Rating of built-in electric ovens: characteristics of models and tips for choosing

Just two decades ago, the concept of a separate oven could seem like a curiosity - then the stoves were produced mainly in a set, where both the hob and the oven were present in one case. Today, these segments are often divided, which some consumers like and others criticize. If you already have a hob, and you need to buy a good electric oven for it, you need to know how to choose it correctly and what to focus on.

An electric oven is a kind of analogue of an enlarged microwave, at least in terms of shape and design, although the dimensions and cooking principles, of course, differ. Such a device is designed for baking dishes and baking pastries, usually it is built into the worktop under the hob, thanks to which outwardly the kit is no different from the classic gas stove. However, they do not have to be connected - for that they do not have a common body so that the oven can be installed separately. The device is powered by electricity, therefore it can be located in any habitable room - it does not need a gas connection.

To begin with, it is worth understanding why, in general, they came up with the idea of ​​separating the oven and the hob. The good thing about a separate oven is that now you are not limited to the choice of models. Previously, most stoves were purchased with an aim rather on the hob, while the characteristics of the oven often had to be sacrificed, and vice versa, with a decent oven, the outside burners might not satisfy the owners with something. Separate release of two parts of the former classic slab allows each of the parts to be selected in strict accordance with your requests - now you don't have to sacrifice anything, choosing the optimal technique according to your own taste.

Another important plus in favor of buying an oven is the ease of access to it. In a classic stove, the oven is always located far below, it is necessary to tilt towards it every time for any slightest operation - from loading and unloading to checking the readiness of the dish. A separate oven can also be mounted at eye level - this is much more convenient, and there are no burners on its lid, so this height will not interfere.

It should be noted that not all individual ovens are powered by electricity. - as in the case of a classic stove, they can also be gas. However, the characteristic plus of individual ovens in the form of placement at any height is more characteristic just for electric models, since their design is lighter, and the power cable itself does not put forward any restrictions on the height of the location.

Another advantage of an electric oven over a gas oven is that it is much better suited for the implementation of any "smart" functions by analogy with the same multicooker. At least any modern model must have built-in timer and automatic shutdown functions., therefore, knowing the exact time of preparation of a certain dish, you can not follow the kitchen in the process, in general, - the advanced technology will turn itself off at the right time, even if no one is at home.

Naturally, many models make even more use of the capabilities of microcircuits and electricity - they offer a choice from numerous pre-installed programs or allow the parallel presence of other functions, also working on the principle of a conventional microwave oven. Modern technologies can help with simplifying even fat removal - many current models can simply burn it, which greatly reduces the time spent cleaning the walls.

At the same time, it should be noted that electric ovens are not as good from all sides as they might seem, otherwise they would have long ago supplanted their gas competitors... The first thing that prompts you to opt for the gas model is the high electricity consumption of the oven, which can greatly increase your utility bills, while cooking with gas would definitely be cheaper. Another advantage of gas is that there are practically no interruptions in its supply, which cannot be said about electricity, and very few people want to sit in the dark, and even hungry.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that an electric oven is a device that is inexpensive to buy, but it can eliminate the price gain as it is used. At the same time, the expediency of buying it is present if the owners like to cook in the oven and are going to use its numerous features and preset modes to the fullest. If the house is supplied with gas, and nothing unique will be cooked in the closet, such a purchase does not always justify itself - its operation may turn out to be too expensive.

Amazingly, even modern electric ovens may not have additional functions, remaining in fact an analogue of the old Soviet stove. Naturally, they are relatively cheap, but only because of the low price they can get into at least some rating. Today, built-in ovens, and even on electricity, simply must have additional functions that significantly expand the scope of the device.

Almost by default, such ovens are produced with convection., when hot air is supplied to the food from all sides thanks to a special ventilation system - this helps to bake the food evenly. The multifunctional device is able to maintain the temperature of the finished dish so that it is warm at the time of serving, to heat the dishes so that it does not cool fresh hot dishes, to dry too wet foods and much more.

An oven combined with a microwave is the best option for a modern kitchen. Although both of the original appliances were designed to heat food, the procedure looks somewhat different. In the oven, first of all, the heating element is heated, from it the heat gets to the surface of the food, therefore this unit is good for long-term baking of dishes. The microwave oven emits waves that penetrate several centimeters into the substance containing water molecules, it is much more convenient for quickly heating food. Accordingly, the combined models are able to do both procedures.

The grill function for ovens or microwaves has not been new for a good decade, and electric built-in ovens are no exception.True, the original grill still involves cooking on coals, which are definitely not in an electric appliance, but for some people this is practically the only opportunity to feast on their favorite dishes. In contrast to the typical wind dainties, grilled dishes are considered to be fried rather than baked, acquiring a specific taste and aroma.

If an electric oven can be combined with a microwave oven, then with a defrost function - even more so, because microwaves were originally used for this very purpose. It is no secret that many frozen foods cannot be cooked right away, they must be thawed naturally, that is, you cannot even put them under hot water. An electric oven with a special function can help the process, since it can set a certain average temperature that does not scald the product, and at the same time, it is higher than indoors. If the unit also has the function of a microwave, it processes the product not only from the outside, but also to a certain depth., which allows you to bring warmth to the center, albeit a low temperature, much faster.

