Electric oven or countertop oven and its advantages

How to choose a tabletop electric oven based on technical characteristics

When choosing any household appliance, the main criteria are its technical characteristics, because
They determine the possibilities of using the device, as well as its location. In the first place for electric models is their power, since this indicator affects the ability to connect the device to an existing electrical network and the amount of electrical energy consumed when using it. Tabletop electric ovens are available in various capacities, but the most popular models are mini-ovens from 2 to 3.5 kW, which allows you to heat the working chamber of the device to a sufficient temperature, on the one hand, and connect to a standard household electrical network, on the other.

Desktop models vary in technical characteristics, equipment and functionality

Energy consumption class is an indicator that reflects the technical capabilities of a household appliance to operate in an economical use of electrical energy mode. These values ​​are displayed in letters (from A to G) and colors (from green to red) on the instrument panel and in its technical data sheet.

The most energy efficient is class “A”, which also has a gradation indicating the capabilities of a particular model: “A+”, “A++” and “A+++”. The overall dimensions of a countertop oven determine its functionality and ability to be used in everyday life. Small-sized models take up little space, but they are not suitable for constant use and cooking in large quantities. The width of ovens of this type is, as a rule, 45 cm, and the volume of the working chamber is 30–45 liters.

Small-sized models have a narrow range of uses and limited functionality

Large ovens take up a lot of space, which is extremely inconvenient in small kitchens in old-style apartments. The width of models of this type can be 90 cm or more, and the volume of the working area is 70–80 liters. The most optimal solution is models of standard sizes, in which the width is 60 cm, and the volume of the working chamber is 50–60 liters, which is quite enough for preparing various dishes for the whole family, and at the same time they do not take up much space in the kitchen space of the apartment or country house.

Main technical characteristics of tabletop electric ovens

It is almost impossible to find a modern kitchen that does not have an oven in one form or another. Many people prefer free-standing ovens. This choice is due to a number of significant advantages:

• possibility of installation in a place that does not require special preparation;
• the oven can be rearranged if necessary;
• certain amenities during use;
• comfortable control of information on the control panel, as it is located almost at eye level;
• ease of care.

The compact oven can be installed in any convenient place in the kitchen

Depending on the purpose of use and in accordance with the technical characteristics, tabletop electric ovens for the kitchen are divided into several types:

• tabletop mini-ovens;
• ovens of standard sizes;
• mini ovens for cooking pizza;
• mini ovens with convection;
• professional mini-ovens;
• professional electric stoves.

The variety of model options within one type makes choosing an electric oven a rather complicated process. Dimensions, volume, power, set of functions and control method are the main characteristics of this item of household electrical equipment. The issue of safe use is also relevant. It is necessary to have certain knowledge in order to correctly assess the level of potential danger of a particular model during its operation.

Volume and power of electric ovens

The volume of an electric oven directly depends on its dimensions. Depending on the size, the following types of ovens are distinguished:

• standard;
• compact;
• narrow;
• wide;
• mini ovens.

The size of a tabletop electric oven depends on its volume

The volume of electric ovens starts from 23 liters. Maximum capacity – 162 l. Standard tabletop ovens traditionally have a volume of 60-70 liters. Compact ones are characterized by a capacity of 20-40 liters. The smallest tabletop electric ovens are mini-ovens and mini-ovens, the volume of which starts from 5 liters.

Depending on the volume, the following types of ovens differ:

• spacious (volume is above 70 l);
• medium (have a volume within 60 l);
• compact (volume no more than 40 l);
• mini ovens (volume is 5-20 l).

An electric oven, a small oven, will consume much less electricity than a large oven. Depending on energy consumption, electric ovens can have classes A, B and C. Based on efficiency, products are divided into classes A+ and A++. A class A unit consumes 20% more electricity than class A+ electrical equipment. Ovens of class A+ and A++ are similarly distinguished by 20% of electricity consumption. The cost savings are obvious and significant.

The more powerful the electric oven, the more electricity it will consume

Oven power ranges from 1 to 4 kW. Therefore, this technique requires compliance with certain technical conditions when connecting.

Helpful advice! When choosing an electric oven, you must take into account the condition of the electrical wiring in the room where it will be installed. For a unit with a power of more than 2.5 kW, a separate wire must be installed from the electrical distribution panel.

The power of the electric oven affects the level of energy consumption. The advantages of such new electrical technology are as follows: the higher the power, the faster the cooking process, the lower the energy consumption, which means the financial costs of power supply are reduced.

Basic modes and functions

Modern electric tabletop ovens are characterized by a large number of modes that promote high-quality cooking:

1. Convection. A fan is installed on the back wall of the oven, which evenly distributes hot air throughout the entire volume of the cabinet. The dish is baked equally on all sides. Convection promotes the formation of a golden brown crust, which makes the food look more appetizing and pleasant to the taste. There are models where the fans are equipped with additional heating elements.
2. Moist convection (steam). Dishes prepared in this mode retain more nutrients and the food does not dry out.

