Roasters. Ideal for a small kitchen. Roaster - what is it and what functions does it perform The best roasters

When every centimeter kitchen space matters, it is very important to choose the right household appliances. On the one hand, it must fully meet the needs of the hostess, and on the other hand, take up little space. A roaster is exactly what you need in a small kitchen.

Roaster: oven, microwave or toaster?

First, let's figure out what a roster is. In appearance, this unit is very similar to a microwave - the same rectangular shapes and a transparent door with a handle. If you look inside, there is a resemblance to a toaster: the dish is placed on the grate located in the center. But on technical execution the roaster is closer to the oven. It is equipped with several heating elements - heating elements, but there are no microwaves (as in a microwave oven). Some manufacturers call such a device a "mini-oven", "electric oven", "toaster oven".

How a roaster works

Most often, the device is equipped with two quartz heating elements (less often - one, three, four): top and bottom. When the roaster is turned on, they heat up, and then transfer the temperature to the products inside. If you turn on only the upper heater, the device will work in grill mode. A working one lower heater will provide gentle heating of food. If both heating elements are involved, then the cooking process will be like in an oven: you can bake pies, charlottes, kulebyaki, bake fish, meat, chicken.

Almost all models are equipped with a thermostat so that you can maintain the required temperature, and a timer to accurately count the cooking time. The temperature can vary from 60 to 290 degrees. The lowest setting is for reheating, the highest setting is for baking.

To control the roaster, you just need to turn the switches and set them to the desired temperature and time. Everything is so easy that you do not even need to look at the instructions. During operation, the inner chamber is illuminated, so you can easily observe the process.

Some roasters are equipped with grill skewers and special fans that allow the unit to work like a convection oven.

Who needs a roaster

So, a roaster is a small electric mini-oven, which is compact alternative conventional oven. So, first of all, this device will be appreciated by people in whose kitchen there was no place to place a full-fledged oven.

The roaster can easily replace the microwave, toaster, oven and convection oven. Therefore, it makes sense for housewives who constantly use all of the listed devices to replace them with one.

This device is just a godsend for a small country house. After all, with its help you can defrost, and reheat, and cook dishes.

Toast lovers will appreciate the roaster. Indeed, unlike a toaster, in an electric oven, you can cook crispy sandwiches with absolutely any filling.

What to look for when choosing a roaster

1. Power. This is perhaps the most important indicator that you need to focus on when purchasing a roaster. After all, the set of functions that can be performed depends on its power. If you just need to heat up food and bake sandwiches, then a device with a power of up to 650-800 watts will be enough.

Additional functions (grill or convection) require increased power- up to 2500-3000 W. If you decide to buy a powerful unit, be sure to check whether your electrical network such a load (especially if you are purchasing a roaster for a country house).

Please note that the heating elements operate at different power. For example, in grill mode, the roaster will consume about 1300 watts, and with both heaters on, the power can reach up to 2400 watts. Therefore, the manufacturer indicates two capacities - separately for the grill and separately for the oven.

2. Volume. The smallest roasters have an internal chamber of only 5-6 liters. Such models are designed exclusively for preparing hot sandwiches and toast, as well as heating very small portions of food (per person). The largest roasters boast a volume of 35 liters, but then there is no question of saving space in the kitchen - their dimensions are too large. But they are able to feed a large company at a time.

For a family of three to four people, the most optimal option would be an internal chamber volume of 15-20 liters. The dimensions of such a unit are smaller than those of a standard microwave, and the weight ranges from 3-6 kg, which makes it easy to move the device from place to place.

In a roaster with a volume of more than 18 liters, you can easily cook two dishes at the same time. True, the question of mixing flavors always arises.

3. Internal coating. The coating inside the chamber may be metallic (from of stainless steel) and ceramic (from bioceramics). Both materials are easy to wash. But ceramic coating will keep its original appearance, while stainless steel will quickly appear dark spots and small scratches. Naturally, bioceramics costs more.

4. Timer. The simplest models designed for making toast have a timer of up to 15-20 minutes. In roasters with more serious capabilities, the cooking time reaches 90-120 minutes.

For safety reasons, the timer simply must be with an auto-off function and a characteristic sound signal, otherwise, being distracted for a while by your favorite series, you run the risk of finding coals instead of toasted sandwiches.

5. Additional functions. If you decide to replace your microwave with a roaster, then you cannot do without the defrost function.

Fans of baking homemade bread should choose a roaster with convection. Thanks to the uniform distribution of air flows throughout the chamber, pastries will turn out fluffy and well-baked.

