Best Ovens for Energy Efficient Cooking
The GE JB735 comes with a fan which circulates heat. This ensures baked goods are evenly cooked and roasted foods more crisp and juicy. It also has bake and roast settings as well as an air-fry mode and two oven racks that can be adjusted to six levels.
It is ideal for hosting large family gatherings. It is sleek and modern design with convenient extra features.
Energy efficiency
You must ensure that your oven runs at a low energy level because it is one of the most used kitchen appliances. There are many options to help you reduce your energy bills, without losing the quality of your meals.
To find the right oven for your needs, consider the way you use it as well as what features you would like. For instance, if frequently roast chicken or bake cakes, an oven that has a fan-assisted roasting feature is a good option. It will blow dry, hot air around the meat so that it cooks evenly.
Also consider an oven with a self-cleaning function. These models will automatically clean your oven after each use. You don't have to spend time cleaning it. These models are more expensive than other ovens that don't self-clean, but if often use the oven it might be worth the cost.
Energy-efficient models are typically more energy efficient and use less energy to heat up. They can run on a 120-volt or 240-volt circuit, depending on their design. You can also select an oven that uses both radiative and convection heating to get more balanced results while also saving energy.
Look into an auto-preheat option that will start the oven as you cook, ensuring that it is ready when you need it. There are smart ovens that connect to your tablet or smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth. This lets you monitor and control the oven using an app.
Space
If you're short on space, you should consider a compact oven that'll fit into your kitchen with little effort. These models feature an elongated fascia that can be stacked neatly with other appliances to give your kitchen a more open appearance. Certain models come with a slimline dial control as well as an easily retractable display for cleaning. Others feature a pyrolytic function for those who cook often.
If you prefer, select an oven with a smart control for maximum convenience. They usually come with an app that allows you to control your appliance from the comfort of your home. This is especially helpful when you're working and need dinner ready after returning from work or if you have children who may accidentally press the buttons on an older model.
Larger ovens have bigger interior capacities and are more suitable for people who cook frequently or entertain guests. They may also require more counter space than smaller models. You'll need to figure out the amount of countertop space you have, and whether it's enough for a larger appliance.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that doesn't sacrifice quality, this model from Beko is worth a look. It's simple in design, but still boasts six different functions, including a defrosting setting which heats up the oven quickly as well as an AeroPerfect function that circulates hot air through the oven cavity to ensure even cooking. It also comes with an energy rating and makes use of recycled fishing nets and industrial thread waste to lessen its environmental impact.
Convenience
You need an oven that is user-friendly and can serve many functions in an apartment kitchen. Look for a simple control panel with easy-to-use buttons and a bright display, as well as sturdy handles and racks that slide in and out effortlessly. You want your oven to heat quickly and be able to alter the temperature as you cook.
The tests conducted by CHOICE show that, while most ovens cook well their ease of use is what separates the ordinary from the exceptional. That's why CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair suggests checking the controls, shelf design and internal surfaces instore before buying your new appliance.
There are also models that have smart features to assist you in cooking more efficiently. Some models can be controlled remotely via an app that you can install on your tablet or smartphone. A lot of these ovens scan barcodes of food items and send recipes to the oven for you to cook which is useful when you're running short of time or are looking to try something new.
Other useful functions to look for in an oven include grilling functions or pizza setting, as well as a slow-cook feature. These functions can aid in the preparation of healthy and delicious food in a short period of time. Some ovens are equipped with a nonstick baking sheet and baking tray. This makes them even more convenient to use.
Think about an oven that has a convection fan in it and can accommodate multiple racks. The fan circulates hot air which helps your food hobs and ovens to cook more evenly and also reduces the time it takes for the oven to preheat. Multi-rack features also allow you to create different outcomes by putting dishes on different racks inside the oven. This is useful for recipes that call for several layers of dough or batter. Some ovens have self-cleaning options that makes use of high temperatures to melt away crusted on food. These are typically more effective than traditional self-cleaning methods which employ water to wash away baked-on food. Self-cleaning ovens are an excellent method to speed up the process after you've cooked and baked your meals.
Safety
If you're investing in a top of the range oven, you may prefer one with a few extra features that will save you time and hassle. Some of these features are related to safety while others allow you to cook faster and more efficiently.
For example the Sabbath Mode can help keep foods warm for longer, so you don't need to keep heating up and cooling down the oven when you're cooking for those who will be late for dinner. Most top-end models have steam cleaning features for quick, easy cleaning.
A high-speed cooker is a great feature that allows you to heat leftovers, or even make an omelet or pasta. This feature makes use of short, rapid bursts heat to quickly bring food back to temperature. Some of these models have an insulated glass-ceramic surface that has sensors that notify you when the burners remain hot.
Trivection ovens are a different oven feature that has an increased price. They combine convection, microwaving and thermal heating to bake faster and more evenly. Some ovens also have a function for air-frying that allows you to get crispy foods without having to buy a separate countertop fryer.
Another safety-related oven feature is an auto shut off which can avoid burns if the oven was accidentally turned on while it's hot. This feature is found in a lot of electric ovens, but gas ovens are usually sold separately.
You should also select an oven that is quiet when it is being used.
It is recommended to regularly clean the interior of your oven using a damp sponge or cloth to keep it clean and to avoid the build-up of food residue. It is also important to ensure the grates of your oven are movable, so you can clean them easily and periodically soak them in hot, soapy water to wash off food particles stuck on.