Cooking & Grilling

A baking and grilling device primarily serves to heat and prepare food. Depending on the choice, food can be warmed, cooked, grilled, or baked. There are models specifically designed for baking, such as ovens or bread makers, and grilling devices, such as electric, gas, charcoal, and contact grills, as well as sandwich makers, waffle irons, and raclette. We reveal what each device can do in our consumer tips.

The oven - a classic in the kitchen

An oven is an indispensable kitchen appliance in every household and offers a variety of options for baking, roasting, grilling, and warming food. Whether electric ovens, which are appreciated for their even heat distribution and precise temperature control, or gas stoves, which heat up particularly quickly and offer stepless flame regulation - the selection is vast. Standard functions include top and bottom heat, convection, and grill, as well as temperature controls. Some ovens also offer self-cleaning, steam cooking, telescopic rails, pizza settings, defrosting, and special baking programmes. An oven can be either freestanding or integrated into a kitchen unit. Built-in ovens offer a seamless design and can be placed at eye level, making access easier. Freestanding ovens, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can be moved more easily. In addition to the conventional under-counter formats, these devices are also available in more compact dimensions. These are suitable for smaller kitchens or smaller meal quantities.

Electric, gas, charcoal, and contact grill

In the warm season, many grilling fans head outdoors. The balcony, garden, park, or sometimes even the living room can serve as a grilling area. For each of these situations, there is the right grilling device. Charcoal and gas grills offer traditional grilling enjoyment. Charcoal grills produce an intense, smoky aroma that many appreciate when grilling. Gas grills are cleaner and easier to control but require a gas bottle that must be transported and stored safely. For indoor grilling or on small outdoor spaces, electric and contact grills are suitable alternatives. Contact grills, which heat food from both sides simultaneously, are particularly efficient and create an even crust. Electric grills require a power outlet and produce little to no smoke. Additionally, they require little preparation time and are easy to use and clean.

Bread makers for delicious and healthy bread?

In a bread maker, pre-made dough is placed inside, which is then baked into fresh bread inside the device. Such a device is particularly practical, as it usually has a timer. This way, the dough can be prepared the night before and kneaded. Just in time for breakfast, the machine turns on and bakes the bread, filling the kitchen with the aroma of fresh bread. Another significant advantage of a bread maker is the control over the ingredients. You can precisely determine what goes into the bread and what does not. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers or people with special dietary needs, as they can easily bake bread without certain allergens or additives. Furthermore, a bread maker allows for a variety of bread types. From classic white bread to wholemeal bread to exotic bread varieties, the possibilities are nearly endless. Some models even have special programmes for gluten-free or low-carb bread.

Sandwich makers, raclette, and waffle irons

Sandwich makers and waffle irons use a folding mechanism that allows toast and waffle batter to be baked simultaneously from the top and bottom. The raclette, which combines baking and grilling functions, consists of an upper plate on which meat or vegetables can be grilled. Most of these devices are equipped with a non-stick coating that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. Additional features such as timers and automatic shut-off increase comfort and safety.

What should be considered when buying a baking and grilling device?

• Caution with heat: The devices get very hot and should never be left unattended. We recommend special grilling gloves to avoid the risk of injury.
• Check the voltage connection: Larger devices like ovens require a high-voltage connection. Consumers should check whether the conditions in their kitchen are suitable before making a purchase.
• Keep an eye on energy consumption: Energy consumption should be at the top of the checklist when buying criteria. Consumers should not be misled by particularly cheap offers. If these devices have a poor efficiency rating, the wallet will suffer at the latest during the utility bill. Additionally, the environment is also harmed.
• Pay attention to wattage: Electric grills operate on electricity. The higher the wattage, the hotter they get. We recommend models that reach at least 2,000 watts. Weaker devices often lead to lengthy cooking processes during grilling evenings due to insufficient heat.