The wide variety of modern kitchen appliances is simply amazing. A portable and neat solution called a roaster can offer great benefits to those who do not have access to a quality broiler or gas oven to prepare their favorite dishes. 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 design, so each person chooses a product, as they say, to their liking. However, there are a number of criteria that are worth considering in order to know how to choose an inexpensive but good roaster that can work without breakdowns for many years.

How does this work

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

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

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

The device has several main operating modes:

• by activating one heater located in the bottom area, you can smoothly heat up food or maintain a stable temperature throughout the entire volume, under natural convection conditions;
• choosing a good roaster equipped with multiple grills means the unit is capable of functioning as a grill. The top heater bakes food using only infrared radiation, without transferring heat through air movement;
• additional heaters provide the advantage of creating 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 spits to improve the grilling capabilities - when rotating, food, for example, a chicken carcass, is baked better and more evenly.

Deciding on power

The power of the heaters determines not so much what can be cooked in the device, but also its service life. A low-power model, baking chicken, as they say, to the limit of its capabilities, will fail much faster than one specifically designed for preparing such dishes. Therefore, the advice for choosing a reliable roaster is as follows: you need to decide in advance what dishes will be cooked in it. The minimum power levels are sufficient for heating food, baking sandwiches, making pizza and pies. Medium-power models equipped with two shades 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 will not bake evenly. A multi-tennaut roaster with a heat output of 2500 - 3000 Watts is capable of cooking 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 power

Apparatus low power

To understand how to choose a roaster, it is worth focusing on the processes occurring in it. When food is heated, steam is produced. When baking - some amount of smoke, especially if cooking meat dish. Therefore, in order to choose a good roaster, you need to choose a combination of service functions depending on the power:

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

Powerful device

Following such simple principles can guarantee that the roster will perform its duties well, and at the same time its use will not cause unpleasant surprises.

Control and a bit of harsh reality

Timer

The roaster is usually equipped with basic adjustments, namely:

• temperature control unit;
• timer for precise setting of cooking time;
• heater power regulator;
• program switch or number of heaters, if we're talking about about the model with grill functions.

Push-button control device

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

• mechanical switches have the problem of contact abrasion and oxidation;
• push-button contact groups become “greasy”, difficulty pressing and other problems occur;
• most best option, if you give advice on choosing a reliable roaster, choose a model with touch contact groups.

Device with touch control

The sensor contact block is a hermetically sealed area where several flexible plates are located. Some of them serve to generate commands to 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 markings on the buttons. This solution is ideal under the operating conditions of the roaster, as evidenced by customer reviews that are replete with any specialized forum.

Dimensions

Let's move on to individual preferences. The first of these is the volume of internal space. There's a balance to be struck here. A low-power model with a huge chamber will waste energy by heating the air. And in fact, it will be impossible to cook efficiently in it. Therefore, the principle by which a good roaster is chosen can be formulated in the following points:

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

Interesting video about the oven:

Naturally, when choosing a volume, you should also take into account the nature of the food you plan to cook. For example, pies require smooth heating and stable temperature maintenance for a long time. And for sandwiches, a small chamber is enough, everything will happen quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the advice for choosing a reliable roaster would be: determine the volume depending on the nature of the food, the temperature it requires and the desired cooking time.

Materials

Stainless steel housing

The mini-oven - roaster - needs to be washed and cleaned constantly. For lovers of everything technological and simple, models made of stainless steel will suit you. Although this solution is utilitarianly simple, such devices are popular - they are easy to clean, the initially brushed steel almost does not change its appearance, there is no corrosion, nothing peels off - there is simply no coating, reliable and effective option. The most common model is with powder coating of the chamber and pallets. Enough good decision, because special technology application of the coating guarantees long service life, in addition, fat and pieces of food do not stick to it. A modern roaster boasts ceramics as a coating for the interior. Today this is the best option in all respects, but there is a danger of damage as a result of impacts, especially from sharp metal corners. However, if you use the device regularly and carefully, ceramics, like stainless steel, will retain its 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 budget low-power devices, where the price-quality ratio is at the forefront. A good roster worthy of leading the accident-free rating must ensure safety, namely:

• turning off the shadows when the door is opened;
• the ability to cancel the heating mode before the expiration of the period measured by the timer;
• emergency reset of all parameters (food sometimes behaves differently than expected);
• automatic shutdown functions in case of malfunctions or signals from temperature control systems.

