The perfect built-in oven? Find out in this guide.

When looking for a good built-in oven, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice.

The first thing to evaluate is the size: it is essential to assess the available space in your kitchen and carefully measure the installation area, leaving the necessary space for ventilation. It is recommended to leave at least 2 cm for standard ovens and 4.5 cm for compact ones. Besides the external dimensions, it is important to consider the internal volume of the oven, or its capacity, usually expressed in liters. If you live alone or with a partner, a built-in oven with a capacity between 35 and 45 liters may be sufficient.

Energy efficiency is another important aspect to keep in mind, as it affects energy consumption and your bill. Look for models with an A or A++ energy rating for a lesser impact on your energy bill.

The functions of the oven change the way you can cook something. Steam cooking keeps foods moist and is recommended if you are following a particular dietary regimen. You might instead opt for a fan-assisted or convection oven for even and fast cooking. This function allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, and in less time. In short, it is the right oven in kitchens where practicality is essential.

Also, consider the aesthetics of the oven and how it will integrate with the design and style of your kitchen in general. Choose a model that fits what you want to see when you enter the room, one that is in harmony or adds a touch of personality to the environment.

Among the many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which built-in oven is truly of high quality.

How to recognize a good built-in oven?

It's simple; just pay attention to some key details such as:

1. Integrated Functions and Digital Control

Modern built-in ovens with digital control and integrated functions offer an unprecedented level of versatility and control. This means you will have access to functions such as:

- Rapid and Even Defrosting: With the defrost function, you can quickly prepare frozen ingredients for cooking without compromising their quality. For example, you can defrost meat in minutes, avoiding the risk of overheating.

- Controlled Proofing: If you love baking, modern ovens offer the ability to control the proofing process to achieve perfectly risen bread, pizza, or pastries. How? By setting the ideal temperature and time.

- Delayed Start: Imagine being able to program your oven to start cooking meals at your convenience. You can set the oven to turn on automatically at the desired time, ensuring that the food is ready exactly when you need it. For example, you can come home after a long day of work to find a hot dinner ready and waiting for you.

2. Types of Ovens

There are many types of ovens, but even when choosing a good built-in oven, it's best to consider your specific needs.

- Traditional/Static Oven: If your budget is limited but you still want a quality oven, the static oven is a recommended choice, especially if you love baking. Equipped with two heating elements, it offers various cooking modes and is particularly advantageous for those following gluten-free diets. Its lack of fans ensures contamination-free cooking, ideal for anyone with food intolerances.

- Multifunction Fan-Assisted Oven: If you want fast and even cooking, the multifunction fan-assisted oven is the best option. Available in different versions, it can include additional features such as steam cooking.

3. Types of Door Openings

The position where the oven is installed can influence the selection of the door type. If the door is not suitable for the oven's location, it can make using the oven inconvenient or even dangerous.

- Drop-Down Door: Common and practical for ovens positioned under the countertop or at mid-height, it opens from top to bottom.

- Slide-and-Hide Door: This type of door slides under the oven body, offering easy access to the food. However, it can be more expensive compared to other models.

- Side-Opening Door: Ideal for column ovens, this door can be opened from left to right or vice versa, offering flexibility in use.

- Drawer Door: If your oven is placed at mid-height in your kitchen, this door allows you to conveniently pull out dishes thanks to the racks positioned on it.

Details make a difference when it comes to the overall quality of a built-in oven, directly influencing your culinary experience. Some examples?

A door lock is an important feature, especially if there are children in the house. This function prevents them from easily opening the oven door, especially when it's in operation, avoiding unpleasant accidents.

The presence of a cool door is another important safety detail. This feature keeps the surface of the door at a safe temperature, reducing the risk of burns for you and others in the kitchen during oven use.

A good built-in oven should also have good internal lighting, using LED or halogen lamps. It improves visibility during food preparation and reduces the need to frequently open the door to check their cooking status. This helps maintain a more stable internal temperature and prevents cooking alterations.

Looking for these details in a built-in oven will help you purchase a high-quality one.

In general, regular maintenance, such as quick cleaning with a sponge, using non-stick cookware, and removing burnt food residues, contributes to keeping your built-in oven in excellent condition over time.