Gas or electric oven: instructions on how to choose built-in appliances, video and photos

Any housewife may face the problem of choosing an oven sooner or later. What to choose: electric or gas oven, what are the criteria for choosing a model? You will receive answers to these questions in my article.

Gas or electrical?

First, let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this or that type of oven.

What will gas models give odds to electric ones?

1. Their use is more economical, gas is cheaper than electricity.
2. The price for gas ovens is lower than for electric counterparts.
3. They have a standard control scheme familiar to us from childhood. No extra buttons - just the necessary set of functions.

1. Some dishes cooked under a gas grill are as close as possible to those cooked on charcoal in terms of taste..

1. A gas oven is the most successful, and sometimes the only solution for a kitchen with problematic or weak electrical wiring.
2. The design of such an oven is simple but reliable. In this regard, it is easy to maintain it, and breakdowns are rare.

1. A gas oven can be operated from a gas cylinder, which is a huge advantage if you are choosing household appliances for a summer cottage or a country house.

It would seem that a gas oven outperforms its electric counterpart in most parameters.

But this is not entirely true, there are moments in which it loses to the “competitor”.

1. In budget models of gas ovens, there is no convection function. Without it, food will be baked unevenly, overcooking from the bottom. The electric version distributes heat more evenly.
2. The maximum heating temperature for a gas cabinet is 230 ° C, for an electric one - 300 ° C.

1. Electric models warm up faster to the desired temperature.
2. The list of additional programs and functions for electric ovens is much more extensive, they can there is even a microwave mode for defrosting food, or a steamer mode for cooking certain dishes.

Nevertheless, if saving is not an empty phrase for you, I would recommend giving preference to gas models.

Criteria that matter when buying a slab

If you decide to buy a gas oven, then this section will be especially useful for you. In it, I will analyze in more detail the necessary set of functions for such useful household appliances and describe in more detail what you should pay attention to during the purchase process.

So, if you do not know how to choose a built-in gas oven, consider the important parameters.

Criterion 1. The size

One of the first nuances that should be taken into account during the purchase process is the size and volume of the equipment. To make it easier for you to navigate, I have prepared a small table.

Appliance width	Who is it for
Small model 45 cm	A slim model that is ideal for a small family of 2-3 people and fits compactly in a small kitchen.
Medium model 60 cm	Standard size used in medium to large kitchens. This technique is universal and suitable for preparing meals for a family of 5-6 people.
Large model 90 cm	It is bought either for a very large family, or for a spacious kitchen, or for people who simply love to cook in a spacious kitchen.

Criterion 2. Dependent or independent cabinet?

An electric or gas oven can be dependent or independent, while remaining the same in functionality.

What does this mean?

1. In the so-called "dependent" models, the oven is built directly under the hob, they are linked by a common control panel and connections. In this case, it is necessary to select elements from one manufacturer, which slightly limits the choice.

1. An independent gas oven implies the ability to install the oven anywhere without being tied to the hob. If desired, you can place the unit at chest level - this is both more convenient and safer for children.

However, independent devices are more difficult to install, and they are more expensive than conventional ones, but their assortment is wider.

Criterion 3. With or without convection?

Convection is one of the most common functions in modern ovens. Thanks to a special fan located at the back of the cabinet, hot air circulates better inside the appliance, thereby contributing to uniform baking of food.

In addition, the convection function allows you to cook simultaneously on two baking sheets, so I do not recommend giving it up.

Criterion 4. Color and design

In order not to break the integrity of the interior, the gas oven should be selected for the overall style premises.

True, the range of colors is limited and consists of:

• Silver - the most versatile colors for the front of the oven, which will easily fit into almost any interior.
• Beige, cream, white - suitable for interior in light colors.
• Black - creates a contrasting decor or complements a headset in dark colors.

As you can see, special instructions for choosing the design of the front of the oven will not be useful to you - all you need is that it matches the color of the existing interior, and you like it.

Criterion 4. Self-cleaning function

If you find a self-cleaning oven, great. The walls of the inner chamber and the fan blades in such a device contain a special catalyst in their coating that destroys food debris. After that, only a small deposit will remain on the surfaces, which can be easily erased with a damp cloth.

Please note, however, that such a cleaning system is effective only for the first 5-7 years, after which its effectiveness drops significantly.

Criterion 5. Mandatory and desirable options

The set of available functions that a gas or electric oven has is another important indicator that you should pay attention to. How not to get confused and choose exactly what you need?

Mandatory options include:

• internal lighting that illuminates food evenly and efficiently, located inside the cabinet;

• gas control, thanks to which the gas is automatically cut off in the event of the extinction of the fire in the oven;
• electric ignition, automatic or manual. Most often, in modern models, the first option is found, which allows you to give off a spark (and, accordingly, light the oven) by simply turning the knob. But models with manual ignition are still not out of use - in this case, you will have to hold down the special spark release button and turn the corresponding knob.

Despite the fact that the second option of ignition takes a little longer, it is much more practical from a safety point of view.

I've finished with the list of required options, it's time to consider functions that are not available in all models, but will become good helpers in the cooking process:

1. Telescopic guides. Not included in the list of required attributes, but will be very useful on the farm. They are two inserts that allow you to pull out a baking sheet to test the readiness of a dish without using oven mitts.

1. Child protection. A very useful function that prevents accidental switching on or changing the cooking mode in the oven.
2. Additional glasses. The number of glasses on the cabinet doors can vary from 1 to 4. The more of them, the more essential the thermal insulation inside, and, accordingly, the dish is prepared faster. This function also prevents unwanted heating of cabinets or appliances in the vicinity of the oven.

I have listed the basic options that will help you simplify the baking process for a variety of dishes. You can glean more visual information on choosing an oven from the video in this article.

Instead of totals

When choosing between a gas and an electric oven, first of all focus on its efficiency and special functionality. Now that you know the criteria for choosing an oven, buying it will become much easier.

I described in detail how to choose a gas oven. If you have any questions during the purchase process, ask them in the comments. In the same place, tell us about your impressions of using gas or electric appliances for cooking.