The abundance of built-in electric ovens on the modern market allows you to choose a model that meets any requirement, but sometimes the variety is confusing. Most people choose the products of the most popular brands, leaders of the modern market - Bosch (Germany), Electrolux (Sweden), Hotpoint-Ariston (USA), LG (South Korea), Siemens (Germany). At the same time, even worthy companies have models with flaws, while little-known brands are able to periodically produce a noteworthy result. That is why we will review not manufacturers, but specific models.

The models of built-in electric ovens presented in the lists are divided into categories according to their cost., because for many consumers it is the financial issue that is the main one. At the same time, the ovens in question will not necessarily seem ideal for you - we just selected a few examples that are in great demand in the market and have good characteristics and reviews on consumer forums.

Inexpensive electric ovens are most often found in modern apartments, since their low price is a rather relative concept. Let's make a reservation right away that even here we do not consider the cheapest Chinese models, which can cost the consumer less than 10 thousand rubles, therefore, even models of this segment may seem expensive to some readers. We, focusing on some kind of quality, prefer to discard the most budgetary, but stupid product. in favor of the one that costs a little more, but will not let you down.

• Bosch HBN539S5 - conditionally a German unit manufactured in Turkey, such a purchase will cost the future owner 28-30 thousand rubles. The significant price is due to the fact that German designers did not regret functions for this model, for example, it supports 8 heating options at once. The volume of the device allows you to cook dishes of any size - 67 liters is enough for any family with guests. The catalytic back wall makes cleaning from grease a lot easier, and the triple-glazed door prevents you from getting burned. This model is also good for its economy (energy class A), and the only drawback is that there are telescopic guides only at one of the levels.

• Gorenje BO 635E11XK in terms of the set of functions it is close to the above-described model, but it costs less - about 23-24 thousand rubles. The company itself is Slovenian, but Slovenia is located in the European Union with its high quality requirements, and production is located right there. The 67 liter oven has a power of 2.7 kW, but it is considered economical, referring to energy class A. There are as many as 9 heating modes here.

• Candy FPE 209/6 X - a product of an Italian brand, produced in the same Turkey, comparable in price category to the above-described model of a Slovenian manufacturer. At first glance, the functionality here is somewhat lower, because there are only 5 heating modes, but all the classic additional functions such as convection or grilling are provided. The device consumes 2.1 kW of electricity, due to which it can be considered economical, its volume is 65 liters. The advantage of the model can be considered protection from children, as well as automatic shutdown in case of overheating, which is not so often found in ovens of this price category, but the manufacturer saved on one layer of glass in the door - the two-layer protection can heat up during operation.

• Hotpoint-Ariston FTR 850 (OW) should appeal to those who are not very enthusiastic about modern technological design options and want an interior in a classic style, but are not ready to use, indeed, antique appliances. With eight programs, the unit allows the owner to experiment with the settings himself. Users allocate a relatively small volume of the chamber - 56 liters, as well as a specific control knob, to which most of the control is carried out - they say it takes time to get used to it.

If a person can afford not too much time to devote to finding a means of subsistence, he begins to occupy the brain with something else - for example, thoughts about how he eats. Now he wants to eat tasty and varied, while home cooking should be simple and comfortable, because the existing decent level of well-being needs to be maintained, and not idle at the stove all day. For such people, the middle-class electrically built-in ovens, which have both functionality and safety organized at a higher level, may be an excellent choice.

• Siemens HB634GBW1, whose price is in the region of 45 thousand rubles, is highly valued for its thoughtful design - it is generally believed that it will fit into almost any kitchen, kept in a light palette. Hot air supplied through the 4D system allows you to cook several dishes at once in different modes, a volume of 71 liters should also be enough for this. The CoolStart function radically solves the problem of defrosting - it allows you to cook frozen food without first defrosting separately. The unit is designed for 13 operating modes, even canning is present. The device is able to display the temperature indicators inside, but for some reason it lacks telescopic guides.

• Vestfrost VFSM60OH - the only model of an electric oven from this manufacturer, but if you are ready to spend almost 50 thousand rubles on an electric oven, then such an investment will be very productive. Ten heating modes and 150 preset recipes will help you eat tasty and varied, but if you yourself are a good cook, you can add 10 of your own recipes to the program. The unit is so sharpened for the informativeness of cooking that it is equipped with a decent-sized 4.3-inch display - enough for a small budget smartphone. The level of its brightness, by the way, you choose yourself, as well as the melody of the signal about the readiness of the dish.The device is equipped with two pairs of telescopic guides at once, and almost the only complaint about it is that there is no alternative to the black design.

• Electrolux OPEA2550V costs around 40 thousand rubles, but its design may seem more expensive, even aristocratic - it is simply irreplaceable for a typical kitchen, designed in a classic style. Only the design belongs to the category "retro" of this model, but everything is in order with the functions: there are 9 heating modes, and catalytic self-cleaning from fat. The oven door is equipped with a closer for tight closing, which is rarely seen, the unit also has a built-in fan for cooling freshly cooked food.

