5 Ways to Choose the Best Oven

Whether you want to replace your old oven or add a finishing touch to your newly remodeled kitchen, choosing the best oven can be a difficult task, especially if you’re not sure about what you’re looking for.

Many homeowners opt for the traditional stove or range with the oven below the cook top, as it’s a choice that’s affordable and space-saving. However, there are many other choices for those who feel that the traditional stove isn’t their cup of tea.

Type of Fuel

For most people who go oven shopping, the first decision they have to make is the type of fuel they want their oven to use. Ovens can utilize gas, electricity, wood, coal, and other fuel sources. The most popular choices are gas and electricity. One is not better than the other, as both have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re a cook who desires instant response, lower operating costs in the long run, and controllability that is precise, the gas oven is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an oven that gives off even heat and has a lower initial cost, then the electric oven is what you’re looking for.

If you can’t pick between gas and electric, then you can get the best of both worlds by opting for a range that is dual fuel. These ovens allow you to mix up your heat sources. For example, you can get an oven with cook top burners that are fueled with gas and an oven that utilizes electricity.

Consider Space

Once you’ve chosen your ideal oven’s fuel source, the next thing you need to consider is space. If you have plenty of space in your kitchen to spare (or are willing to make space), a wall oven that is separate from the cook top is definitely something you should consider. This type of oven allows you to make multiple working stations for cooking instead of just one.

If you’re like a lot of people, you probably don’t have much room in your kitchen to spare. Therefore, a double wall oven is probably the best choice for you. A double wall oven is basically two ovens stacked on top of each other. This type of oven saves space, but it allows you to bake or roast twice the amount of food in the same amount of time. This feature will prove especially useful if you tend to host many parties, or if you have an especially large family.

Also, there are even two-oven stoves that also have cook tops. For the two-oven stoves that have cook tops, one oven is below the cook top while the second oven is well above the cook top.

Type of Surface

Another thing you want to consider when picking your dream oven is the type of surface. Overall, electric coils for the burners are the most popular choice, and they are also the cheapest. If you don’t want to opt for electric coils, you can possibly go for a smooth-top surface instead, depending on your desired fuel source.

Oven Controls

One thing you really need to consider is the oven’s controls. Ovens with universal access controls are popular, as they’re quite convenient. However, if you have young children at home, an oven with universal controls isn’t the best choice. An oven with the controls on the backsplash is a safer option.

Cleaning Up

If you always had a hard time cleaning up your old oven, you may want to consider a self-cleaning oven. In general, there are two types of self-cleaning ovens. One type utilizes a high-heat cycle, which will turn messes into ashes that are easy to wipe off. The second type cleans itself continuously.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for an oven, as there are many options out there. However, by breaking your decision down into several steps, the choice becomes much more manageable.

If your kitchen needs updating, take some time to talk to Kitchen Matters, they have the perfect solution for your kitchen at home!