How to Choose the Right Oven for Your Home
When it comes to buying an oven - there is a lot of research to be conducted before choosing the right one. Since it’s going to be one of the most expensive purchases for your kitchen, you really want to make sure that it’s going to fit your needs and preferences, as well as to read reviews in order to confirm the quality of the oven. So, in order to help you find the right oven for your home, in this article, we are going to cover all of the important variables that you need to consider first!
First Things First
Now, there are many different things that you need to consider before settling for a certain oven. Basically, the most important factors are the price, the size, the power source, the type, and the appearance of the oven, so - let’s talk about all of that in more detail.
How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend?
This is probably the first thing that you should consider. It’s important to be realistic with your budget, otherwise, you are just going to spend time focusing on ovens that are not in your budget range for no reason. So, be sure to decide your limit, and then, you can start assessing other parameters that fit into the budget that you have chosen.
What Size Should You Choose?
Of course, the oven size you choose will largely depend on just how much space you have available in your kitchen, so, be sure to measure that, since that’s the first step. Secondly, the sizes of ovens can vary a lot, and with those differences, come advantages and disadvantages, so - you are going to have to compromise. Smaller ovens use up less space that can be utilized differently, so, if you are lacking storage space, you should probably have that option in mind. On the other hand, larger ovens offer you more possibilities when it comes to what you can cook and how, but will use up more space.
So, it pretty much comes down to the space that you are operating with, as well as your cooking style.
Consider Double Ovens
Remember the last time, perhaps a holiday, when you tried to cook two entirely different things in the same oven at the same time because you were in a rush? Well, if you do, you probably understand that the biggest problem with this technique is trying to find a compromise regarding the oven temperature settings that work for everything in the oven. When it comes to this and similar problems - a double oven is the answer.
Even though a double oven seems like a simple concept, it’s actually somewhat more difficult to pick the right one just because of all the options that you have regarding the type and size of both ovens. So, in order to find the best ovens, some research is necessary. Generally, the biggest decision that you have to make is between the three main types - two full-sized ovens, one full-sized one that’s topped with a smaller oven, or a combination which is a full oven with either convection or microwave oven on top.
Gas Or Electric?
Unless you are fully renovating your home, you should probably think about the existing power connection first before deciding to go gas or electric. Of course, it would be cheapest not to change the entire power connection just because of the oven. If you want to install a gas line, be sure to check if that is an option before opting for an oven that is a gas model!
It’s also important to mention that electric ovens are usually less expensive to purchase and install, but on the other hand gas ovens are usually less expensive to operate, but more expensive when it comes to purchasing and installation.
Different Types Of Ovens
There are many different types of ovens, but the six most basic ones are the following: conventional, convection, microwave, steam, combination, and wood ovens. Conventional ovens usually have two heating elements, while convection ovens have a fan that circulates heat for more even distribution of heat, which results in faster cooking. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths to cook food, while steam ovens (pretty self-explanatory) use vapor. Of course, a combination of different ovens is always a possibility, so, if you want different types, you can, for instance, incorporate them in a double oven!
After all of this, you surely understand why impulsive shopping based on the looks of the oven isn’t going to work - research really is important so that you are able to know what you are purchasing exactly. That being said, be sure to go through everything mentioned in the article, and you will surely find the right fit!