The “Booster” function makes it possible to heat up or fry small portions of food very quickly due to the instant heating of the heating elements, but the quality of the cooked products is somewhat reduced - a too hard crust may appear. At the same time, energy consumption increases significantly.

6. Design features and equipment. The roaster may be supplied with a special tray for liquids or crumbs, an additional baking sheet, a lasagna dish, a skewer, a pizza dish. On the one hand, these additional devices will make the operation of the roaster more convenient and expand its capabilities. On the other hand, before buying, think about how important these accessories are to you, because their presence increases the cost of the roaster. And to store these additional elements you will have to allocate a special locker. By the way, if you wish, you can purchase the missing item later.

It is highly desirable that the lower heating element of the roaster be removed, otherwise washing this appliance will turn into a continuous headache.

7. Price. The amount of money spent on a roster directly depends on its power, volume, functions and manufacturer. The price range of simple small-sized models ranges from 40-60 dollars. At this price you can buy roasters from Vitek, VES, Scarlett. The capabilities of such devices are limited, the equipment is minimal, and the design is very mediocre. But it is these manufacturers that produce roasters not only in white, black and steel color but also in other shades.

Description of purpose, main features, functions and operating modes of roasters

Lots of kitchen appliances for various purposes can be seen today on the shelves of supermarkets. Some of them you don't even know exist until you see them with your own eyes. Roster can be safely attributed to such gadgets.

The name is very consonant with the toaster, a device that is familiar to everyone. Are they the same or completely different appliances? Let's find out what a roster is, what its capabilities are, and how to choose the right one.

Why do you need a roaster

First of all, the owners of small-sized kitchens are familiar with him. This electrical appliance is able to replace the oven in an apartment where there is not enough space for a full-fledged oven. Literally translated from English, "roast" means to bake in the oven, fry. A roaster is a compact analogue of an oven that can replace some more kitchen utensils for housewives.

At first glance, it is easy to confuse a roaster with a microwave, they are very similar. But if you look, these are completely different electrical appliances. And only some of their functions are related. With the help of a roaster, you can cook delicious baked meat or fish, fry toast, bake a pie, reheat or defrost food.

The capabilities of the device depend on the filling of the model with specific functions. Oven substitutes are different: in some you can only heat up food, while in others you can cook a real culinary masterpiece. What does it all depend on? From the volume of the unit, its power and functionality. Let's look at the issue in more detail.

Main characteristics of roasters

Roaster power and volume

Ability depends on them. household electrical appliance. And these two features are directly related. The smaller the volume, the less power is needed to operate the unit. Therefore, such a device consumes less electricity. But the roasters have high power and corresponding volumes.

A miniature electrical appliance with only 5-6 liters is able to cook toasts, sandwiches and warm up a small portion of food. The unit is endowed with a power of no more than 900 W and is suitable for one person who is not ready to devote much time to culinary masterpieces.

The device for a full-fledged family should be larger. The most impressive representatives kitchen appliances reach up to 20 liters in size with a power of up to 2000 watts. In a large roaster, you can cook a full-fledged dish: bake meat, chicken, vegetables, make a pie or pizza. Optional device bigger size can be equipped with various options that will transform it into a multifunctional household appliances.

Materials of internal elements of the roaster

When choosing a mini-oven, many buyers pay attention to the coating of the inner walls of the appliance. Three options:

  • enamel;
  • bioceramics;
  • stainless steel.

Consumers are primarily interested in the issue of care. But all three materials can be equally easily cleaned of contaminants. And the type of material does not affect the quality of cooked food. Therefore, the choice is made from aesthetic preferences. Much more important are the heating elements. Quartz is mainly used for their production today. Thanks to its properties, the process of mini-oven operation becomes better and faster.

Roaster functions

Usually mini ovens are controlled by mechanical switches. Different models may have different functions: grill and defrost, timer and temperature adjustment, and different equipment. Let's look at all the possible options:

  • An electrical appliance is often equipped with one or two heating elements (less often 3 or 4). They are located at the top and bottom of the device. Most roasters have the option battery life bottom and top heaters. Including only the first one, a “delicate” mode of operation is obtained. When the top element heats up, the grill function starts. If the elements work simultaneously, you get a full-fledged electric oven.
  • The device has a temperature control function. Using the built-in thermostat, it is possible to set the temperature required in a particular case. To heat up food, you usually need no more than 60 degrees. And for full cooking, you need 200-250 degrees. Maximum temperature can go up to 280 degrees.
  • To save the hostess extra hassle manufacturers on many models set a timer. AT low power models, capable of only warming up, a 15-minute device is usually sufficient. For multifunctional models capable of a full cooking cycle, the timer can be set up to 120 minutes. At the end of the set time, an audible signal sounds.
  • Much less often than other functions, convection is found in roasters - the process of blowing cooked food with hot air. This option is for baking. When you turn on the convection mode, the dough first warms up and only then the baking procedure starts.
  • A rarity for a roaster is the defrost function. The principle of defrosting products in a roaster is absolutely identical to a similar process in microwave oven.
  • Booster - function rapid heating, which provides instant heating of the elements of the mini-oven for the speedy frying of raw food or reheating cooked food. But when this option is enabled, much more electrical energy begins to be consumed.

