Calling all Oven Function Experts

My daughter has severe allergies so in recent years I have had the need to bake our own cakes / cookies for her.


I have a good Siemens Oven but too few functions (no fan; only top+bottom heating and bottom heat).


So would like to replace with another built-in oven but this time with fan and more functions (so I don;t need to make cookies tray by tray).


I am overwhelmed and confused by the FAN functions offered.


Would now like to call on all baking experts on advice with the following:


(1) Which is the better function to have:

(a) top+bottom elements + fan; or

(b) fan heat only (ie heat element wrapping around fan at rear of oven); or

(c) need both functions


(2) for grilling, do I really need all grill, maxigrill and variable grill functions? (I will do minimal grilling)


(3) How useful is the rapid pre-heating function?



(4) Any brand that stands out?


(5) What functions should my oven absolutely have?


THANKS in advance for your help.


MB

Hi mb1


My answers below (hope they aren't too late):


(1) Which is the better function to have:

Go for both. Baking bread, cakes etc I find using top and bottom elements do a better job. Fan alone is great for crisping the skin on roast meats, roasting vegetables, crisping oven fries. Note that If you only have fan forced oven function you must always be wary of adjusting the recipe temperatures, and you may find that your recipes may come out drier/crisper than expected. It can be very easy to overdo using fan forced...


(2) for grilling, do I really need all grill, maxigrill and variable grill functions? (I will do minimal grilling)


As Gertrude said - keep it simple... but I must confess that I have a combination fan forced grill function on my Siemens oven. Fantastic for pizzas and other items that benefit from such strong, dry, and radiant heat. Great for tandoori chicken!


(3) How useful is the rapid pre-heating function?


Saves time... if it matters...


(4) Any brand that stands out?


I am only familiar with Siemens here in HK


(5) What functions should my oven absolutely have?


Self clean? I find that I am a slave to the built-in timer now...


Cheers