When selecting a residential oven, you now have much more to consider than brand, make, and model. And many homes have at least 2 different types of ovens, sometimes 3 or 4! In this blog, we explore different options so you can determine what type of oven is right for you.
How to Select The Perfect Oven?
Everyone’s needs are different, so begin by narrowing down what you and your family will need.
Cooking Needs—consider how often you use your oven, what type of recipes you cook, and how many people you cook for.
Budget—ovens can cost anywhere between $350 to $15,000, or $100 or less for a toaster oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Required Components—your kitchen should be outfitted with the required outlets, but ensure you have gas lines if required.
#1 Gas Ovens
Gas ovens are a reliable and efficient type of oven and a popular choice for many cooks and bakers. They use natural gas as a fuel source and provide a more consistent temperature than electric ovens. Gas ovens provide a more even distribution of heat, making them ideal for baking. They are generally more energy efficient and easier to clean and maintain.
There are a variety of different types of gas ovens available on the market, including double ovens, convection ovens, and even open-flame models. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, a gas oven can provide you with the perfect cooking and baking experience.
#2 Electric Ovens
Electric ovens are a popular choice due to their convenience and energy efficiency. They range from traditional full-size ovens to countertop models, and each type offers a variety of features and benefits.
Traditional full-size electric ovens provide even heating and are great for baking, roasting, and cooking several dishes at once. Countertop ovens are great for smaller spaces and are ideal for toasting, broiling, and reheating.
Many electric ovens come with a digital display and pre-programmed cooking settings, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature and time for any recipe. Depending on the model, additional features may include a convection setting for faster cooking, a broiler for grilling and browning, and a self-cleaning function.
Whether you’re looking for an energy-efficient upgrade or an easy-to-use countertop oven, electric ovens can help you achieve delicious results.
#3 Convection Ovens
Convection ovens are a popular choice for those looking to evenly cook their food in a more efficient manner. These ovens are designed to circulate hot air throughout the oven, allowing food to cook at a more even rate. This type of oven is especially beneficial for baking, roasting, and broiling food.
Convection ovens can be found in both gas and electric models, countertop and standard size, allowing for a variety of cooking needs. They are also more energy efficient than traditional ovens, providing an additional benefit for those looking for a more economical option.
Air fryers are a type of convection oven.
#4 Steam Ovens
Steam ovens are quickly becoming a popular choice among professional and home chefs alike. Steam ovens offer an alternative to regular ovens, as they use steam to cook food quickly and evenly. This type of oven is ideal for those who want to cook food faster, with a more delicate flavor that you can’t get with a regular oven.
Steam ovens are also known for their ability to retain nutrients in food, making them a healthier choice. Steam can be used to cook almost any type of food, from vegetables and fish to bread and desserts. Using steam instead of hot air to heat up the oven and cook food is also energy efficient. With a steam oven, you can create delicious meals with minimal effort.
#5 Combination Oven and Cooktop
A combination oven and cooktop is a great choice for any home kitchen. It combines the convenience of an oven and the versatility of a cooktop into one appliance. This type of oven is great for baking, roasting, broiling, and more.
With a combination oven and cooktop, you can cook a variety of dishes in a single appliance. This eliminates the need for a separate oven and cooktop, saving you space in the kitchen.
Additionally, some models come with multiple cooking functions, allowing you to cook faster and with more precision. Whether you’re looking to bake a cake or roast a chicken, a combination oven and cooktop is the perfect choice for any kitchen.
#6 Solo Ovens
Solo ovens are a type of oven that is designed to work independently, without any need for an additional oven or extra appliance. They usually feature top and bottom heating elements, as well as a fan for evenly distributing air circulation. They can be countertop, or smaller stacked or built-in designs. For example, to small to bake a turkey in, but maybe a whole chicken.
Solo ovens are suitable for those who are short on space, as they take up less room than a conventional oven and can still bake, toast, and reheat food. They typically come with a range of features, such as safety features, adjustable temperature settings, and various cooking modes.
In addition to their space-saving appeal, solo ovens are also more energy-efficient than larger ovens, making them an ideal choice for those looking to save money on their energy bills.
#7 Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are a popular and efficient choice for cooking, reheating, and defrosting a variety of foods. They use electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly and evenly. Microwave ovens are available in a variety of sizes and designs, from countertop models to built-in ovens, so you can find one that suits your cooking needs.
They come with features like auto-cook, defrost, reheat capabilities, food-specific settings, as well as adjustable temperature settings. Safety features like child safety locks are also available on some models. With so many types to choose from, you can find the perfect microwave oven to make preparing meals a breeze.
#8 Toaster Ovens
Toaster ovens are a type of oven that is becoming increasingly popular for their versatility and convenience. They are ideal for baking, roasting, toasting, and broiling, and can be used to heat up foods quickly and evenly.
Toaster ovens come in a variety of sizes and styles, such as tabletop and countertop models, to fit any kitchen. They often include features such as convection heating, adjustable thermostats, and interior lights to make cooking easier and more efficient. Toaster ovens are a great way to quickly and easily cook a variety of foods without producing the heat of turning on a full-sized oven.
If not a toaster oven, an air fryer.
Whatever Type of Oven You Have—We Can Repair It!
If your oven is in need of repair or it’s time for your whole-home annual appliance inspections, Superior Appliance Repair of Santa Barbara has you covered!
Our service vehicles are staffed with the parts to fix most appliances without delay. Call or text now for your same-day or emergency repair!
