Electric ovens make up approximately 90% of all oven models on the market. Even gas stoves are equipped with them, because there are at least 3 good reasons for this:
Firstly, in an electric oven, heating is possible both from below and from above, due to which you don’t have to worry that the cake will burn on one side and underbake on the other.
Secondly, the electric model is endowed with the most useful convection function, which allows you to distribute hot air evenly, bake several dishes at the same time at different levels and get a delicious golden crust. With a gas burner, this number will not work because of the danger of flame extinction (although gas ovens with a fan do exist).
And finally, the third argument "for" the electric oven: no fire and gas - no problems.
We decide which oven we need - dependent or independent?
The built-in oven may or may not depend on the hob. The dependent oven is installed directly under the hob and is connected to it with wires. The control panel is common and is located on the oven. In fact, such a kit is the same good old stove, only built-in. Using it is familiar, convenient, and it costs a little less than a pair of independent devices. True, there are several nuances in choosing a dependent model.
1. It is important that the interdependent oven and hob are compatible with each other. Keep in mind that belonging to the same manufacturer does not guarantee the compatibility of devices (a special table from the manufacturer will help you check it).
2. A dependent set of gas top and electric bottom is possible, but there are not too many such models.
3. You can choose appliances of different price categories, but it is desirable that the oven be more "advanced" than the hob.
An independent oven is good because it can be placed anywhere. Most often, it is built into a pencil case along with a microwave and a refrigerator at a convenient height - at eye level.
Also, the independence of the oven allows you to install a hob with any number of burners, for example, two, three or five. In a dependent set, the hob, as a rule, has strictly 4 burners.
Determining dimensions and capacity
Dimensions of a standard oven - 60x60x56 cm (external dimensions). In such a cabinet, you can cook a large dish for 5-6 servings - what you need for an average kitchen and a family of 3-5 people. However, in some cases, the oven must have a non-standard width and / or height (the depth of all models is approximately the same - 60 cm (+ - 5 cm)). A 45 cm wide narrow oven is suitable for a small kitchen and a family of 2-3 people.
The large 90 cm wide oven is ideal for spacious kitchens, families of 5-7 people and cooking enthusiasts. Low models with a height of 38-55 cm usually have a microwave function and help out when there is not enough space in the kitchen. The 90 cm high oven is usually double, it has one full-size chamber and one smaller one. This option is designed for large families and hospitable chefs. Instead of relying on the manufacturer's stated "useful volumes", bring your largest baking dish with you to the store to make sure the size of the oven is right for you.
Deciding if a convection function is needed
The convection function in electric ovens is carried out by a fan built into the rear wall of the chamber. It circulates hot air and helps you cook food faster, bake cakes evenly, create an appetizing crust or cook several dishes at once on different baking sheets. Some models in convection mode can even defrost frozen food.
On the other hand, this function is not always needed and not for everyone. Some dishes, such as yeast-leavened pastries, lean meats, and convection chicken, may come out dry. If you rarely grill and often bake bread, rolls and pies, then you can save on a fan. But if you like to cook in the grill mode, often bake biscuits and cakes, like to bake meat, fish or chicken in your sleeve, then the convection function in your oven will be useful.
Choose color and design
When choosing an electric oven, consider the color and style of your kitchen cabinets, as well as the color and style of other appliances, such as a nearby range hood, microwave, or hob.
It is desirable that the oven is not too glossy, otherwise you will have to wipe off fingerprints every now and then. Also, dark-colored devices are not very practical - dust, grease, and any stains of dirt are especially noticeable on them. Appliance designs can be roughly divided into two categories - retro and modern style. Retro-style ovens can have brass, "forged" or "bronze" fittings, mechanical regulators, rounded windows, a light shade of the body and doors.
If the interior of your kitchen is decorated traditionally, then this model will fit perfectly into it. Fortunately, "retro ovens" are produced by almost all manufacturers. Modern ovens are most often silver, white or black. Their design is very concise - straight lines, uncomplicated fittings, often a glossy surface.