You can choose the best portable oven for the foods you bake by evaluating the capacity, features, and price of the available options. These types of ovens are gas or electrically heated baking boxes designed specifically for use outside the traditional kitchen setting. Campers and caterers often choose a portable oven to fully cook or gently warm the meals they serve out on the road. It is important to consider where and how the oven will be used to find the best fit for your purposes.
Measure the amount of available space inside the portable ovens you are evaluating. Find out the distance between the racks, and then pull one rack out to measure its dimensions. Take a measurement of the available space inside the oven with only one rack in the lowest possible position. Bring the largest baking pan you use along to make sure it fits on every rack. Compare the differences in capacity between the various ovens you measure.
Decide what fuel source you want the portable oven to operate on. Propane gas ovens give the user unlimited range as long as the fuel supply is maintained. Electrically heated ovens are not necessarily limited to use within the range of electrical outlets and extension cords. A small gas generator or the cigarette lighter of an automobile supplies sufficient power to heat a small oven. Select the heating source you will be more likely to have access to for the scenarios in which you plan to use the oven.
Search for design features like digital programmable timers and wide heat ranges that make on-site baking easier. Portable ovens often have built-in convection fans and accessories to control the cooking process. Glass door fronts can make it easier to monitor foods as they cook without lowering the temperature inside the oven. Find portable ovens with built-in features you would actually use for the foods you make.
Select the portable oven that satisfies your needs and falls within budgetary restraints. The variations in price between similar ovens can sometimes be rather large due to dealer markups and brand name reputation. Research the exact models you are considering online to read oven-specific consumer reviews. Review the warranty restrictions and coverage period to help determine the final value of each portable oven model.