We all love to cook, but sometimes we don’t have the time. A benchtop oven is a little appliance that is perfect for cooking anything from a small meal to a whole turkey with ease and efficiency.
The best part about this oven is that it’s small enough for easy storage in your kitchen when not in use, so you can make room for other necessities like pots and pans.
There are so many different types of ovens out there, each with its own set of features and benefits. Benchtop ovens are an ideal option for cooking small portions for one or two people without wasting much power as compared to cooking in a wall oven.
We have compiled a list of some of our favourite benchtop ovens on the market. Read about them here to find one that will suit your needs and budget best.
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How to Choose the Best Benchtop Oven for you
The key to buying the best benchtop oven is getting one that has all your needs covered. If you want something simple, just go for a cheaper model while cooking at home or having friends over frequently then an expensive but high-end appliance would be worth it.
Bench ovens are an essential tool in any kitchen, but it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Take our look below at the different features that should figure into your buying decision.
Capacity
A benchtop oven is a great way to cook many different types of food, but before buying one be sure that it’ll work for your needs. Benchtop ovens come in all shapes and sizes so you must check what size dish will fit inside the cooking chamber as well as how tall or wide they are. Also consider the internal dimensions for compatibility if you are looking to heat up or bake big dishes such as meat roasts, tray bakes or pizzas.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the better for cooking large portions and cooking faster, because it can reach a higher temperature quicker than a low-watt bench oven. If you want to cook food for two or three people then consider buying a higher-wattage bench oven. Usually, 1400-1800 watt bench ovens are a great option for various options.
Internal light
Internal lights allow cooks everywhere more visibility while still providing illumination within confined spaces. A benchtop oven can be a little dark for your taste, especially when you’re cooking at night. Having an internal light is always useful and allows the cook to check on their progress without opening up the door.
Hot Plate
If you don’t have a stand-alone hot plate, then consider purchasing an all-in-one mini oven with its own built-in hot plates. Make sure to check if the appliance can be used at the same time as your regular larger appliances like range and grill so that cooking becomes easier for those who are busy or just love variety.
Timers
Timers are an essential function to have in your oven. It can be used for all sorts of things like heating up slices of toast, and cooking certain types of dishes like instant noodles or pizza. There’s really something perfect about them. Timers typically last between five minutes and two hours depending on the model; setting one is easy too since they usually come with presets.
Accessories
Most ovens come with many different accessories to suit your needs. Some only have the basics, but most will include one baking tray and wire rack while some also offer a crumb tray that sits at the bottom of the machine for catching any food particles or residue stuck on its dishes after use.
Generally, the Standard trays and racks do not fit in a benchtop oven, but if you need more than one of each, then you can buy extra.
The Best Bench Oven NZ
1. Convection Bake & Grill Compact Oven
Subeams’s Convection Bake & Grill Compact Oven 18L is a full-featured oven that bakes and grills in one. This turbo convection oven uses Turbo Convection Heat Technology to cook your food fast, evenly and thoroughly. It has 5 different settings: bake, grill, turbo convection, toast and warm. The adjustable temperature control allows you to set the oven to whatever temperature you want for whatever dish you’re making. The 60-minute timer lets you know when your dish is ready without having to keep an eye on it.
2. Breville the Toast & Roast Pro
Breville the Toast & Roast Pro is a multi-function oven that can roast, bake, toast and grill. It has 3 adjustable shelf levels to accommodate different-sized foods. The 60-minute timer with the ‘stay on’ and auto ‘shut off’ function allows you to cook for longer periods without worrying about overcooking your food.
3. Russell Hobbs Bench Top Oven
This benchtop oven has a 20-litre capacity and fits 12’’ pizza or 6 slices of bread. It features air fry technology which uses high-intensity hot airflow to create the perfect crispy finish on your food, as well as an adjustable temperature control up to 220°C. The 60-minute timer with the stay-on function means you can set it.
4. Mini Bake & Grill Compact Oven
This mini oven is great for cooking and reheating food. The compact design means it can fit in any kitchen space and the 10-litre capacity is perfect for 2-3 people meals. It has multiple settings so you can cook at different temperatures and also comes with a 30-minute timer to ensure your meal is cooked just right.
5. Sheffield 33L Mini Oven with Hotplates
This is a mini oven that looks like an old-fashioned microwave, but it’s much more than that. It has a rotisserie function and attachments so you can cook your favourite meats on the spit or in the oven. The convection fan function circulates hot air around food to ensure it cooks evenly, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. It also comes with a 60-minute timer so you can set it to come on at just the right time.
6. DéLonghi 24L Benchtop Digital Multi Oven
Delonghi’s Digital Multi Oven is the perfect solution for your kitchen. It has an LCD control panel with a digital display and an easy-to-use interface. This oven comes with three heating elements, one of which is located on the top of the unit, and a lateral fan that distributes heat evenly to ensure food cooks quickly and evenly. The internal cavity is layered with a nonstick coating that makes it easy to clean after use. Plus, there’s an interior light so you can see what’s inside.
7. Healthy Choice Digital 23L Air Fryer Convection Oven
The Healthy Choice Digital Air Fryer Convection Oven is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that lets you cook food healthier and tastier. With an adjustable temperature control of up to 230°C, the air fryer lets you prepare delicious meals for your family with less fat than ever before. The non-stick coating allows easy cleaning and maintenance of the air fryer, so it’s always ready when you need it.