Ovens are an essential part of everyday cooking. New technologies provide features for both everyday use and professional-level cooking. They simplify cooking processes and help achieve significant energy savings. Class A and A+ ovens are becoming increasingly popular as they help reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and minimise environmental impact.
Some ovens offer superior performance that, like Elica's, combine striking aesthetics with innovative performance. For example:
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a sleek, linear black glass design that enhances any kitchen space
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temperature stability control
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humidity control
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temperature probe to monitor the internal temperature of food
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cool-touch door, which stays cool even when the oven is at the highest setting (an excellent safety feature for adults and children)
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a display with clear, easy-to-understand symbols for a straightforward and intuitive user experience
There is, however, a key difference that distinguishes them, which is why they are divided into three main categories: conventional ovens, convection ovens (also called fan ovens), and combi ovens. Before delving into the meaning of their symbols, it's important to understand how they differ and how they work.
Conventional, convection, combi ovens: what's the difference?
Ovens generate heat in different ways, which is why they are divided into three main types. Simply put:
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a conventional oven generates heat through heating elements at the top and bottom of the cavity
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a convection oven uses a fan to circulate heat from the heating elements
Combi ovens can function as either a conventional or convection oven. This is a huge advantage, allowing you to choose the ideal cooking mode for each dish.
Oven symbols: conventional, convection, grill: how to recognise them
Not all ovens have the same symbols on their displays and knobs. The most commonly used symbols, which are usually very similar across different models, are:
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Conventional cooking: two parallel horizontal bars, one at the top and one at the bottom, representing the two heating elements
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Bottom heat (conventional): a single horizontal bar at the bottom, indicating the lower heating element
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Top heat (conventional): a single horizontal bar at the top, indicating the top heating element
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Convection (fan) bake: a fan in the centre of the icon
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Grill: one jagged line at the top
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Fan Grill : a fan icon with a jagged line above it
Oven symbols: meanings
Many oven models feature additional symbols that vary between manufacturers, depending on the specific functions and cooking modes available.
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Intensive bake: two horizontal lines, one at the top and the other at the bottom, with a fan symbol in the centre
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Defrosting: a cube (like an ice cube) with a water droplet, symbolising thawing
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Microwave: a plate with three small wavy lines stacked above it
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Combi Grill + Microwave Cooking: a zigzag bar above a plate with three wavy lines
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Combi Conventional + Steam cooking: a small fan accompanied by a puff of steam
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Combi Steam + Microwave cooking: three small wavy lines accompanied by a puff of steam
Oven symbols: final thoughts
Oven symbols vary widely depending on the manufacturer and the features of each model. The most important piece of advice? Always follow the instructions provided with the appliance to ensure the best cooking performance, end results, and energy efficiency.
