Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Compact Oven?

Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson

A compact oven can be a great space saver in a small kitchen or a fun addition to a kitchen full of the latest gadgets. Compact ovens are typically seen as microwave ovens, convection ovens, or NuWave ovens. When searching for the best compact oven, it is important to consider counter space, cooking needs, price, and style. They can make for convenient appliances or fit into a small kitchen space without taking up much room.

It is important to measure the space that the compact oven will be placed in in order to save space, keeping in mind that the oven door should have enough space to open and close without hitting a nearby cabinet or wall. Measurements of these ovens can vary, and choosing the correct size will save the hassle of returning the item. Space is an important aspect when searching for a compact oven because there are many different sizes.

Microwave ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens.
Microwave ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens.

Cooking needs are essential to think about when choosing a compact oven. There are three main types: microwaves, convection ovens, and NuWave ovens. Microwave ovens are designed to cook food faster than conventional ovens. If a kitchen or home space is extremely limited, like that of a studio or college dorm room, a microwave can be a great alternative. Microwaves are much more compact than traditional ovens and can cook most any food item that requires heat. Some people choose a compact microwave oven in addition to a traditional oven because of the convenience it offers.

Stainless steel is a high-end option for kitchen appliances.
Stainless steel is a high-end option for kitchen appliances.

A convection oven cooks food by circulating hot air made by the oven around the food, thus cooking more evenly than a traditional oven. They have also been used to cook food a little faster. This can be very useful when making baked goods such as cookies, pies, and cakes. These types of baked goods can sometimes burn on the bottom when using a traditional oven because the heat is not distributed evenly. Internal fans are designed to distribute the heat to bake food evenly.

Commercial convection ovens are usually small enough to fit on top of a counter, but large enough to cook a full size meal.
Commercial convection ovens are usually small enough to fit on top of a counter, but large enough to cook a full size meal.

NuWave ovens are portable ovens that use infrared heat to cook or dehydrate foods. This type of oven is compact and uses less power than traditional or other compact ovens. NuWave ovens also use conduction and convection to move the heat and air around the food, creating evenly cooked meals.

Price can be an important factor when choosing a compact oven. This can vary according to the cooking abilities and style of the oven. There are many inexpensive options for basic compact models. There are also state-of-the-art options with many additional features and styles, such as stainless steel convection and microwave combination ovens. Finding the best oven that suits the space, cooking needs, price, and style of a person is the best way to ensure a good fit.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Microwave ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens.
      By: Scanrail
      Microwave ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens.
    • Stainless steel is a high-end option for kitchen appliances.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Stainless steel is a high-end option for kitchen appliances.
    • Commercial convection ovens are usually small enough to fit on top of a counter, but large enough to cook a full size meal.
      By: Evgeny Korshenkov
      Commercial convection ovens are usually small enough to fit on top of a counter, but large enough to cook a full size meal.
    • Convection ovens have a fan to distribute heat throughout the oven, contributing to more consistent and faster cooking.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Convection ovens have a fan to distribute heat throughout the oven, contributing to more consistent and faster cooking.