The Need for Speed

As well as shortening the time required to cook, speed ovens also save time up-front by eliminating or reducing the pre-heating period required by conventional ovens, according to Stefan Zipper, product manager for Thermador. But time savings vary depending on the model. Claims of cooking speed range from four times faster up to 15 times faster than conventional ovens, and some models claim to reduce cooking time by nearly 50 percent.

Responding to the needs of different market niches, configurations vary. Speed ovens are available as over-the-range microhoods, small and standard-sized single wall ovens, and double wall ovens. Some operate off 120-volt connections, but several require 240 volts.

Although they are typically incorporated into kitchens as secondary appliances, a speed oven can do more than provide backup. In addition to the speed-cook mode, most speed ovens (but not all) offer greater convenience and cooking versatility with independent convection and microwave modes.

“When you explain to [clients] that you can do so-called normal cooking—and don’t have to use the microwaving aspect—and do it in a timely manner, the attraction is a very real one,” says kitchen designer Florence Perchuk of New York’s Designs by Florence Perchuk Ltd. Perchuk has started specing speed ovens in nearly all her kitchen projects.

In an urban loft where both an oven and a microwave are necessary but impractical due to space limitations, a speed oven can be ideal. For the custom home owner who lacks the time or skill to use standard ranges and ovens to their best advantage, a speed oven can handle everyday cooking needs.

Courtesy Miele Miele Offering microwave and convection cooking modes in addition to speed-cooking functions, the Miele MasterChef speed oven can cut cooking time by two-thirds, the manufacturer says. Its large cavity allows several dishes to be prepared simultaneously. 888.346.4353. www.miele.com.

TurboChef Technologies The TurboChef Speedcook 30-inch double wall oven features a top cavity that combines dual microwaves and high-speed air impingement technologies to cook food up to 15 times faster than conventional methods, the maker says. The bottom cavity provides both conventional and convection cooking. 866.908.8726. www.turbochef.com.

Courtesy GE GE Appliances The GE Profile Advantium 120 and 240 built-in speed-cook ovens utilize a high-wattage halogen light system combined with microwaves to cook foods up to four times and eight times faster (respectively) than a traditional oven. In addition to speed-cook functions, the Advantium offers independent convection, microwave, and warming modes. The Advantium 120 and 240 come in wall oven and over-the-range micro-hood configurations. 800.626.2005. www.geappliances.com.

Sharp Electronics Pre-programmed to cook 200 foods and with time-saving recipes, the Sharp R-90GC high-speed oven utilizes a 2,900-watt hot-air circulation system assisted by microwaves to cook foods up to five times faster than a conventional oven. The 1.1-cubic-foot high-speed oven operates as a speed oven, a convection oven, and a microwave oven. 800.237.4277. www.sharpusa.com.

Electrolux The Icon Designer and Professional series high-speed wall ovens combine microwave and convection systems to bake, brown, grill, or roast foods up to 50 percent faster, while also offering independent convection and microwave modes. The 240-volt high-speed ovens feature 84 pre-programmed recipes and cooking selections, in addition to an easy-to-navigate control panel. 877.435.3287. www.electroluxusa.com.