Short Oven?

October 7, 2007 8:34 AM

Is there an appliance that is between a full oven and a convection toaster oven?

My wife and I are considering converting my parent's barn into a live/work studio. The only limitation (so far) that we have encountered is that we cannot have a full oven, but we can have burners – I really don't know the details behind the restriction, it's just the way it is. My wife loves to cook and bake, but doesn't want to have to do it in my parent's house whenever she feels the need. I have looked at some convection toaster ovens, but they are took small. Ideally we would want something that was more substantial, about half the height of a normal oven. I seem to recall seeing something like this in Japan (where they really don't have a need to cook a full turkey or anything like that), but I can't seem to find anything like it here. And we would prefer it not be electric. Sugggestions?

posted by Hillman Cobs to home & garden (6 comments total)

I really don't know the details behind the restriction, it's just the way it is

I would think that some of the best guidance to you (and us, if we're to help) would come from those restrictions. Wouldn't they specify the maximum allowed dimension, temperature, power consumption, etc.? Are you sure that it's just size that's the issue? There are inexpensive counter-top models larger than toaster ovens, like this one. Probably insufficiently substantial, though. Electrolux makes half-height built-in ovens, but it may just for the UK market.
posted by mumkin at 9:40 AM on October 7, 2007

I have this kuppersbusch combination microwave/convection oven which sounds like it fits the bill exactly. It is half the size of a normal oven and functions as a microwave, oven and grill, and it is great.
posted by goo at 10:17 AM on October 7, 2007

GE makes the Advantium combination convection/microwave oven that can bake, roast, broil, and grill. I've installed a couple of these, they come in 120V or 240V. They are normally built-in, but there's an over-the-range configuration that would just look like a big microwave.
posted by nicwolff at 10:33 AM on October 7, 2007

"I really don't know the details behind the restriction, it's just the way it is."

If it's a zoning regulation (and it works the same as here) then essentially one is allowed to have an inlaw suite in a single family residence zone. They define inlaw suite as a regular suite without a stove but practically this means without a 40A stove outlet.

If that is the case you can buy 110V 15A stoves. They are a pain to use because they have the same heating power as an electric kettle but they do work.

"And we would prefer it not be electric."

In that case, and assuming you have NG or LPG available, get thee to any RV supply house and buy an RV oven. 2-3 burners and a 2/3 -1/2 size oven. They are all built in but any cabinet shop could build you a cabinet if you don't have the skills yourself. Personally I'd look for a RV wrecker or possibly peruse the local used goods paper for a unit as very few of them get any kind of use and the new ones will be expensive.
posted by Mitheral at 11:10 AM on October 7, 2007

We've had a Sharp Grill 2 Convection microwave for about a year and I've found it works fine for baking (pies actually come out better in it than in my regular oven) and grilling. It's large for a microwave and a bit annoying to clean the turntable after grilling something drippy, but otherwise I've had no problems with it.
posted by waterlily at 11:30 AM on October 7, 2007

I believe it is a zoning issue Mitheral. At least, that is what my mother has led me to believe.
posted by Hillman Cobs at 11:43 AM on October 7, 2007