Choosing a Zanussi oven
If you are upgrading your cooker, choose something that will suit your cooking style. Think about the type of food you like to make, how many people you usually cater for, and what sort of fuel you prefer. Then look at the number, type and size of burners on the hob, and the size of the oven or ovens. Is it worth having a wok burner instead of an additional standard burner, for instance? Would a single large oven be better for you than two smaller ones? How convenient is the grill arrangement?
Fuel pros and cons - gas or electric? Each has its staunch supporters and it’s finally a matter of personal preference. Many people swear by gas hob and electric cooker, on the basis that a gas flame is instantly controllable, unlike an electric plate which takes a short time to adjust. An electric oven might provide a more even heat than a gas oven, though fan assisted gas ovens are pretty efficient at spreading heat.
Cleaning - how easy – or not - your oven is to clean will have you loving or hating it, however well it performs or beautiful it looks. Before you buy, educate yourself in the following three terms and buy the best you can afford:
Stay-clean liners are internal metal panels which can be removed for cleaning. This is the cheapest solution and found mostly on budget models.
Catalytic liners are treated with a substance that absorbs grease, which is then burnt off at high temperatures.
Pyrolysis - the oven is heated to a very high temperature at which food residues within the oven are reduced to an ash that can be easily wiped off once the oven has cooled down again. This is the best system of cleaning – and hence comes only on the most expensive cookers.
Goodlookers - looks and style count in the kitchen, where you spend a lot of time, and friends and family congregate. But it’s common sense to balance this out with practicality. Buy the best you can afford, because your cooker will be working for you for years to come.