Oven or mini oven - which is better? Comparative review
It’s hard to imagine a modern kitchen without a mini-oven or oven, because only in them can you bake pies, prepare your favorite casseroles and other dishes.But when the need arises to purchase new equipment, it is often difficult to determine which equipment is right for you. Deciding whether an oven or a mini oven is better suited to your needs is not easy, is it? Some housewives need, for example, a grill, which is present in mini-ovens, others need a large baking tray for pies, but they never use a grill.
We will help you understand this issue - in our article we will compare a mini-oven and an oven according to the main criteria that are fundamental when purchasing. Let's consider the main functions of these types of equipment and the features of installation, connection, operation and maintenance.
The content of the article:
Main characteristics of the mini-oven
A mini-oven is a small, compact device the size of a microwave oven that can be easily placed on a kitchen counter, shelf or windowsill.
It runs on electricity, but the principle of operation of such a stove is fundamentally different from the operation of a microwave oven. The oven is heated using two heating elements, which can be turned on either together or separately depending on the required mode.For example, to prepare puddings and casseroles, you can use only the lower heating element, but if you need to bake chicken with a golden brown crust, you will also need to turn on the upper heating element.
Thanks to its small size, heating and setting the temperature in a mini-oven takes place in a matter of minutes. Modern mini-ovens are equipped with functions such as a grill, a toaster and the oven itself. It is also worth noting that mini-ovens have a function of maintaining a certain temperature. That is, you can set the desired temperature and it will be maintained for a set period of time. In a mini-oven you can stew, bake, bake.
There are electric mini ovens with mechanical And electronic management. The first option is controlled using rotary switches.
Electronic mini-ovens are controlled using buttons or a touch screen. In order to start cooking in such a mini-oven, you just need to plug the device into a power outlet, select the desired operating mode, set the desired heating temperature, and set a timer. The oven will notify you when the dish is ready with a sound signal.
What is an oven?
An oven is a productive device for preparing various types of dishes. The temperature inside the oven is maintained using gas burners or electric heating elements. There is also a combined option.
In gas ovens, the burners act as a heating element, and in electric ovens, the heating elements act as heating elements. Depending on the configuration of the oven, there may be several burners or heating elements.In gas ovens, most often there is only one burner and it is located at the bottom, which is very inconvenient. Heating is uneven. Models with two gas burners - upper and lower - are rarely found.
In modern electric ovens there are from 2 to 4 heating elements, they allow you to evenly distribute heat throughout the cabinet. Use the grill with removable equipment.
Some modern models also have a fan to distribute heat more evenly. There is a special control panel to regulate the process. Thanks to convection, there is no need to turn over the dish being prepared; you just need to turn on the top heating element or burner.
Ovens vary in combination with the hob:
- Dependent (built-in) - the hob and oven are located in a common housing and are controlled from a common panel, which is not always convenient.
- Independent. Such models have their own control panel; such an oven can be built-in or installed separately.
Based on the method of arrangement, floor and wall models are distinguished.
Comparison of mini-oven and oven
Let's compare the functionality and main characteristics of the units according to the main parameters that are important when a housewife chooses a suitable option for her kitchen.
Criterion #1 - dimensions and installation
The mini-oven operates from a regular 220 W outlet and is small in size.It is easy to transport; you can use such a stove in the country or take it with you on a trip.
To transport and install a mini-stove, you do not need any specific knowledge and skills; any housewife can cope with this task. This is where the mini oven wins, of course. However, this technique is unlikely to be suitable for a large family. It will not be possible to cook a large dish in one go, just as it will not be possible to cook several dishes at the same time.
Ovens are produced in various sizes and configurations. In such equipment you can cook several dishes at the same time on different shelves or bake many pies or cutlets on a large baking sheet at one time. Not all models are quite large; you can choose a small floor-standing option, or a wall-mounted built-in oven, which is ideal for your kitchen.
We discussed the nuances of choosing an electric oven in the article: How to choose an electric oven: rating of models and advice to buyers.
If you can connect a mini-oven yourself, you will need a power outlet to connect an electric oven. A connect gas ovens It is prohibited to do it yourself - you must invite a representative of the gas service.
We recommend that you read installation rules gas oven.
Criterion #2 - technology functions
Functions of the tabletop mini oven:
- oven;
- toaster;
- grill;
- timer;
- the ability to maintain a certain temperature;
- defrosting.
You can use almost any utensil for cooking.For user convenience, it is possible to program and select a cooking mode.
Gas oven functions:
- automatic shutdown function;
- programming various cooking modes;
- self-cleaning;
- grill (not in all models);
- additionally there may be convection, steamer function.
