Ovens have developed in technology and features since its first invention. Types of oven are now available for various cooking needs.
Ovens are split into several categories, based on aspects such as features, heat sources, and the foods cooked in them.
Here are 17 oven types you can consider before making a purchase.
A. General Types of Oven
Ovens in general are split into two: conventional and convection. They refer to how the heat is distributed in general.
1. Conventional Oven
A conventional oven has a heat source at the bottom, like a stove. It consists of ovens with built-in heat sources and no-heat ones, which must be placed on top of an actual stove.
This oven is reliable for heavy duty, but the roasting result is often uneven.
2. Convection Oven
Also known as a thermal oven, the convection oven is powerful enough to cook food from all directions. It results in a more even roasting/baking result.
Convection oven needs a built-in electric fan to distribute heat. If the electricity fails or the fan is too small, the baking result will be uneven.
B. Oven Types Based on Heat Energy Sources
Different ovens have unique energy sources to power their heat. Here are several types you may find in the market:
1. Electric Oven
An electric oven is common for households. It is convenient, cheap, and easy to operate. The electric oven also does not burden homeowners with high utility bills.
It is perfect for roasting because it produces dry heat.
2. Gas Oven
A gas oven is one of the most popular types of oven for baking. Unlike an electric oven, the gas one produces “moist” heat. It keeps foods from becoming too dry.
It is a little more expensive than the electric one, but it works faster and easier to maintain.
3. Steam Oven
Steam oven grew in popularity after people have started to adopt slow cooking. The steam oven has a water container and boiler space to create hot steam, which cooks the food.
Steam oven reduces the risk of dry food, and you can use less oil. However, this oven is usually expensive.
4. Traditional Oven
“Traditional oven” refers to those stone or brick ovens you may see at pizza restaurants. These ovens are usually large and fueled by heat from wood.
They may not be the most practical ones to have at home, but they are perfect for creating a crispy pizza or delicious bread.
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C. Oven Types Based on Size
When selecting ovens, you must understand the different between unique oven sizes. There are three types of oven you can find for household use.
1. Single Oven
A single oven is the most common option for households. A standard oven is enough for average cooking frequencies of a small family.
The oven may come as an individual appliance or be placed under a stove.
2. Double Oven
A double oven is available for big families or those who often entertain at home. The double oven makes it easy to cook two dishes at once, saving a lot of time.
Double ovens are available as convection or conduction ovens.
Regardless of your option, make sure the controllers are easy to understand, so you can use both spaces without confusion.
3. Triple Oven
Do you know you can buy a triple oven now? Samsung released the first “triple oven” in 2016, which was basically a double oven with one of the spaces divided smartly.
The two spaces at the top are to cook two “flat” dishes, which leaves extra space at the bottom to roast whole chicken or bake cake.
D. Oven Types Based on Installation
When you only have a certain amount of space in the kitchen, you must understand the standard oven types based on installation. Here are several common examples.
1. Freestanding Oven
Freestanding is a standard modern oven design based on installation. This type has the widest range of options in the market.
It is also the cheapest, easy to install, and can be fitted in almost any kitchen designs.
2. Wall-mounted Oven
A wall-mounted oven is usually installed in a small kitchen. It is also ideal for a kitchen that does not have enough floor space.
However, a wall-mounted oven is among the most expensive models based on installation.
3. Slide-in Oven
A slide-in oven is installed by sliding an oven into a specifically-built cabinet. It is more expensive than freestanding, but not as expensive as wall-mounted.
Slide-in oven reduces the gap between oven and cabinet that allows crumbs to fall in.
4. Drop-in
A drop-in oven is installed by lifting and lowering it into a specifically-built cabinet. It is more difficult to install than the slide-in model.
However, the result is a smooth, integrated look that makes the kitchen more luxurious.
E. Oven Types Based on Features
Finally, many modern ovens now have specific features that offer wider functions. Here are some of the oven types based on additional features.
1. Self-cleaning Oven
Self-cleaning oven helps to reduce the residues, preventing buildup that will make manual cleaning more difficult. This type of oven also has extra insulation that supports the cleaning process.
However, make sure you don’t leave leftovers or large crumbs before turning on the cleaning function. They will get burned and cause smokes.
2. Oven with Delay Feature
This oven has automatic baking/roasting control that can delay cooking time until the set time. It can also turn itself off after reaching the set level of cooking.
The oven is perfect if you often forget the time or too distracted to pay attention.
3. Oven with Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi is a feature owned by smart household appliances nowadays. The built-in Wi-Fi is usually connected to cooking-related functions.
For example, if you are busy around the house but still need to bake something, you can control the oven function from the other room.
4. Multifunction Oven
Multifunction oven has specific cooking features that help you achieving the best result for different foods. For example, some ovens come with grilling, fast-cooking, slow-cooking, and defrosting functions.
There is also a special oven to make bread, with a feature to proof dough until perfect for baking.
A modern oven is more than just a took to bake or roast. Many ovens come with unique features, heat sources, and installation modes.
Choosing the right types of oven depends on your cooking needs and frequency. Make sure your oven supports your cooking habit, regardless of prices and models.
