22 options for placing a microwave in the kitchen

Components of mini-ovens

Standard stoves consist of the following parts:

• The glass door is made of heat-resistant glass with additional thermal insulation;
• The internal coating of the stove is necessary to preserve its functionality for a long time and simplify the maintenance of the device;
• The built-in convection function allows you to evenly distribute heat in the oven;
• Guides on the grates are necessary for installing a baking sheet with a dish;
• At the bottom of the device there is a tray that protects the heating element from crumbs and grease;
• Baking trays of various depths are sold complete with the mini-oven;
• Spit for grilling;
• Removable top cover, thanks to which you can turn the oven into a real barbecue.

Advantages and disadvantages of mini-ovens

There are several characteristics that make a mini-oven more convenient than large ovens:

• Saving space in the kitchen;
• The device can be placed at hand level, which will allow housewives not to bend over the baking sheet;
• Modern models have many additional cooking modes;
• The ovens are also equipped with special functions that facilitate the cooking process and reduce the risk of spoiling the dish;
• Almost all mini-ovens distribute hot air evenly, due to which the dish is baked on all sides.

Despite all the advantages listed above, electric furnaces also have disadvantages, which are also important to pay attention to when making a purchase:

• Many appliances are not well insulated, so the door and sides can become very hot. This makes it difficult to install and operate the electric furnace;
• Over time, some models begin to heat up more slowly and hold the temperature worse;
• Also, after a while, the thermostat may not match the temperature inside the device, which can have a significant impact on the quality of the dish, since many recipes require baking at a certain temperature.

Advice! To avoid these shortcomings, you need to familiarize yourself with the ratings of models and manufacturers in advance, and also look for reviews about the long-term use of an electrical appliance.

Characteristics of an electric stove with burners for the kitchen

Before talking about the characteristics of an ideal mini oven, it is necessary to talk about the types of such equipment. The most popular variety is a mini oven with several electric burners. This model is ideal for small kitchens or for a country house. Using this stove, the housewife will have the opportunity to cook both in the oven and on the burners themselves.

Nowadays, models with convection, that is, forced air circulation, are also popular. This technology is used by many chefs and manufacturers of household appliances, since the convection effect helps to prepare truly tasty and aromatic dishes.

Lovers of homemade bread can purchase equipment that combines both an oven and a bread machine. Such models are in the arsenal, for example, of the Saturn company.

What other characteristics should you pay attention to when choosing equipment?

• It is better to opt for a model with a metal or aluminum body.
• It is very important to choose a mini oven with sufficient power (the average is 1500-2000 W).
• The quartz heating element is considered the most modern

and safe.

• The more operating modes a mini oven has, the better.
• The variety of additional functions is also an indicator that benefits the technology.
• It is better to choose a mini oven that comes with several accessories (for example, a wire rack, a loaf pan or a measuring cup)

Modern mini ovens can be equipped with both electrical and mechanical control modes. The electric option is much more convenient, but such models are also more expensive.

This mini oven is an excellent solution for a summer house or country house where you come for the weekend.

Typically, mini ovens have several required functions. Among them there should be a heating, grilling and defrosting mode, an air fryer is an optional function. Depending on the type of model, there may be a mode for maintaining temperature, toasting and baking.

Of course, a mini oven cannot do without a timer and the ability to independently set the heating temperature of the appliance. You can learn about the built-in electric oven in this article.

Among the additional functions, the presence of an intelligent power distribution mode is considered especially important. This system helps to achieve optimally fast cooking.

Here is a short review of the mini oven from Internet users:

Criteria for choosing the best mini-oven

Today, the kitchen appliances market offers a wide variety of mini-oven models that differ from each other in functionality, power and dimensions. With such variety, everyone can choose the best option for themselves, depending on their goals and desires.

Before purchasing, you should pay attention to each characteristic so as not to make a mistake in your future choice.

Volume and dimensions

Manufacturers produce mini-ovens with volumes from 9 to 45 liters. When choosing the appropriate size, you need to focus on the number of people in the family and the size of the dishes you are going to cook.

• Models with a volume of 9 to 12 liters contain one small baking tray, on which you can prepare food for a family of two people. The advantage of such a stove is its compactness;
• Electric ovens with a volume of 18 to 22 liters are large in size and have several additional features, for example, a grill function or defrosting food;
• The largest ovens have a volume of 26 to 45 liters . They are more suitable for professional cooking or for a family of four or more people.

Power

The power of mini-ovens directly depends on their volume. The larger the device, the more power it requires.

