A roaster in the kitchen: what is it, what can be cooked with a roaster. An alternative to bulky ovens - a compact roaster What does it mean in a roaster

A roaster oven is a device that performs the functions of a microwave and an oven, but at the same time it has small dimensions and takes up little space in the kitchen. With it, you can heat up cooked food, bake dough products, cook hot sandwiches, defrost meat and fish. The roaster will solve the problem of preparing breakfast, doing it in a short time and freeing up time for your own business.

A roaster is a compact household appliance that looks like an oven. It has a small size, so it easily fits into the interior of even a small kitchen. The inside of the roaster resembles a toaster: there are special grills on which dishes and products for cooking are placed.

Inside, the roasters are made of heat-resistant ceramics or stainless steel and have a non-stick coating. Different models of roasters have different volume.

The body of the device can have a different shape: square, rectangular, truncated pyramid.

The roaster is equipped with heating elements that, when powered by the mains, heat the food and turn it into mouth-watering dishes. The device has from 1 to 4 such elements (heating elements).

Most often, roasters are equipped with two heating devices - upper and lower.

This electrical appliance has the following features:

• defrosting products;
• uniform heating of dishes and products;
• the possibility of preparing a number of dishes;
• cooking dishes on the grill with an appetizing crust.

In the roaster, you can cook the following:

• scrambled eggs and omelettes;
• hot open and closed sandwiches;
• various pastries (pies, pies, pizza, muffins);
• casseroles;
• fried and baked meat, fish, poultry dishes;
• julienne;
• baked vegetable dishes;
• lasagna.

Thanks to a large number of functions, the compact roaster can replace appliances such as a toaster, oven, microwave, bread maker and sandwich maker.

In order for the roster to function correctly and for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it. After each use, it should be cleaned of dirt and grease, as their accumulation contributes to the appearance of an unpleasant odor during operation.

Principle of operation

The roaster works like an oven. Inside the appliance there are heating elements that ensure the preparation of products.

Most roaster models have a removable metal grill. Products are placed on it.

Also, the appliances have a timer that allows you to maintain the temperature of a heated dish or food for some time.

Roasters have different capacities. It all depends on the model. So, appliances designed for heating cooked food have a power in the range of 650-800 watts. For cooking dishes from meat, vegetables, as well as for baking, you need to purchase an appliance with a power of about 2000 watts.

Design and equipment

The roaster is a device, the body of which is made of metal. There are heating elements inside. The device has a transparent door.

As additional elements that equip the device, there may be:

• a timer to control the duration of the preparation of a dish or set the time during which the food should be cooked;
• touch screen to control the device;
• heater switches;
• fans providing uniform convection;
• molds and baking sheets for baking and dishes;
• removable metal grills for sandwiches, toasts, potatoes;
• tray for collecting fat and juice formed during the cooking process;
• grill skewers.

Miniature ovens can have different volumes. It is necessary to select a model, focusing on the needs of the family:

• small roasters with a volume of 5-6 liters are suitable for making toast and hot sandwiches. You can also cook two servings of fish or meat in them;
• devices with an average volume (14-20 l) are suitable for preparing various dishes. Models with such a volume are suitable for a family of 3-4 people;
• roasters up to 35 liters and more. Such devices have all the necessary functions and can completely replace a bulky oven.

Availability of functions depends on the size and power of the device.

The inner walls of the appliance are enameled or made of bioceramics or stainless steel. The most preferred material is ceramics, as it is environmentally friendly and unpretentious in care. However, bioceramics are characterized by increased brittleness.

Control

Roaster control is not difficult: just turn the switch to the desired temperature and mode. After that, you need to press the power button.

During cooking, you can watch the dish, as the backlight turns on inside.

Functionality and modes of operation

The functionality of the device for heating food and cooking various dishes depends on the specific model and class of the device.

The roaster can be equipped with the following features:

• automatic shutdown of the device;
• touch control;
• sound and light indication of cooking modes, as well as notification of the beginning and end of the process;
• setting the operating time;
• heating temperature control;
• defrost mode;
• heating mode;
• convection mode;
• oven mode;
• bread maker mode.

Additional useful roaster features that are found in more expensive models include the following:

• saving electricity;
• body thermal insulation;
• self-cleaning.

The roaster oven is a multifunctional device that allows you to cook various dishes with an appetizing crust. It has a compact size, which allows you to place it in the kitchen without sacrificing space, the mini-oven is easy to carry and move.

Which is better - microwave or roaster?

The difference between a microwave oven and a roaster lies in the functionality: only microwave ovens and expensive models of mini-ovens are fully comparable by this criterion.

An important criterion for the difference between the two mentioned devices is the principle of heating. In the roaster, heating occurs by radiation and heat exchange between the heated object and the thermoelement.

In a microwave oven, heat is transferred by generating high-frequency magnetic radiation.

