How to choose a mini oven: tips + review of models

A mini oven is a small, portable electric oven that offers grilling, cooking, defrosting, and many other functions. The market for these devices is huge, so in order not to make a mistake when choosing, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Power . An extremely important parameter on which the functionality of the furnace depends.
2. Internal coating . Determines the service life of the furnace itself.
3. Internal volume . Varies from 8.5 to 40 liters. The higher the indicator, the more food can be placed inside for cooking at one time.
4. Control type. The mechanical type is simple. More expensive analogues are equipped with touch controls, which include automatic cooking programs.
5. Functionality . Many models are equipped with a grill and convection, which significantly increases their capabilities.

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. We present to you a rating of mini-ovens - a compact hybrid of an oven, bread maker and microwave.

Can a mini oven replace a microwave?

There is no point in installing popular household appliances with similar functions in the kitchen. Therefore, before buying a new device for heating food, you need to make a choice and find out what is better - a microwave or a mini-oven.

Both devices can cook, reheat, defrost, and are quite easy to operate. To understand which one to give preference to, let’s study the features of their work, their positive qualities and existing disadvantages.

Microwave oven and mini-oven: what is common and what is the difference

Housewives have known the microwave for many years, but the mini-oven appeared on the household appliances market not so long ago. The mini-oven performs the functions of an oven, toaster, grill and microwave, as it is capable of defrosting food and heating food.

Similarities

The devices are similar in appearance. On the front side there is a glazed door and a control panel. They are compact and fit on the kitchen counter due to their small dimensions - within 30x50x40 cm. The size of the internal chamber is from 10 to 40 liters. The microwave and mini-oven (or electric oven is its second name) operate from the mains.

There is a similarity in electricity consumption: for a mini-oven it is 1.5-2 kV, for a microwave oven it is from 1 to 2 kV. These figures refer to devices with similar standard functionality and a price in the range of 5,000-10,000 rubles. As the chamber volume increases and additional functions are available, the energy consumption of the devices increases.

The type of furnace control can be mechanical or electronic. The advantage of a mechanical one is its simplicity and reliability, and an electronic one is an expanded choice of cooking methods.

The internal coating of the microwave and mini-oven chambers is made of enamel, stainless steel or ceramics. It is important that it can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.

Both devices are equipped with an internal chamber light, a tray for collecting crumbs and fat (in a microwave, this function is performed by a rotating plate), and a timer.

More expensive models of mini-ovens and microwaves have additional modes: convection, grill, spit. The energy consumption and price of such devices are significantly higher.

Differences

How is a microwave oven different from an electric oven? The main difference lies in the principle of operation. A mini-oven, like a traditional electric oven, cooks food using the heat generated by thermal heating elements - heating elements. The oven can reach temperatures from 30 to 250°C, baking the dish evenly.

A microwave oven cooks using ultra-high frequency (microwave) radiation, which is generated by a magnetron.

Under the influence of microwaves, the water molecules present in any food begin to move, as a result of which the water boils, and the food in which it is contained rapidly heats up.

Heating does not occur gradually and not from the outside in, as happens in a conventional oven, but throughout the entire product at once. In this case, the temperature does not rise above the boiling point - 100°C.

In most cases, a microwave oven is used to heat and defrost food. The main purpose of a mini-oven is cooking.

Microwave Oven Features

The main advantage of a microwave is its speed. 1-2 minutes is enough to heat up the finished dish. The plate will remain cool, and if it warms up, it will only be due to the temperature of the food itself.

In the microwave you can cook oatmeal, quickly bake vegetables, and prepare some other simple dishes. The porridge will be cooked in a deep bowl in 2-3 minutes, and the omelette will be baked in a plate in 5 minutes. Using a microwave reduces the time for cooking and heating food and, as a result, energy costs.

But this device also has a significant disadvantage. Cooking in a microwave oven occurs on the principle of internal heating and evaporation - this limits the possible range of dishes. In a budget microwave, the meat will not turn crispy, and you will also not be able to bake a pie.

More complex devices are designed for frying and baking - combination microwave ovens, equipped with additional functions.

Reference. The following manufacturers offer high-quality microwave ovens: Samsung, Gorenje, LG, Hotpoint-Ariston, Redmond, Daewoo, Supra, BBK.

