It is time to purchase a new stove when the current one in use is already insufficient for the user’s cooking needs. Another situation where it becomes pertinent to select a new oven is during a home remodeling project. In either case, it bears to remember a few important guidelines on oven selection. These tips are especially helpful to people who have not purchased a kitchen oven before as well as homeowners who are unfamiliar with the latest offers in the market.
List of things to consider
There are numerous options in the market and many different outlets such as appliance stores, big box stores, and websites where high quality kitchen ovens are available. They offer a wide selection of products as well as a wide range of prices. Here is a list of parameters to consider when picking out the ideal oven for home or commercial use.
• Type of stove oven
• Type of fuel used
• Oven features
• Stove oven dimensions, including interior space
• Kitchen layout requirements and available space for the appliance
Aside from budgetary considerations, it is important for every buyer to take into consideration the above mentioned parameters based on their intended use of the appliance.
Most common types of kitchen ovens
Freestanding ranges are the most common kitchen ovens in the market today. They are also the most affordable and cost the least to repair in case a part starts to malfunction. Essentially, this insulated appliance is a self-contained single unit consisting of a baking oven and a stove cook top. It is very easy to install a freestanding range. The unit can be placed against a wall by itself. In some homes and commercial kitchens, freestanding ranges are housed in a cabinet. They are versatile cooking equipment and products offered by top manufacturers are durable and guaranteed to work smoothly for a long stretch of time.
Another popular choice is the cooking equipment set composed of a cook top and wall oven set, which allows kitchen owners the option to place the oven at a higher location. In freestanding ranges, the oven component is always located below the stove. With this setup, the two components are separate, which affords users greater flexibility and the possibility of having multiple cooks preparing their signature dishes in one kitchen at the same time. This type of setup is markedly more expensive than freestanding ranges.
Oven characteristics
Since there are many different types and models of stove ovens available in the market today, a buyer must already have an inkling of the characteristics of the ideal oven-one that meets the needs of the kitchen where it will be used. For instance, if the oven will be used in a professional kitchen the color of the oven’s finish must be coordinated with the rest of the kitchen appliances. The type of heat that is required, based on cooking requirements, must also be decided early on. The available choices are standard heat, steam, convection, broiling, and microwave. Another important aspect to determine prior to purchase is the availability of connections in the kitchen. Is the kitchen fitted for electrical appliances, equipment that runs on gas, or both?