• Small ovens consume up to 900 watts of power;
• Medium-sized electric furnaces range from 1000 to 2000 watts;
• Large appliances require the maximum amount of energy to cook food efficiently. Therefore, such furnaces have a power of 2500 W and above.

Control type

The furnace control type can be:

• Mechanical . Generally more durable and practical to use;

• Electronic. Significantly increases the speed of the device, but may cause malfunctions.

Electronic control type

Mechanical control type

Coating quality

When choosing a suitable model, it is important to pay special attention to the internal coating of the mini-oven. Manufacturers assure that many electric ovens are equipped with a heavy-duty coating that will not deteriorate from exposure to high temperatures and aggressive cleaning agents.

The service life of the device directly depends on the quality of the coating. Before purchasing, carefully inspect the inside of the stove for damage and manufacturing defects.

Interesting! Manufacturers make models equipped with a special tray, which is needed to prevent contamination of the lower heating element.

Door design

The mini-oven door can be made from:

• Single glass;

• Or double glass.

Double glass doors retain heat inside the electric oven better and heat up less. The edges of the door are also equipped with thermal insulation in the form of a special gasket. This provides additional safety while cooking.

Single glass door

Double glass door

Modes

Nowadays, electric ovens have many capabilities beyond baking. A good device should have the function of turning on the lower and upper heating elements, both together and separately.

• Top heating . Provides baking of the crust on top of the dish by adding power to the top element;

• Bottom heating . Helps prepare fried foods;

• Combined heating . Provides uniform baking under the influence of heat directed from above and below;
• Grill. The presence of this mode will allow you to cook delicious shish kebab or grilled chicken;
• Making pizza, toast . Special mode, thanks to which you can make crispy bread and pizza base;

• Defrosting . Allows you to quickly defrost a dish.

• Heating;

• Roasting.

A little about modern kitchen equipment and its placement

As standard, the hob and oven are combined as one appliance, most often with a height of 0.76 meters, 4 burners above the oven. Having a separate wall oven (or sometimes even two!) seems interesting enough for most home cooks who are thinking about how to best remodel their kitchen. Are you learning a new technique and would like to know more? Not all devices that you may like will be able to combine with your interior - some configurations are suitable only for one type of room, while for others it is better to choose a different option. Here you will find everything, and at the same time we’ll look at where to put this or that oven.

Double oven

Separate ovens from the hob provide much more flexibility in terms of layout. Moreover, most people prefer to climb towards the stove instead of leaning towards it. It's really much simpler. If you like this arrangement and can find space in the kitchen for your microwave, this would be a great option. In the kitchen, as in the photo, the microwave is located in a drawer, which is hidden at the back of the island - this is an excellent solution. The main sink on the island allows for a perfectly smooth electric cooktop surface to be placed against the back wall. There are options with double oven widths of 61, 68.5 and 76 cm, the height may vary.

Stack of two ovens

This may be the most common double oven arrangement because most manufacturers try to produce such options. Most furniture factories also offer tall standard ovens similar to this type of equipment. The double oven unit is often equipped with two or one drawer at the bottom. The device is usually located at a height of 0.25 to 0.4 meters above the floor surface, including legroom.

Combination of microwave, single oven and warming drawer

This is also a fairly common arrangement. It's great if you have space for tall cabinets. It will turn out much more beautiful if you also install something with a similar height nearby - another cabinet or refrigerator - stylish furniture in the kitchen space does not harm anyone. This installation is an excellent option for saving as much free space as possible.

Two ovens together at the same height

This arrangement is most often found in modern new kitchens. It is likely that there is room in your kitchen set for tall cabinets with ovens. You will be able to install them side by side. And make the lower and upper parts of the cabinet sections a pantry for food. In certain modern kitchens, you may see single ovens that are mounted side by side at the same height, and sometimes even with warming drawers. It looks like a design decision if the island's countertop height makes it possible to eliminate another tall cabinet. In such a kitchen, the interior will be semi-open, and the design around the refrigerator helps to visually divide the room.

Floor ovens - single and double

Another option would be to buy a separate oven in a base cabinet next to the stove. Just look how beautiful these ovens look on both sides of the hob! Most may ask, why not create a one and a half meter stove with two large, full-size oven compartments and a large number of burners; naturally, this is a good option, but then you will be faced with a shortage of work surfaces. Two separate units that are built into a kitchen island are also an excellent option, which makes it possible to create additional work surfaces and eliminate the need for tall cabinets - sometimes, by the way, in kitchens there is no room for such cabinets at all. A single oven that is installed in the base of the cabinet under the cooktop is also a good option. But here you should be careful - not all devices are compatible. It is worth making sure that there is enough space for both items and that they will fit together.