Electric oven functions:
- oven;
- grill;
- toaster;
- function of programming and selection of cooking modes;
- timer;
- steamer and sterilization function;
- warming up;
- self-cleaning function;
- fan;
- convection.
Some models have special compartments for preparing pancakes.
Criterion #3 - heating rate and energy consumption
The mini-oven runs on electricity, which means that the equipment can be used anywhere: in the country, in the countryside, on vacation. It warms up very quickly, which is facilitated by its small size and the fact that heating occurs with several heating elements (usually 2). If necessary, you can set a certain temperature regime.
A tabletop mini-oven consumes 30% less electricity than a full-fledged oven. This is due to the small size of the device. The oven is larger and heats up much more slowly. It is equipped, as a rule, with 4 heating elements, which means energy consumption for cooking increases many times.
In addition, multifunctional ovens also often have a fan, which allows for even redistribution of heat.A fan is necessary for drying homemade marshmallows, marshmallows, and crackers. So the modern oven wins here too.
Gas ovens run on natural gas, it is much cheaper than electricity and using a gas oven is, of course, more profitable in all respects. But they are usually equipped with one, or in rare cases two, burners, and this is inconvenient.
Criterion #3 - ease of use and maintenance
The mini-oven is extremely easy to use and can be easily moved to another location. It is easy to clean with regular detergent or microwave wipes. The inside of the chamber has a non-stick coating.
Many models of electric ovens are equipped with a self-cleaning function. Some are cleaned during cooking, while in others the cleaning process must be started independently, and after the cleaning process is completed, the surface must be wiped with a damp sponge or napkin.
There are several methods for cleaning ovens:
- Traditional.
- Hydrolytic.
- Pyrolytic.
- Catalytic.
Traditional Cleaning is done manually using a sponge and detergents. This cleaning method is very inconvenient for most housewives, since cleaning the oven takes a lot of effort and time. This type of oven is cheaper, but modern models still have self-cleaning functions.
Hydrolytic cleaning is performed at a temperature of 40-50 °C. It is necessary to place a container with water, which will evaporate during the cleaning process. After completing such self-cleaning, the camera must be wiped with a damp cloth or rag.
Pyrolytic cleaning is done by burning dirt and food debris. The process occurs at a temperature of 430-500 °C. This is the most effective method, but requires a lot of energy. For housewives, of course, this method is the most convenient - you don’t need to wash the oven yourself and you don’t need to run an additional cleaning program. However, it is necessary to have a separate power outlet for connecting the oven.
At catalytic For cleaning, a special enamel is used, which contains a catalyst. When heated, it oxidizes fat that has fallen on the walls of the oven. Cleaning is done during the cooking process; there is no need to clean anything specially. However, this also has its drawbacks - catalytic panels are short-lived and often have to be replaced, which is expensive.
Criterion #4 - safety and durability
Modern ovens are made with triple armored glass and door opening lock, which makes them safer. They can be safely used even in a family with small children. Glass is almost impossible to break; during cooking, the glass does not heat up to high temperatures.
Mini ovens are also quite safe; the front glass in them does not heat up to high temperatures.
Criterion #5 - design and cost
Mini ovens have a beautiful modern design that will easily fit into the interior of any kitchen. The range of models is also larger.
Designers work equally well on the appearance of ovens - you can choose an option in the desired color and style. There are retro models, stylish solutions with elaborate handles, original designs and control panels.
Electric mini-ovens are certainly cheaper than full-fledged ovens, but in terms of functionality they are quite close to ovens.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
A short video about the advantages and disadvantages of various types of ovens:
Recommendations for choosing a mini-oven:
The choice of the required type of equipment, of course, remains up to the user. Before purchasing, remember exactly why you need an oven and what you cook in it. If you use it to make pizza and pies, or prepare large portions of food for a large family at once, then, of course, it is better to choose a full-fledged oven. You can cook several dishes at once in the oven.
If you have a small family and you rarely use the oven, mainly for baking meat and vegetables, preparing small desserts, then you can get by with a tabletop mini-oven.
In addition, mini-ovens are an ideal option for people who often move from place to place, for cottages and country houses. It is economical, takes up little space, and is easy to handle. This little helper will allow you to easily prepare a full, delicious lunch or dinner in any circumstances.
Which technology option did you choose for yourself? Which characteristics did you prefer and are you satisfied with the choice? Share your recommendations with our visitors - leave your comments in the block below the article. You can also ask questions about the topic of the article here - our experts will try to clarify the unclear point as much as possible.
