Ovens: Getting Down to the Basics

For baking, broiling, roasting, reheating, and yes, even grilling- -there is no other tool to match the oven. Whether you're baking birthday creations or serving up a juicy roast chicken, your oven choice can influence taste, timing, and cooking convenience. Oven selections include variation in type, style, size and features. Research your options thoroughly to ensure a purchase that has everything you need and nothing that you don't. Fire up the pilot light (or flip the switch) and put on your apron-- it's time to shop for an oven.

Oven Cooking Options

Good food is the common goal of all oven types, so knowing which type of oven will best suit your cooking needs--and not just your space or style--is important to your selection.

Electric

Past electric models were known for longer cooking times than their gas counterparts, but today cook times are fairly equal. Most electric ovens offer a multifunction quality, which allows users to use either the top, bottom or even rear elements individually or in combination. Many electric ovens provide a grilling option. Because electric ovens are more common in the kitchen, they are cheaper and often more compatible with the buyer's kitchen design.

Gas

Standard gas ovens are known for turning out perfectly moist dishes and are ideal for foods that require moisture for cooking. Because gas ovens do not offer element control (and therefore are hotter at the top than the bottom) some food will need to be evenly rotated, especially if the food is occupying more than one shelf. Some may view this as detrimental to the ease of the cooking process, but the allocation of heat can be the perfect buffer for cooking multiple dishes in the same oven at the same time. Many gas ovens offer top broiling through the inclusion of an internal grill, which will achieve the browning quality sometimes only associated with electric models.

Light and Steam

Light ovens are combination styles and include a microwave with an additional halogen lamp to assist in the reduction of cooking time.

The steam oven was designed as a healthier means of food preparation, because fewer nutrients are lost in steaming than in other methods. The steam oven cannot brown food, therefore leaving that task to the stove or fryer.

Convection

A second type of oven, the fan-assisted type, is available in both gas and electric models. Known as a convection oven, this type uses a fan to circulate heat, rather than heating two or more static elements. Circulating heat allows for more browning and better moisture sealing, but is generally more expensive.

Oven Size, Capacity and Style

Style is a major factor in deciding which oven will best fit any home. First, assess the kitchen space, and measure possible placement areas, which should narrow the field of selection.

Range Style

A range is a traditional combination. Because the oven is always below the stove, freestanding ranges are often a viable choice for homes with limited kitchen space. Installation of a range is a primary concern: some require a wall bracket and all require relevant fuel sources, so professional installation is recommended and sometimes necessary.

Wall Ovens (Built-in)

A wall oven (which is generally used in conjunction with a separate stovetop) maximizes space and provides some added flexibility in kitchen design. A built-in is especially convenient in a kitchen where two or more people are cooking simultaneously, or where the cook would like to supplement a freestanding range. Additionally, because a wall oven can be placed at any height desired, its installation can be tailored to the cook. Still, sometimes a wall oven does occupy more bench space than would a freestanding range and kitchen space will need to accommodate that possibility. It is common to find microwave/oven combinations in this style; heated by electricity, this combination must be built into an area with ample power supply.

Countertop

Countertop ovens are good options for small kitchens or as a second oven. Some of these units offer either convection style cooking or toasting, while some offer a combination. Newer models are more powerful than those of the past and are good choices for those with lesser cooking needs.

Double Ovens

A double oven is exactly what its name suggest: an oven with two doors and separate controls. Usually the two are stacked one on top of the other, but side-by-side options are also available. These units offer versatility: while one oven houses a rising pizza crust, the other can grill a chicken, or the two can bake two cakes at different temperatures.

Oven Size and Capacity

Capacity is a different measure than size, so be sure to measure both exterior kitchen space and estimate your necessary interior cooking space before purchasing an oven. Using the size of your largest dish as a guide can help. Electric ovens are available in sizes of 27 or 30 inches, while gas ovens come smaller, in 24, 27 or 30 inches. Capacity is measured in cubic feet, and can range from 1 cubic foot (countertop or microwave) to over 4 cubic feet (standard models). Extra wide ovens can reach 4.7 cubic feet, and are ideal for those with large families and those who love to entertain.

The Right Fit for Your Kitchen: Researching Oven Prices

Many factors will influence oven choice, including necessary cleaning time, controls, color and door type. We've listed the most common extra features to look for.

A self-cleaning oven cleans the interior through heating, saving time and hard work. In some models the user can choose the cleaning time and duration. When in cleaning mode the oven will lock and heat to 500 degrees, turning residues to ash for easy removal.

Oven controls allow the user to exercise cooking discretion. An electronic touch pad is easier to read, set and clean than knobs or dials.

Removable oven racks allow users to reposition based on the size and cook time of food items. Racks with safety stops ensure that this process won't be messy or dangerous.

Large-view, side-open, and removable doors can be especially convenient when cooking multiple items, or food that needs to be closely watched. Preprogrammed cook settings, extra racks, timers and lighting are also available in several models.

Oven costs

Ovens range in price anywhere from $100 to $11,000, depending on many factors, like size and type.
For $100 to $150, one can purchase a high-quality countertop or toaster oven. Range ovens can be purchased for as little as $300, but generally fall into the $400 plus price category. While ovens with few features and low-cost installation will cost less, those with multiple racks, settings, and stainless steel exteriors can reach average prices of $600 to $700.

Maytag manufacturers several ranges that sell for approximately $1,500. Various options are available in this price range, including electric, gas or convection styles, and even double ovens. Self-cleaning ovens, from any manufacturer, are notably more expensive.

Ranges with full-sized double ovens and extra features can cost between $5000 and $7000. Dacor's stainless steel model sells for nearly $11,000.

Frigidaire manufactures both electric and gas built-in ovens that sell for between $500 and $1,000, while Summit produces some wall ovens for less than $500.

Most of the self-cleaning, larger built-in ovens are priced between $2,000 and $4,000. Double wall ovens are most often over $5000.

GE offers a double model for just over $1,000, though most doubles are priced at more than $1500. Double ovens that are part of a range can cost as much as $12,000.

Most steam ovens are advertised in the $2000 price bracket. There are several industrial style steam ovens, for commercial use, which can cost up to $30,000.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing an oven should be an investment. Whether building a home, redesigning a kitchen, or settling into your first unfurnished apartment, selecting an oven that's right for your cooking needs is a long process. Consider your cooking habits, available space, budget, and all options available. A large selection can be daunting, but it can also be very rewarding.