The cost of a tabletop electric oven depends on the number of its functions

There are models of ovens with two fans, two-chamber. You can cook two different dishes at the same time without mixing the smells. Convection significantly shortens the cooking process.

1. Grill. Function for frying and creating a crispy crust. There are several varieties: small grill, large grill and turbo grill. A small grill is used to prepare croutons. The large one is suitable for frying large quantities of thin foods, such as vegetables. The turbo grill will cook chicken or a large piece of meat. Often, an oven with a grill comes with a spit, the rotation of which promotes even roasting.
2. Accelerated heating. This mode helps the oven quickly heat up, which saves time and energy.
3. Fast heating. Designed to heat the interior of the oven.
4. Pizza. In this mode you can cook pizza in a few minutes.
5. Tangential cooling. It does not allow the glass to fog up, so you can freely observe the cooking process.
6. Fan. Prevents the control panel from heating up.
7. Timer. Turns off the cooking process exactly after the set time has elapsed by sounding a sound signal.
8. 3D. Hot air comes not only from the upper and lower heaters, but also from the annular heater - flow from three sides. Promotes faster cooking; this mode is convenient for drying vegetables and fruits.

The presence of convection in the oven allows for quick cooking

Oven functions:

1. Automatic program. This is a function that starts the cooking process after pressing one button indicating a specific dish. The time and temperature are already programmed.
2. Microwave. Used for heating and cooking.
3. Temperature probe. Controls and displays the temperature inside the dish.
4. Thermostat. Regulates maintaining the required temperature in the oven.
5. Self-cleaning. Allows for cleaning, after which the surfaces only need to be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
6. Locking the control panel. Eliminates the possibility of accidentally pressing the control panel.

To provide many modes, it is necessary to install additional elements in the oven, and, therefore, this requires an increase in size. An electric countertop mini oven usually does not have a large number of modes and functions. But the main ones (convection, grill, self-cleaning) are present in modern models.

Control methods

Electric oven controls can be of three types:

• mechanical;
• sensory;
• electronic.

Mechanical control is considered more reliable and is usually present in inexpensive models

Mechanical control is most often found in mini-ovens. These are several knobs that can be used to turn on temperature, time, mode or function. They are often located on the front panel on the right, sometimes on the top.

The touch control option is typical for modern models. By touching the screen, the desired function, mode, time, etc. is selected. Electronic control is carried out by pressing buttons, and the set parameters are displayed on the display. The control panel of the last two types is traditionally located at the top of the oven.

Despite the fact that touch and electronic controls are more modern and are installed on expensive models, the mechanical method continues to be used, and it has a number of advantages:

• high reliability;
• affordable price;
• resistance to power surges and surges;
• ease of use.

The mini-oven is extremely convenient for everyday use because it cooks dishes quickly

Positive features of ovens with electronic and touch controls:

• original look;
• more precise setting of cooking time and temperature;
• a large number of functions and modes;
• availability of automatic programs;
• the ability to record and save recipes in memory.

Helpful advice! When choosing an oven, you need to focus on accessibility and ease of use.

Advantages and disadvantages of tabletop electric mini ovens

Any technical device, including household appliances for various purposes, has advantages and disadvantages that determine the degree of their demand.

Tabletop electric oven model “Akel AF 740”, volume 36 l, equipped with grill and spit

For desktop electrical cabinets, these indicators can be formulated as follows:

Advantages:

• transportability - the ability to be installed anywhere in the kitchen space and rearranged from place to place;
• a wide range of operating temperatures allows you to cook dishes using various products (meat, rib, pies, etc.);
• uniformity and efficiency of heating of the working chamber ensures the quality of food preparation;
• automatic shutdown in accordance with the specified cooking time for a specific dish allows you to not constantly monitor this process;
• the presence of additional functions that differ between different models (self-cleaning, microwave, electric stove, etc.) expands the functionality of the device.

Flaws:

• significant electrical power leads to increased electrical energy consumption;
• when installing in a furniture frame, it is necessary to ensure fire safety or choose a different type of model equipped with a cooling function for the oven walls.

The set of basic and additional functions for each model is different, so when choosing a device you need to pay special attention to this

Basic functional qualities of a free-standing electric oven

In its classic configuration, a tabletop electric oven is capable of cooking food at a given temperature for a certain period of time. The temperature is set using special control elements (rotary knobs, buttons, sensors), and the duration is set using a timer. In modern, most popular models of tabletop electric ovens, a number of other functionalities are included as standard:

• convection – ensures circulation in the internal space of the working chamber, thereby ensuring uniform heating of the prepared dishes;
• grill – expands culinary possibilities;
• spit - driven by a specially installed electric motor and allows you to cook meat and chicken with a uniform degree of doneness;
• Microwave – allows you to defrost food and heat ready meals in a short period of time.