Rating of the best models

• Power, W: 800
• Chamber volume: 8 l
• Management: mechanical
• Number of cooking modes: 4
• Additional functions and features: automatic shutdown, timer up to 15 minutes, top and bottom heating

• the presence of a handle with protection against heating;
• compactness;
• low price;
• quality performance of the device.

• short cord;
• lack of camera backlight;
• lack of convection and grill;
• lack of indicators.

The Smile TKO 2403 is a simple and inexpensive roaster that can be used to make toast and hot sandwiches for breakfast.

• Power, W: 1300
• Chamber volume: 45 l
• Management: mechanical
• Chamber cover: stainless steel
• Number of cooking modes: 6
• Additional functions and features: automatic shutdown, grill and convection functions, timer, additional grids and baking sheets

• even heat during cooking;
• easy care;
• good equipment;
• multifunctionality;
• convenient switches;
• the possibility of comfortable placement on a table or in a niche due to its dimensions;
• ease of use.

• not found

• Power, W: 1400
• Chamber volume: 23 l
• Management: mechanical
• Chamber cover: stainless steel
• Number of cooking modes: 5
• Additional functions and features: automatic shutdown, camera backlight, analog temperature control

• good equipment (grill grate, skewer, handle for removing a hot pan, frying pan, crumb tray);
• non-stick coating of the chamber;
• the presence of lighting;
• double glass;
• grill and convection.

• the small size of the pallet, due to which the collected fat is poured out.

A wide variety of modern kitchen appliances is simply amazing. A mobile and tidy solution called a roaster can offer great benefits to those who can't use a quality oven or gas oven to cook their favorite meals. It is not surprising that more and more people want to buy such a device for use both at home and at work, and even, for example, in the garage. It is simply impossible to give unambiguous advice on choosing a reliable roaster, because dozens of manufacturers offer models that differ in parameters and performance, so each person chooses a product, as they say, to their liking. However, there are a number of criteria that should be taken into account in order to know how to choose an inexpensive but good roaster that can work without breakdowns for many years.

How it works

A little about technology. The roaster looks like a microwave oven. Similar, in essence, and technical performance, the difference is only in the method of heat generation. The device operates as follows:

• heating source - high-temperature heating elements. When activated, infrared waves act directly on the products inside;
• the secondary source of heating is convection. Hot air, after contact with shadows, envelops food;
• the device may be equipped with one or more heaters, which may affect how to choose a roaster with the desired performance.

As a result, the operation of the device is similar to the operation of an oven, especially in the minimum power output modes. Food is cooked thanks to all-round smooth heating.

The device has several basic modes of operation:

• when activating one ten, located in the bottom area, you can smoothly heat up food or maintain a stable temperature throughout the volume, under natural convection conditions;
• choosing a good roaster equipped with multiple shades means that the device is capable of working like a grill. The top heater bakes food only with the help of infrared radiation, without transferring heat through air movement;
• additional heats provide the advantage of creating a three-dimensional, uniform heating of food in the chamber from all sides.

An inexpensive but good roaster can be equipped with an electric drive system and skewers to improve grilling capabilities - when rotating, food, for example, a chicken carcass, is baked better and more evenly.

Deciding on power

Not only what can be cooked in the device, but also its service life depends on the power of the heaters. A low-power model, baking chicken, as they say - at the limit of its capabilities, will fail much faster than a specially designed one for cooking such dishes. Therefore, the advice for choosing a reliable roaster sounds like this: you need to decide in advance which dishes will be cooked in it. The minimum power indicators are enough for heating food, baking sandwiches, cooking pizza and pies. Medium power models equipped with two heaters will do an excellent job with most tasks. For example, such a roaster can lead to a dead end - only a large whole piece of meat that simply does not bake evenly. A multi-shade roaster with a heat transfer rate of 2500 - 3000 watts is able to cook absolutely everything. However, it is worth remembering that such a device will create a serious load on the power grid, in addition, there are other features that such a monster must have.

Availability of additional functions depending on the power

Low power device

To understand how to choose a roster, it is worth dwelling on the processes taking place in it. When food is heated, steam is produced. When baking - a certain amount of smoke, especially if a meat dish is being prepared. Therefore, in order to make a choice of a good roaster, it is required to choose a combination of service functions depending on the power:

• devices of the lower category of 500-600 watts, with one or two heaters, it is enough to have removable adjustable grilles on which it will be convenient to place dishes;
• a mid-range two-layer apparatus must already have a fat collection tray, as well as an electric skewer for roasting meat. It is also desirable to have a forced ventilation system;
• powerful models are necessarily equipped with adjustable grills, several fat collection trays with the possibility of draining it into the liquid, a forced ventilation system and door locks.

Powerful device

Following these simple guidelines can ensure that the roaster will do its job well without causing any nasty surprises.

Management and a bit of cruel reality

Timer

The roaster is usually equipped with basic adjustments, namely:

• temperature control unit;
• timer for precise setting of cooking time;
• tenov power regulator;
• the program switch or the number of heaters, if it is a model with grill functions.

