Built-in ovens

Built-in ovens: how to choose knowing their characteristics

In this section we will refer to the electric built-in ovens for cooking your favorite foods. On the market there are a wide range of models that differ in features and functions, so we want to provide useful tips below to help you choose the best built-in electric oven for your kitchen.
An electric built-in oven is an indispensable accessory in the kitchen, because there are many curinary preparations for which it must be able to cope, as their cooking must take place in such a way as to preserve the organoleptic characteristics without having to resort to excessive seasonings.
The types available are many depending on the method used for cooking, the aesthetic characteristics, functionality and dimensions .
The main feature of an electric oven is that it has an upper and a lower resistance : thanks to the overheating of these two components, the heat spreads inside the appliance and allows food to be cooked.
In addition to the heating elements, by activating a grill , the food is browned (and not cooked). Therefore, these elements can all be operated separately or simultaneously depending on the desired result.
Electric ovens are almost always built-in and placed below the hob, but there are some that can be positioned in a modular kitchen (freestanding oven), even if among the most modern trends there is that of positioning the oven in a dedicated column.

Built-in ovens: the types

Electric built-in ovens can be natural convection, multi-function and thermoventilated .

• The built-in ovens with natural convection heat is emanated by two electric resistances, positioned both on the upper part and on the lower part. The static heat and the combined action of the resistances will cause the dishes to cook. In these ovens it will be possible to set different cooking modes, using the two resistances alternately or in a combined way.
• The built-in multi-function ovens are among the most modern and technological among those on the market. The heating elements and the grill are like in a traditional static oven plus a fan thanks to which the cooking process can be further diversified, adapting it to different types of food. The fan, in fact, distributes the heat generated by the resistances evenly inside the oven, so that cooking is faster and more homogeneous.
• The thermoventilated built-in ovens , on the other hand, are characterized by the circular resistance placed in the rear area: in this way, it is possible to cook foods placed on the various internal shelves at the same time, without confusing smells and flavors.

Traditional built-in ovens consist of two knobs, one to choose the temperature and the other the cooking time.
While the more modern ones may have, instead, touch or retractable controls, also equipped with a digital display on which to read all the information about cooking.
As mentioned, the freestanding models are sold in bulk with the hob.

Dimensions and positioning of built-in ovens

The electric oven has the following dimensions in width:

• 60 centimeters wide for the standard and freestanding versions,
• just under 60 centimeters for built-in ovens,
• 45 cm (oversized) for smaller ovens,
• 90 cm (oversized) for the largest ovens.

Regarding the capacity in liters that a built-in oven can hold:

• 50 liters for the standard model,
• above 65 liters we are already talking about a large oven,
• up to 35 liters for small ovens.

The depth does not exceed 55 centimeters and is not less than 45.
As for the height , the solutions are varied, ranging from a minimum of 40 centimeters up to 60 centimeters for standard luminaires.
If the appliance is installed in the special column, it must not be inserted less than 100 or 110 centimeters from the ground, so that it is not uncomfortable to use and does not pose a danger to children .
Regarding the opening of the door of the built-in ovens for the classic one, it takes place vertically from top to bottom with the handle positioned in the highest part of the door.
There are also types of opening that can affect the positioning of the appliance, for example a side opening, both from right to left and vice versa.

Built-in ovens: additional features

Thanks to the evolution of technology, electric built-in ovens are now equipped with numerous additional functions.
In this way the user can experiment with many new types of cooking, dietary and healthy, or even just tricks to save time, effort and energy.
For example, it is possible to decide the start time and the end of the oven ignition , even anticipating the programming by many hours; all this can sometimes save even half of the energy normally used.
The most advanced models are equipped with remote control : with this technology, the appliance can be activated remotely, via the internet or the telephone.
Automatic cooking , on the other hand, identifies that function that allows the choice of the best cooking method according to the dish inserted in the oven and its weight.
The sensors present manage the most suitable power, temperature and duration in complete autonomy, as well as additional functions such as defrosting frozen food and heating purchased pre-cooked food.
Very interesting is the rapid pre-heating , which allows the oven to reach the desired temperature in a very short time. The lock function is also useful, especially if you have children at home.
Some models are equipped with the self-cleaning function , these are appliances equipped with self-cleaning catalytic panels or a pyrolytic system. In the first case, the cooking fats are decomposed through an oxidation process, but the panels must then be rinsed and replaced from time to time. In the second case, however, the fats are pulverized at very high temperatures: reduced to ashes so that the removal takes place very quickly.

Safe use of built-in ovens

The built-in oven must be used correctly to be safe: the principles governing its use must not be forgotten, especially in the presence of small children at home.
But adults must also pay close attention to the safe use of the appliance, as domestic accidents are among the main causes of injury.
Furthermore, using your oven correctly will extend its life , among other things, saving money in having to fix it or even buying new ahead of time.
Therefore, you should always read the instruction booklet before putting it into operation, especially the parts that talk about the connection to the electrical network and the instructions relating to ventilation.
A clean oven is also a safe one, since the presence of food residues can increase the chances of flames and sparks. Children should never go near a lit oven . To make it cool down faster, you should always leave the door open and let the hot air flow out.
Recent models of built-in ovens have a special valve that allows cooling quickly and automatically.
To save energy , but also to prevent food from cooking badly, the door should not be opened during cooking: in doing so, in fact, the heat is lost and the internal temperature is lowered. Trays and other oven components must always be handled using suitable pot holders and gloves.
Important : in case of malfunctions , always contact qualified assistance and the parts should only be replaced with original ones.

How to clean built-in ovens

Most built-in ovens need to be cleaned manually although there are self-cleaning models.
Cleaning the oven well will extend its life and facilitate maintenance, safety will also be facilitated and the benefits will also be significant for the success of the food that will then be cooked.
Before cleaning, always unplug the appliance and do not carry out any operations if the appliance is still hot.
Do not wait to carry out the cleaning when there are food residues, it is better to proceed in time, in order to avoid running unnecessary risks.
The oven should never be cleaned with abrasive sponges because it would be very easy to damage the internal walls, but you can use water and bicarbonate or water and lemon or white vinegar , to neutralize even the odors of food without using expensive products, sometimes even ineffective.
If the dirt is very stubborn, you can rub the walls directly with half a lemon and then proceed with drying with a soft cloth.
Ammonia is also a good cleaning and disinfectant agent, but it could leave a more unpleasant odor that could pass on to the food being cooked.
Absolutely avoid the use of products that dissolve limescale, as they would irreparably damage the enamel.