Archive for December, 2010
Earlier this year when I remodelled my kitchen I decided to purchase the B31015M oven. I had initially ordered the silver design, as it complimented the hood and would have fit in ideally with the many chrome appliances I own. However, due to a mix up with the order the company sent me the black model and it turned out to be such a problem to return the oven and have them send me the correct colour that I eventually decided to keep the one I had received. As it turned out the black design was a lot more pleasing to the eye than I had imagined, and I later went on to fit my kitchen out with some black tiles, so it suited the design of my kitchen after all.
The AEG oven measures 594 x 594 x 567mm, and is has a reasonably wide handle for opening and closing the door. What surprised me about the door was how thick it was, yet comparatively lightweight. As it turns out this aspect of the design is excellent, as it prevents a lot of heat leaking out of the over when it is in use, and is thus much more economical. The reason for this is that the door is triple glazed. This, combined with the fact that it is fan-assisted means that you should be very careful when setting the temperature of the oven. I say that because it tends to cook food a lot faster than non fan-assisted ovens, and I burned several dishes when I first began using the oven, being as I was not accustomed to its power. I now set the heat dial to at least 10º lower than food preparation instructions recommend, and usually remove the food a good five minutes sooner, too. This is not a real hindrance, as it means food is ready sooner and less power is required, but it does take some getting used to and experimenting in order to make sure food does not become burned during the course of cooking.
This model is very easy on the eye, being as it is stylish as well as being discreet. It has a very modern, minimalist look to it, and it provided many cooking options via the dials without looking, or really being, very complicated to use. One of my favourite aspects of the oven is the fact that despite the triple-glazed window there is a clear view to the inside of the oven, and it has a light which illuminates when in use, so you can keep an eye on your food. I particularly enjoy using this feature when baking, as as well as ensuring my cakes are not burning I can also watch them as they rise.
The oven has two large dials set into the top panel. The first, on the left, allows you to select your method of heating, and the second, on the right, allows you to set the temperature. In the centre is a display panel which gives the time in striking red LCD letters, and you can also set a timer. I have only used the timer once, as I find it is simpler just to make a note of the time myself, but the alarm is impressive in that it is loud enough to detect from another room without being too invasive. The dial on the left gives many options, including oven, oven with fan, grill and grill with fan. I only use two of the options, those being oven with fan and grill with fan. The grill with fan takes a couple of minutes to warm up, and again, will grill food powerfully. Even set at a fairly low temperature I have had to keep an eye on my food as it will cook very quickly. Indeed, although the grill can take a while to warm up, once it is in full swing it will cook food rapidly.
This is a fantastic oven that has surpassed my expectations in terms of efficiency and appearance. I purchased my oven for just over £350, and I have never had any problems with maintenance, etc. With three shelves and a good variety of cooking options this is an ideal oven for a household of up to four people, and is versatile enough in appearance to fit in with many different kitchen designs. As long as you are mindful of the oven’s power you will enjoy many good meals from this product. Highly recommended.