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

One of the trends in the development of small household appliances In the kitchen, compact and versatile appliances are increasingly appearing, capable of acting as a worthy alternative to their larger counterparts or replacing several of them at once. Such devices include modern tabletop mini-ovens that combine the functions of a toaster, grill and electric oven. And some models even represent a smaller version of a full-fledged one. kitchen stove. The range of stores, as always, is very extensive. And in order to narrow the circle of worthy applicants and thereby make your choice easier, this rating was created best models mini ovens.

Criteria for choosing the best mini-oven

Volume and dimensions

The most miniature mini ovens, which for some reason are called more often than others rosters, usually have interior space 9-12 liters. These mini ovens are best suited for making toast, hot sandwiches or heating small portions of food.

TO average The sizes include 18-22 liter units, which already allow you to cook or heat up dishes for 3-4 people. These and larger models of mini-ovens are already capable of coping with more complex tasks - baking, meat, poultry, fish.

Finally, the most roomy mini-ovens can have an internal volume of 26-45 liters and are a tabletop and more compact replacement for a full-size oven, practically not inferior to it in terms of capabilities.

Functionality and control type

The simplest mini-ovens are equipped with one, but most still have two heating elements, which can be used separately or simultaneously. Ovens of sufficient capacity are often equipped with a spit for grilling poultry or meat, and the best ones also include convection for more even baking.

Controls are traditionally either mechanical or electronic. To each his own - electronics usually mean more precise timer settings and a modern appearance (and a higher price tag), while mechanics always remain the most reliable option. The control itself usually provides the ability to select the operating mode, cooking time and temperature.

Power

The speed and efficiency of heating, and often the capabilities of mini-ovens, depend on this parameter. Of course, the larger the volume and better functionality of the mini-oven, the higher the power usually required. The value varies somewhere in the range of 1000-2500 W.

Modern kitchen compact frying devices - roasters - are named so for a reason. IN English There is a verb “to roast”, which translated into Russian means “to fry”. Despite its small dimensions, a roaster is a device that will help the housewife quickly fry meat or fish, prepare hot sandwiches or toast. Depending on the model’s equipment, the device can perform other useful actions:

• defrost food;
• reheat prepared food;
• perform grill functions;
• provide baking of pizza and pies.

Many roaster models external design reminiscent of a familiar oven. Therefore small in size electrical appliance for frying can also be called an oven or mini-oven.

The structural basis of the roaster is made up of electrical quartz heating elements, located in metal case with glass door. The form factor of the device body 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 shape of a cylinder or ball.

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

Depending on the size and functionality, these devices are suitable for use in a regular or small apartment, at the dacha, in country house or hostel.

Roaster configurations

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

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

Most models are equipped with a removable metal grille. The roaster kit may include metal baking sheets with high or low sides. It is good when the device is equipped with a removable tray for collecting crumbs and draining fat. Devices are usually equipped with a timer that signals the passage of a certain period of time. Advanced household appliances are equipped thermostat monitoring the temperature.

Additional accessories

Some roaster models can be equipped with additional devices that expand the functionality of the device.

With the help of a not very advanced device with manual control, the housewife can control a lot. The following dishes can be prepared in the roaster:

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

Differences between the roaster and other devices for similar purposes

Many users do not understand the differences between a roaster and another kitchen appliances. For example, it is similar to both an electric oven and a microwave oven. But there is a noticeable difference between them.

Electric furnace

A roaster and an oven are structurally and functionally similar household appliances. A roaster is different from an electric oven dimensions and connection. For placement oven The kitchen will require sufficient space. If the oven is gas, to connect it you need to supply gas to the room; for an electric oven, you need to organize a convenient and safe connection to the household power supply.

Electric oven Sencor SEO2028BK

The significantly smaller roaster is convenient for its mobility. Multifunctional household appliance You can easily move it to any place convenient for use and take it with you to the dacha. IN small kitchen, where it is not possible to connect a traditional oven, the advantages of using a roaster are obvious.

Microwave oven

Both options are close in functionality, have modest dimensions. Their main difference is different principle of thermal influence for products. A microwave oven heats under the influence of high-frequency magnetic radiation.

Users note the versatility of microwaves: you can fry and bake food, boil and stew in it, quickly heat up first and second courses, and defrost food. In terms of functionality, even the most advanced roaster with additional accessories is inferior to a microwave. Therefore, a microwave oven is more expensive than most roaster models.

