Table-top halogen ovens

jinnyn_2

Hi, Well I think the idealworld one is the best but they all have a halogen bulb and and it's this that goes. So whichever one you go for you take your chance on the bulb blowing. Ideal world refunded my money when mine went within the year and I'm now waiting for them coming back in stock. They're approx 60.00 now but you get all the racks, tongs, extension etc. and I think that it cooks better than the smaller ones because the top rack is higher, the lid is hinged and it's bigger and the racks don't tip sideways when you're cooking.
Jinnyn

Tennishead

My 30 day grace period is nearly up on a JML halogen oven bought from Betterware. Have been ill since getting it, so only just finished reading instructions and tried it out (empty, so I can return it if necessary).

There is nothing to stop the cable resting on the hot lid, which seems to me a major design flaw. Then there is the issue of having to keep the cable away from hot lid when taking the lid off to test/remove the food. How do others with this model deal with thess issues?

I was very disappointed with the vague cooking instructions (and how can chicken require less time and lower temperature than cod?). It also seems daft that the timer only does 60 mins and then it switches off, yet they tell you to roast a chicken for 70 mins - which is the food in the promotional pictures! Has anyone tried JML's £5 recipe book for it, is there basic stuff in it like how long to cook your chops etc. or is it fancy recipes which require lots of preparation?

I have until Friday until my 30 days is up, and am trying to decide whether to return it. I need to eat more meat as I can't tolerate iron tablets well and have low iron. I bought it because I want to bake/grill venison steaks, chicken and pork chops. I currently cook meat by frying as I only have a micorwave and a hob. Was beguiled by the idea of the occasional roast chicken, but guess it would take a while. Not sure if I would roast very much as my tolerance for cooking lasts about 30-40 mins and I don't have much energy/time due to health issues. Or enthusiasm for cooking for just myself.

I am also thinking about a remoska or a counter top grill. Or maybe I should just find some stew recipes or get a griddle which will go on a hob. I find it difficult to be available all day for a courier and am limited in what I can carry from a shop (wrist problems and no car), which is why I bought what Betterware had to offer (delivery at my convenience). How heavy is a Remoska? I am wondering if I could get it in a rucksack and carry one home. I just need something which will cook meat fast for one person, and preferably cope with meat for 3 when visitors come.

Any thoughts on any aspect of the above appreciated.

PasturesNew

Tennishead wrote: »

Then there is the issue of having to keep the cable away from hot lid when taking the lid off to test/remove the food. How do others with this model deal with thess issues?

A quick google and I found a lid rest
http://www.coopersofstortford.co.uk/detail.php?productid=ST07182&proddesc=LID+STAND+FOR+HALOGEN+OVEN&supercategory=&branch=&wcategory=&catdesc=

No idea if it's any good, I am here reading this thread because I fancy one of these ovens at some future point.

Tennishead wrote: »

I just need something which will cook meat fast for one person, and preferably cope with meat for 3 when visitors come.

Also while googling, it seems there's a portable/mini version of these ovens, not checked them out yet, but there certainly would appear to be some smaller versions.

What puts me off these so far is space and fear. Fear of the unknown, strange noises, the bright light ... will it catch fire. Then will it do a good job.

Beyond that, I have size issues, it looks a bit big for me (small, short, weak, pathetic) and I wonder if the size of it, being so high up on the counter compared to me - and my cack-handedness with the lid, would mean it'd be a disaster. I have a small kitchen too ... but it's definitely on the future list of things to possibly look into more.

Here's one allegedly mini one: http://telegraph.easylifegroup.com/products/2491.asp
27cm wide 16cm-deep

And the same one I think with mirroroffers
http://www.mirrorreaderoffers.co.uk/item-ee-2491-hcn-1/mini-halogen-oven/
27cm wide 16cm-deep

The JML one seems to be bigger, making the "mini" statement feasible
"Generous 10 litre capacity bowl 1300W Mains powered"
"36.3 x 36.3 x 23.3 cm"

I'm warming to the idea of a mini one

Paula202

I have the one from Ideal World and I love it :jI really couldn't do without it anymore, my house has an oil fired rayburn and as there is only 2 of us its not worth heating for 45 minutes to cook some coated chicken product, anyway, the only time I have used the rayburn since is for a couople of roast beef dinners as I think the halogen makes beef a bit tough.

With regards to time etc, I like most others was concerned about this and the lack of instructions and recipes but as others have said, just treat it like an ordinary oven and adjust temps rather than cooking times and just keep an eye on it. Tbh the main thing i find that cooks quicker is the like of oven chips or wedges.

Tennishead

Thanks PasturesNew and Paula

PasturesNew wrote: »

A quick google and I found a lid rest

I have seen the Coopers of Stortford one too, not sure if theirs is a JML though, they seem to sell it as their own, so I wonder if it is the same size. Looks pretty similar though. Won't keep the cable off the lid in operation though. I can't believe they didn't extend the plastic moulding to the edge of the lid where the cable comes out.

Re mini ones, the JML thing is quite heavy, even the glass bowl on its own. Although I am not strong, I am tall and I can manage to lift it. If you get one from betterware you can return it free of charge if it seems unsuitable on inspection.

Still trying to decide what to do....... Further comments welcomed.

geordie_joe

Tennishead wrote: »

There is nothing to stop the cable resting on the hot lid, which seems to me a major design flaw. Then there is the issue of having to keep the cable away from hot lid when taking the lid off to test/remove the food. How do others with this model deal with thess issues?

Don't worry about that, it is perfectly safe as the cable has a few inches of heat proof insulation.

As for the timer, you can adjust it at any time. If you want it to cook for more than 60 minutes just turn the timer back 10 minutes at any time during the 60 minutes. Not ideal I know, but it does work.

Tennishead

Paula202 wrote: »

I have the one from Ideal World and I love it.

where did you buy this please Paula? is it mail order? and is it full size or mini?

Tennishead

geordie_joe wrote: »

Don't worry about that, it is perfectly safe as the cable has a few inches of heat proof insulation.

Thanks Joe, can I ask where you got this info from? Have I missed it in the instruction book?

geordie_joe

Tennishead wrote: »

I am also thinking about a remoska or a counter top grill.
How heavy is a Remoska? I am wondering if I could get it in a rucksack and carry one home.
I just need something which will cook meat fast for one person, and preferably cope with meat for 3 when visitors come.

.

Oops, forgot this.

Just been and weighed my Remoska, a complete Standard Remoska weighs 5lb 3oz without the packaging. You'd need to be sure the box would fit into your rucksack too.

The Remoska will cook meat for one or three people, and it will be very nice, but it won't be quick. The Remoska only has one temperature setting and that is fairly low.

geordie_joe

Tennishead wrote: »

Thanks Joe, can I ask where you got this info from? Have I missed it in the instruction book?

I don't know if it is in the instruction book, I found out by going and looking at my own JML Halogen oven. I know enough about electrics to recognise a cable heat shield when I see one.