Ovens are an integral part of most modern kitchens. Whether you are renovating or just looking to buy new appliances, choosing the right type is an important task. There is a huge variety of ovens on the market today. They all differ depending on the design features, the size of your living space, the heating method, and more.
You can also choose combined options where you get a cooking surface in addition to the oven itself. Below you can learn about the main types of ovens and get a detailed guide that can help you quickly decide and make the right choice.
Main Types of Ovens You Can Get
The oven’s type and construction determine its dimensions and how it fits into your kitchen. Therefore, it is the first thing you should pay attention to when buying an oven. Below, you can see three main design types in the market.
Single
If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, this option is a great choice. Moreover, it is a perfect option if you don’t cook for many people and don’t spend much in the kitchen. If you purchase a single oven, you cannot use the grill. As a rule, such ovens are no more than 60 cm in height and are easily mounted in almost any area of your kitchen: at eye level, on the floor, and so on.
Double
As the name implies, here you get an additional grill option. This model is more versatile and suitable for cooking for three or more people. Two subtypes can be distinguished in this category: oven with a height of about 90 centimeters and about 70 centimeters.
The first variant is perfect for mounting at eye level, while the second can be placed under the counter. Currently, the popularity of such models is decreasing, so new representatives are unlikely to appear on the market.
Smart
These models are the most technologically advanced and fit perfectly into the smart house concept. With their help, you can start the cooking process remotely using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In addition, there is the option of detailed settings and control of the cooking process from your smartphone. It is a convenient option that can save you a lot of time.
In addition, you can save all settings so that the next time you start the entire cooking cycle in one click or a tap. In addition to the smart functions, you can also control this oven in manual mode.
Fuel Types
The choice of the fuel type is the next important task you face while selecting an oven. In this case, you need to understand that the power, cooking time, and so on can depend on the fuel type. This option is also closely related to the design of your kitchen. So, for example, electric ovens are much more mobile and easier to install than those which use gas.
Electric
Electric ovens are also heterogeneous and offer you several configuration options. The most popular of them is the model with a fan. The air is heated by one or two special elements and distributed throughout the oven space by a fan mounted in the rear wall. The fan helps evenly distribute the heat, which improves the cooking process and makes it faster. At the same time, you can turn on the fan or cook without it.
The second variant is a static one. In this model, the heating elements are located on the side walls and top (or bottom). You can switch on separate heating zones, which allows you to control the cooking process (for example, browning food).
The multifunctional model is the last one in this category. As the name implies, this variant combines the previous two. This model is the most versatile and gives you complete control over cooking: you can easily bake and create traditional dishes.
Gas
If you decide to put a gas stove in the kitchen, then you no longer have so many options with the choice of location. However, on request, a highly professional master will do everything necessary and optimize communications for gas supply. You can see several subcategories within this oven type in the market.
Firstly, you can buy a conventional model, where the temperature inside the oven corresponds to the mark you have chosen. As a rule, the top shelf is the hottest in such models. It is followed by the middle and least hot – the lower shelf.
Such a zonal heating approach is designed to cook several dishes requiring different temperatures simultaneously. As a result, your dishes will be moisture inside and glossy on the outside. Keep in mind that gas differs from electricity when baking.
The second option is imported gas stoves. These variants are common in many European countries and are distinguished by hidden burners at the oven’s base. Such models are suitable for dishes that require browning from the bottom (various pastries, pizza, and so on).
However, do not use the bottom of the oven as another shelf. As a result, you may spoil your dish and break the equipment. In this case, the heat is also evenly distributed throughout the oven’s entire interior, preventing burning and speeding up the cooking process.
Dual
Recently, you can observe an increase in the number and popularity of these oven models in the market. In this case, you have the advantages of using gas and electricity in cooking at your disposal. It significantly boosts the range of dishes you can cook properly. Modern models allow you to fine-tune and control the cooking process.
It is not surprising that such equipment prices are usually higher than the previous options. However, if cooking plays an important role in your life and you devote a lot of time to it, then it is worth paying attention to this option as the most optimal one.