Microwave oven VITEK VT-1652 SR

It’s difficult to say unequivocally which is better - a roaster or a microwave. Each buyer is guided by his needs and budget capabilities.

Review of popular roaster models

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

For a small family to make toast, hot sandwiches, pizza or fry cutlets, steaks or fish, as well as reheat ready dish, the optimal option would be a device with a power of 750-900 W. If your budget allows you to buy a household appliance with an additional set of functions, for example, convection, grilling or defrosting, then you should look at a more powerful roaster - the speed and efficiency of heating depends on this.

The device of this brand is distinguished by 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-controller with a maximum cooking time of 45 minutes, through which the temperature is maintained within the range of 80 - 230 °C. The chamber of the device has guides for moving the grille.

The set includes a washable baking tray and a tray for collecting crumbs and dripping oil, and a hot holder.

The line of SCARLETT brand models belongs to the segment of mid-price devices. It won't be here automatic control. But undeniable advantages– this is power (1300 W), chamber capacity of 18 liters, a 60-minute timer, adjustable grille position and decent functionality. The only negative is lack of convection. As a rule, this mode should be looked for in models with a large oven volume.

The working volume of the brand's mini-oven is 28 liters and the power is 1400 W. There is a mechanical switch for regulating the operation of the heaters individually or together, turning on the conventional or rotisserie modes. Temperature adjustable in the range 90 -230 °C. The timer is designed for maximum time cooking time 90 minutes.

Final selection of the right one household appliance always behind the buyer. The market offers a wide selection of roasters different power and functionality.

We have collected in this publication devices that will not leave you hungry - they will offer hot food and, moreover, they will not take up much space in the kitchen. We're talking about roasters - compact, free-standing mini-ovens. In the name of space in the kitchen and tasty and hot food.

Meet the roster

Just in case, let’s remind you who this roster is, in case someone forgot. In fact, the roaster (from the English to roast - to fry) is the “younger brother” microwave oven, but at the same time it can also be called the “big brother” of the toaster. Roasters (mini-ovens) are somewhat less functional than microwaves and can be smaller in size (but this is no longer necessary), but they offer more cooking options than a regular toaster, although some of the roasters are only slightly larger in size than a toaster. In general, the roaster can provide you with delicious hot dishes - from sandwiches to casseroles, juliennes, fried meat or fish, and baked goods. The generally modest dimensions and, in many ways, the versatility of the roaster make it an ideal assistant in a small kitchen in the city or in the country. Welcome to “visit” the roasters, of which there are quite a few on the market today. Here we have collected the most interesting, in our opinion, in terms of the functionality of the model. Traditionally, special recipes for the reviewed equipment are not forgotten.

Note that there are two types of roasters: vertical and horizontal. In vertical roaster models, thanks to special devices, you can cook grilled chicken, kebabs, and shawarma meat. Models of both types are presented in our review.

De"Longhi

This manufacturer in Russia has a fairly large line of roasters. They differ from each other in functionality, volume of working chambers, appearance and, of course, cost. Here we present the twenty-liter model De"Longhi Pangourmet EOB2071. It is not the most spacious (De"Longhi also has roasters with a working volume of 32 liters), but, perhaps, the most interesting in terms of functionality. The fact is that in addition to the usual “roaster” capabilities, there is also a “bread maker” function. Moreover, this is not just a baking mode, but a full-fledged bread maker full cycle in its modern sense: the De"Longhi Pangourmet EOB2071 roaster kneads the dough itself, lets it rise, and then bakes bread from it (weighing 500, 750 or 1000 g). There are 20 automatic baking programs different types bread, as well as 11 semi-automatic programs for baking baguettes, chibata, pizza (up to 30 cm in diameter) and other “goodies”. The bread comes out round (as opposed to the rectangular loaf you get from most bread makers). You can choose the color of the bread crust. There is a “Turbo bread baking” mode - the user receives a hot loaf in just an hour. In general, the user needs to enter a minimum number of settings and start the desired baking mode. There is a function “Cake preparation”. Like modern bread machines, the De"Longhi Pangourmet EOB2071 multifunctional bread roaster is also suitable for making, for example, jam and preserves. The instruction manual contains many recipes for baked goods,

