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.
How to use - icons on the oven panel
It’s not at all difficult to figure out how to use the grill function in the oven if it is just one button. If there is a whole series of different symbols on the panel, it is worth familiarizing yourself in more detail with all these modes and functionality of kitchen appliances.
| Sign | Decoding | How the mode works |
| Upper heating element | The heat is applied only from above. This function is convenient for giving the finished dish a beautiful crust. | |
| Bottom heating element | Heat is supplied only through the lower heating element (gas burner) | |
| Upper and lower heating element | Refers to standard modes in which the same heating is carried out by both heating elements located under the top panel and in the lower part of the oven | |
| Bottom heating element with convection | The heat is supplied from below, and the fan mixes the air so that the finished dish is baked more evenly | |
| Both heating elements are convection | Fast and uniform processing of products. The heat is supplied from the top and bottom panels, and the fan mixes the air, achieving uniform temperatures | |
| Large grill | The high power mode is turned on, the food is heated along the entire perimeter of the oven | |
| Skewer | The spit is activated, which allows you to cook meat or fish evenly, even if the heat is applied to only one side of the oven |
In addition to the most common modes, additional functionality can be used. This could be defrosting food, a small grill, or a grill with microwaves. Different manufacturers may have different names for the same function. For example, grill mode and barbecue mode in an oven mean the same thing.
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.
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.
This is interesting:
About the dangers of microwave ovens - myth or reality?
Dry freezing mode in the refrigerator - what is it?
Harm of induction cookers – myths and doctors’ opinions
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.
Special grill pan-gas
Allowing you to eat and feed your family with healthy, healthy dishes that do not contain excess fat and oil, a gas grill pan is easy to use. However, in order to understand which frying pan to choose for a gas stove, you need to take into account not only the material of its manufacture, but also the thickness of the walls, the material and height of the lid and grate.
During the cooking process, oil and any liquid from the food does not cover it itself, but flows through the grate.
Peculiarities. Advantages and disadvantages
This cookware can only be used on a gas stove. This is required by the hole in the center of the pan-pan - there should be a fire burning there, which will allow you to cook food. Features of grill cookware are as follows:
- Unlike a regular frying pan, food in a grill model is cooked using hot air rather than a heated bottom. The result is beautiful and healthy dishes, and the products retain their shape;
- The choice of this cookware will not limit the housewife to preparing only grilled dishes. The frying pan can easily be used as an oven or steamer;
- The range of dietary dishes is expanding, since you can easily cook without oil;
- Due to the lack of contact of food with hot oil, there is no splashing on the stove panel and walls;
- Thanks to the tight lid, odors do not spread into the kitchen;
- Due to hot air convection, food cooks faster.
The Gas Grill Pan can only be used on a gas stove.
It would seem like a miracle, not a frying pan. And there really are almost no pitfalls in it. There are only two disadvantages that can be noted:
- You can only use a frying pan if the stove is on gas. No other stove will cook good food;
- The grill grate is not very convenient for washing, but if used correctly, it can be washed without problems.
To understand how to cook properly and which frying pan is best for a gas stove, let’s consider the principle of its operation.
For cooking, it is better to choose the smallest gas burner.
Cooking principle
The frying pan is designed to be installed on a gas burner, and it is better to choose the smallest one on the entire stove. The dishes do not tolerate overheating, so it is better if the flame of the fire does not touch the frying pan. You should select the fire level with caution - it is better if it is medium. You can then follow the instructions:
- The frying pan needs to be washed and dried well, and placed on the stove;
- Allow the pan to warm up;
- To prevent the food from drying out, it is better to pour 1-1.5 glasses of water into the pan;
- The grate can be greased with a small amount of oil;
- Place food cut into large pieces on the grill;
- Close everything with a lid.
To prevent the food from drying out, pour water into the pan.
The average time for cooking vegetables and fish is 30 minutes, chicken meat is 40-45 minutes, and beef is about 50 minutes. For the first, experimental time, it is better to often observe when the food begins to “better” and determine the best level of fire. In the future, it is better not to allow hot air to escape due to frequent opening of the lid.
You can wrap the food in foil to simulate cooking in the oven.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
The grill pan has positive aspects:
- Products do not come into contact with the hot surface of the cookware. They are prepared by exposure to hot air, so they do not lose their beneficial properties and retain their original shape.
- The frying pan can be used for baking and also as a steamer.
- Cooking without using oil makes the dishes dietary.
- There are no splashes of fat during the cooking process.
- The tight contact between the tray and the lid prevents the spread of odors in the room.
- The process of cooking food by convection does not take much time.
With a large number of advantages, only 2 disadvantages can be identified:
- The frying pan can only be used if you have a gas stove.
- Inconveniences arise during the cleaning process.