Push button device

Technically, this is done in several ways. Mechanical, push-button and touch contact groups. When deciding which roaster to choose, keep in mind that the harsh reality is that there is always a brining problem. No matter how good the care of the internal and external surfaces is, fat vapors still settle on the internal components. Therefore, over time, the following problems may arise:

• mechanical switches have the problem of abrasion and oxidation of contacts;
• push-button contact groups are “salted”, pressing difficulties and other problems arise;
• the best option, if you give advice on choosing a reliable roaster, is to choose a model with touch contact groups.

Touch control device

The sensor contact block is a hermetically sealed area where several flexible plates are located. Some of them serve to generate commands for the electronic control unit, others have pictograms explaining the functionality, and the outer zone is a transparent film that allows you to use any cleaners for as long as you like without the danger of erasing the designations on the buttons. This solution is ideal in the operating conditions of the roaster, as evidenced by customer reviews that are replete with any specialized forum.

Dimensions

We turn to individual preferences. The first one is the amount of internal space. Here you need to strike a balance. A low-power model with a huge chamber will waste energy by heating the air. And in fact, it will be impossible to cook well in it. Therefore, the principle by which the choice of a good roster is made can be formulated in the form of the following points:

• a standard size of 4-5 liters is ideal for radiator power up to a kilowatt;
• up to 10-15 liters can be served by devices equipped with two heaters, in which it is already possible to place chicken on a spit and other dishes;
• there are no limits for powerful devices - there are models of roasters with consumption rates of over 4000 watts and a chamber of 35 liters or more.

An interesting video about the oven:

Naturally, when choosing a volume, it is worth considering the nature of the food that you plan to cook. For example, pies require smooth heating and long stable temperature maintenance. And for sandwiches, a small camera is enough, everything will happen quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the advice for choosing a reliable roaster will sound like this: determine the volume depending on the nature of the dishes, the temperature regime they require and the desired cooking time.

materials

Stainless steel body

Mini-oven - roaster - you need to constantly wash and clean. Fans of everything technological and simple will suit models made of stainless steel. Although such a solution is utilitarianly simple, such devices are popular - they are easy to wash, initially brushed steel almost does not change its appearance, there is no corrosion, nothing peels off - there is simply no coating, a reliable and effective option. The most common model is powder-coated chamber and trays. A fairly good solution, since the special coating technology guarantees a long service life, in addition, fat and food pieces do not stick to it. A modern roaster boasts ceramic as a coating on the inside. Today it is the best option in all respects, but there is a risk of damage as a result of impacts, especially sharp metal corners. However, if you use the device regularly and carefully, ceramics, like stainless steel, will retain their appearance for a very long time.

Security measures

There are still models on the market that do not have locks. Fortunately, this applies to the segment of exclusively low-power low-power devices, where the price-quality ratio is at the forefront. A good roster worthy of leading the accident-free rating should provide safety, namely:

• turning off the heaters when the door is opened;
• the possibility of canceling the heating mode before the expiration of the time measured by the timer;
• emergency reset of all parameters (food sometimes behaves differently than expected);
• functions of automatic shutdown in case of malfunctions or on signals of temperature control systems.

Choosing a good device equipped with all the necessary interlocks is a guarantee of fire safety and the absence of injuries, burns and other troubles.

Roster is an electric household appliance that is a compact size oven.

It should be noted that the roaster refers to multifunctional household appliances that combine the functions of several types of kitchen appliances. The roaster can be used as a toaster, microwave or air grill. Thanks to the combination of the functions of several household appliances in the roaster, using this type of kitchen equipment, you can cook a significant number of various culinary products.

For example, with the help of a roaster, you can cook the simplest toasts and sandwiches, as well as bake meat, vegetables and fish, and even bake pies or homemade bread. There are two main types of roster - horizontal and vertical. It is believed that the vertical roaster is more functional and convenient to use.

In a vertical roaster, you can cook such specific culinary products as kebabs, grilled chicken, as well as shawarma. It is noteworthy that such a multifunctional kitchen appliance as a roaster will perfectly fit into the interior of a small-sized kitchen or cottage.

Thanks to the combination of functions of several household appliances, the roaster provides an opportunity not only to prepare a wide range of culinary products, but also saves space on other types of electric kitchen appliances.

Currently, manufacturers of household appliances offer consumers a fairly wide selection of roasters, which differ both in the power of the heating elements and in size, volume and set of functions. As a rule, the roaster is equipped with two quartz heating elements. Moreover, the heating elements are located both in the lower and upper parts of the roaster.

Such a device allows you to choose the necessary combination of heating elements for the preparation of a particular type of culinary products. Each roaster model is equipped with a thermostat that allows you to choose the cooking temperature. A temperature of 60C is used to heat food or languish, and at 240-280C culinary products are baked.

