Halogen Ovens.

[GTI Mom]

I was given one for Christmas. At first I thought it's be one of those things that end up at the back of the cupboard or under the stairs. But got it out of the box about a fortnight ago and it's actually rather good! I've found it cooks faster than the main oven and ideal for a quick meal when I get home from work.

Anyone else tried one of these?

[Melman Giraffe]

Always thought these were for lazy fat people who buy their goods on QVC. Maybe I was wrong!

[GTI Mom]

Nope. I got this for Christmas. Did not know what to do with it at first. Then tried it and found it's been quite a surprisingly useful addition to my kitchen.

[Melman Giraffe]

What meals have you prepared in it? How does it compare to a conventional oven?

out of interest

[LordGrover]

Not familiar but thinking I may get one of these: click.

An article about halogen ovens was quite interesting to me: click.

[Shaw Tarse]

I used to have one, until the bulb blew. They are good, used it for jacket spuds, roasts, more or less anything you can cook in a normal oven.

[GTI Mom]

Hi/ I've cooked fish - salmon - haddock - cod - chops - loins and escalopes etc. I've done exactly as I do if baking fish/roasting food in main oven. This thing will also grill - so I have also grilled fish, bacon etc. I did the Sunday roast with the potatoes roasting at the bottom and the joint at the top. I found that if you wrap in foil you need to make sure it's tight as the fan thing is very powerful. I seal fish with slice of lemon and herbs in foil if baking so's it marinates.

I also did one of those M&S "restaurant meals" in this gadget last night. Found it cooked in half the time as the main oven. (I have big electric fan oven and smaller top oven as well as top of range microwave and a huge slow cooker.) Found this thing is handy when you come home and want oven cooked food quickly. It scores over the microwave as it crisps and browns properly. Basically you can do everything you do in a normal oven in one of these. I've found it a surprisingly useful addition to my kitchen. Like you I had me doubts about it when I first unwrapped it!

[shakotan]

Got one at home, they are great because of the near zero 'warm-up' time. I cook fish fillets and the like in there. I've yet to use it in anger for a roast chicken or similar.

[Shaw Tarse]

Just watch out for getting stuff (probably grease) on the bulb, I think that's why mine went pop

[calibrax]

Got one for xmas a couple of years ago, never used it and sold it on. Was just far too large for my kitchen, took up a lot of workspace.