High-tech ovens that'll practically cook dinner for you

Not only are the latest ovens being designed to enhance the cooking experience, but if you throw in their “intelligent” features, such as self-cleaning, energy efficiency and, of course, connectivity, you have a multitasking appliance in which all you have to do, aside from buying ingredients, is push a button for the perfect roast.

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The latest developments for ovens include incorporating a variety of cooking methods, such as steam, which is faster and allows you to cook different dishes at the same time without the flavours interfering. Automatic programs will cook specific dishes for success, so there’s no more worrying about the right temperature to avoid undercooked meat or cracked cake tops.

Most of the new ovens are conscious of energy consumption, with gas gaining prominence on a stretched South African grid, and are made of materials that are easy to clean, for ultimate convenience.

Looking to the future, ovens that are connected to the internet generally work with an app on a smart device, where you can control and monitor the cooking process remotely through an interior mounted camera that sends you pictures – so you can even share your bake-off progress on social media. One of the other benefits of connectivity is that suppliers can keep you informed of any upgrades and extensions for your oven.

THE BEST OVEN FOR...

A compact kitchen

The Convection MWO with Slim Fry (MC32F606TCT) from Samsung is a grill, convection and microwave oven, with cooking technology that can even make yoghurt. R4,299.

Dinner parties

With a 67-litre capacity, a Cook3 System to cook three dishes at a time and 30 automatic pre-programmed recipes, the built-in Whirlpool 6th Sense multifunction oven (AKZM 6560/IXL) makes entertaining a breeze. R8,999.

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Those with streamlined style

The iQ700 Siemens oven (HN678G451) is a multifunctional appliance, with a built-in microwave, a pulse steam function and a baking sensor for optimum results. R31,999.

The budding MasterChef

Miele’s Generation 6000 Culinart oven has Moisture Plus technology for perfect pastries, and 25 automatic programs, from baking bread to roasting a saddle of venison. From R19,999.

Miele’s Generation 6000 Culinart oven.Supplied 

Modern traditionalists

While range cookers have an old-fashioned feel, the three-oven Aga Total Control has a state-of-the-art, touch-screen panel for controlling the simmering, roasting and baking ovens. Price on request.

The busy cook

Bake, roast, grill and steam at microwave speeds with the LG SolarCube convection microwave oven (MJ3284UAB.BSSQSAF), which has a 32-litre capacity. R3,499.