Power of the electric oven: energy classes

An oven, or simply an oven, is the heart of any kitchen. It significantly expands the possibilities of housewives in terms of cooking. So, before buying, you must carefully study the nuances associated with this technique, and decide on the best option for yourself. This article will discuss the main characteristics of ovens with an emphasis on their energy efficiency.

There are two main power indicators specific to ovens: power consumption and connection power. These indicators, although close in essence, are slightly different in purpose.

Such indicators as profitability, maximum heating temperature, heating rate determine how much power the device consumes.

From the physical definition it follows that power is a quantity that determines the rate of conversion, change, transmission of energy consumption. In the case of the oven, we are talking about converting electrical energy into heat, which means that the higher the power, the higher the speed at which the temperature will reach a given temperature mode, which means the more economical the appliance will work - it will do its job faster. By the way, performing work per unit of time is the second possible definition of power.

The connection power determines the requirements for wiring and a circuit breaker installed on the line to which the oven is connected. This parameter determines the ratings of the current that will flow through the electrical circuit.

For example, the connection power of our oven is 4.4 kW. From the course of physics it is known that power is equal to the product of the current strength by the voltage in the circuit. The network voltage will be considered constant and equal to 220 volts. In this case, the current strength is equal to the quotient of the power and voltage: 4.4 kW / 220 volts = 4 400 kW / 220 volts = 20 amperes.

Based on this current, it is necessary to select the appropriate machine and the thickness of the wire for connecting the device.

As a rule, the power of ovens lies in the range of 2.5-4 kW and is determined by the following operational characteristics:

maximum heating temperature;
heating rate;
capacity.

REFERENCE. The heating temperature in domestic ovens can reach 500 ⁰C, but since the vast majority of dishes are prepared in the range of 180-250 ⁰C, manufacturers usually produce models with a maximum heat of up to 280-300 ⁰C.

The heating rate is a direct function of the power of the device. The higher and higher the efficiency, the faster the temperature rises.. Many models now have a “turbo button” (sometimes indicated by three wavy lines), when pressed, the cabinet turns on at maximum power to quickly reach the specified mode.

The volume of the oven can be divided into 3 categories:

increased capacity - over 65 liters;
average - 35-65 liters;
Economy option - less than 35 liters.

The larger the oven, the more electricity it will consume, and the more power it will take.

In addition to power, an important indicator of the amount of energy consumed is the energy class. This parameter is denoted by Latin letters from A (0.6 kW / h) then G (over 1.6 kW / h), while the closer the letter to the beginning of the alphabet, the more efficient and economical the device.

Currently, almost all manufacturers produce devices not lower than class "A".

But progress does not stand still, more energy-efficient models appear that have designations:

"A +" - more economical than standard models up to 25%;
"A ++" - will allow you to save up to 40% of electricity.

The class of the oven is one of the main operational characteristics and is indicated in the technical documentation.

The first measure that follows from the previous section is to always choose a technique with a high energy class: "A +" or "A ++". It is more expensive than economical models with a standard “A” class, but over time it will pay off during operation, especially if you intend to use the oven often.

The following are simple household tips to help you save extra electricity when using the oven:

do not use preheating unless a prescription requires it;
check if the cabinet door is tightly closed during cooking;
if possible, cook several dishes in a row at once - this will save on warming up;
use the residual heat of the switched off oven to bring the dishes to final readiness;
use dark-colored dishes that absorb heat better.

The choice of an oven is a purely individual issue. Here are the aspects that affect the decision to purchase a particular model, and their significance in each case will depend only on you:

price;
built-in or not oven;
preference for a particular brand;
ease of use;
intuitive menu interface;
energy efficiency;
dimensions;
design;
functionality.

Decide what is more important for you, and start your choice based on the most essential characteristics. As additional restrictions are imposed on less important parameters for you, the number of options will decrease.

In the end, you can choose the model that, all other things being equal, will be more suitable for you in design, have better reviews or be cheaper than competitors.

In many ways, safe operation is ensured by high-quality installation and connection. It is necessary to use high-quality wiring of the desired cross-section, be sure to ground the equipment and correctly calculate the rating of the circuit breaker.

Electricians strongly recommend laying a separate line to the oven without connecting additional consumers to the circuit. In this case, the probability of emergency situations on the electrical side will be minimal.

An oven is a source of heat that can cause serious burns. When operating the switched-on device, it is necessary to use gloves for protecting hands.

It is also worthwhile to carefully open the cabinet door, taking away unprotected parts of the body to a safe distance, mainly the face. Hot vapors rising from an open door are also a potential threat.

It is not recommended to use the equipment unattended, set on a timer and leave the kitchen for a long time. There is a possibility that the timer will not work, and due to prolonged overheating, preconditions for a fire will arise.