Which Oven for Pastry?
Last week, we shared some tips on choosing your pastry mixer. But to maximise the success of your pastry delights, it's essential to also choose the right oven!
In this article, discover our tips for making the right choice.
Criteria to consider:
1) Size
Indeed, the size of the oven cavity will be crucial. Obviously, for professional ovens, large dimensions are essential.
For pastry enthusiasts and domestic use, it will depend on your space, needs, and of course, your budget.
Note that a minimum of 50L is necessary, but we recommend opting for models with an average volume of 70L. This will allow you not to limit yourself in your creations, even the largest ones.
However, be aware that the larger the oven cavity, the more challenging it will be to maintain a consistent temperature during baking. And that's precisely our second criterion!
2) Temperature Stability
Here, good ventilation of the cavity will promote good stability and even baking.
This criterion is important because many pastries are sensitive and do not tolerate even a slight temperature variation.
This feature (fan-assisted or convection) is therefore essential to make pastries as you wish.
Ensure that your choice includes an oven that at least has this option.
3) Oven Temperature Range
Again, you know how the temperature can vary from one recipe to another depending on the preparation.
It is therefore absolutely necessary that the temperature range offered by the oven is wide enough. At a minimum, temperatures should range from 30 to 200 degrees. Ideally, we recommend ovens whose temperatures can go up to 250 degrees, or even 300 degrees for some. Focus on the different programs available on the oven to also get an idea.
4) Accessories
Regarding the equipment sold with the oven, in pastry, you will need to use trays.
Trays can be solid or perforated. Perforated trays will be very useful in pastries, especially to allow more even baking. These accessories are therefore highly recommended.
Sometimes sold separately, they are often included in professional ovens. Ensure that trays that match your oven model are accessible even when sold separately, and if they are provided with the oven, that's a big plus!
5) Cleaning
Some ovens do not have a self-cleaning system, but these models are becoming increasingly rare. Two cleaning features are generally offered:
Catalysis and Pyrolysis.
Pyrolysis is a technique involving self-cleaning of the appliance at very high temperatures (between 300 and 500 degrees), which will rid the appliance of all fats and sugars.
Catalysis, less effective than pyrolysis, also uses heat but at temperatures around 200 degrees.
The result will therefore be less optimal, but a significant price difference can be observed between the different models depending on the technique offered.
To go further and assist you in choosing your pastry oven, we have selected this comparison for you, feel free to share!