- A gas oven is a domestic oven that is powered by gas. A gas oven is often topped with its own separate cooking unit that includes gas-powered burners, but it can be installed in a different area for greater convenience . Gas ovens can offer more space and layout choices in a kitchen, and can be custom made to fit almost any cooking and baking needs. Although not currently as popular as electric ovens, gas ovens offer many features that make them a fine addition to a home or restaurant.
- When gas ovens were first introduced, they were very basic and did not come in a wide variety of models. Today there are several different types of gas ovens. The type of gas oven chosen should be based upon space available and day-to-day needs. Gas ovens are either free-standing or slide-in, or are built directly into a wall. There are generally two types of ignition systems available in gas ovens: hot surface ignition and pilot flame ignition. Gas ovens can also be stacked upon each other to create a double oven, or placed side by side. These are known as double gas ovens, and are useful in commercial kitchens that bake and cook large quantities of food. Gas ovens are made out of ceramic or stainless steel. Stainless steel models are usually more expensive.
- Several features are available for gas ovens, and each feature can add to the price of the model purchased. One of the most important features to consider is a self-cleaning mode. Some gas ovens come with one, and some do not. If a gas oven will be used heavily on a continuous basis, a self-cleaning oven is probably the best option. This process involves an extremely high temperature that turns any debris in the oven to a powder that can be easily wiped away. A less expensive option is a continuous-cleaning gas oven that has been treated with a chemical that works at standard oven operating temperatures, although it is not as effective as a self-cleaning oven. Gas ovens are also now available with convection fans to help speed up the heat process and baking time. Standard ovens come with a broiler that is located in a drawer at the bottom. This drawer is usually located at the top of ovens with a self-cleaning mode. Other modern gas oven features include lights, windows, automatic meat thermometers and rust-proof hardware.
- It is very important to know how much space will be available before purchasing a gas oven. The depth and height of wall space needed for installing a gas oven will depend upon other features that are chosen, including stove-top cooking ranges, a second oven or a microwave oven. Freestanding ranges are 20 to 40 inches wide, while wall ovens are usually 24 to 30 inches wide. Larger ovens have more cooking capacity, so it is important to know exactly how the oven will be used before deciding on the dimensions. Although a ventilation system may not be required, it is recommended, and should be factored into the space available as well.
- Before buying a gas oven, be sure that a gas line is available in the space where the oven will be placed. Another factor to consider before buying a gas oven is the heat output. Commercial-style gas ovens that are normally used in restaurants are now available for homes, but are built with special insulation and safety measures that should be executed with great care. Find out what kind of warranty comes with the gas oven. While many warranties often last one year, different parts of the oven might be covered for a longer period of time. Some warranties may automatically expire if a gas oven is moved to a different location. Above all, make certain that the gas oven model being considered has been thoroughly tested by professionals and meets national safety standards.
- Investing in a gas oven can be an expensive endeavor. Many professional cooks and chefs, however, feel that the benefits of a gas oven outweighs its electric counterpart. Gas ovens and ranges can offer better temperature control, and are said to be much more energy efficient. It is also believed that a gas oven holds more moisture and will help to avoid food from drying out, which is sometimes the case in electric ovens.
- Although gas ovens can be just as safe as electric ovens, risk is still involved. Gas leaks can happen, and a burned-out pilot light in a gas stove can also release harmful and even fatal toxic chemicals into the air. A working and tested carbon monoxide detector should be placed within the immediate area of a gas stove, and should be maintained and watched carefully. If small children will be around a gas stove, it is advisable to put locks on any of the knobs or buttons that would ignite a flame or other heat source.