Extra options

In addition, there are a lot of “additional” modes:

• Thermostat. Built-in function that allows you to select the optimal temperature for cooking a particular dish. Modern devices have a fairly wide temperature range, starting from 60 degrees. This will allow housewives to prepare many dishes that require very low, or vice versa, very high temperatures;
• Backlight. This mode allows you to control the cooking process without opening the oven door;
• Timer. This function is often used for reheating food and baking. With its help you can adjust the cooking time;
• Auto power off. The function ensures automatic shutdown of a device that has been running unattended for a long time. Automatic shutdown is necessary for safety, as it is triggered when the desired temperature is reached;
• Memorizing programs. This mode allows you to independently create a baking program, setting the temperature and time required to prepare a specific dish;
• Self-cleaning. This function works by heating water in a pan or by applying high temperature;
• Locking the door during cooking. This feature ensures safety while cooking.

The best and popular manufacturers of mini ovens

Manufacturers such as Scarlett, Delta, Eurostek, Maxwell, Simfer and First have managed to establish themselves in the low and medium price segments. Their models are very popular and in great demand. Brands such as Delonghi, Rommelsbacher, STEBA and Ariette are more expensive, but have more functionality and better build quality.

Below we will discuss in detail the most popular models from each price segment. When compiling such ratings, manufacturer characteristics, expert opinion and customer reviews are usually taken into account.

Rating

Budget models

Inexpensive electric mini-ovens are the best option for a summer house, country house or small apartment. The key advantages of the mini-oven models presented in this category are their compactness and low cost.

Middle price segment

Mini-ovens in the mid-price segment include models that have an up-to-date set of functions, while at the same time demonstrating the affordable cost of goods.

Premium models

Premium mini-ovens have an expanded range of functions. These products are suitable for advanced cooks, as well as anyone who likes to experiment with cooking methods.

The best inexpensive mini ovens

For many consumers today, price is a priority. However, this does not always mean that if a stove is cheap, it means bad. You can buy a pretty good option that will work for at least 5 years. In order not to make a bad choice, it is recommended to study the TOP most budget roasters that will help any housewife in the kitchen.

For many consumers today, price is a priority.

Panasonic NT-GT1WTQ

Quite a small appliance, only 9 liters. However, it will be enough for those who have little time, but who have long been planning to switch to a healthy diet. At the very bottom, the manufacturer has provided a special tray for collecting garbage, so there will be no problems with cleaning. Preheat to 200 degrees, this is enough for preparing simple dishes.

Quite a small appliance, only 9 liters.

There are several positive aspects that can be highlighted right away. 1. Very low price. 2. Small size - can be installed even in a mobile home. 3. High-quality enamel. 4. Quite high power. 5. Easy to use - nothing superfluous. 6. There is a defrost function. 7. Enter the TOP of the best.

Despite the abundance of advantages of an electric oven, it would be important to point out its disadvantages. 1. Design - will quickly turn yellow, since enamel is still not the best material for external coating. 2. It overheats quickly - it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to cook anything serious.

Despite the presence of these disadvantages, some simple dishes in the form of toast, vegetables, sandwiches can be prepared. For its price, this is a pretty good option.

Despite the presence of these disadvantages, some simple dishes in the form of toast, vegetables, sandwiches can be prepared.

Supra MTS-210

It occupies a high position in the popular rating. Consumer reviews are quite good. Small stove for 20 liters. Heating up to 250 degrees. Additionally, there is a timer for 90 minutes.

It occupies a high position in the popular rating.

Among the advantages we can highlight: 1. there is upper and lower heating; 2. the set includes a convenient baking tray; 3. 4 modes.

There is one very significant disadvantage - the stove heats up and over time begins to turn yellow, which indicates poor enamel. No convection. Suitable for everyday cooking of simple dishes. The mini oven is the best in its segment.

The mini oven is the best in its segment.

BBK OE-0912M

The stove is from a manufacturer that makes really good equipment. Despite the high quality, the price of this roaster will please anyone.

The stove is from a manufacturer that makes really good equipment.

Pros. 1. Quartz heaters. 2. There is a grill. 3. Looks stylish. 4. You can delay the start. 5. There is a backlight.

19 liter model. This volume is enough to provide loved ones with healthy food. The reviews are mostly positive, there are no harsh complaints.

19 liter model. This volume is enough to provide loved ones with healthy food.