Roaster complete set

Different models are equipped differently. The package may vary significantly depending on the functionality of the appliance:

  1. Almost every model has a metal removable grille.
  2. The models may contain one or more baking sheets for various purposes: classic and special for pizza or lasagna.
  3. Also included may be a dish-stand for roasting chicken, a grill skewer with a drip tray and a crumb tray.

It turns out that the roaster is a compact oven with the capabilities of a microwave oven. You need to choose this electrical appliance according to your own needs. If it is needed only for heating food, a low-power unit of a small volume is sufficient. And for a complete replacement of the oven, it is worth choosing a model of 15-20 liters.

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

  • defrost food;
  • warm up cooked food
  • perform the functions of a grill;
  • to provide baking pizza and pies.

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

The constructive basis of the roaster is made up of electrical quartz heating elements placed in a metal case with a glass door. The form factor of the device body can be made in any style embodied by the manufacturer:

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

The inner 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 appropriate for use in the kitchen of an ordinary or small apartment, in a country house, in country house or hostel.

Complete set of roasters

Models of different price categories have 1 to 4 heating elements. If it is alone, it is always located at the bottom of the case. When a roaster 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 appliance can be metal with a small glass insert or completely made of heat-resistant glass.

Most models are equipped with a removable metal grating. The kit with the roaster 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, dripping fat. Devices, as a rule, are equipped with a timer that signals the passage of a certain time period. Advanced home appliances are equipped with thermostat monitoring the temperature.

Accessories

Some models of roasters may be equipped with additional devices that expand the functionality of the device.


By means of not the most advanced device with manual control, the hostess is subject to a lot. The following dishes can be cooked in the roaster:

  • sandwiches, toast 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. So, for example, it has similarities with both an electric oven and a microwave oven. But there is a noticeable difference between them.

electric furnace

The roaster and oven are structurally and functionally close household appliances. The roaster is different from the electric oven dimensions and connection. To place the oven in the kitchen, you need to have enough space. If the oven is gas, to connect it, you need to bring gas into the room, for an electric counterpart, you need to organize a convenient and safe connection to the household power supply.

Electric furnace Sencor SEO2028BK

The significantly smaller roaster is convenient for its mobility. Multifunctional household appliance without problems, you can rearrange to any place convenient for operation, take it with you to the country. In a small kitchen where there is no way to connect traditional oven, the benefits of using a roaster are obvious.

Microwave

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

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

Microwave oven VITEK VT-1652 SR

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

Overview of popular roaster models

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

For not big family , to cook toast, hot sandwiches, pizza or fry cutlets, steaks or fish, as well as heat up the finished dish, the 750-900 watt option would be optimal. If the budget allows you to buy a household appliance with additional set functions, such as convection, grilling or defrosting, you should turn your attention to a more powerful roaster - the speed and efficiency of heating depend on this.

The device of this brand is distinguished 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, through which the temperature is maintained within 80 - 230 ° C. In the chamber of the apparatus, guides are provided for moving the grate.

The kit includes a washable baking tray and a tray to collect crumbs and dripping oil, a holder for hot.

The line of models of the SCARLETT brand belongs to the segment of mid-price devices. It won't be here automatic control. But the undeniable advantages are the power (1300 W), the chamber capacity of 18 liters, the timer for 60 minutes, the regulation of the grate position and decent functionality. The only problem - no convection. As a rule, this mode should be sought for models with a large volume of the oven.

The working volume of the mini-oven of the brand is 28 liters, and the power is 1400 watts. There is a mechanical switch to control the operation of the heaters individually or together, switching on the convention or spit modes. Temperature regime adjustable in the range of 90 -230 °C. The timer is designed for a maximum cooking time of 90 minutes.

The final choice of the right household appliance always for the buyer. Market Represents wide selection roasters of different power and functionality.

