Good kitchen appliances are an integral part of the workspace. It makes the cooking process easier and more comfortable. The oven has become one of the most necessary devices in a modern kitchen.
Thanks to an extensive range of functions, modern oven models are capable of not only baking, but also grilling. This mode allows you to enjoy meat, fish and vegetables “from the fire” without leaving home. Why you need a grill in the oven, what it is and how to use it, we will tell you in this article.
Features of the grill mode in the oven
Grilling in the oven is not the most used mode. Its purpose is unclear to many, so let’s look at all the features in detail. This function is indispensable if you need to prepare a dish with a golden brown crust .
Reference. Typically, the grill looks like a zigzag tube at the top of the oven. This addition allows you to use the oven for quick baking and roasting. Thanks to the device, you can taste a delicious kebab of meat or fish without leaving your home.
The crispy crust is obtained from exposure to the high temperature generated by the heat element. There are different temperature conditions depending on the model. Typically the range ranges from 170 to 250 °C.
Don't worry about the dish, it won't burn. The functioning of the grill is different in that the product is covered with a crispy crust, but the inside remains juicy and soft. This is due to the rapid cooling of the heat element.
Some oven models are equipped with a grill spit . This device allows you to rotate the product so that it is evenly baked on all sides. Such devices are extremely rare.
In modern ovens, the “grill + convection” mode is increasingly used . A fan is responsible for convection, which distributes heat throughout the dish. This function eliminates the need for a spit, and the result is similar.
The grill can be used throughout the entire cooking process or at the final stage for browning.
To start the operation of the heat element, just turn on the mode. It heats up quickly, so you don't have to wait.
Turbo grill in the oven
The function of a turbo grill is to jointly turn on two heating elements located on top of the oven. Each of them does their own work. The first is a grill itself, the second is a heater with a fan. With the help of a fan, heat and infrared radiation are distributed throughout the entire volume of the oven. In this way the dish is evenly fried.
Turbo grill in the oven
The turbo grill frees the cook from the need to lay out the dish being prepared or place it on a stand under the heater. Devices are produced by manufacturers in two categories:
- Electrical. They are found in any oven, regardless of their heating method.
- Quartz. Used for built-in grill designs. The heater can be hidden in an independent housing under the ceiling of the room.
- the temperature coming from the two upper heaters, thanks to the ventilated air, spreads throughout the volume of the oven evenly and constantly;
- using a fan, there is no need for a spit;
- This function allows you to cook various dishes much faster without drying out or burning;
- it’s easy to achieve an appetizing golden brown crust on a dish;
- the soft, juicy structure is preserved inside meat, vegetable, and fish dishes.
Using a grill in the family, for a group of friends, guests, acquaintances, on vacation and while traveling will significantly diversify your menu and allow you to enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes: meat, fish, vegetables. The grill is a simple, unpretentious appliance available to each of us. Buy ovens with a grill function and let it delight you with excellent taste!
Modern ovens are equipped with many useful functions (timer, convection, pull-out grills, self-cleaning and others). But none of them raises as many doubts and questions as the top grill .
Some are sure that this function is useless, others believe that you can only cook on a grill (preferably outdoors), and not under it. Owners of old ovens had never heard of anything like this.
But in fact, a grill is indispensable if you want to beautifully brown meat, fish, chicken and even bread. The grill will also help out if a planned outing had to be cancelled, and the meat has already been marinated. An appetizing kebab in the oven will become a completely tangible reality!
Varieties
The type of grill directly depends on the type of oven . There are three in total: gas, electric and infrared. Let's look at each type in more detail.
Gas grill
This option is found in stoves with a minimum set of functions - gas .
For quick heating, the lower part of the oven is equipped with a gas burner, and the grill is located in the upper part. It is necessary to fry a piece of meat on top or brown a pie. Being located only at the top, the grill in a gas oven does not provide uniform heat distribution, so the food must be turned over to cook on all sides. To facilitate the process, some stove models are equipped with a spit.
Not all gas stoves have a convection function . For good air circulation, you have to keep the oven door ajar while cooking.
If the choice fell on a gas oven with grill function , you should take a closer look at the following manufacturers:
- Delonghi;
- Beko;
- Bosch.
Electric grill
Electric ovens are equipped with two types of heaters : electric or infrared. Both grills are mains powered. Their main difference is the heating element. In the first case it is an electric coil, and in the second it is a halogen lamp.
Attention! The safest grill is one powered by halogen lamps. It is also the most economical, as it heats up and cools down faster.
In modern devices, the electric grill is equipped with a timer .
This option allows you not to control the cooking process, since the device shuts down automatically. There is a fan inside the oven that provides convection for even cooking of food. Some electric models are equipped with the PerfectGrill function . This oven has two heating elements at once: small and large. The degree of frying of the dish depends on which element is included.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of equipment , preference should be given to the following manufacturers:
- Asko;
- Gorenje;
- Bosch;
- Hotpoint-Ariston.
Features of a gas oven
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An oven grill is a type of built-in element that looks like a tube. A special feature of this system is that it uses an infrared beam. It allows you to heat not only the air in the oven, but also the food itself on the dish.
The grill icon on the oven is far from the only symbol. It is not available on all models of household appliances in this category. When purchasing equipment, pay attention to the presence of a grill.