Varieties

Based on the operating principle of microwave ovens, they can be divided into several groups:

1. Microwave, operating due to microwave radiation. Most often used for defrosting and heating ready meals. These models are the most popular and enjoy the most consistent consumer demand.
2. A microwave oven with grill is a combined device, additionally equipped with heat emitters (quartz lamps or tubular heating elements). Microwave with grill is aimed at a more complex menu. You can fry meat with a golden brown crust, fish, and French fries in it.
3. Convection microwaves . In such ovens, streams of hot air, pumped using special fans, are directed at the dish being prepared. Circulation of hot air promotes uniform baking of the product. If in a simple microwave the temperature does not rise above 100°C, then in an oven with convection mode it can reach up to 250°C. Such a microwave oven can replace an oven. Models with a convection function are much more expensive than a conventional microwave, their dimensions are larger, and their energy consumption is significantly higher.
4. Inverter microwave. Microwave of the latest generation. The peculiarity of this device is that the radiation from its magnetron is controlled electronically. In a conventional microwave, the magnetron operates with constant power; its periodic turning off and turning on leads to a harsh effect of the emitter on food and surges in electricity in the network. Inverter ovens are more economical, but what is more important is that in them microwaves have a gentler effect on the product being processed.
5. Multifunctional microwave ovens. The most expensive microwaves with grill and convection have various built-in programs, for example, defrosting followed by cooking, remember frequently used recipes, and can be programmed to prepare dishes according to their own “branded” recipes. The price of such stoves is from 20,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Advantages

Advantages of a microwave oven:

• high speed of cooking and heating food;
• the ability to cook without adding oil and fat, which is important for adherents of a healthy diet;
• preservation of vitamins and microelements, since food is heated quickly and is limited to 100°C;
• absence of food odors, which is important when using a microwave, for example, in the office;
• the ability to heat food directly in the plate, which is convenient and saves effort and time on washing dishes;
• compact size and nice design, the ability to be built into kitchen furniture or mounted on a bracket, which is important in small spaces.

Criteria for choosing a mini-oven

The domestic market of household appliances offers many models of miniature electric roaster ovens, each of which has its own features and advantages.

However, in order to purchase a device that is suitable in all respects, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• power. The larger the size of an electrical appliance, the more power it requires to operate efficiently. Small ovens consume on average up to 900 W, medium-sized devices - from 1000 to 2000 W. For high-quality cooking, large models require at least 2100 W;
• chamber volume. Well-known companies produce equipment with a volume of 9-45 liters. When choosing a model, it is recommended to focus on the number of family members and the size of the dishes that will be prepared regularly;
• number of operating modes. A traditional device must have the function of turning on the upper and lower heating elements. But the best option would be a device with the possibility of combined heating, defrosting, heating, grilling, frying and making toast or pizza;
• control type. May be mechanical or electronic. Mechanically controlled devices are practical, durable and low cost. Units with electronic control may malfunction, but are considered more convenient to use;
• timer. Allows you to independently regulate the cooking time and notifies you when the dish is ready with a sound signal. This greatly simplifies operation.

Best Household Convection Ovens

The most popular group of products includes compact convection ovens with a volume of up to 65 liters. They have balanced characteristics and an average, relatively affordable price.

Steba DG 40

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The spacious and functional model DG 40 from Steba combines classic, convection, grill and steam baking options. The oven is equipped with a spit for two chickens, a grate, a baking sheet and a tray for fat and crumbs.

The oven is equipped with electronic control with a display. 49 automatic programs allow you to prepare dishes from all cuisines of the world. The heating temperature can be adjusted within 230 degrees. The convection oven has a 7 hour timer. Thanks to effective thermal protection, it maintains temperature better and consumes energy more economically.

Advantages:

• Availability of grill;
• Cooking with steam;
• Fifty automatic programs;
• Touch control;
• Timer for 7 hours;
• Good thermal protection.

Flaws:

• High price.

The ultra-modern model Steba DG 40 is a convection oven, electric grill and combi oven in one housing.

Gemlux GL-OR-1845

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The Gemlux multifunctional oven allows you to bake, grill, prepare yogurt and many other dishes. It has a spacious internal volume and is equipped with a rotary spit, baking tray, wire rack, and a tray for fat and crumbs.

The built-in thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature in the range of 30-250 degrees, and 8 automatic programs allow you to conveniently prepare the most popular dishes. The oven is equipped with rotary controls with digital displays.

Heating elements increased in volume by 20% guarantee quick heating of the oven. And the laminated glass door provides better thermal protection.

Advantages:

• Grill with spit;
• Large capacity;
• Thermostat;
• Automatic modes;
• Increased sizes of heating elements.

Flaws:

• Large dimensions.

With all its advantages, the GL-OR-1845 oven from Gemlux has a relatively affordable price, but it will require enough free space in the kitchen.

Panasonic NU-SC101

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The NU-SC101 convection oven from Panasonic uses the latest technology. It has a touch control panel, is equipped with a digital display and an electronic timer. The internal volume of the oven is 15 liters, and the set includes a grate and a baking tray.