In addition to its impressive baking capabilities, the De"Longhi Pangourmet EOB2071 roaster boasts others. Six heating modes are implemented here, for preparing the most different dishes: traditional (top and bottom), convection (hot air circulation inside the oven, thanks to the built-in fan), grill, delicate cooking (the same stewing), reheating and defrosting. Cooking temperature: from 60 to 220°C. Normal modern oven with good functionality, only smaller in size. We also note the presence of electronic control with a display, a programmable on-timer (24 hours), an operating time controller (up to 120 minutes) with an audible signal for the end of cooking and automatic shutdown. Eat interior lighting. The door is double glazed. The delivery set includes: a baking tray with a handle, a non-stick round bread pan, a measuring spoon, a measuring cup, and a book with bread baking recipes. Dimensions (height x width x depth): 40 x 51.5 x 29.5 cm. Power - up to 1400 W. Cost - 12-15 thousand rubles*. It’s not cheap, but don’t forget that these are two appliances in one: an automatic bread maker and a compact oven.

Ingredients:
100 ml milk;
180 g melted butter;
3 eggs;
275 g of premium flour;
100 g potato starch;
200 g sugar;
a pinch of salt, a bag of vanillin;
16 g baking powder for confectionery products.

Preparation:
Place the mixing blade into its seat. Fill the kneading and baking pan with ingredients according to the order indicated in the recipe. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon to obtain an even mixture. Place the kneading and baking pan in the mini oven and select program AU 15 (“Cakes”). Press the START/STOP button. Once cool, sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Severin

The compact electric oven (roaster) Severin TO 2036 costs significantly less - about 5 thousand rubles. But there is no bread machine here. But the traditional roster functionality is very good. Or rather, the scope of traditional functionality has been expanded here. There are several heating modes for cooking a wide variety of dishes: heating from above (essentially a grill), heating from below, heating from above and from below. Separately, we note the heating from above and the spit - you can efficiently bake poultry and pieces of meat. All heating modes, according to the manufacturer, provide for the circulation of hot air - for uniform heating and baking of products. Temperature range: 100-230°C. 60 minute timer with sound signal. The food rack and baking tray (included in delivery) can be installed on any of three levels. There is a special stone for baking pizza (size 305 × 305 mm). The working volume of the Severin TO 2036 roaster is 28 liters. Enough for hot sandwiches and pies or roasts. Electromechanical control, with three rotary controls located vertically: cooking temperature, heating modes, operating time. Dimensions: 56.5x42.3x33.5 cm. Power - up to 1500 W. An excellent roaster (mini-oven), not with such huge functionality as the previous copy, but more spacious, with a spit and about three times cheaper.

Ingredients:
8 slices white bread;
100 g butter;
100 g cheese;
3 raw egg yolks,
2 tbsp. spoons of sour cream;
ground red pepper, parsley, salt to taste.

Preparation:
Grate the cheese on a fine grater, mix with yolks and sour cream, add salt. Place the prepared mixture on slices of white bread and place in the roaster for 3-4 minutes at a temperature of 160-180°C. Before serving, sprinkle with pepper and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

An interesting line of inexpensive roasters is produced under the Scarlett brand. Roaster (mini-oven) Scarlett SC-097. There is a small volume of the working chamber - 18 liters - and, accordingly, the device is more compact compared to previous review models. There are three heating modes: top heating, bottom and classic (top and bottom). In principle, given the small volume of the oven, these modes are quite sufficient for high-quality preparation of various dishes (the lack of convection heating will not be a problem). In order to provide the user with wide culinary possibilities, the delivery set of this nice roaster includes: a removable grill, a tray with non-stick coating(baking tray), removable handle for the tray, rotating grill spit, handle for safe and convenient removal of the spit.

The Scarlett SC-097 roaster is controlled electromechanically. There are three on the front panel rotary controls: heating temperature (100-250°C), heating mode, operating time (up to 60 minutes). There is a light indicator for turning on the device. There is a convenient handle on the door. Dimensions: 33.5x46x34 cm. Power - up to 1300 W. Cost - about 3.5 thousand rubles. Cute in appearance, compact, quite modern in appearance technical specifications, an inexpensive roaster that is called “for all occasions.” You can cook hot sandwiches for breakfast and bake chicken in it. Available in black and white flowers- for different kitchen interiors.

Ingredients:
200 g cauliflower;
400 g sausages;
4 eggs;
100 g butter;
1 glass of milk;
3 tbsp. spoons of flour;
2 tbsp. spoons of ground crackers;
salt to taste.