In addition to the thermostat, the roaster is equipped with a timer, which is used to limit the cooking time of culinary products. In simple models of roasters, the timer can be set to a maximum of 15 minutes, but in more advanced models - up to 120 minutes. After the time set by the timer, the roaster turns off and a sound signal is sure to sound, notifying that the operation of the electrical device has stopped.

The main box of the roaster is made of metal and is distinguished by the presence of a special inner coating, which can be ceramic, metal or stainless steel. Experts say that the choice of the inner coating of the roaster depends only on the personal preferences of the consumer.

It is much more important to pay attention when buying a roaster to the mobility of the lower heating element of the device. The thing is that roasters with a movable heating element can be cleaned much faster and easier after use. The volume of the roaster depends on the model and type of household appliance.

The minimum volume of the roaster is 6 liters. Such a small device is designed for making sandwiches or heating small portions of culinary products. The volume of professional and high-quality roasters is designed for 20 liters.

The roaster is powered by the mains and the power of the device can reach 2000 watts. Such powerful roasters can be used as a grill. Low-power models of roasters are used for heating food, as well as making sandwiches, pancakes or toasts.

The roaster can be used in three basic cooking modes:

• grill, in this mode only the upper heating element of the roaster is activated;
• delicate heating uses only the lower heating element of the device;
• oven, in this mode, both the lower and upper heating element work.

In addition to the above modes, the roaster can be equipped with additional functions. For example, the appliance can be used to defrost food. In addition, the roaster can be equipped with a confection, i.e. the possibility of blowing the cooking food with hot air.

This feature will be useful when preparing homemade cakes. Using the Booster function in roasters allows you to quickly heat up or cook food due to instant heating. The following items may be included in the standard package of the roster:

• a sliding tray for crumbs, as well as liquids and dripping fat, which makes it easier to clean the household appliance after use;
• lattice stand;
• baking tray;
• spit;
• a dish for making pizza or lasagna;
• grills for frying.

When choosing a roaster, it is worth considering several basic characteristics of the device. You should decide in advance for what purposes the roster will be used. For example, you should not buy an expensive and multifunctional device if you do not plan to use the roaster for cooking homemade cakes or grilled products. It is also worth paying attention to the volume and power of the roaster. Some roaster models can be used to roast coffee beans.

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If your apartment has a small kitchen, you may want to purchase not the usual oven, but a more compact appliance - a roaster. This is a small-sized oven that will help you cook fish, meat, toast and hot sandwiches, bake bread and pies. The roaster is also called a mini oven or mini oven. The very word roaster in translation from English means "brazier". The device is an alternative to the oven - its more compact version. How to choose a roaster for the kitchen?

A roaster is often confused with a microwave, although it is more of a compact oven.

Many people confuse a roaster with a microwave oven - the devices are similar in appearance. But a roaster is not a microwave, it is a completely different device that works on a different principle. But at the same time, the roaster and microwave oven have common functions. But first things first.

How a roaster works

The severin roaster is notable for its low price and extended functionality

The principle of operation of the roster is quite simple. The appliance is a small oven, the door of which is usually transparent. The oven is equipped with one or two heating elements and a timer for counting the cooking time. There are also more advanced models that are equipped with a thermostat to maintain a constant temperature, there are roasters with fans that work on the convection principle. Models are attractive in which the convector separates the air flows for the preparation of two different dishes.

The roaster will cope with the preparation of sandwiches, warming up breakfast, defrosting food from the freezer.

Choosing a mini-oven: technical characteristics of the device

There are roasters that, by their characteristics, are a modest alternative to a microwave oven. And there are some models that do not lag behind this device at all. The technical characteristics of the roaster are determined by the functionality and overall dimensions.

In a small roaster, one heating element is installed, the power of which is low. The device is suitable for heating ready-made meals and making hot sandwiches. Larger models of roasters are much more capacious. In addition, they are equipped with two heating elements, which are located above and below. The power of such roasters is higher, and they have more functions. Such devices have a built-in timer up to 120 minutes and a thermostat that will help keep the finished dish warm for a long time.

What to Consider When Buying a Mini Oven

Rolsen roaster with grill compares favorably with ovens that do not have this function

When buying this kitchen appliances, experts and consumers are advised to pay attention to the overall dimensions of the roaster and the volume of the cooking chamber, power, functionality, configuration, and price.

• Dimensions and power

First you need to decide on the volume of the roaster chamber. To do this, think about what you are going to cook with this appliance. If you need it only for heating small amounts of food and for making sandwiches, a small roaster with an internal chamber capacity of up to 6 liters will do. If you have a large family, look for larger appliances, but remember that they will take up more space on the kitchen shelf and require additional energy costs.

As for the power of the device, the roaster without grill and convection has indicators from 650 to 900 watts. More complex models consume up to 2000 watts.

• Roaster functions

A very useful feature is the ability to adjust the temperature. The user can select a value from 60 to 280 degrees (from heating to baking).

Most roasters come with a timer that can be set from 15 minutes (for reheating) to 120 minutes (for cooking meat or baking a pie). Some models provide automatic shutdown, an audible signal at the end of cooking.

