Everything you need to know about multi-ovens before buying

Multi-ovens have revolutionized home cooking in recent years. These compact appliances promise crispy crusts without liters of boiling oil, making them a favorite among healthy eaters and those who appreciate kitchen gadgets.

What is a multi-oven and why can it replace an oven?

A multi-oven is a compact kitchen appliance that combines the functions of an oven, an air fryer, and a mini oven. The operating principle is based on powerful convection: the heating element generates high temperatures, and the fan circulates hot air around the food.

Thanks to 360° air circulation technology, food cooks faster than a conventional oven, keeping the inside juicy and the outside crispy. It also requires minimal oil, reducing calories by up to 80%. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, consider purchasing a Tefal multicooker in the online store ALLO The brand’s appliances combine compactness, cooking speed, and versatility in a single device.

Functions and Automatic Modes

Modern multi-ovens are intelligent devices with a range of presets that eliminate the need to guess the temperature and time:

1. French Fries. A classic mode that ensures perfectly browned slices.
2. Baking. You can bake muffins, cupcakes, and even small portions of bread in a multi-oven.
3. Grill. Many models come with a cast-iron grill that leaves delicious stripes on meat or vegetables, just like on a real fire.
4. Dehydration (drying). Operating at low temperatures (40–60°C) allows you to make homemade fruit chips, jerky, or marshmallows.
5. Reheating. An air fryer does this better than a microwave, restoring a crispy texture to cooled pizza or baked goods.

These presets make the appliance extremely user-friendly. Simply select the appropriate icon on the control panel, and the built-in sensors will automatically control the fan speed. For experienced cooks, a "Manual Mode" is also available.

Technical Parameters: What to Consider Before Buying

To avoid your appliance gathering dust on the shelf, it should meet your family’s needs.

Bowl Capacity

A 2-3 liter basket is sufficient for one or two people. However, for a family of 3-4, it’s best to choose models with a capacity of 4.5 to 6 liters. There are also "family" options (XXL) with a capacity of up to 10 liters. They can roast a whole chicken or even two servings of different dishes at once.

Control Type

Could be:

1. Mechanical - two knobs (time and temperature). Simple, reliable, but less accurate.
2. Electronic/Touch - LCD display, precise adjustment down to the degree, and the ability to select programs with one touch.

Power

The optimal value is from 1400 to 2000 watts. The higher the power, the faster the appliance will reach the desired temperature and the better the blast of hot air will be for creating a crust.

When choosing the technical components, focus on the balance between capacity and power. The extra cost for a touchscreen display is worth it if you plan to frequently use the dehydration or proofing modes, where accuracy of 1–2 degrees is important.