The oven is the enclosed cooking unit used for baking, roasting, or broiling.The range rests atop the oven (or on the counter), and includes your burners. The range is for boiling, sautéing, or pan-frying. The range might also be called the cooktop or stovetop.
Most homeowners buy a combination oven and range--a duo that some manufacturers call a stove or (confusingly) an oven. Yet many homeowners buy a separate oven and range, and install the separate units in different parts of the kitchen. At MKBD, we promote this approach, when feasible, as it creates two separate work stations, easing traffic flow in a busy kitchen.
Beyond these considerations, for the purposes of shopping, we prefer to analyze the oven and range as separate units (even when they will be purchased as one unit). In this way, a homeowner can focus acutely on the elements he/she wants or needs for each unit. In reality, although the units are often combined, both perform different functions. By clarifying your needs for each respectively, you will be equipped to make the best decision to suit your family's cooking lifestyle.
If you missed our post on ranges, you can read it here. Today we will discuss ovens!
 |
| In this stunning MKBD project, the homeowner installed two separate oven units, a single and a double (apart from the range) to accommodate some serious baking. Thanksgiving, anyone?! |
How to Choose a Good Oven
As we noted last week in our discussion of ranges, your first oven-buying consideration should be space. In most smaller kitchens, your choice will be limited to a combination range and oven. However, if you have more space, or a unique design amenable to separate units, you can, indeed, buy a separate oven and range.
Beyond generally thinking about kitchen space and design, you will also need to think about the specific space available for your oven. If you're performing a full kitchen remodeling project with an entirely new design, you should be able to define this size yourself. If you're replacing an oven for an older kitchen, you'll likely need to break out the measuring tape to ensure that your new oven will accommodate your current layout.
Once you've figured out your general and specific space requirements, research the available oven types:
Of the available combination units, a freestanding oven stands alone, usually at the end of a cabinet. A freestanding range can also fit between cabinets.
For a perfect cabinet fit, however, a slide-in or drop in-oven might be best.
A slide-in oven will fit seamlessly between cabinets, yet its contoured sides help to ensure that the elevated cooktop will rest above the cabinets.
A drop-in oven will look similar to slide-ins but will be made to look custom fit to the cabinetry. If you're installing a unit into an older kitchen design you might need to modify the cabinets. A drop-in is distinguished by a drawer at the bottom of the oven for storing pots and pans.
Another option is a separate wall oven, which is placed at waist or eye level. Wall ovens are sold as single or double units (the image above displays both!), and come in standard widths of 24", 27", 30", or 36".
 |
| In this MKBD project, a drop-in oven is made to custom fit the cabinetry. Note the distinctive detail: the drawer at the bottom of the oven. |
Gas or Electric
As we noted last week, depending upon your available fuel source, the choice between a gas or electric stove might've already been made for you.
If you do have a choice, though, let your cooking preferences guide you.
First things first: Chefs might prefer gas ranges, but bakers typically prefer electric ovens. Pro-electric bakers will tell you that electric ovens distribute heat more evenly and that electric ovens reliably produce dry heat, which is crucial for browning both baked good and roasts.
We tend to agree with this view. So if you're a baker, and you're buying a separate oven, your best choice will probably be electric. If you're buying a combination range and oven, choose the fuel source that is most amenable to your cooking style.
If you cook most of your food on the range, you might do better with a gas unit; if you cook most of your food in the oven, an electric unit might be best. Another option is a combination gas and electric, a "dual fuel" stove. A dual fuel unit might be more expensive, but it offers the best of both worlds.
 |
| For this Philadelphia-area MKBD project, the homeowner installed a combination gas oven and range and a separate electric oven for baking. Now you're talking! |
Convection or Regular?
Beloved by cooks, a “convection” oven cooks food more evenly, in less time, and with a nice brown crust. A regular oven produces heat only from the heating units. The addition of a fan allows a convection oven to blow hot air around the food.
Convection is the key to crispy pie crust and crackling roast beef. Better yet--at least for the harried homeowner--a convection oven can reduce cooking time for most recipes by 25%.
Despite the advantages, even though this option is widely-available, many homeowners choose a regular unit. At MKBD, we advocate convection ovens to most homeowners. A convection oven might require a little trial and error, but once you learn the ins-and-outs, you'll never go back to regular!
***
FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!
If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.
Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!
No comments:
Post a Comment