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Oven symbols indicate different baking and cooking settings, showing users which function they are selecting. For example, a fan symbol means hot air (fan-assisted) mode, which distributes heat evenly throughout the oven. A droplet symbol stands for defrost. A rectangular line at the top or bottom indicates top or bottom heat. Each symbol shows how the oven delivers and distributes heat to prepare a variety of dishes.
The fan oven symbol is usually a circle with a fan in the centre. This function represents even heat distribution thanks to a fan that circulates hot air inside the oven. The result is consistent baking, ideal for cooking several dishes at once on different levels without flavours mixing. It also reduces cooking time, and the temperature can sometimes be set lower than with conventional methods.
Ovens display top and bottom heat as 2 horizontal lines: the upper line for top heat and the lower for bottom heat. When used together, they provide even heat from both above and below. Used separately, top heat is perfect for gratin dishes, while bottom heat is good for rising dough. Together, they offer a traditional baking method, ideal for cakes and pastries where an even bake is desired.
Grill symbols on ovens are often zigzag lines. A single zigzag line at the top indicates the small grill, while double zigzag lines (at the top and bottom) signify the large grill. The small grill is useful for grilling small portions or browning the tops of dishes. The large grill covers a greater area, ideal for larger quantities. Both settings provide direct, intense top heat – perfect for crisping or creating a golden crust.
The fan grill symbol shows a zigzag line (grill) with a fan underneath. This mode combines the direct heat of the grill with the circulating hot air from the fan. This grills and cooks food evenly. It’s especially handy for thicker cuts of meat or fish, as the outside becomes crispy while the inside cooks through without drying out.
The pizza function icon often shows a fan at the top with a heating element at the bottom of the oven. This mode combines bottom heat with fan circulation. It crisps up the pizza base while the toppings cook evenly thanks to the circulating air. The result is a pizza that’s crispy underneath and juicy on top, just like a stone-baked pizza.
The steam symbol on an oven looks like a cloud or puff of steam. Ovens with this setting add moisture during baking. Steaming preserves nutrients, colour and texture better than conventional baking. This mode is ideal for preparing vegetables, fish and certain desserts. Some ovens combine steam with traditional baking, resulting in crusty bread with a soft centre, or juicy meat with a crispy crust.
The microwave symbol is typically shown as waves or wavy lines. This indicates the use of electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly. Microwaves heat by agitating water molecules in the food, making them perfect for rapid reheating, defrosting, or even cooking. Their efficiency saves time compared to traditional ovens, but they don’t create a crispy crust like a conventional oven.
The defrost symbol is often a snowflake. This function gently and safely defrosts food without cooking it. Cold air circulates around the food, slowly turning the ice into water. This preserves the food’s texture and flavour. Defrosting in the oven is faster than on the countertop and safer than using heat or microwaves.
The crisp symbol usually shows a pan or dish with wavy vertical lines above it. This setting is designed to create a crispy crust, often with the help of a special crisp tray. By combining microwave and traditional heating, food gets a crunchy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Note: the crisp function is only available on combi-microwave ovens.
At MediaMarkt you’ll find a wide selection of ovens offering various baking and cooking functions, each indicated by unique symbols for ease of use. Knowing what each symbol means, like a fan for hot air or a snowflake for defrost, makes it easy to choose the right setting. Discover online or at your local MediaMarkt-store which oven best suits your kitchen and turn every meal into a success.
Curious about microwave symbols as well? Read this article at MediaMarkt.nl.
