Choosing an electric desktop mini oven

Electric mini ovens and ovens are also called roasters. Such a portable version of a full-fledged stove can include not only an oven, but also an electric stove, toaster, grill. Choosing a desktop assistant today is both simple and difficult. A huge assortment of models with convection, grill and other additional functionality, a variety of colors and designs require a thoughtful approach to choosing the best option. Let's try to figure out how to choose an electric desktop mini-oven.

A mini oven is a small-sized variation of a common household electrical appliance. Depending on the model, the roaster can toast toast, grill poultry, or be used as a microwave oven. Multifunctional appliances undoubtedly lead the way in the consumer rating of household appliances of this kind. Advantages distinguishing portable ovens:

• a large assortment, allowing you to choose a reliable assistant in almost any price category;
• high quality devices from trusted manufacturers, long service life;
• a variety of design options, which allows you to choose a device for any interior;
• multifunctionality (devices have the ability to prepare a variety of dishes);
• small size (the unit will fit in any kitchen size, it can be placed in the country);
• portability (when moving or repairing, the device can be easily moved);
• efficiency (energy consumption will decrease by about a third);
• greater safety compared to gas models;
• simplicity of intuitive control without a long study of instructions;
• the ability to connect directly to a conventional power supply.

Among the shortcomings, such minor points should be highlighted:

• heating of the case on some models;
• power may be less than declared (before buying, you need to study real reviews);
• short cord;
• not all manufacturers have instructions in Russian;
• low-quality models (usually made in China) are equipped with an insufficiently thick grille, which leads to its deformation.

In order for the kitchen assistant to work properly and delight the owners, it is necessary to pay attention to some basic nuances when choosing a model.

First of all, evaluate the composition of the family. When choosing, one should proceed from the number of people living in the house and the purposes of using the device. For example, in volumetric models, baked goods rise better.

• Miniature ovens are good for singles or small families. It is also a great option for students living in a rented apartment. The smallest 12-liter models are optimal for these situations. A small oven will allow you to heat food, fry toast, bake fish, poultry, meat.
• If the family includes 4 people or more, a larger unit should be considered, for example, the 22-liter version. Such devices are very popular, as they allow you to fully prepare any meals for the whole family.
• If you love creating culinary masterpieces every day or have a large family, you should pay attention to more spacious devices, for example, 45-liter models. The dimensions of such devices are very large, so it is worth weighing the pros and cons.

This parameter is one of the most important indicators of the quality of the device. Good coverage should be marked with Durastone, which means:

• heat resistance;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• resistance to chemicals.

The number of modes is also of great importance when choosing a mini oven. In addition to the main features, it is desirable that the device has such options as:

• grill;
• defrosting;
• convection blowing;
• toaster mode;
• boiling milk;
• baking pancakes in a special section.

Many models are equipped with two electric burners located on the top plate, which allows you to cook several dishes at the same time. Convection speeds up cooking. Telescopic guides will protect the user's hands from burns. The grill itself expands the possibilities of cooking, but if the oven is equipped with a spit that rotates, this will be an additional plus.

The timer will allow you not to sit at the device and not keep track of the time. It is enough to set the required parameter, and then you can go about your business. If the mini oven is illuminated, you can watch the cooking process. In this case, you do not need to open the door. Steam cleaning will save you the painful and time-consuming process of cleaning the appliance from deposits and grease. Everything happens easily and quickly - water is poured, the maximum temperature is turned on, and then the inner surface is wiped.

The panel on which the main buttons regulating the process are located is important for comfortable cooking. If this nuance does not matter to you, you can save money by choosing a mechanical control model. Electronic display models tend to be more expensive. However, many find this option more convenient. In addition, devices with the second type of control look up-to-date and stylish, and fit perfectly into modern interiors.

This is another minor nuance that can significantly speed up the cooking process. If you do not like to wait long, you should pay attention to the models with high power. Even a super-powerful mini-appliance absorbs less energy anyway than a standard oven.

The shape and color are chosen based on personal preference. However, there are points that relate to the ease of use of the mini-oven. For example, it is important to consider at what height the device will be located. Depending on this, the type of door opening is selected. If the device will stand high, then the vertical type is optimal.

If you decide to purchase a mini oven with this function, pay attention to the following model range.

Despite the fact that this company is not the leader in terms of popularity, this unit is deservedly in high demand. Excellent quality, optimal volume (26 l) and rich functionality are favorably combined with a budget price. There is a hob, the body is particularly durable. The disadvantages include a modest and not very convenient control panel, as well as the fact that the body gets very hot during cooking.

This model has a little more volume and power, but the price is more than twice as high. The device is capable of quickly heating up, thoroughly baking dishes from all sides. Heat-resistant materials and thermal insulation do not allow the surface on which the mini-oven is placed to heat up, which ensures the safety of nearby objects. The model is easy to operate, equipped with a timer.

Another high-power and rather voluminous unit that is able to defrost, bake, reheat, cook 2 dishes at once. The device is equipped with a timer, backlight. The set includes a wire rack and two baking trays. Convection is quiet, the appliance heats up quickly. The only drawback is the heating of the outer surface of the case.

If you have opted for non-convection models, the quality and functionality of the grill will come to the fore. There are two devices in this segment.

The spit of this oven is able to accommodate the whole bird (the volume of the device is 33 liters). The highest temperature is 320C, which makes it possible to expand the list of dishes. An hour and a half timer, 2 high-quality baking trays, a spit and a wire rack will make using the oven comfortable. The price category is budgetary, the control is simple and comfortable, everything is baked evenly. As for the shortcomings, this model lacks backlighting, and the case also gets very hot.

The good power and the sufficient size of the appliance make it possible to cook a lot and with pleasure. Warming up is uniform and very fast, which is provided by 4 heating elements, which are connected separately. The timer is present, the cost is low, the control is simple. Among the shortcomings, one can single out a not very successful timer, which may periodically not signal the expiration of the specified time.

If you are planning on buying a budget mini oven, you can consider the following models:

• Panasonic NT-GT1WTQ;

• Supra MTS-210;

• BBK OE-0912M.

For expert advice on choosing a mini oven, see the following video.