Usually the type of control of roasters is mechanical, regardless of the size and cost of the model. The number of cooking modes, as a rule, does not exceed three. These are a grill, an oven and a “delicate” or “light” mode, which is used to heat up ready-made dishes.

The functions of convection and defrosting are not necessary for every housewife. So, if you are used to defrosting food in a double boiler, you do not need to buy a roaster with a defrost function, because this will entail additional costs. If you do not plan to bake baked goods, you can easily do without the convection function.

• Complete set of roasters

The roaster can be successfully used for heating dishes

Usually the kit includes a tray for liquids or crumbs, a wire rack, a baking sheet, an additional wire rack, a skewer, a lasagna dish, a pizza dish. Optionally, you can purchase the missing accessories additionally.

• Internal coating

You can also pay attention to the inner coating of the roasters. It can be metal (enamel), stainless steel, ceramic or bioceramic. According to the experience of many users, the internal coating is a matter of personal preferences of the hostess. All surfaces are cleaned in the same way. But when the lower heating element is movable, which makes it very easy to care for the device, this is really useful.

The price range of roasters is quite large. Small-sized models and simple non-convection roasters with a minimum set of functions and accessories can be purchased at prices ranging from $40 to $90 (Tefal, VES, Vitek, DeLonghi, Scarlett roasters). Oversized models from well-known brands cost $100 or more (Moulinex, Panasonic, Clatronic).

Functions: what can a good roaster do

How to choose a roaster, which is able to replace 5 familiar appliances in a small kitchen: a microwave, a toaster, an oven, a sandwich maker and partly a bread machine? Find a model with enough interior space and a set of useful features. The presence of all possible modes of operation will allow you not to equip the kitchen with a stationary oven at all, limiting yourself only to buying a hob, to free up space by sending an old microwave oven and a toaster to the mezzanine.

Combined models: on top - hob or grill

Defrosting food

Have you noticed how unevenly a large piece of frozen meat warms up when defrosting in a conventional microwave? Separate areas warm up too much, and the middle often remains icy. This is due to the fact that the directed waves are not distributed evenly, but act locally on the same area.

Defrosting and reheating any food

In a roaster with a defrost function, the process is different: infrared rays raise the temperature inside the chamber, and the fan evenly inflates the heat. Defrosting is much faster and more even. If the appliance is equipped with an internal fan, the time required for cooking (including baking, reheating) is reduced by at least 20%.

The defrost mode consumes a minimum of electricity: the appliance operates at the lowest power. The time for which the oven is turned on is selected based on the volume of frozen food. You can turn on the device for only 10 minutes. Factory instructions usually indicate the approximate defrosting time for vegetables, meat, fish, dough.

Fast reheating of ready meals

In a roaster, unlike the good old microwave, you can not only bring the dish to the desired temperature. You can reheat baked goods or meats to keep the crust crisp. Naturally, the roaster is devoid of the main drawback of heating in a microwave oven - uneven heating of ingredients of different densities in dishes. Turning on the upper and lower heating elements at the same time will ensure even internal heating and browning of the outer crust.

A useful function: warming up while maintaining the set temperature for several hours. The inner chamber is thermally insulated, so it retains heat well. No need to reheat the dish - just leave it in the oven.

Preservation of the optimal temperature of ready meals

Almost fast food: pizza and a sandwich with a crispy crust

How to choose a roasterto make pizza like in a pizzeria? Choose models with two heaters. The available modes are the choice of turning on one of the heating elements or simultaneously turning on two heaters. Electronically controlled roasters are equipped with the functions of briefly turning on the upper heater at the end of the cooking cycle.

Cook for the whole family at once with the oven equipped with two tiers

Sandwiches can be fried only on top, double-sided - bring to a golden crisp on both sides. When baking pizza, only the top heat is enough: the dough will remain tender, and the ingredients will be fried like in a professional wood-fired oven, except for the smoke flavor, of course. Optimum cooking temperature: 180 to 220 about .

Bottom Rare - For delicate baked goods and meats. Golden wings, legs, steak can be cooked in a few minutes by turning on the top heating element for browning at the end. The amount of food that can be cooked depends on the internal volume and configuration. Already in the middle price category, you can find models with two parallel baking sheets, grates - you can cook twice as much.

Grilled vegetables: healthy, tasty and fragrant

Pay attention to roasters with an additional function of an open grill. The appliances are equipped with a top hinged lid, under which a small baking sheet or grate is hidden - an apartment version of an electric barbecue.

Serious cooking: complex cooking and baking

A little harder select roaster asreplacement for a full electric oven. It is necessary to find a model with an internal volume of 28 liters. There are roasters with a chamber up to 40 liters - in these you can cook a whole goose.

Grilling at home: golden brown and evenly cooked

For baking and cooking complex dishes, you need a roaster with a maximum power of up to 3000 watts, and the internal size (width) must be at least 26 cm. Powerful models are equipped with factory baking sheets and baking dishes, a grill skewer.

