An oven is a staple or essential household appliance that makes your cooking experience superior! Utilized for cooking, baking, defrosting, and more; the microwave oven has evolved over the years and can now be selected from the options that include bells or whistles notifications too. Given the home appliances brands and oven models available in the market; selecting the oven that meets your needs may seem like a daunting task. But, if you consider certain prime features then picking the right oven is simpler than you think!
For example, you should first understand whether you want an electric or gas oven. Or, are you looking for an oven that suits your kitchen design? Else, do you want a home appliance that is basic in design but comes with advanced features? By avoiding these basic questions you may end up buying an oven that will not fit your requirements.
But don’t fret. Because we have listed some common mistakes that you must avoid when buying an oven. It will ensure you have the right oven that matches your expectations:
Listed some common mistakes that you must avoid when buying an oven:
Selecting Between Electric or Gas Oven
First and foremost, decide whether you want to buy a gas or electric oven. These two options are considered to be the prime choices when selecting the oven. Now, you can select a gas-connected oven that includes an electric cooktop, but ideally, you should select an oven that utilizes the combined power source to save energy bills.
For example, a gas-connected oven needs a gas connection to operate and is considered to be a more cost-effective choice than an electric oven. Whereas electric ovens can be connected to the electric power supply available in the kitchen, they may use more power as compared to gas ovens.
Concerning safety, the gas-powered ovens can lead to fire hazards (if not attentive enough) as it is operated with the open flame. There is also the risk of gas leakage too. Electric ovens on the other hand are fairly easy to operate and manage and make a safe choice for home appliances.
Not Measuring the Space and Oven
After you decide whether you are opting for a gas oven or an electric oven, the next thing you want to consider is the size of the same. People often make the most obvious mistake of not measuring the available space in their kitchens and matching the same with the oven choices. By skipping these crucial measurements, you may end up buying the wrong size oven that will be difficult to place in the available space.
It is important to note the right measurements to ensure you have the right oven. Focus on the width, depth, and height of the oven and match it with the existing or old oven already installed in your kitchen.
Not Considering the Shelving Requirements
The available setting of the oven racks is useful for different types of cooking like cooking or roasting veg and non-veg dishes. But for baking, you will require a different type of rack setup which can be confirmed at the time of selecting the oven options. Ideally, go for the oven that includes around three or four different types of rack positions. It will offer you more choices for preparing your favorite dishes!
Selecting Only the Trendy Option
There is nothing wrong with selecting an oven that looks trendy enough and matches the new look of your kitchen, especially if you have remodeled or designed the kitchen from scratch. But selecting the oven based only on the looks is never a clever choice.
You need to consider the essential features of the oven and match them with your requirements. The oven that satisfies the capacity, features, look, and budget can make the best choice for your kitchen or space.
Selecting the First Oven You See
Considering the choices you get today when it comes to oven range, you may get overwhelmed and buy the first oven you see. Impulsive buying can later turn into regret as the selected oven may or may satisfy your needs and requirements.
Instead, take your time to evaluate the oven options. Do your research and write down the prime features you want the oven to possess. This simple hack will allow you to make a better judgment and choice at the time of buying the oven. You can always ask the sales representative or expert to understand which oven may fit all your needs and make the purchase accordingly.
Not Trusting the Expert’s Opinions
No matter how much research you have done to buy the ideal oven that matches your requirements, it is always a good idea to consult the sales representative available at the store. These professionals will guide you through the features and specifications of each home appliance and offer to solve your queries on the spot!
It is advisable to ask technical questions like how the oven works, what is capacity, safety features, the installation process, and more. Seek the opinion of the experts and select the oven that tick-marks all your possible needs!
Not Understanding the Use of Drawer
Ovens as per capacity can store extra pans and pots inside the same, but certain ovens include a one-bottom drawer system too. Many assume that this additional drawer is for storage purposes and that’s not its purpose at all.
The bottom drawer option depends on whether the oven is a gas or electric one. The bottom drawer of the gas oven can be used as a broiler for roasting vegetables or warming purposes. This serves as a handy feature to keep the side dishes warm till the main dish is prepared in the oven.
Selecting the Self-Cleaning Feature
Most modern ovens today are equipped with a self-cleaning feature, meaning you don’t need to spend your precious time cleaning the oven by yourself. You just need to select the self-cleaning option or tab and the appliance will do its job pretty perfectly.
But, this feature may not be the most accurate choice in certain situations. For a start, self-cleaning is an elongated process and there are risks attached to the same like fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. The oven may release poisonous fumes that can harm kids, pets, or people with asthma and respiratory problems.
Sometimes, a good old-fashioned scrubbing by hand can keep the oven in top-notch condition and save you and your family from unforeseen situations.
Not Installing the Oven Properly
Post the oven purchase, the prime mistake most people make is to not install it properly. The prime reason for the same is that buyers often neglect the weight and size of the appliance. Installing the oven requires lifting and shifting movements. Since ovens are considered to be heavy appliances, installing them yourself can increase the chances of damaging the appliance or yourself. It is always advisable to let the professional handle the installation process.
Ignoring the Maintenance
Just like other appliances in your kitchen, the oven may require some maintenance costs after a few years. The cost of maintenance depends on the specific part that needs repair or change.
When buying the oven, always confirm with the professional to check for the warranty plan. You can confirm the average maintenance costs for the repair and servicing that becomes a necessity after a few years. You can still reduce the maintenance costs by keeping the oven clean and in good condition!
Also Read: 15 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances For The Modern Home
