The 30-inch Boch HBL3450 single-cavity electric oven combines clean European styling with simple, efficient and sensible technology. And unlike many other European-influenced models, the pricing on this model is equivalent to many of the better American-branded models.

When we compared this oven to ovens from General Electric, Jenn-Air and KitchenAid, we noted a few outstanding differences. With this model, Bosch pays a bit more attention to efficiency than most American-based brands. In particular, the self-cleaning system on the HBL3450 completes an entire cycle in just 2 hours. While the typical American product offers a light 2-hour cycle as an option, the short but effective cycle on this Bosch model saves on power usage as well as time.

The controls are simpler than the typical American offerings in this price range. Instead of high-technology gadgetry, Bosch's oven utilizes simple, familiar knobs for oven temperatures and functions. Only the timer relies on digital touchpad technology. The design is simple, and as a result, programmable settings such as proof mode, cook & hold and keep warm are not preset options. Instead, you'll need to set the temperatures for these modes and not rely on the oven to do it for you. For those who prefer to have complete control of their cooking, this model makes a good choice since it lets you select your own temperatures instead of offering preset functions where the actual temperature of settings may be unknown to you.

When it comes to performance, this oven is comparable to the other brands in its price range. Both convection and conventional baking are offered, and both perform well. What is not offered is a temperature probe for cooking meats to a desired internal temperature, so you will need to rely on your own meat thermometer.

Additional features we like on this model include heavy and stable racks and a choice of six rack positions. Should you wish, you can upgrade the racks to smoothly gliding telescopic ones as this oven is designed to accept these kinds of racks as well.

The best thing about the Bosch HDL3450 is that it's priced to give American consumers the option to purchase an oven built with European styling for the same amount of money as its American counterparts.


Pros: Excellent pricing for Euro-style oven, Eco-Smart self-cleaning cycle, Halogen lighting, simple and elegant
Cons: Lacks the preset functions of typical American-engineered models

Warranty
2 years