Whether you're designing a new kitchen or simply want to replace your oven, there is now a wide range of models and solutions to choose from. Today, ovens are a must-have kitchen appliance used daily for cooking and baking all kinds of tasty food. Pizza, lasagne, fish, meat, vegetables, sweet and savoury treats... the possibilities are endless.
When shopping for an oven, there are several considerations to keep in mind before you buy, such as:
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type: gas or electric
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installation
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conventional or convection bake
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energy consumption
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functions and features
Electric or gas oven: how they work
The first thing to consider when choosing a new oven is its power source: gas is a more traditional solution, while electric ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years.
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A gas oven works through a burner powered by natural gas, usually located at the bottom of the appliance. The flame produced by the burner generates heat, which is then radiated throughout the oven cavity.
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An electric oven uses electricity to heat elements positioned inside the oven cavity. The elements produce radiant heat that cooks the food.
Both types are available as built-in models, designed to be integrated into kitchen units, or as freestanding appliances.
Electric or gas oven: installation
A gas oven should be installed under the hob because it must be connected to your gas supply line. You can install an electric oven anywhere you like: on a countertop, in a column, or anywhere near a power outlet.
Electric or gas oven: conventional or convection bake?
Gas ovens use radiant heat (conventional); electric ovens have both conventional and convection settings. But what’s the difference?
Conventional ovens:
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cook food using radiant heat generated by heating elements
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food must be placed on the appropriate rack position, and typically the temperature should be set at around 20°C higher than a convection oven
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let you cook only one dish at a time
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food takes longer to cook compared to a convection oven
Convection ovens:
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are equipped with heating elements and a fan that circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven, improving cooking times and results
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allow you to cook multiple dishes at the same time
Electric or gas oven: energy consumption
How much energy does an electric oven use? And what about a gas oven? The answers to these questions can be a key factor when choosing the right oven. Indeed:
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electric ovens tend to consume more energy, especially during the preheating stage and when baking at high temperatures (for example, when baking pizza). Nevertheless, class A and A+ models available on the market, like those made by Elica, help reduce energy consumption and keep utility bills down
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gas ovens generally use less energy, as they maintain a stable temperature throughout the cooking process
Electric or gas oven: features
Gas and electric ovens offer very different features. Indeed:
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gas ovens are very easy to use, but typically don’t offer high-performance features. Once you set the temperature, they cook food in either standard or grill mode
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today's electric ovens are packed with options: conventional or convection bake, grill, steaming, combi mode, humidity and temperature control, and automatic programmes
Certain Elica electric ovens allow you to combine different types of cooking modes: Traditional/Steam, Traditional/Microwave, Steam/Microwave.
Electric or gas oven: which is better?
Ultimately, it really depends on your cooking routine and style. How often do you cook? Are you confident in the kitchen? Do you enjoy experimenting with new dishes, even if you're a novice in the kitchen? In a nutshell:
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gas ovens use less energy but can be tricky for delicate bakes, and often require longer baking times
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electric ovens boast many innovative features, pro-style functions, and ensure shorter baking times
Electric or gas oven: final thoughts
We've covered the key factors to consider when choosing a new oven. Elica’s built-in electric ovens are distinguished by their exceptional design, sizes to fit any space, and advanced features able to save both time and energy. Finding the ideal model for your kitchen has never been so easy thanks to this innovative collection of ovens by Elica.