Large ovens with the ability to bake biscuits in standard forms with a diameter of 26 - 28 cm

Despite its modest dimensions, in the long cooking mode, a powerful roaster will consume as much energy as an oven. To save money, look for a model with convection mode and the highest energy saving class.

Not only bake and fry: you can stew, cook diet meals without oil, like in a double boiler

Cooking complex dishes requires more modes and options for individual settings: it is better to opt for roasters with "smart" electronic control, the ability to set the operating time up to 2 hours, the temperature range up to 280 about .

10 absolutely superfluous features, characteristics and options that can be found in one price category - how to choose the perfect one:

1. Cold front and top panels, thermally insulated housing. Insulation doesn't just prevent heat loss, it's your safety. The door, switches and control panel should be slightly warm when operating at maximum power.
2. The thickness of the metal on the body. The thicker the walls, the longer the device will retain its original appearance. On thin metal, even fingers can leave dents. If the manufacturer saves on external elements, then you should not hope for the reliability of internal parts.
3. Build quality . Pay attention to the tightness of the door seal, the gaps around the switches, the clarity of the door closing, the smoothness of the trays, the uniformity of the force when turning the mechanical adjustment knobs. Be sure to check the presence of rubberized legs - the roaster should not slide on the surface.
4. Choose an appliance with a door that opens to the side. A hinged door seems more convenient, but there is always the risk of a hot oven tipping over.
5. Self cleaning . A pleasant trifle, considering that washing the frozen fat from the inner walls is long and troublesome.
6. Quartz heaters. Heating elements made of this material heat up faster, more evenly, which means less energy consumption. These heaters are durable and reliable.
7. Convection mode or booster. Different manufacturers use their own names for the speed cooking modes. This feature saves a lot of time.

Uniform blowing will speed up cooking, reduce its time

• Maximum Energy Saving Class. The higher the class indicated on the factory packaging, the less you have to pay for electricity. "Economical" letters are marked in green, and such a device may cost a little more.
• Touch control. The electronic control panel provides more options for selecting individual programs. Roasters that are equipped with touch controls are equipped with more serious details inside.

Isolated chambers: cooking different dishes at the same time

• Auto power off . A function that will protect the device from failure, and the dish from burning.

Be sure to pay attention to the warranty period: if the roaster is really reliable, then the warranty period cannot be less than 12 months.

Choosing a roaster manufacturer

Thanks to the Tefal roaster-toaster, you can get delicious crispy toast every morning

The list of manufacturers of these devices is quite wide. At the same time, many manufacturers prefer to call this technique not a roaster, but a mini-stove or an electric oven. Perhaps this is done due to the fact that the name "raster" is not yet clear to all buyers.

Budget roasters

• Vitek

This company positions its products as high quality and affordable. The brand presents a line of roasters - classic universal mini-ovens with a volume of 7, 9.5, 12, 16 and 17 liters. There are models with a grill and a spit.

• First and Scarlett

This Austrian brand offers roasters for every taste - from small-sized models with a capacity of 6.6 liters and 650 watts to large roasters with a capacity of 1100 watts and 16 liters. The latter is equipped with a 60-minute timer and a grill. Scarlett is an English company, it presents a line of roasters of different sizes and power, the price of which ranges from 45 to 120 dollars.

Expensive mini ovens

• DeLonghi

The DeLonghi roaster belongs to expensive models, but boasts high quality, interesting design and additional features.

This Italian concern offers a wide range of rotary machines for the most demanding customers. Without exception, all models of this company are multifunctional. Two quartz heaters, a thermostat and a timer are built into the roaster. The lineup starts with mini-ovens with a volume of 8.5 liters and ends with an oven that can hardly be called a “mini” - a volume of 28 liters and a power of 2000 watts. New models have a special scratch-resistant non-stick coating that is not afraid of any detergents. Prices for such roasters reach $300.

• Tefal

In addition to mini-ovens, Tefal boasts a unique toaster-roaster, with which you can not only dry slices of bread, as in a conventional toaster, but also fry food on the grill.

When thinking about how to choose a roaster, be guided by the number of family members for whom the mini-oven will work and the purpose of the roaster. If you buy it only for warming up, choose the simplest model without overpaying for additional features. Love to cook? Take a look at advanced rosters.

Roasters are attractive for their compactness and versatility. Such devices allow you to cook various foods and have a number of additional features. There are several important criteria for choosing such equipment that should be considered when buying.

What is a roster?

Roasters are also called mini ovens or mini ovens. Translated from English, the name of the device means a brazier. These devices are compact in size. The appearance of such equipment resembles microwave ovens, and the set of functions resembles ovens.

The roaster is usually rectangular in shape. The door of the device is glass, which allows you to see the metamorphoses with products taking place inside. Usually the door opens downwards, as with standard ovens.

