fan.

forced convection

The function of forced convection is implemented using a built-in fan, which contributes to the uniform distribution of warm air around the perimeter of the working chamber. This ensures high-quality cooking of dishes in the mode of baking, frying and stewing, reducing the duration of cooking.

Convection is suitable for preparing desserts, home baking, roasting meat, fish and vegetables on a baking sheet.

In combination with a ring-type heater, the fan ensures that the optimum temperature is maintained throughout the entire cooking period. There are the following convection modes:

• Convection and top heat – convection grill mode;
• Convection and bottom heating – frying and baking mode;
• Convection and standard heating – baking, stewing, steaming, etc.

Steam cooking

A useful feature for those who are on a diet or follow a healthy diet. It is provided only in an electric oven. Steam cooking is implemented in different ways, depending on the type of oven and manufacturer.

A special button on the control panel activates the steam generator, which helps to evaporate the liquid and convert it into steam, which is supplied to the internal chamber of the device.

The second option is implemented more simply: the device comes standard with a heat-resistant container, which is placed in the working chamber during cooking. When heated, the liquid evaporates and turns into hot vapor. Some models of ovens are equipped with capacious trays equipped with a lid with a small perforation. They are installed under any container with a dish – a pan, a cauldron, a baking sheet, etc.

Rapid defrost program

More advanced models of appliances are equipped with a quick defrost function, which is activated using the built-in fan. At the same time, the heaters do not affect the product, allowing you to save all its nutrients.

Number of automatic programs

Depending on the model and manufacturer, built-in ovens have a different number of automatic programs. In general, there are from 2 to 100 such programs.

Number of heating modes

The cost of the oven depends on the set of functions offered by the manufacturer. Standard modes are implemented in most devices: lower and upper heating, grill, classic cooking. In multifunctional devices there are such modes as: defrosting, accelerated cooking and pasteurization.

Microwave function

The microwave function provided in expensive models allows you to use the oven as a microwave oven. The microwave cooking mode provides for a reduction in electricity consumption and cooking time. This function allows you to effectively combine the main operating modes to speed up the cooking process.

temperature probe

Not all models of devices are equipped with a temperature probe (sensor or probe) – a thin rod made of a metal alloy with PU.

The core temperature of the food is shown on a separate display. At the same time, it allows you to set operating modes to maintain the desired cooking temperature. Often the temperature probe is used for cooking meat dishes.

Elite appliances are equipped with wireless-type temperature probes, which have the function of automatically turning off the ovens after cooking is completed.

Built-in camera light

A fairly simple, but necessary function that provides ease of use of the oven. It is implemented by a built-in lamp, which is mounted inside the working chamber. The backlight allows you to observe the cooking process without opening the door and releasing heated air into the room.

Control

Display

The electronic control of the operating modes of the built-in oven provides for the use of an LCD display, which reflects the key parameters of cooking and operating the device. Using text and special characters, the display shows the cooking time and temperature, operating settings and additional service information for the user.

The choice of programs and settings is carried out using touch controls.

The operation of LCD displays is simple – the user touches the operating icons, enters the menu and selects the desired option or program. Some device models additionally allow you to download recipes using a removable USB drive.

On the electronic display, you can set the appropriate temperature, the start and end time of cooking.

Switches

Effective control of built-in ovens is carried out using special switches, which are of the following types:

• Rotary. These are standard knobs-regulators that are installed on the front panel of the case;
• Touch. They are implemented as touch buttons located near the LCD display;
• Recessed. They are installed in the front case panel, and when activated, they are pressed into the depth.

Built-in timer and its types

Most ovens are equipped with a timer – a built-in device designed to set a predetermined time interval for cooking various dishes. It is presented in the form of an electronic clock with a real-time indicator and a timer displaying the duration of cooking.

In some appliances, the timer provides for automatic shutdown of the stove after cooking is completed (timer with off function), in others, an audible signal sounds at the end of the selected program (timer with sound signal function), while the user switches off the oven himself.

Solid models are equipped with a combined type of timer – a sound signal and automatic shutdown.