The presence of a built-in fan ensures convection of heated air in the interior of the oven

The presence of an electronic unit allows you to record the cooking parameters of a specific dish into the device’s memory, which greatly simplifies the process of preparing it in the future.

Related article:

Which is the best electric built-in oven: reviews. Built-in products that can easily be placed inside a kitchen unit are becoming increasingly popular. Read the special publication on how to choose the right built-in electric oven.

Additional functions of a tabletop electric baking oven

When using a tabletop electric oven for preparing pies and other baked goods, a very convenient feature is the presence of special guides that ensure the safe removal of cooked products from the internal space of the working chamber of the device. This is due to the fact that the temperature during baking and preparing other dishes is quite high, and this can lead to burns to the user’s skin if handled carelessly. In addition, among the additional functionality that specific models can be equipped with, it should be noted:

• boiling control is an important option when preparing liquid dishes;
• the presence of a hinged door makes it easier to use the device;
• stewing and simmering modes , as well as fermentation, expand the list of recipes that can be brought to life using an electric oven.

Most models of tabletop electric ovens are equipped with a grill and spit.

Using an electric tabletop oven in the country

Due to its compactness and low weight, an electric tabletop oven of standard sizes is quite mobile, which allows you to move it from place to place, as was already written about above, and also take it with you to the dacha when visiting it. Particularly convenient in this regard are models equipped with a hob on the top surface of the appliance, which allows you to cook food not only inside the oven, but also as on an ordinary electric stove.

An electric oven with a hob is a multifunctional appliance that combines all the devices needed in the country for cooking

Related article:

Oven with microwave function. What it is, characteristics, selection criteria, review of the most popular models with owner reviews and prices - read in the publication.

Oven or mini oven

Compared to a stove equipped with a standard-sized oven, a miniature model has the following advantages, regardless of the brand:

• energy consumption is 20-30% less;
• small size, own weight and interesting design;
• the tabletop option costs much less than a standard stove;
• there are options for specific models - for an apartment, office, cottage, and so on;
• connection options - gas or electricity;
• great functionality;
• Electric ovens may have a pancake compartment under the top lid.

In terms of fire safety, the tabletop version of miniature electric stoves is much better than gas stoves, although many users will argue that shorting the wires also poses a fire risk.

When compared with a standard oven, clear advantages are visible:

1. Miniature dimensions - a tabletop oven takes up very little space, which cannot be said about its standard counterpart.
2. With similar functionality, the energy consumption of the desktop version is much less.
3. The choice of design and range of models is much larger, and a standard oven has almost the same appearance.

The choice is always up to the user; we only state the real facts.

Popular manufacturers of tabletop electric ovens

The market for household electrical appliances offers a large number of models of electric tabletop ovens from various manufacturers operating in Europe, America and Asia. Many European, including domestic, manufacturers locate their production in China, which sometimes causes confusion in determining the country of production of a particular model: the brand is in Europe or America, and the manufacturing plant is in China. The most popular brands in the “tabletop electric oven” category are:

• "DELTA" and "Simfer" (Türkiye);
• "SCARLETT" and "Maxwell" (Russia-China);
• "DeLonghi" and "Ariete" (Italy - China);
• "STEBA" (Germany-China).

The universal electric oven model “GFgril GFBB-9 Breakfast Bar” combines all the elements of kitchen appliances to quickly prepare breakfast without leaving it.

In the product lines of the above mentioned performers in the category discussed in this article, the models described in the following table in accordance with their price category are popular.

The variety of models allows any user to choose a tabletop electric oven in accordance with the purpose, technical characteristics and set of necessary options in a given price range.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a device, pay attention to several important criteria.

Dimensions. Countertop ovens come in different sizes. Determine the place where you are going to place the device, measure it and, based on the data obtained, choose a model. Some devices are very compact, their capacity is usually 6-8 liters. Others are not inferior to full-sized ovens, their volume is 40 liters.

Functional. Before you go shopping, soberly assess for what purpose you are purchasing the device and what functions are extremely important to you. Such an assessment will allow you to purchase a practical device without overpaying for unnecessary features.

The most popular brands of tabletop electric ovens are Redber, Clatronic, Supra and Saturn.

The type of control can be mechanical (using buttons or special controls) or touch. The choice of this parameter depends purely on individual preferences, since it does not in any way affect the functionality or performance of the electric oven.

Price. Price is a deciding factor for many consumers. It directly depends on the power and performance of the device, its size, material and configuration. Pricing is also influenced by functionality and brand.