Often there is not enough space in the kitchens, or the family has to rent an apartment. In these cases, instead of a standard oven, you can purchase a more compact device - a roaster. This small-sized (usually) household appliance will help you cook meat, fish, hot toast and sandwiches, bake bread. Actually the roaster (or mini-oven, mini-oven) - translated from English. "fry" - and appeared as an alternative to the oven, electric oven being a more compact version.
A roaster is not a microwave (microwave) oven, it is a completely different device, although it has a set of functions that a “microwave” can also have. But first things first. Roaster, mini-oven, toaster oven, toaster roaster, mini-oven - you can find such numerous variations of the name in stores in relation to the same appliance. It is unlikely that even the most meticulous specialist will be able to explain the difference between these terms. The difference is only in the desire of the manufacturer to highlight their products in a special way.
The main thing remains what characteristics this or that device has, what it has additional options. And depending on this, you can purchase the model of the roaster that will satisfy all your needs.

Volume and power

A lot of useful information regarding the internal volume can be found in the article where it was discussed, some tips may coincide or be repeated, others relate exclusively to the choice of a mini-stove.
As usual, when choosing a mini-oven, first of all, you need to decide on the dimensions and volume of the appliance. The smallest roasters with a volume of 5-6 liters will be useful for making hot sandwiches, toasts, warming up small portions of food. But for a large family, you will already have to pay attention to models of roasters with a volume of 14-20 liters. MirSovetov draws your attention to the fact that a mini-oven may not have a convection mode, this function is present only in a few models.
The second important indicator is the power of the roster. For simple models small volume, originally intended for heating food, making toast, sandwiches, pancakes and other power values ​​can be 650-900 watts. The larger and multifunction devices(if there is a grill, convection) consume, respectively, have more power, up to 2000 watts.

Functions

Number of heating elements usually 2: upper and lower, their combination determines the cooking mode. Most models use quartz heating elements, they heat up faster and are considered the best in terms of getting the crust on the grill.
adjustable thermostat allows you to specify the temperature at which the food will be processed. As a standard, you can select a value from 60 (warming up, languishing) to 240-280 (baking) degrees.
Timer. Depending on other functions, the timer can be implemented both for 15 minutes (Panasonic NT-T13P, designed for toasting and heating), and for 100-120 minutes for models designed for cooking meat, baking (for example, DeLonghi EO 1831) . The timer runs with auto-off and a sound signal, so you don’t have to keep track of the cooking time: just set desired value at the beginning, and then, if necessary, adjust it.
Control type usually mechanical even in the most expensive models; the operating mode is set using 2 or 3 rotary switches.
Number of cooking modes. There can be three of them in total - depending on which heating elements are used:
  • electric oven (upper + lower heating element);
  • grill (top heating element);
  • "delicate" (lower heating element).
Internal coating may be metal (enamel), ceramic (bioceramic), stainless steel. According to the experience of many users, MirSovetov can confidently say that the type internal coating in terms of ease of cleaning it's not really that important, it's more of a matter of personal preference. It is most useful when the manufacturer makes the lower heating element movable - precisely in order to facilitate the work of cleaning the roaster.
Convection- this is blowing the cooked food with hot air. If using a roaster it is supposed to cook pies, pastries, it is better to take with the convection function, in this mode the dough warms up faster and more evenly.
Defrosting. Microwave ovens also have this function, but if the selected roaster model can defrost food, then in general, you can easily do without a “microwave”. Thus, if you have not yet acquired a microwave oven, there is an opportunity to save money, while the buyer, in fact, receives a two-in-one device.
Booster function(implemented for the first time by Tefal) due to almost instantaneous heating, it allows you to quickly fry or warm up (at the same time, naturally, energy consumption increases).
Additionally the roaster can be equipped with the following:
  • removable (retractable) tray for crumbs and liquid;
  • lattice stand;
  • baking tray;
  • grill for frying (there can be two of them, and you can cook on them at the same time, such as Binatone TT0 5001);
  • spit;
  • dish for, dish for (DeLonghi EO 3899).
All these “bells and whistles” will make using the roaster more comfortable both at the time of cooking and in terms of care.

Prices

It is quite difficult to give a clear division of models of roasters presented on the household appliances market by category, but MirSovetov will still try to do this, at least approximately.
So, small roasters (toaster ovens) without convection, up to 10-12 liters can be purchased at a price of $40 to $80 (VES, Vitek, Scarlett, Tefal, DeLonghi). Usually, the kit includes a minimum set of additional accessories: one baking sheet, one grid, a tray. Models from the same manufacturers (as well as Panasonic, Clatronic, Moulinex), but at a price of $100 or more, can boast more sophisticated equipment, for example, a pizza dish, 2 baking sheets, a skewer. Typically, such roasters are larger in size, their volume is 16-20 liters, sometimes there are also convection and defrosting functions.