Clock

For convenience of operation of the device the usual hours on electronics placed on the working control panel are provided. The real time is shown on the main and sub displays. Some models of devices made in the old style have an analog type clock.

Complete set of built-in ovens

In modern ovens, guides are provided – telescopes that are used for baking sheets and grates. They allow the work trays to be pulled out every time the door is opened and prevent them from tipping over during operation.

Devices can have several levels for baking sheets – from 3 to 4, while the guides are placed on one of the levels. Having a removable design, they can be easily rearranged to the desired level. Some models are equipped with telescopes with a special anti-shock mechanism, which ensures smooth installation of the baking sheet in the working chamber.

Guides can also be wire and embossed. In some devices of the built-in type, they are present.

Embossed guides are represented by small lateral recesses and protrusions inside the working chamber. The trays are inserted into the recesses and easily pulled out to the desired distance.

Wire guides – these are special side rails built into the chamber, which are intended to support the baking sheets. They are removable and built-in.

The built-in oven is equipped with 1-2 baking sheets made of heat-resistant metal with an enameled or non-stick coating. The trays can be the same size or different in depth.

In addition to the standard equipment, some manufacturers equip the devices with functional accessories – a frying grate, glass baking sheets, baking stones, a steaming stand.

Security

Gas control system

Oven safety is a key technical parameter that determines the right choice. In modern gas cabinets, a special gas control security system is provided. It stops the supply of the gas mixture automatically in cases where the flame goes out, there is a malfunction of the gas nozzle, etc.

The system works on the basis of built-in sensors located on the gas burner, which are triggered when the heating stops.

Built-in electric ignition

A special device that is designed to ignite a flame in burners when an electric spark is applied.

It is automatic and mechanical.

Automatic ignition provides ignition of a flame at turn of the special switch located on the central control panel.

With mechanical ignition to ignite the flame, simultaneously turn the switch and press the spark button.

Internal child protection system

Most oven models are equipped with a special child lock system (a reliable protection function) that prevents accidental turning on / off of the device, as well as changes to the current cooking program while the appliance is running.

Such a system is activated by pressing the operating keys on the front panel. Some models are equipped with a small lock to close the doors.

Safe shutdown function

This function allows you to provide timely protection against overheating of the oven during prolonged use. This is implemented using a built-in fuse that automatically turns off the device if no additional commands are received from the user.

The safety shutdown function is useful during long-term cooking of complex dishes (more than 4 hours). Some devices are additionally equipped with thermostats for their timely shutdown in case of significant overheating of the case.

Self cleaning

Any oven, regardless of type and modification, needs regular cleaning of the inner chamber from food debris and grease. This parameter plays an important role when choosing a built-in oven, so manufacturers offer the most efficient cleaning systems.

There are several systems for cleaning the working chamber: catalytic, pyrolytic and hydrolytic (steam).

catalytic. It is intended for chambers, the inner surface of which is covered with heat-resistant fine dispersion enamel. Such enamel has unique catalysis properties that absorb fat and other deposits, turning them into carbon and water.

After cleaning the oven chamber, it is enough to wipe it with a damp sponge. The only disadvantage of this method is the rapid wear of the catalytic plates, which must be replaced.

Pyrolytic. A system that provides for the burning of accumulated deposits on the walls of the chamber at a temperature of 500 degrees. In this case, organic waste turns into ash, which can be quickly removed with a damp sponge. This is an effective way to clean the oven without the use of household chemicals.

To eliminate unpleasant odors during cleaning, such ovens are equipped with special filters. This system is expensive and quite energy intensive, since in some cases the cleaning process can take up to 90 minutes.

hydrolysis. It provides for cleaning the cabinet with plain water. A baking sheet with a small amount of water is placed in the inner chamber, which forms steam when heated.

After cleaning is complete, just rinse the camera with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

When choosing a built-in oven of a gas or electric type, any specialist will advise you to take into account the main technical parameters of the device – power, type of heaters, dimensions and volume of the working chamber, as well as the main set of functions – heating modes, security and control systems, control methods and equipment.

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