Best Ovens for Energy Efficient Cooking

The GE JB735 comes with a fan which circulates heat. This ensures baked goods are evenly cooked, and roasted food crispier and juicier. It also has bake and roast settings and an air-fry setting, and two oven racks that can be adjusted to six levels.

It has a large interior capacity, which is ideal for hosting family gatherings. It features a sleek, modern design and convenient features.

Energy efficiency

You should ensure that your oven is energy-efficient, as it is among the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. There are many excellent options available that will aid you in reducing your energy bills, without having to compromise on the quality of your food.

Think about how you will use the oven and the features you'd like to see. For instance, if you often roast chicken or bake cakes, an oven with an assisted roasting feature that is fan-driven is a good choice. It will blow hot air around the meat to ensure that it cooks evenly, so there aren't any cold spots or overcooked areas.

Also consider an oven with self-cleaning functions. These models automatically clean away grease and grime after each use, so you don't have to waste the time cleaning your oven. These models are more expensive than other ovens that don't self-clean, but if you often use the oven it might be worth it.

Energy-efficient models are usually more energy efficient and consume less energy to heat up. Some models can to operate on a 120-volt, or 240-volt circuit based on their design. You can also choose an oven that uses both radiative and convection heating to achieve an even and balanced result while reducing energy.

Consider an auto-preheat function that will start the oven when you cook to ensure that it is ready when you need it. There are also smart ovens that can connect to your tablet or smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth. This allows you to monitor and control the oven using an app.

Space

If you're in a tight space, a small oven will fit into your kitchen with minimal effort. These models are often designed with a flat fascia, and they can be placed neatly in other appliances to make your kitchen look more spacious. Some models also have an ultra-slim display and retractable dial controls for easy cleaning, while others feature the pyrolytic feature that's great for those who cook frequently.

If you prefer, select an oven with a smart control for maximum convenience. These models typically come with an app that you can use to control your appliance from the comfort of your home. This can be especially useful in times of stress and need dinner to be ready when you get back from work or if you have children who accidentally press buttons on an older model.

Larger ovens are ideal for those who entertain or cook frequently. They might also require more counter space than smaller models. You'll want to determine the amount of counter space you have and whether it's sufficient for a larger appliance.

This model from Beko offers a low-cost alternative that doesn't compromise on functionality. It's minimalist in design however it has six functions including a defrosting feature that heats up the oven quickly, as well as an AeroPerfect function that circulates hot air through the cavity for even cooking. It also has an energy rating and makes use of recycled fishing nets and industrial thread waste to lessen the environmental impact.

Convenience

You want an oven that's user-friendly and can serve many functions in an apartment kitchen. Look for a simple control panel with easy-to-use buttons and a large, bright display along with sturdy handles and racks that can slide in and out effortlessly. You'll also need your oven to heat up quickly and be able to adjust the temperature while cooking.

The tests conducted by CHOICE show that, while most ovens cook well ease of use separates the ordinary from the exceptional. That's why CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair suggests checking the controls, shelf layout and internal surfaces instore before purchasing your item.

There are models with smart features that will help you cook more easily. Certain models can be controlled remotely through an app on your tablet or smartphone. Many of these ovens also scan barcodes on food items and then send recipes to the oven to prepare this is helpful if you're short on time or want to try something new.

It is also recommended to look for an oven with a slow-cook setting or a pizza setting and a grilling feature. These functions can aid in the preparation of delicious and nutritious meals in a short amount of time. Some ovens have a nonstick baking sheet and a baking tray. This makes them more convenient to use.

Look into an oven with a convection fan in it and can accommodate multiple racks. The fan circulates warm air, which allows you to cook food more evenly and reduces time for the oven to warm up. In the same way, the multi-rack feature allows you to achieve different cooking outcomes by placing dishes on different rack positions in the oven. This is useful when cooking recipes that require several layers of batter or dough. Some ovens have a self cleaning option that uses high temperatures to burn away food crusts. These are usually more effective than traditional self-cleaning methods which use water to wash away baked-on food. A quality oven that has self-cleaning features can save you lots of time cleaning up after cooking and baking your meals.

Safety

If you're planning to buy a top of the range oven, you may prefer one with a few extra features that can save you time and effort. Some of these features are safety-related, while others can help cook faster or more easily.

Sabbath Mode, for example can help keep food warm longer so that you don't have to keep cooling and heating the oven when cooking for people who will be late for dinner. Most top-end models have steam cleaning features to make cleaning quick and easy.

A high-speed cooktop is a handy feature that makes it easier to reheat leftovers or whip up an omelet or pasta. This feature uses short, quick bursts of energy to cook food quickly. Some of these models use glass-ceramic, smooth cooking surface, and come with sensors that can warn you when the burners remain hot (as instead of simply turning it on).

Other oven features that come with a premium price tag include trivection ovens, which combine convection, microwaves, and thermal heating for quicker and more even baking. Some ovens also have a function for air-frying, which lets you enjoy crispy food without the need to purchase an additional fryer for your countertop.

Another oven safety feature is an auto shut off which can avoid burns if the oven is accidentally activated when it's hot. A lot of electric ovens have this feature, whereas gas ovens can usually be purchased with it separately.

An oven can also generate a lot of noise when it's operating, so you should try to choose an oven that has a low operating volume or with an integrated fan to help reduce the noise.

Ovens can pose a fire hazard if they're not maintained properly, so you should clean the interior regularly with an abrasive or damp sponge to keep it looking clean and to prevent the accumulation of food residue that has hardened. Make sure that the grates in your oven are removable to make cleaning them much easier. It is also possible to periodically soak them in hot soapy water to get rid of any food particles that have accumulated on them.