By the nature of the relationship between these two elements, dependent and independent sets are distinguished. Dependent called the oven, installed under the hob and having with it a general management. Common controls are usually located on the front of the oven. If the oven can be installed separately and the hob with it is not connected - we are dealing with an autonomous, or independent, oven. The advantage of an independent oven is that you can install it not traditionally - in the lower section of the kitchen set, but at a level convenient for you and allowing you not to bend over using the device. The oven can now occupy almost any area of the kitchen, it can be built over the countertop, or can be placed in a column. The technical characteristics of the dependent and independent ovens are completely identical. So now we'll figure out how to choose an independent built-in oven.
Built-in ovens, like ordinary cookers, are gas and electric. Let's note one interesting tendency: while gas stoves are still popular, those who want to get a gas oven are getting smaller. Probably, the reason for this lies in the greater functionality of electric ovens and the convenience of their operation. Let's not forget that gas ovens are not as eco-friendly as electric ovens. So, when choosing a gas oven, take care in advance for a good hood. Your choice in favor of a gas oven is completely justified if:
- your home suffers from a "weak" wiring that does not withstand the power consumed by the electric oven;
- You are accustomed to using a gas oven, adapted to its characteristics and professionally master the art of cooking various dishes on open fire;
- You are used to saving resources: the operation of the gas oven is cheaper in comparison with the electric one.
So, if, having weighed all the pros and cons, you decided to buy a gas oven, you will be useful to learn about the offers of this market segment. Most often, gas ovens are produced in the classical version, providing two modes of heating without a fan. From below, the heat in such ovens is created only by a gas heating element. The heat from above creates a gas or electric grill fixed in the upper part of the oven chamber. The gas grill has a great economy, the results of its use are close to the results of frying on coals. Only heating control requires experience and skill, it is difficult to automate.
The electric grill allows to achieve more even heating of the surface, has stepwise control of heating - its accuracy is higher - but it also costs more.
However, technologies are developing constantly: many manufacturers already equip their models of gas ovens with additional functions, including forced air circulation in the chamber. In such ovens hollow burners are used - inside of them gas can not be blown out. This circulation of air gives a uniform and rapid warming up of the dish, and still allows you to get an appetizing crust.
Speaking about the shortcomings of gas ovens, one can not help recalling their fire and explosion hazard. This is a key issue for home appliance manufacturers, and therefore modern ovens are equipped with a gas control system that blocks the fuel supply in case the flame goes out. To some extent, the fire hazard is compensated by the presence of the function of electric ignition, which makes it possible to forget about matches forever.
And the ovens now have doors with double and even triple heat-resistant glass. This provides good visibility inside the furnace and at the same time protects from burns.
The family of electric ovens is very diverse. Built-in electric stoves are static and multifunctional. The first group is characterized by a lower price, while also possessing considerably less functionality. A static oven is usually equipped with an upper and lower heating element, some models also have a grill - most often rotated, to ensure uniform heating and frying of the product.
Multifunctional ovens use a different system - convection (uniform distribution of heated air throughout the oven with a fan.) This helps to achieve complete baking of dishes and forget about the problem of baking, ruddy on top and moist inside. In addition, multifunctional ovens are equipped with several convenient operating modes, for example, defrosting products, steaming, there are also special modes for pizza cooking, browning, and the grill works in several modes.
When choosing an electric oven, pay attention to the way it is cleaned. In models of an average price category and now there are models with catalytic cleaning of an oven. Its essence lies in the fact that the walls of the oven are covered with special enamel - it absorbs fats during cooking, and at the end of the work you only need to wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Another, more reliable way of automatic cleaning of the oven is pyrolytic. Pyrolysis works like this: the oven is heated to 500 degrees, while the burning of food remains on the walls is achieved.
But how to choose an independent built-in oven that is right for you? With the present abundance of independent electric ovens in retail chains, you only need to decide how much you want to spend on this device - within the designated limits and choose the set of functions that you deem necessary. Do not miss out and design - of course, if you want the oven to become not just an assistant in cooking, but also an ornament of your kitchen.