Number of modes
The number of cooking modes provided in the design of the oven. In this case, the cooking mode means the general opertaion mode — for example, “heating”, “heating + convection”, etc. Accordingly, this indicator strongly depends on additional equipment (see "Features"). However, even in similar models, the number of modes may be different. In general, the
more cooking modes, the more cooking options, the easier it will be to choose the optimal mode for a specific situation.
Number of automatic programmes
The number of preinstalled cooking programmes stored in the oven's memory — usually designed for a specific dish or just
a defrost mode. If you have the appropriate programme, you do not have to keep track of the time, manually change the temperature and rearrange the dish in the oven — just put the ingredients there and start the programme, and the device will do the rest on its own. At the same time, unlike individual cooking modes (see above), the programmes are more complex — they provide changing temperatures, turning on special modes, turning off when time has elapsed, etc. The larger the set of automatic programmes, the wider the possibilities of the oven; their number in modern models can be in the tens. On the other hand, such programmes cannot be changed at will, so if you need both creativity and maximum convenience, you should pay attention to models with the ability to record
custom programme in memory.
Oven cleaning
The type of inner cleaning provided in the oven. Note that pollution has to be removed with a rag or sponge, but modern ovens often provide various tricks that facilitate the process. The options might be:
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Catalytic. A special wall coating is used in ovens with this cleaning method: it breaks down fats and other stubborn dirt into constituent elements that can be easily removed. The effectiveness of such a coating decreases over time, but it is enough for at least several years of full use. It should be noted that the catalytic coating can be implemented by applying it to special removable plates that are installed on the back or side walls of the oven chamber.
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Steam cleaning. Cleaning with hot steam, which softens dried-on dirt and partially breaks down fats. In some models, there is a built-in steam generator for this, in others it is enough to put a container of water in the working chamber and turn on the cleaning program.
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Pyrolytic. Cleaning by heating the chamber to a very high temperature — about 500 ° C. At this temperature, most of the contaminants are incinerated into ash, which can then be easily removed. Pyrolytic cleaning is considered the most effective, but ovens with this function are expensive, time consuming, require significant electricity/gas consumption, and can lead to unpleasant odors.
Dimensions (HxWxD)
In the case of ovens, the dimensions determine not only the sizes, but also the conditional form factor and the possibility of installing models. Dividing by height, the devices can be
compact(low) for installation in hanging cabinets and
full-sized — classic ovens for installation under the countertop. As for the width, in addition to
standard models of 60 cm, there are
narrow (45 cm) and
wide (90 cm) models to interact with similar wide hobs.
Country of origin
The country in which, according to the manufacturer, this or that model is manufactured. Even though most of the capacities are concentrated in
China, European factories for the production of household appliances have not disappeared. And certain models can be produced on them. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European factory (
Germany,
Italy,
Poland,
Turkey) should not particularly affect the quality of products, but still the stereotype of a reliable European assembly is present in us. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example, Poland, and in the store under the same article, you will meet China.