The oven also contains:
- upper and lower heating element;
- elements with convection function;
- spit.
But the functionality of each oven will depend on what capabilities are provided by the manufacturer.
Types
In addition to species diversity, there are types of grill . According to this division, devices come in the form of a zigzag, two circuits and turbo. Let's look at each type in detail.
Regular zigzag
The grill affects the entire grate, and equally on every centimeter . Products can be placed throughout the entire area and not be afraid that they will not be baked. For cooking, you can use both regular baking sheets and frying pans or various forms.
For cooking, you should use the upper levels, and place a baking sheet underneath so that fat accumulates there. This method will protect the bottom of the oven from contamination. Large pieces of meat can be roasted on a spit. They will taste like food cooked over coals.
With two circuits
The grill consists of two heat elements: small and large .
The small one is located in the center, and the large one is located around the entire perimeter. The heating elements are located at the top of the oven. To prepare a modest dish, only a small grill is used; if the entire grate is occupied by food, both are turned on. Separately, it is worth mentioning the features of the small grill . When using it, the middle section of the heater turns on. This provides the lower temperature needed just to achieve a crispy finish.
It is important to remember that the dish should be placed exactly under the grill , otherwise it will not cook completely. The small grill is perfect for making toast, hot sandwiches, frying sausages or pizza.
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Turbo grill
This grill is a combination of a top grill and a fan . It is commonly found in electric ovens. The function allows you to cook large products and large dishes, as the fan distributes heat evenly throughout the pan.
The turbo grill is in demand among connoisseurs of baked delicacies . Its main feature is the temperature regime. If the previous types use 200–240 °C, then this one uses 170 °C. This allows you to enjoy dishes that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Important! Don't rush into making a choice. Many housewives prefer an electric grill, but the features of all types should be taken into account. The gas option is considered more budget-friendly, but no less efficient. And the electric one regulates the temperature more accurately than others.
The equipment is very expensive, so you should choose it carefully. Before purchasing, it is important to consider the following points :
- what kind of food do you cook most often?
- what set of functions do you need;
- Is a grill function necessary?
- price range.
Multifunctional appliances are suitable for large families and lovers of baked dishes . People who don’t like to spend time cooking or don’t have time physically choose ovens with automatic programs.
Description of the “Grill” cooking mode
The grill function in the oven, the icon of which is displayed on its front panel, allows you to brown the prepared dish and provide it with a more appetizing appearance. How to use it? Let's look at the features of some functions.
| Function | How to use |
| Hot air flow | A basic function that allows you to bake and fry food at the same time. The upper and lower heating system works. |
| Eco - frying | In electric ovens, it allows you to use energy resources economically when you need to quickly cook food. |
| Small grill | Used for making toast and flat products. |
| Quick grill | If there are a lot of products and they have a flat shape, this function can be used to cook them as quickly and efficiently as possible. |
| Turbo - grill | Suitable for frying large pieces of meat and poultry using one level. Not suitable for preparing fillets. |
Knowing what the grill icon looks like on the oven, you can choose the model of the electric oven. Gas ovens can also be equipped with this function, but they are connected to the hob and cannot be used separately.
Rules of use and safety measures
Any device needs careful care and proper operation . In order for your appliance to enjoy for many years, you need to know how to use the grill in the oven:
- Attention should be paid to cooking utensils . It makes the most sense to use cast iron pans and iron grates. To protect the utensils from grease, you need to cover them with foil before laying out the food. Glass and silicone utensils cannot be used.
- To ensure that pieces of meat, fish or vegetables are well baked , they should not be made too thick when cooking in a gas oven without convection. Once food is placed on the middle tier, it must be checked and turned over every 5 minutes.
- Before using, you should study the grill's hot spots. To ensure that food does not burn and is baked efficiently, you need to know about them. To do this, place slices of white bread on a baking sheet and place it on the top tier of the oven. Some pieces will brown more than others - that's where the hot spots are located.
- The grill should be preheated before cooking . Leave it for five minutes and close the door. After this, the products can be placed in the oven. The maximum grilling time is 30 minutes.
- To clean the heater from settled fat, do not wipe it under any circumstances. First, turn on the hood or open the windows. Then turn the grill on high and wait for all the fat to burn off. After cooling, simply wipe the oven with a sponge.
Carefully! Directly during the cooking process, you need to monitor the oven door - it may accidentally open. After some time, the door will become hot and pose a danger to small children.
What to cook in the oven and grill
To evaluate the effect of the upper grill , we suggest trying a recipe for delicious thighs , golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Grilled chicken thighs in the oven
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp. l. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. l. kebab ketchup
- 1 tbsp. l. wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. curry
- salt to taste
Preparation:
- Rinse chicken thighs and dry with paper towels. Curry, salt, paprika, ginger and garlic powder. Rub your thighs with this mixture and leave for an hour.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup with olive oil and brush the sauce thickly over the chicken. Place the thighs on the grill.
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees, place a sheet of foil on the bottom tier, and place a wire rack with thighs on the middle tier. Turn on the top grill and turn off the normal heat. Cook the dish for about 40-45 minutes, turning the thighs every 5-7 minutes using tongs.
Do you use the top grill in your oven? Perhaps you know some new interesting recipes? Share in the comments!
