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When shopping around for a main oven for your kitchen, you’ve probably already found that there are plenty of specifications and features that you need to compare and contrast between. It can sometimes get to be a bit of a muddle! You may have noticed, for example, that some models have ‘class numbers’. What are oven classes?
It’s worth remembering that ‘classes’ only apply to Hotpoint ovens. This means that you might find a stainless steel Hotpoint Class 4 oven, rated for its energy efficiency and its various features. You might also find that there are Hotpoint Class 2 oven models, as well as Hotpoint Class 3, 5 and 6.
Confused? Don’t be! These class numbers exist to help you narrow down your options. Whether you’re in the market for an electric single oven with fan assisted cooking, or a double oven with a fantastic energy rating, let’s take a look at how the Hotpoint Class system could help you in the long run.
What Are Oven Classes?
Oven classes, set up by Hotpoint, help you to work out which models are likely to offer you the best cooking support. These Hotpoint Class ratings aren’t an industry standard, however, people will use them to differentiate between budget electric oven models and those which are considered high-end.
For example, a higher Hotpoint Class might take into account touch panel controls and larger cooking capacities. Lower classes, conversely, might have less built in – and may offer less capacity. However, what doesn’t seem to differ is the general type of oven.
It’s perfectly possible to buy a double oven in a lower class, and a single oven in a higher class. What might make an electric oven a Hotpoint Class 4 instead of a 2, for example, is whether or not it has advanced features, or a nicer finish. For example, a built in electric oven, stainless steel rather than brushed metal, is more likely to be a 4 than a 2. Models focusing on energy efficiency, such as fan ovens and fan assisted ovens, for example, might also scale up higher on the ranking.
What is the Difference Between Class 2 and Class 4 Ovens?
Let’s take time to consider a couple of further examples showing the differences between a Hotpoint Class 4 oven and a Class 2 model.
A Class 2 electric oven might have a small amount of room in its main oven, and the most basic features. These models are likely to be some of the cheaper built and cheaper costing ovens in the line, and might not be the most efficient when it comes to energy ratings.
Hotpoint Class 4 ovens meanwhile take things up a level. This might be a fan oven, stainless steel in build, with added features and enhanced energy rating and performance. Therefore, it is considered immediately more advanced than your average Class 2 model.
Hotpoint Class 4 oven stainless steel or otherwise are built to be in the mid-range. This is because classes for Hotpoint ovens run between 2 and 6. There’s no Class 1! A Hotpoint Class 4 is, ultimately, going to save you more time and effort in the kitchen than, say, a budget model along the lines of a Class 2. It’s built for increasing oven demands, and for modern efficiency expectations.
How to Identify a Class 2 Oven
- May have a small amount in the main oven
- Likely to have basic features
- Will possibly be cheaper in build quality
- Likely to cost less than a other ovens in the line
- May not be as energy efficient
How to Identify a Class 4 Model
- Likely to be fan assisted
- Come with a Stainless steel build
- Have added features
- Will have an enhanced energy rating and performance
What is a Class 6 Oven?
This is where Hotpoint really pushes the boat out! These models are considered top in the line, meaning that you’ll often find the most efficient fan oven electric standards in this class. A Class 6 oven, stainless steel with impressive touch screen functionality and self cleaning capability, will be built to be the most convenient cooking appliance you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
It’ll save you time – but will it save you money? Maybe not. This is the balance you’re going to need to strike. Is it work spending more money for fancier technology – or to save money and invest in simpler ovens instead?
How to identify a Class 6 Oven
- Top in the line
- Most efficient fan oven electric standards
- Stainless steel
- Impressive touch screen functionality
- Self-cleaning
- Will save time
- Comes at a cost
Which Type of Oven is Best?
That’s the million-pound question. Yes – Class 2 ovens are always going to be at the lower end of the quality, efficiency and build scale – but they are still great value. You are still investing in a Hotpoint electric oven. This is a brand which is recognised by pretty much every kitchen owner on the planet. They have decades of experience in building the very best ovens!
That said, Class 6 ovens may well appeal to you if you are striving to get the best for your money. Yes, these ovens are going to be much more expensive than the more basic models available, but if your needs and tastes demand the best, and you have the money available to invest, why not?
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may enjoy our Tips to Making Your Kitchen Environmentally Friendly and Home Remedies to Clean Your Oven.