Roasters are attractive for their compactness. This allows you to replace a conventional oven with such a device, which is especially important in small kitchens, where every square centimeter counts.

A good roaster can replace several pieces of equipment at once: oven, microwave, toaster.

Device and principle of operation

The operation of the device is provided by quartz heating elements. In most roasters there are two of them - one is located below, the other is above. These heating elements heat up, transferring the temperature to the products inside the device.

For uniform cooking, it is necessary to turn on all the heaters installed in it. If you want to cook food on the grill, then turn on only the upper heating. To reheat dishes, only the lower heating element must be turned on.

Most mini-ovens have a thermostat that allows you to maintain the required temperature inside the unit. The temperature can be set to different. Usually there is a limit of 60-300°C. High temperature is used for baking, low temperature is used for heating food.

The roasters have a timer. It allows you to set the required cooking time, after which the device will turn off (if such an option is provided).

What can be cooked in a roaster?

Roasters are multifunctional. In this device, you can cook various dishes:

• baking;
• sandwiches;
• toasts;
• meat;
• a bird;
• fish.

A skewer can be provided with the mini-oven. It is used for grilling food.

The possibilities of cooking in a roaster directly depend on its functionality. If you have a grill, you can get a beautiful and crispy crust. If the package includes a skewer, then in the mini-oven you can cook barbecue, ham or whole poultry.

Some appliances have a built-in fan. Such a device allows you to use the roaster as a convection oven.

The mini-oven may have a cold door. This term implies the presence of a special thermal insulating gasket. Thanks to it, the appliance door practically does not heat up, so there is no risk of accidentally burning yourself.

Device functions

The main purpose of the roaster is to cook and heat food. Usually the unit has 2-3 modes: oven, grill and light (delicate), used to heat up or maintain the temperature.

Additionally, the device may have a function defrosting. This add-on is very attractive and allows you to replace the microwave. With a built-in fan, the product is defrosted evenly, which a standard microwave oven cannot provide.

If there is a built-in fan, the device must have convection mode. It is usually used for baking. In this mode, due to the fan, air flows through the chamber, evenly affecting the dish from all sides.

Additionally, it may be provided Booster option. It is used to heat up or quickly cook a small amount of food. This function allows you to get a crust on a dish.

Most devices have mechanical control, but there are also electronic options. They provide more options. The electronic roaster allows you to use automatic programs or save the previously set parameters. This opportunity is attractive when you often have to cook the same dish.

Some mini ovens provide self-cleaning function. It is pyrolytic, hydrolytic and catalytic. The first option involves cleaning at high temperature, the second - by heating the water in the pan. Catalytic cleaning is similar to pyrolytic cleaning, but is carried out directly at the time of cooking. Due to fat-absorbing substances (catalysts) on the walls of the device, fat breaks down into water, carbon and organic substances.

Types of mini ovens

Mini-ovens are electric, gas and induction. A roaster is usually understood as an electrical appliance, while gas and induction mini-ovens mean compact ovens.

There are mini-ovens according to the principle of operation - due to heating elements or convection. Most devices combine both options. In this case, the device provides for the modes of separate inclusion of heating elements and joint operation with a convector.

Mini ovens vary considerably in volume. There are appliances that are the size of microwave ovens. Large units are close in size to ovens.

There are also such techniques in terms of power. It is directly related to the capabilities of the device. If it provides a grill and convection, then the power should be maximum.

In mini-ovens, the guides of the baking sheets differ. They are telescopic and lattice. The first option means that when the appliance door is opened, the tray will automatically slide out. The second option is more common and cheaper, but increases the risk of burns.

Roasters are called not only mini-ovens, but also appliances for roasting coffee. Such devices are household and professional.

The choice of any household appliances should be approached carefully in order to choose the best option with all the necessary parameters and functions. When buying a roaster, it is important to consider the following criteria:

• Power. This is one of the most important parameters, choosing which you need to focus on how the roaster will be used. If the device is necessary for the full preparation of various dishes, then you should choose equipment with a power of 2.5-3 kW. If the roaster is needed only for heating and making sandwiches, then power up to 700-900 watts is enough.
• Chamber volume. The amount of food that can be cooked in the roaster depends on this indicator. The minimum volume is 5-6 liters. Such devices are very compact, but you can cook a dish in them only for 1-2 people. For a family of 3-4 people, a 15-25 liter mini-oven is suitable. The volume of the roaster can reach 40 liters. In large units, you can bake a large number of products, whole poultry. The size of the device directly depends on the volume of the chamber.
• Camera cover. The chamber inside can be metal, enameled or ceramic. The first option is cheaper, but loses its original appearance faster. When choosing a metal coating, you should focus on stainless steel - it is safe and reliable.
• Timer. It is important to pay attention to the maximum time that can be set using the timer. For simple models, this figure is minimal - up to 20-30 minutes. More functional options are designed for a cooking time of up to 120 minutes.