The model is capable of steaming and sterilizing dishes. In just 20 seconds it begins to produce steam, and in 3 minutes it heats up to 100 degrees. In convection mode, the oven operates within 100-230 degrees. There are also 13 automatic cooking modes.

Advantages:

• Built-in steam generator;
• Fast heating;
• Digital display;
• Touchpad;
• Electronic thermostat.

Flaws:

• Small capacity.

The compact and functional model NU-SC101 from Panasonic can replace a convection oven and steamer in a cramped kitchen.

BBK OE5562MC

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

The main advantage of the OE5562MC model from BBK is its capacity. The chamber volume of 55 liters allows you to prepare a large number of dishes. The oven has simple mechanical control via rotary switches, which significantly reduced the cost of the model.

The convection oven is equipped with a top grill, but a spit is not included. It has a thermostat that allows you to adjust the cooking temperature within 100-250 degrees, and a timer for 120 minutes.

Advantages:

• Large volume;
• Simple controls;
• Grill;
• Timer and thermostat;
• Low price.

Flaws:

• The skewer is missing.

The OE5562MC convection oven from BBK is suitable for preparing meals for a large family.

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The best mini ovens from 20 to 40 l

This category includes roasters with an internal volume from 20 to 40 liters. They optimally combine compactness with spaciousness. There is a wide range of such mini-ovens on the market.

Endever Danko 4030

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

The ultra-modern Danko model from Endever is a 5-in-1 device. The equipment combines the functions of an oven, air fryer, steamer, yogurt maker and fruit dryer. The mini-oven has 21 operating programs, including a manual mode with 9 additional settings. The internal volume of the model is 30 l.

The equipment is equipped with a thermostat and allows you to adjust the temperature in the range of 30-230° C. The roaster comes complete with a baking tray, grid, water tank, spit, tray holder and heat-protective mitt. It has a digital screen and touch controls, and comes with a removable door for easy cleaning.

Advantages:

• Built-in steamer;
• Convection;
• Rich equipment;
• Touch control;
• Removable door.

Flaws:

• High price.

Endever Danko 4030 is a multifunctional equipment that, despite its compact size, can replace several kitchen appliances at once.

Galaxy GL2623

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

The Galaxy mini-oven is moderately roomy and compact - the internal volume of the model is 28 liters. It has an electronic control system and is equipped with a digital display indicating the set and current temperature, as well as the time until the end of work and the selected operating mode. Convenience is provided by a timer and a delay switch option.

Thanks to 4 heating elements instead of two (2 on top and two on bottom), the oven bakes food more evenly and does not require unfolding the baking sheet. In this case, the stove can heat up to 100-250 degrees. The model is equipped with a baking tray, wire rack and handles for removing hot containers.

Advantages:

• Electronic control and digital display;
• Delay start;
• 4 heating elements;
• Low price.

Flaws:

• No spit provided.

Galaxy GL2623 is a functional and technologically advanced model for a small kitchen, which will allow you to prepare baked goods quickly and without unnecessary movements.

Moulinex Optimo OX485832

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

A simple and practical mini-oven has a mechanical control system via rotary controls. Top and bottom heating, convection baking and grilling are available here. The 39-liter capacity allows you to bake a whole chicken in the oven—a spit is provided for this.

The roaster is equipped with a thermostat that allows you to adjust the heating temperature (maximum +240 degrees). The model has a 120-minute timer with an audible readiness signal. Ease of use is provided by a cord compartment, rubberized feet and a crumb tray.

Advantages:

• Good capacity;
• Convection;
• The presence of a thermostat and timer;
• Cord compartment.

Flaws:

• The case gets very hot.

The Optimo mini-oven from Moulinex has everything you need for high-quality preparation of various dishes. This technique is suitable for a family of 4-5 people.

Simfer M3417

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

84%

buyers recommend this product

An elegant mini-oven in retro design is painted beige, has black inserts and gold fittings, which gives the model a special elegance. Despite its appearance, the roaster is quite functional and modern. The only thing the manufacturer deprived it of was the convection mode. Otherwise, the mini-oven turned out to be practical and efficient.

The internal volume of the oven is 38 liters, which allows you to place a whole small bird inside. The model is equipped with a rectangular and round baking tray, a grid and a skewer. There is a thermostat with automatic shutdown when the set temperature is reached and a timer with an audible signal.

Advantages:

• Original design;
• Spit and two baking sheets included;
• Timer with auto shutdown;
• Thermostat.

Flaws:

• No convection.

Mini-oven M3417 from Simfer is optimal for kitchens decorated in a classic style.

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