A wealthy kitchen owner is hardly used to counting money, providing for himself - such a person will agree only to the best and most modern that can be found. This approach also applies to the choice of a built-in electric oven - it is assumed that all possible functions will be presented here in the most convenient design, and the unit itself will be reliable, durable and safe. Of course, for the full operation of a device of this class, a professional chef would not hurt, but an owner who is able to buy such equipment can just as well hire a specialist culinary specialist. Consider what modern engineers offer to those who are willing to pay for the best.

• Gorenje GP 979X - this is a unit for about 85 thousand rubles, which can be considered one of the worthy examples of the manufacturability of the modern world. You will appreciate its advantages already after the first cooking, using the pyrolytic self-cleaning function - the device burns off fat on the walls so efficiently that you just have to wipe them with a damp cloth. This model allows you to bake different dishes on five levels at once, which is useful given the presence of 16 heating modes at once - such a technique would fit even in a small restaurant where everyone orders different things. The door consists of four glasses and two thermal layers at once, which allows you not to burn yourself, even though the pyrolytic self-cleaning can "accelerate" the oven up to 500 degrees.

• Bosch HRG 656XS2 for 95 thousand rubles is focused on professional cooking. The developers have provided in the design the possibility of adding steam to the chamber, due to which the baked dishes are covered with an appetizing crust, but inside they remain soft and juicy, and not overdried. Even without being a culinary specialist, you will eat deliciously, because the equipment is equipped with preset recipes and will set all the necessary parameters by pressing one button. The mechanism even has a baking sensor and a special multi-point probe, which allows you to assess the state of the dish being cooked without overdrying it or leaving it raw. Like the previous model, such an oven is criticized except for the fact that not everyone can afford it.

• Siemens HB675G0S1 will cost the consumer 105 thousand rubles, because in order to achieve the highest quality, the German manufacturer did not even take production outside the country, preferring to keep the whole process under control. Actually, in terms of functionality, this unit is even somewhat inferior to the first from this list, since it has only 13 modes, but when choosing it, consumers are guided by the notorious German quality, amazing durability and reliability, as well as the complete predictability of the oven, which will never let you down and feed tasty lunch.

As you can see, today ovens are available for every taste - it remains to understand which one is better to take. Even if you have formulated your own requirements in general, there are probably several similar models in the assortment of large equipment stores that will make you doubt. To better navigate the topic, let's briefly go over some criteria that will allow you to understand which oven will make you happier.

Inside a working oven, the temperature can reach more than 200 degrees, and its body is made of metal, which conducts heat quite well. Since we are considering just built-in models, each such oven will be sewn into third-party countertops, which are often made from materials that do not strongly welcome extreme temperatures. In addition, significant heating of the oven surface can provoke injury to someone in the household.

It is clear that the unit is hardly capable of not losing heat at all, but it is very important that its surface at least does not heat up to a level comparable to that inside. Whenever possible, when purchasing such a technique, ask to demonstrate it in the included form and personally assess how much the surface heats up. If the unit gets very hot, at this stage you can still change your choice of model or think about what to make kitchen cabinets from so that this is not a problem.

Nowadays, all home appliances by default should be safe for the owners, therefore, more should focus on the safety of the unit itself and the dishes prepared in it. For a good oven, it should be normal practice to automatically shut off after a predetermined amount of time. Among other things, the most advanced models today can be connected to a smartphone, where in a special application you can remotely monitor the state of the preparation of a dish - this will help not to burn food and once again save equipment.

Everyone chooses the dimensions of the oven himself, starting from the availability of free space in the kitchen and their needs. In this case, it should be understood what, in general, dimensions can be built-in independent ovens. So, a narrow oven in width can be less than 45 cm, but the height is usually quite standard - 40-45 cm. The so-called full-size ovens belong to another category - their width already reaches 60 cm, and the height can be at the level of 50-60 cm.

This is perhaps the most subjective selection criterion, and no specific advice can be given here: a well-thought-out and stylish oven may simply not fit into the interior of a particular kitchen. Therefore, the most reasonable thing is to select the unit so that it is in harmony with the rest of the environment, including the cabinets in which it is built. The oven is purchased for maximum convenience, therefore, it should not cause even the slightest discomfort, albeit aesthetic.

An electric oven allows for many functions and a significant expansion of the scope of use of the unit, but the more possibilities, the more difficult it is to get confused in them. Control of equipment should be intuitive, duplication of functions and programs is undesirable - preference should be given to those units that you can master as quickly as possible. Remember that an accidental programming error can damage the dish.

If you are not a professional chef and do not plan to use the oven for its intended purpose every day, it does not always make sense to buy the most complex model.As practice shows, for most households, just a few modes are enough, and full multifunctionality makes sense only in the homes of professional chefs who are used to squeezing the maximum out of technology. Again, there is no point in duplicating the same microwave if you already have it - when purchasing an oven, focus on those of its skills that you lack.

For information on how to choose a built-in electric oven, see the following video.