These are the basic parameters that must be taken into account when choosing a roster. You should also pay attention to the additional features of the equipment, which will ensure its more comfortable use:

• automatic shutdown;
• sound notification;
• self-cleaning;
• protection from children;
• cold door;
• removable heating elements (easy to clean);
• crumb tray;
• additional accessories (skewer, baking sheet, grills, molds).

It is worth exploring all the possibilities of the selected device and decide on the necessary options. The cost of equipment also changes from the number of functions, so you should not overpay for unnecessary add-ons.

TOP of the best models of roasters

There are many models of mini ovens on the market. Outwardly, they look about the same, but differ in functionality and additional features. A large selection of modifications and manufacturers provides a wide range of prices. In stores you can buy such equipment from 2000 to 26000 rubles.

When buying, you need to focus on individual needs, but if it is difficult to make the final choice, our TOP of the best models will help.

This model is designed for a volume of 22 liters. The power of the device is 2.4 kW. The door opens down. The inner lining and body are made of stainless steel.

This roaster features electronic controls and a digital display. The temperature can be set independently up to 230°C.

The device offers 9 modes to choose from, including oven, grill, keep warm, pre-defrost. Convection provided. This choice of modes is provided by the presence of five heating elements. Grill quartz.

There are several indicators - on, operating mode, selected temperature, time until the end of cooking. Shutdown is automatic, an audible signal is provided.

The package includes two baking sheets, a metal grate, a pizza stand.

The average cost of the device is 26,000 rubles.

This roaster is designed for a volume of 23 liters. The power of the device is 1.4 kW.

The door of the mini-stove opens down, the glass is double-layered. The inner coating of the chamber is enamel. The case of the device is made of stainless steel.

There are two heating elements. A separate inclusion of the upper heating element involves working with a spit or a spit and convection. The lower heating element can be switched on separately. When both heaters work at the same time, you can select the convection mode or convection and spit.

Mechanical control. There are three rotary switches. One allows you to set the required temperature up to 230°C. Another switch allows you to select a program - oven, grill, keep warm, pre-defrost. Convection provided. It is possible to set the operating time up to 90 minutes. The device turns off automatically, there is a sound notification.

The set includes a frying pan, a handle for it, a grill grate, a skewer, a crumb tray.

The average cost of a roster is 11,500 rubles.

This model is designed for a volume of 20 liters. Power is 1.3 kW.

The door of the device opens down, double glass. The chamber has a non-stick coating.

The roaster has a mechanical control. There are three rotary switches. One provides for setting the temperature regime in the range of 80-240°C. Another switch is designed to select the cooking mode (6 in total) - bottom heat, grill, convection, pre-defrost, reheat. The third switch allows you to set the operating time of the device up to 120 minutes. Shutdown occurs automatically.

There is an oven light, a power indicator, a sound signal when the work is completed.

The package includes a skewer with a handle, a baking sheet and a grill.

The average cost of the device is 10,000 rubles.

This model is designed for a volume of 20 liters. Power 1.5 kW. The door opens down, the glass is tempered. The inner lining is metallic.

The device provides three rotary switches, mechanical control. One switch allows you to set the temperature in the range of 100-250°C. The second switch is designed to select the operating mode. Two heaters allow you to choose the lower or upper heating, simultaneous operation, additional activation of convection and spit. The third switch provides time setting up to 60 minutes. Shutdown occurs automatically, an audible signal is given.

The standard complete set is provided: a baking sheet, a lattice, a skewer, handles-holders.

The average cost of a roster is 5000 rubles.

This mini-stove is attractive for its compactness. The volume of the chamber is 9 liters. The door of the device opens down, the glass is single-layer.

This model has mechanical control. There are two rotary switches. One allows you to set the temperature - 4 modes with a range of 65-205 ° C (3 speeds, one mode for toasting). The second switch allows you to set the cooking time, up to 15 minutes.

The body is made of metal. The set includes a deep baking sheet, a metal grate and a removable crumb tray. The roster works in one mode. Power consumption - 1.3 kW.

This model has a minimal set of functions. The price corresponds to such minimalism - an average of 2500 rubles.

Caring for your mini oven

Mini ovens are attractive because they can be installed in any corner of the kitchen with access to the electrical network. The device must be installed according to the rules. This includes adjusting the legs, keeping the distance from the wall and other appliances.

In operation, roasters are quite simple, but they require some care, since fat and other particles of cooked food invariably get on the walls of the device. When caring for equipment, it is important to observe the following rules:

• when cleaning the roaster, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical network and wait until the device has completely cooled down;
• do not use abrasive compounds to clean both the internal and external surfaces of the device;
• all removable parts can be washed with running water, after which they must be dried;
• the inner surface should be cleaned with neutral means, as their residues can get into the prepared dish.

Roasters are quite multifunctional and compact. They are powered by electricity, so this technique is suitable for both home and garden. A large assortment and a wide range of prices allow you to find a suitable option for any consumer. When choosing a unit, it is important to consider the basic parameters and additional functions.

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