Choosing a roaster for the kitchen

Modern kitchen compact frying machines - roasters - it is not by chance that they are so named. In English, there is a verb “to roast”, which in Russian means “to fry”. Despite the small size, the roaster is a device that will help the hostess to quickly fry meat or fish, to cook hot sandwiches or toasts. Depending on the model equipment, the device can perform other useful actions:

• defrost food;
• heat the prepared food;
• serve as a grill;
• provide baking pizza and pies.

Mini oven design

Many models of roasters with their exterior design resemble a familiar oven.Therefore, a small-sized electric frying device can also be called an oven or mini-oven.

The constructive basis of the roster are electric quartz heating elementshoused in a metal case with a glass door. The form factor of the instrument case can be made in any style embodied by the manufacturer:

• parallelepiped with a square or rectangular bottom and top;
• truncated pyramid or cone;
• in the form of a cylinder or a ball.

The internal surface of the device is made of stainless steel or heat-resistant ceramics and has non-stick coating. The working volume of different models of rosters is different.

1. Mini-ovens of 5-6 liters are perfect for sandwiches and toast in the morning.
   

2. Medium-sized appliances up to 14-20 liters are optimal for preparing baked dishes for a family of 3-4 people.
3. Roasters of large volume up to 35 and more liters are already full-featured models. They can be equipped with equipment like ovens with convection.

Depending on the size and functionality, these devices are appropriate for use in the kitchen of a regular or small apartment, in the country, in a country house or hostel.

Bundling Rosters

Models of different price categories have from 1 to 4 heating elements. If it is alone, it is always located at the bottom of the case. When the roster has two heating elements, they are opposite each other: usually from below and from above, but there are models with lateral placement of heaters.

The door of the device can be metal with a small insert of glass or completely made of heat-resistant glass.

Most models are equipped with a removable metal grille. A set of roaster may include metal trays with high or low sides. Well, when the device is equipped with a removable tray for collecting crumbs, draining fat. Devices, as a rule, are equipped with a timer, signaling the passage of a certain time period. Advanced home appliances are equipped thermostattracking temperature.

Extras

Some models of rosters can be equipped with additional devices that extend the functionality of the device.

1. Fans that ensure uniform distribution of hot air throughout the entire cooking chamber of the device (convection function).
2. Grill and skewer for it.
   

3. The switch of operating modes of heating elements - it is possible to involve one or all. Thus, the temperature is regulated (from 60 to 280 ° C).
4. Timer control (from 15 to 120 minutes depending on the model).
5. Touch screen for easy control of the device.

By not the most advanced device with manual control hostess a lot is subject. In the roaster you can cook the following dishes:

• sandwiches, toasts and hot sandwiches;
• casseroles and pizza;
• baked vegetables and fruits;
• meat steaks;
• baked fish and seafood;
• stews and cereals.

Differences of the roster from other devices of similar purpose

Many users do not understand what is the difference between a roaster and other kitchen appliances. For example, it has similarities with electric furnaces and microwave ovens. But between them there is a tangible difference.

Electric furnace

Roaster and oven - structurally and functionally close household appliances. The roaster differs from the electric furnace dimensions and connection. To place the oven in the kitchen will require sufficient space. If the oven is gas, to connect it you need to hold the gas in the roomfor an electrical colleague it is necessary to organize a convenient and safe connection to the household power grid.

Electric furnace Sencor SEO2028BK

Significantly smaller roster is convenient for its mobility. You can rearrange the multifunctional household appliance to any place convenient for exploitation, take it with you to the country house. In a small-sized kitchen, where it is not possible to connect a traditional oven, the advantages of using a roaster are obvious.

Microwave

Both options are similar in functionality, have modest dimensions. Their main difference is different. principle of heat exposure on products. The microwave oven heats up under the influence of high-frequency magnetic radiation.

Users note the versatility of microwaves: it is possible to fry and bake, boil and stew products, quickly heat the first and second dishes, defrost foods. In terms of functionality, even the most advanced roaster with extras is inferior to the microwave. Therefore, a microwave oven is more expensive than most roster models.

Microwave oven VITEK VT-1652 SR

It is difficult to say unequivocally that it is better - a roster or a microwave. Each customer is focused on their needs and budget possibilities.

Review of popular models of roasters

Choosing the best roster for yourself? First of all, you need to decide on a set of necessary functions. Next you need to choose a model with the optimal combination of power - price.

For a small familyto cook toasts, hot sandwiches, pizza or fry meatballs, steaks or fish, and also to heat up the finished dish, the optimal variant of the device is 750-900 watts. If the budget allows you to buy a household appliance with an additional set of functions, for example, as convection, grill or defrost, then you should pay more attention to the roaster - the speed and efficiency of heating depends on it.

ROLSEN KW-1230

The device of this brand distinguishes low price. The power of the device (900 W) is enough for use by a family of 2-3 people. The capacity of the oven is 12 liters, there is a timer-regulator with a maximum cooking time of 45 minutes, by means of which the temperature regime is maintained within 80 - 230 ° C. Guides are provided in the chamber of the apparatus for moving the grill.

The set includes a washable baking tray and a pan to collect crumbs and flowing oil, a holder for hot.

SCARLETT SC-094

The line of models of the SCARLETT brand belongs to the segment of medium-price devices. There will be no automatic control. But undeniable advantages are the power (1300 W), the capacity of the chamber is 18 liters, the timer for 60 minutes, the regulation of the lattice position and decent functionality. The only problem - lack of convection. As a rule, this mode should be sought from models with a large volume of the oven.

Steba KB 28 ECO

The working volume of the brand’s mini-oven is 28 liters and its power is 1,400 W. There is a mechanical switch to regulate the operation of heaters individually or together, including the convention or spit modes. Temperature range is regulated in the range of 90 -230 ° C. The timer is designed for a maximum cooking time of 90 minutes.

The final choice of a suitable home appliance is always the buyer. The market represents a wide choice of roasters of different power and functionality.