Preparation:
Prepare a thick white sauce using two tablespoons of butter, flour and milk. Add to chilled sauce egg yolks, boiled cauliflower rosettes, then whip the whites into a thick foam, add salt. Place the resulting mass in a greased and breadcrumbed pan, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and place pieces of butter on top. Bake in a roaster for 10-15 minutes at 180°C. Serve with boiled sausages drizzled with melted butter.

The Rolsen Electronics company presents several roasters (mini-ovens) on the Russian market. An unusual model caught our attention. In principle, this, of course, is no longer a roaster in its classical sense, but quite a mini-oven with expanded functionality. The point is that the Rolsen KW-3050HP model is both an oven and hob in one device. A small, essentially electric stove. At the top here we see two electric heating zones - you can cook food in any suitable dishes, cook soups, fry potatoes, etc. The power of the right heating zone is 700 W, the left one is 1000 W.

As for the oven, it is quite functional. The volume of the working chamber is 30 l. Internal coating: bioceramic enamel (durable, easy to clean). There are several heating modes, including convection: heating from above and below with convection, from above with convection, spit with and without convection, regular top and bottom simultaneous heating. The control of the Rolsen KW-3050HP is electromechanical. On the front panel there are three familiar rotary controls: temperature (100-250°C), heating modes, operating time (timer up to 60 minutes). To turn on the “burners” there are separate buttons on the control panel. The door of the device is made of tempered glass (it is less likely that it will break or crack due to temperature changes; this, however, is a common practice for such devices). Supplied with spit, baking tray and wire rack. In general, despite the fact that this is a mini-oven, the functionality here is excellent, as already noted. The widest culinary possibilities open up for the user - if only there was a desire. Oven power - up to 1500 W. The cost of Rolsen KW-3050HP is about 3 thousand rubles. The model is available in white and black colors.

Ingredients:
4 eggs;
2 tbsp. spoons of flour;
2 tbsp. spoons of powdered sugar;
1 cup applesauce.

Preparation:
Separate the egg yolks from the whites, beat the whites into a thick foam, add the egg yolks and powdered sugar mixed with flour. Place the resulting mass in a greased and floured pan. Bake in a roaster for 10 minutes at 180°C. The finished omelette should be light yellow. Serve with applesauce as a side dish

Our review is completed by a vertical roaster - Vitesse VS-402. For those who don’t mind cooking, for example, barbecue at home. However, not only this, but also a lot of other goodies. Here, in the delivery set, in addition to eight skewers, there is a special stand for convenient cooking of poultry, a stand for baking (frying) pieces of meat, and a universal food clip (double-sided grill). Also included in the package is a special removable tray for collecting fat.

The design of Vitesse VS-402 provides two vertical heating elements made of stainless steel - for instant cooking various products. During the cooking process, the products rotate inside this roaster in a circle - so frying and baking occurs evenly, on all sides. For ease of installation of stands with food and their removal, the doors of the roaster are made sliding, while the doors can be completely removed by pressing a special button. The control panel at the front of the device is simple - just one rotary control. It is needed to set the cooking time (up to 2 hours, auto-off). There is no temperature control here, and the heating mode, for obvious reasons, is always the same. The device is simple, but very conducive to appearing in the menu. delicious dishes from completely different products. Indispensable in winter, when you can’t go out into nature in the summer, but you want a barbecue. Suitable for summer cottages. The instruction manual for the device contains recommendations for preparing various dishes and recipes. Dimensions: 39.5x36x36 cm. Power - 700 W. The cost of the Vitesse VS-402 vertical roaster is about 3.5 thousand rubles.

Ingredients:
500 g mixed minced meat (pork + beef);
2 onions;
pepper, salt;
cilantro (can be dried), spices for grilling.

Preparation:
The minced meat should be well chopped (you can do this with a blender) and well beaten. The bulbs can also be chopped in a blender (medium) or grated. Mix the minced meat with onion, salt, pepper, cilantro, and other spices. After preparing the minced meat, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Dilute cold water with vinegar. With wet hands, form sausages about 15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. Place the sausages on skewers; if they slide off, place raw potatoes between them. Fry for 15-20 minutes, depending on appearance.

* - All prices in the material are indicated based on the results of monitoring of Russian online stores, as of October 2012. Depending on the region, the cost of equipment may vary.

Daniil Golovin