Modern ovens: technologies, functions, and purchasing criteria

The oven is a central appliance in the kitchen, whose technological development has advanced significantly in recent years. Modern devices offer a variety of functions, the practical usefulness of which is often difficult to assess for individual needs. This guide provides a structured and critical overview of the most important technologies, explains their modes of operation as well as advantages and disadvantages, and supports the prioritization of features.

1. Basic Decisions: Ergonomics and Installation Type

Before dealing with specific functions, the fundamental decision about the design of the appliance must be made.

Cooker vs. standalone oven: A cooker is a combined appliance in which oven and hob form an inseparable unit and are controlled together. However, in modern fitted kitchens, the standalone oven has become the standard. It is an independent appliance and can be installed separately from the hob.

Ergonomic high installation: The decisive advantage of a standalone oven is the possibility of ergonomic high installation in a tall cabinet. Placement at eye level or slightly below avoids constant bending, facilitates the removal of heavy roast dishes such as roasting pans, and increases safety when handling hot trays. This type of installation should be preferred in every new planning.

Standardized installation dimensions: Planning security is ensured by standardized niche sizes. The standard for ovens is a niche with 60 cm width and 60 cm height. Compact appliances, such as ovens with integrated microwave, are designed for a 45 cm high niche.

2. Cooking Methods: From Convection to Steam

The way an oven generates and distributes heat is crucial for the cooking result.

Modern convection systems: A distinction must be made between simple circulating air and true convection. While simple circulating air only distributes the heat from top and bottom heating with a fan, modern systems work with a separate ring heating element directly at the fan. This ensures a more active and even circulation of hot air. Some systems use a special air guidance that aims to minimize flavor transfer between different dishes on different levels. This allows simultaneous cooking of different foods and increases efficiency.

Steam functions: The integration of steam is a significant advancement.

• • Steam support (steam burst): Here, steam is deliberately introduced into the cooking chamber during a conventional baking or roasting process. The increased humidity prevents food from drying out, results in a crispy crust with juicy interior for roasts, and improves dough leavening for bread and pastries.
  • Full steam cooker (combi-steamer): These are combination appliances that can operate as a full-fledged oven and as a pure steam cooker. Cooking exclusively with steam at temperatures around 100 °C is a particularly gentle method for vegetables, fish, and dumplings, as vitamins and nutrients are better preserved than when boiling in water.
  • Sous vide cooking: A specialized application of steam cooking. Food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag and cooked in steam at constant low temperatures (usually between 50 °C and 85 °C) over a long period. Overcooking is practically impossible. This function is usually found only in high-end devices and additionally requires a vacuum drawer or an external vacuum sealer.

• Air Fry function (hot air frying): Many new ovens offer a hot air frying function. With a special grid tray or basket, foods like French fries or vegetable chips can be prepared crispy with very little oil and circulating hot air. This represents a healthier and less odorous alternative to the classic deep fryer.

3. Intelligent Assistance Systems: Sensors and AI

The latest generation of devices integrates sensors and software to automate cooking processes.

Sensors for cooking results:

• • Roast thermometer: A core temperature sensor is a very useful tool for preparing roasts, poultry, and fish. It measures the temperature inside the food. When the preset core temperature is reached, the oven switches off automatically. Some models use probes with multiple measuring points for even more precise detection.
  • Baking sensors: These sensors continuously measure the moisture content in the cooking chamber. Since baked goods release moisture during cooking, the system can determine the optimal degree of doneness based on changing values and automatically end the process.

• Camera and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Some top models have a camera integrated inside. This can recognize the inserted dish and automatically suggest a suitable cooking program. In conjunction with a browning sensor, the user can preselect the desired browning level. The camera monitors the dish, and the oven switches off as soon as the defined state is reached.

4. Comfort Features and Cleaning

Practical details and cleaning effort are crucial for daily satisfaction.

Door systems:

• • Retractable oven doors: In this system, the opened door completely disappears into a compartment below the cooking chamber. This creates free and safe access to the food and is a significant ergonomic advantage, especially in narrow kitchens or for people with limited mobility.
  • Telescope rails: Stable telescopic rails allow safe and tilt-free pulling out of hot baking trays and racks. They are an important safety feature and should be part of the basic equipment.
  • Soft-close door: Ensures gentle and quiet closing of the oven door.

    Self-cleaning systems:

    • Pyrolysis: The most effective method. The oven heats up to about 500 °C, decomposing all organic residues into ash. After cooling, the user only needs to wipe out the ash. The advantage is minimal manual effort. Disadvantages are the high energy consumption of the process (approx. 4 to 6 kWh) and possible odor development.
    • Catalysis: Specially coated inner walls (often rough and porous) decompose fat splashes during normal baking operation from about 200 °C. The oven floor is usually not coated and must be cleaned manually. The coating loses effectiveness over the years.
    • Hydrolysis: A simple cleaning program in which water and detergent are evaporated in the cooking chamber floor. The steam loosens dirt, which must then be removed manually. This is the most energy-efficient but also the least automated method.

• Space-saving combination appliances: An oven with integrated microwave function combines two appliances in one housing (usually in a 45 cm high niche). This saves space and can shorten cooking times for many dishes by combining heating methods (e.g., convection and microwave). A disadvantage is that both functions cannot be used simultaneously for different foods.

5. Critical Aspects: Networking, Costs, and Prioritization

Risks of networking: Controlling ovens via app offers comfort functions. However, consumers should consider the disadvantages:

• • Data protection: Networked devices collect detailed usage data.
  • Digital obsolescence: The lifespan of software and app support is often shorter than that of the device. Missing updates can make smart functions unusable or a security risk.
  • Costs and reliability: Smart devices are more expensive and potentially more error-prone due to additional electronics.

    Where to invest, where to save? A priority list:

    • Sensible basic investments: A high-built, standalone installation, a modern convection system, and telescopic rails are fundamental features that improve comfort and results for every user.
    • Worthwhile comfort functions: A pyrolysis self-cleaning offers significant work relief. A roast thermometer ensures consistent results with meat and fish.
    • Functions for specific users: Steam functions are ideal for health-conscious cooks and ambitious bakers. AI-supported systems are suitable for tech-savvy users who value guaranteed success.

6. Conclusion: Checklist for a Needs-Based Selection

The modern oven offers a wealth of functions. The best choice is not the device with the most features, but the one that fits your own cooking habits and priorities. The following questions can help with the decision:

1. Ergonomics and safety: Is a high installation possible? Are telescopic rails available?
2. Cooking habits: Do I often bake on multiple levels simultaneously? Do I frequently prepare roasts or fish for which a roast thermometer or steam would be useful?
3. Cleaning comfort: How important is time saving during cleaning, and am I willing to accept the higher energy consumption of pyrolysis?
4. Budget: What is my financial framework? In which functions do I want to invest specifically to achieve the greatest personal benefit?
5. Networking: What concrete daily benefit do I expect from app control, and is it worth the extra cost and potential risks to me?