So to make right choice it is important for the buyer to decide key parameters(volume, power and number of modes). For example, you know for sure that you will not experiment with baking, so you can try to do without convection. And, conversely, if you have a large family, and in order to feed all household members, you need to look after the roasters of the middle and big size, with convection and other useful options for you. Since at the moment the choice of mini-ovens in household appliance stores is not very rich, the likelihood that several models will satisfy the main criteria for a particular buyer at once is small. Manufacturers of household appliances compete and try to produce high-quality models. It turns out that if there is no attachment to a particular brand, then in the store you will only need to evaluate the appearance and convenience - and these are subjective things.

When the possibilities of a toaster are no longer interesting, and there is not enough space and money to buy an oven, a roaster saves. It is he who successfully combines the minimalism and compactness of the first and the versatility of the second, is able to successfully feed a small family.

In contact with

Classmates

The roaster, like the toaster, is compact electrical appliance for cooking food. Essentially, this compact version the usual oven, it is often called so - mini-oven, mini-oven, etc.

Principle of operation and control

The principle of operation of the device similar to the operation of a toaster and oven. The roaster, like the toaster, is equipped with heating elements. Receiving power from the mains, they heat food, turning it into healthy unique dishes.

Roaster control can be mechanical and electronic. Usually the device is equipped with two regulators - time and temperature. Additionally, the roaster can be equipped with a heater switch and an operating mode selection function.

Device

The roster is made in the form metal case with heating elements inside and a door.

The shape of the case varies depending on the style intended by the manufacturer. It can be a rectangular or square parallelepiped, truncated pyramid, toroid and even a ball in the case of a futuristic design.

The inner chamber can be metal, stainless steel or coated with a bioceramic composition. Devices with a ceramic oven are more durable, but more expensive.

Depending on the class of the model from one to four ceramic or quartz heating elements can be installed in the mini-furnace. The cost of the device depends on their number. If it is equipped with one element, then it is located in the lower part of the case. Two heaters are installed opposite each other, most often from above and below. However, there are models with side-mounted heaters. The most economical and efficient devices with quartz heaters, but they are more expensive.

The door of economy-class devices is most often metal with a small glass installed inside, which allows you to control the cooking process. In models of a higher price segment, a heat-resistant glass door is installed. For luxury gadgets, it can be covered with a special anti-thermal coating to eliminate the possibility of burns if accidentally touched.

As an add-on The device can be equipped with the following elements:

Functionality and modes of operation

Depending on the device class, its functionality may include the following built-in functions that make the device easier to use:

Defrosting in the roaster requires minimum power, the presence of a fan speeds up the process, and volumetric heating ensures a uniform change in the temperature of the product. Advanced models have a built-in defrost mode selection function depending on the type of product and its weight. Usually, the approximate duration of defrosting is indicated in the instructions for the device.

Heating food ensured by uniform heating of dishes, and the presence of the upper heating element allows you to get a toasted crust. Due to the thermal insulation of the case, the device can replace a thermos for some time. This allows you to maintain the temperature without additional heating. In addition, housewives use this opportunity when preparing yoghurts and cottage cheese.

Even with minimum set functions indicated by the manufacturer due to the combination of temperature and operating time, any roaster can not only reheat and defrost food, but also create culinary creations such as:

  • hot open and closed sandwiches, sandwiches and toasts;
  • julienne,
  • casseroles;
  • baked and fried meat, poultry, fish and even seafood dishes;
  • baked eggs, scrambled eggs and omelettes;
  • lasagna;
  • grilled vegetables and baked vegetable dishes;
  • steam dishes;
  • various kinds of pastries, including biscuits, muffins, cookies, pies, pies, pizza and bread;
  • stews.

How to choose a roaster for hot sandwiches

When planning a purchase determine the significance of parameters such as:

Small power and one heater will be enough for defrosting, warming up and heating ready meals, as well as for making toast and hot sandwiches. The more power and working volumes of the gadget, the more culinary possibilities its owners have. Choose a device according to your needs.

The compactness of the device allows it to be used even in small apartments . Roasters are popular in small businesses where, unlike toasters, they are used by employees to heat up meals brought in from home and make toast and sandwiches.

When choosing a roaster, try to find a device with the highest energy savings. The maximum class will provide the owner of the gadget with a reduction in energy costs.

The duration of the warranty period indicates the actual reliability of the device- the higher it is, the more durable the roaster. choose guarantee period more than a year.

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