Manufacturer. On the modern market, tabletop electric ovens are represented by various brands. Particularly popular are Redber, Clatronic, Supra and Saturn. They have their advantages and disadvantages, so before purchasing you should definitely compare the technical characteristics of several models and read reviews about them.

Power. Indicators in different models can vary between 600–3200 W. The speed of cooking, productivity and energy consumption depend on this characteristic.

When purchasing, you should definitely take into account the tightness of the door being closed and its thickness. The thicker it is and the tighter it fits to the base, the less time it will take to cook food. This is due to the absence of heat leakage.

At what price can you buy a tabletop independent electric oven?

Tabletop electric ovens are sold in stores and retail chains that sell household appliances and kitchen equipment, as well as on the Internet, where there are a large number of trading companies that sell their products online. Prices for such equipment may vary slightly, so on the Internet the cost is slightly lower than in retail chains and at dealers of manufacturing companies.

A mini-oven will not only fill the kitchen space with the aroma of the dishes being prepared, but will also remind many of the familiar taste of real homemade pies

Each purchasing option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you always have a choice of which companies to use when purchasing a product. The average price for tabletop electric ovens discussed in this article, as of the second quarter of 2020, is shown in the following table.

The fact that an electric mini-oven is convenient and practical is evidenced not only by the recommendations of experts in this field of technology, but also by reviews of consumers who successfully use similar household appliances in their kitchens.

When choosing household appliances, do not forget about the Internet, where you can always find reviews from experienced users talking about their experience using a particular model.

Consumer reviews of tabletop electric ovens

This section contains reviews from users using the models of tabletop electric ovens discussed in this article.

Review of the model “DELTA D-023”:

More details on Otzovik:

Another review about the “DELTA D-023” model:

More details on IRecommend:

Review of the model “SCARLETT SC–EO93O11”:

More details on IRecommend:

Review of the model “Simfer M3228”:

More details on Otzovik:

Another review about the “Simfer M3228” model:

More details on Otzovik:

Review of the DeLonghi EO 12562 model:

More details on Otzovik:

Review of the Maxwell MW-1851 model:

More details on Otzovik:

Another review about the Maxwell MW-1851 model:

More details on IRecommend:

The best inexpensive mini ovens: budget up to 5,000 rubles

Many people prefer to cook dishes in their own juice - it is very tasty and healthy, but unfortunately, the size of the kitchen, at home or in the country, does not always allow for a full-fledged oven.

In this case, a mini oven will come to the rescue; consider the options:

BBK OE2654M 2P

Very compact and lightweight, it will take up very little space in the room. Heating elements are located in the upper and lower parts, which is important for uniform baking or frying of a particular dish. The presence of a timer is also a plus; you don’t need to constantly monitor the preparation; the sound signal will notify you when it’s ready. The panel has two burners, the first at 1000 watts, the second at 600, which can operate simultaneously with the oven. The set includes a baking dish and instructions in Russian. There are 3 modes: frying, grilling, baking. Made in China.

Panasonic NT GT1WTQ

It has perhaps the most compact overall dimensions of 268 x 310 x 410 in millimeters, it will fit even in the smallest kitchen. Heat indicator from 65 to 205°C. Timer with 5 minute intervals, for 15 minutes in total. Controlled by just two knobs. The tabletop electric oven can be disassembled and is easy to clean. There is a deep metal mold and a removable crumb tray. Made in Japan.

DELTA D 023

A rather bulky Turkish electric oven will take up a lot of space in a small kitchen. Its capacity is 37 liters. There is an auto shut-off function. Heating elements are located at the top and bottom. Regulators that are responsible for heat, the operation of one or two heating elements. You can set the countdown up to 90 minutes. The glass of the door contains product identification and the recommended baking temperature. The glass itself is not tempered, so it heats up during the process. Available in rectangular and round shapes.

Read here: Apparatus for making cotton candy - main characteristics of the device and tips for choosing a device

SCARLETT SC EO93O11

Miniature Chinese oven measuring 43 x 33 x 29 centimeters. Two heating elements, top and bottom. Heats up to 250°C. Manual control type, 3 cooking levels: upper heating, lower heating, grill. There is a sound mute and a power indicator. The set includes a wire rack and baking tray. There are three levels inside the chamber to accommodate utensils. The metal body is resistant to damage and can be easily cleaned.

Simfer M3524

The stylish Turkish model has an excellent price-quality-size ratio. It is compact and does not take up much space. Equipped with 3 operating modes, heat is adjustable up to 240°C. The mechanical timer allows you to set the time up to 90 minutes. Control is carried out by 3 switches: heating selection, cooking period, oven mode. Includes a wire rack, a baking tray, and a drip tray for draining fat. For uniform baking of products in the chamber there are three relief tracks for setting the mold. It has a non-stick coating and a cool handle.