Comparison Whirlpool AKZ9 7891 IX vs Whirlpool AKZ9 6240 NB

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.

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.

Among the ovens features, one can single out the basic ones inherent in most devices ( gas control, auto ignition, thermostat, timer, auto switch-off, child lock), and top-level features that are relevant for devices of the highest category ( control via Internet, built-in video camera, TFT display). More about them:

— Gas control. Thermoelectric system designed to protect against gas leakage. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the gas supply to the chamber is immediately stopped. The gas control usually includes a thermocouple (to determine the presence or absence of a flame) and a gas blocking device.

— Auto ignition. A system that provides automatic ignition of gas simultaneously with the start of its supply. The user does not need to use matches or a lighter, press a separate button, etc.: the gas ignites immediately when the handle is turned. Found only in models with appropriate heaters (see "Oven").

— Thermostat. A device that maintains a predetermined temperature in the oven.

— Timer. A device that provides a countdown time and allows you to control the cooking process precisely. After the set time has elapsed, the timer, usually, beeps, and in some models, i...t also turns off the heating. Timers can be either mechanical or electronic; the first one is simple and inexpensive, and the second one is more accurate and better combined with additional features (for example, auto switch-off).

— Auto switch-off. In this case, we are talking about a function that provides automatic shutdown of the oven according to the timer (see below); the timer itself does not imply auto-off, so if such an ability is important, you should choose a model where it is directly stated. Also, auto switch-off can be provided as a protective system that prevents overheating — such automation turns off the oven if no commands have been received from the user for a long time or when the temperature rises critically.

— Control via Internet. The specific control method may be different: some models use an application that needs to be installed on a smartphone or tablet, while others use a regular web page that can be opened in any browser. These details should be specified separately. Anyway, this function allows you to access control from anywhere in the world where there is access to the World Wide Web. For example, in the morning you can load food for a dish into the oven, and when you leave work, launch a cooking programme via the Internet, and get a ready-made hot dish by the time you return home. Also, note that such control usually allows not only to give commands but also to receive notifications from the oven. In particular, the device can report the progress of the programme, readiness, various problems, etc.

— Video camera. The presence of a built-in camera for more detailed control of the preparation of the dish. The user can visually control the cooking process without opening the oven door. Most often, the built-in camera transmits video via a wireless Wi-Fi connection. As a pairing device, you can use both a computer with a laptop and a tablet/smartphone. Of course, on a mobile/computer device, you will need to install proprietary software. The video camera is especially relevant in cases where the oven is used to prepare complicated meals. Regular control, without disturbing the temperature regime due to the opening of the door, minimizes the risk of food spoilage.

— TFT display. The oven has its TFT display. In this case, we mean a screen that does not consist of segments but pixels and is suitable for displaying various types of data: numbers, text, graphic symbols, pictures, etc. A wide variety of information can be displayed on the TFT display, which makes the operation of the oven more convenient. However, this variety is only relevant for advanced models with an abundance of functions, so the presence of such a screen is usually a sign of a premium oven.

— Child lock. In modern ovens, it can be done in different ways. So, in some models, you can block the oven door — so that a curious little child cannot open it during cooking and get burned. In other devices, a control panel lock is also provided — thanks to it, the baby will not be able to turn on/off the device or change the cooking mode. Child lock is unlocked in a non-obvious way accessible to an adult but not to a child — for example, by simultaneously pressing two buttons.

The number of layers of glass in the viewing window of the oven door.

Modern models, usually, have from 2 to 4 glasses. The more glasses, the less heat loss and the more economical the oven, but this parameter also affects the cost.

Type of guides for installing baking sheets that are used in the oven.

— Frame. Classic guides have the form of slots with protrusions in the side walls of the oven. This design is simple and inexpensive. However, it is not very convenient — when removing baking sheets, you have to pull your hand into a heated oven, which means you will need a mitten or potholder. And the extraction itself may require effort, especially if the guides are dirty and the trays go tight in them.

— Telescopic. Retractable guides on which the baking sheet “leaves” the oven, usually, immediately when the door is opened. Such devices are more convenient than frame ones, but they are more expensive and not suitable for all situations (for example, sometimes to check a dish you only need to open the lid without pulling it out). Therefore, in most models, telescopic guides are only on one level. But telescopic guides on two levels or even three levels already classifies the device as a top segment.

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:

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.