Table-top halogen ovens

SallyForth_2

I have two, one's JML, and one's Cooper, both are pretty much the same. I did have a blow out with the bulb on my first JML just after Christmas, but I sent it back and they sent me a new one.

I have used them both pretty much everyday ever since, and rarely use my main oven. You use them exactly the same way as an oven, but watch the timings as they tend to be faster. I also have one of those metal rings which are supposed to be for expanding the capacity, but I find it is sometimes necessary to lift the element up further away from the food to stop the surface browning too quickly, and the ring does this a treat.

The only other thing which can be tricky is finding trays and pans to fit inside it. Oh and while they are self cleaning to a point, it's not perfect, the bowls do need to be washed conventionally from time to time, and the lid does get grubby and needs careful cleaning. They are still easier to keep clean than a conventional oven though.

My only concern, is while I have had 7-8 months of reasonable success with these, I do wonder how robust they will be over the years. I guess there is only one way to find out.

kinkyjinks

kinkyjinks wrote: »

I've read this thread and noticed that quite a few of you use your halogen oven to make bread. How?

Is everyone else using a metal tin or a silicone tin?

Shamelessly answering my own post but....if there are any other HO owners who are struggling to cook bread I have found that I can cook a fairly acceptable loaf using silicone loaf tins/cases. I've always struggled with silicone in a conventional oven but have found them to be ideal in a HO. I turned my loaf out of the silicone case and turned it upside down for another 10 mins or so and it was fine

kinkyjinks wrote: »

Another thing I've read on here is that lots of you make cheese on toast in it. Do you brown one side of the bread first because when I tried it I just put in a slice of bread topped with cheese on the high rack and the bread wasn't toasted underneath. TIA

I found this link and can't wait to try it for tomorrows breakfast. I guess it's all about getting used to what rack to cook things on.

Barnetbear

Some discussion on skin cancer risks (1992):-
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/16/us/new-study-bolsters-skin-cancer-s-link-to-halogen-lamps.html
WASHINGTON, Scientists said today that they have more evidence that halogen lights may increase the risk of skin cancer, a risk that apparently can be eliminated by using simple glass or plastic covers over the bulbs. Again 1992: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975372,00.html#ixzz0XsrMCJTu
Cancer in hairless (I assume that means like bare skin) mice, 2005 :- http://en.scientificcommons.org/49631338

As a layman it appears to me that they suggest the risk from proper use is low, very low or nil. What surprises me then is why aren't more better-known manufacturers making them if they are so good? Most of the manufacturers of these items I've never heard of.

december

I'm thinking about getting one, as have seen one for £40 reduced from £100. If you have one, what are your thoughts about the pros and cons of it? I was thinking it might be cheaper to run than our electric oven but was wondering if roasts taste the same or whether they taste microwaved if that makes sense?

Thanks very much

December

december

Have just found the table top halogen oven thread, thanks

PasturesNew

My dad wanted one, reasons it would be bad for him were mostly the weight, then space needed. They are a glass bowl with a lid/heating element on. When you lift up the lid it's hot ... think about how/where you'll put that down. The weight issue is an issue for those with mobility/manual dexterity problems and the weight of a heavy glass bowl and contents isn't always something somebody could manage easily.

ginnyknit

I have just seen one in Poundstretcher for 20 quid and it says it saves 20% electric, I would be interested to know if they are any good/

newbie_alert

I'd quite like one, however reading the thread on grabbit, someon has posted up some reviews......... the element seems to go every couple of months.

jenster

i have two !!:D

and wouldn't be with out them now ( hardly use the oven expect for the large shep pies and lasagnes (

thus saving on having a large oven on

do everything from roast's to chips to stews -

and put water and washing up liquid in to clean it

cant fault it -- oh wait yes i can lid takes a bit of cleaning - u have to wipe it over when u finish - job done :rotfl:

december

Thanks for the replies It would mainly be my OH who would be using it so the lifting of it wouldn't be so much of an issue, likewise the bulkiness of it