BEKO BBCM17400B compact built-in oven, 48 L, 13 functions, steam, hydrolytic

A compact oven is lower than a standard one: the BBCM17400B is 45.5 cm high and 59.4 cm wide. You can install it in a tall housing unit at eye level, where dishes go in and come out without bending down, or pair it in a column with another compact appliance. In a small kitchen, the lower oven also leaves more room for drawers or cupboards.

A 48-litre cavity is smaller than a full-size oven, yet it takes ordinary baking dishes, tray bakes and casseroles. The smaller space heats up faster, and for the most common dishes such as a gratin, a chicken, roast vegetables or biscuits there is plenty of room. If you often bake on several trays at once or cook very large roasts, a full-size model is worth considering.

According to the manufacturer, the oven has 13 functions to choose the right way of heating for different dishes. There is also a steam function: steam adds moisture to the cavity, which helps with bread and yeast dough, for example. The manufacturer's data lists no convection, meaning fan-assisted heating, for this model. The full list of functions and how to use them is in the BEKO user manual.

With hydrolytic cleaning you pour a little water into the base of the oven and start the cleaning programme. The oven warms up, the water evaporates and the steam softens grease and food residue stuck to the walls and floor, which you then wipe away with a cloth once it has cooled. There is no need for harsh oven cleaners or long scrubbing, and the cavity stays tidy even with frequent use.

The oven is operated with touch buttons, and the selected settings are shown on the LED display. A smooth touch panel is easy to wipe clean because dirt does not collect around knobs. The energy class is A+. The oven is 59.4 cm wide, 56.7 cm deep and 45.5 cm high, weighs 29.2 kg and has a black finish.

The BEKO BBCM17400B suits kitchens where the oven goes into a tall unit at eye level, or where there is no space for a full-size model. It also fits smaller households who cook every day but do not need a full-size oven. The steam function is a welcome extra for anyone who bakes bread at home, and hydrolytic cleaning for anyone who would rather not scrub the oven.