Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine often involves dishes that are cooked in a tandoor oven, a clay oven that uses wood or charcoal as fuel and can reach high temperatures.
While traditional tandoor ovens are not practical for most home kitchens, mini tandoor oven for home offers a convenient and compact alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavours and cooking methods of a tandoor oven at home.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about mini tandoor ovens for home use, including what to look for when shopping, a few options of mini tandoor oven to look for, how to use and care for your oven, and some delicious recipes to try.
What is a Mini Tandoor Oven for Home?
A mini tandoor oven is a small, portable oven that is designed to replicate the cooking conditions of a traditional tandoor oven. Tandoor ovens are typically used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to cook meat, bread, and other dishes at high temperatures using wood or charcoal as fuel.
A mini tandoor oven for home use is typically electric (but we did not find good options for electric) and can be used on a kitchen countertop to cook small amounts of food. They are often used to make naan bread, tandoori chicken, and other dishes that are traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven.
There are several benefits to using a mini tandoor oven for home cooking. One of the main benefits is the ability to achieve high temperatures, which is important for achieving the characteristic flavours and textures of tandoor-cooked dishes.
Mini tandoor ovens also offer a convenient and efficient way to cook small amounts of food, as they heat up quickly and use less energy than a full-size oven. Additionally, mini tandoor ovens are typically easy to use and don’t require the same level of setup and maintenance as a traditional tandoor oven.
Should I Buy a Mini Tandoor Oven for Home?
Deciding whether a mini tandoor oven for home kitchen is a right choice for you depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Here is a list of a few things to consider when making a decision:
Frequency of use
Do you enjoy cooking with a tandoor oven and plan to use it frequently? If not, it is not the best investment for you. Tandoor ovens are typically used for cooking certain dishes, such as naan bread and tandoori chicken, so consider your culinary preferences before buying.
Kitchen space
Mini tandoor oven for home kitchen are small and portable, but they still take up some counter space. We suggest you to consider the overall size of your kitchen and how much room you have available before purchasing.
Capacity
Think about the amount of food you plan to cook and choose a mini tandoor oven with the appropriate capacity. Some are large enough to cook a whole chicken, while others are only suitable for smaller items like naan bread.
Price
As with any appliance, the price of a mini tandoor oven for home kitchen can vary widely. Determine your budget and look for a product that offers good value for the price.
What to Look For in a Mini Tandoor Oven for Home?
When shopping for a mini tandoor oven for home, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you get a high-quality product that meets your needs.
Size
Make sure the mini tandoor oven size is appropriate for your needs. Consider the amount of food you plan to cook and the size of your kitchen to determine the best size for your needs. Keep in mind that larger mini tandoor ovens may be more versatile and capable of cooking a wider range of dishes, but they may also be more expensive and take up more counter space.
Capacity
Consider the capacity of the mini tandoor oven, which is the amount of food it can hold at once. Some mini tandoor ovens are large enough to cook a whole chicken, while others are only suitable for smaller items like naan bread. If you plan to cook large items or want to be able to feed a crowd, look for one with a larger capacity.
Material
Look for a mini tandoor oven made of durable materials such as stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. Avoid mini tandoor ovens made of cheaper materials like plastic, as they may not be as durable and cannot withstand high temperatures.
Fuel type
Most mini tandoor ovens are electric, but some models are fuelled by wood or charcoal. Decide which fuel type is most convenient and practical for your needs. Electric mini tandoor ovens are typically easier to use and require less setup, but they may not offer the same level of authenticity as a wood or charcoal-fired oven.
Temperature control
Ensure the mini tandoor oven you choose has a reliable temperature control system to ensure that your food cooks evenly and to your desired level of doneness. Some mini tandoor ovens have adjustable temperature settings, while others have a fixed temperature. Consider which type of temperature control is most suitable for your needs.
Ease of use
Look for a mini tandoor oven for home that is easy to use and has clear instructions for assembly and operation. Consider whether the mini tandoor oven has a removable cooking tray or rack for easy cleaning and whether it comes with any accessories like skewers or a rotisserie kit.
Brand reputation
Consider the brand reputation of the mini tandoor oven you are considering and read reviews from other customers to get some idea of the quality of the product and the company’s customer service.
Look for a mini tandoor oven from a reputable brand that has a history of producing high-quality products and offering good customer service.
Price
Consider your budget when shopping for a mini tandoor oven for home and look for a product that offers good value for the price.
Note that cheaper mini tandoor ovens may not be as durable or reliable as more expensive models, so it’s often worth investing in a higher-quality product if you use your mini tandoor oven frequently.
Top 2 Options for a Mini Tandoor Oven for Home
Since you now know what to look for in a mini tandoor oven for home, let’s go through some of the best options available to purchase.
PURI SS1 Deluxe – Medium Home Tandoor
This mini tandoor oven for home kitchen from the brand Puri is a fantastic appliance that brings the centuries-old cooking technique of the tandoor oven into an urban and stylish form for use in your home or garden. This tandoor oven is perfect for small families, as it can easily cater to approximately 10-12 people.
One of the standout features of the Mini Tandoor is its traditional Indian clay oven, encased in a stylish stainless steel casing with heavy insulation to retain heat. This allows you to achieve the authentic flavors and textures of tandoor-cooked dishes in your own home, without the need for a traditional tandoor oven.
With the this Mini Tandoor, you can easily make restaurant-quality Naan breads, Tandoori Chicken, and Tikkas at home. The vertical cooking method of the tandoor oven allows for fat-free cooking, making it a healthier option for grilling and roasting.
In addition to the tandoor oven itself, the Mini Tandoor comes with a variety of free accessories, including 8 stainless steel skewers, 2 stainless steel naan rods, a naan cushion, a stainless steel tandoor BBQ grill/griddle, and a weatherproof cover. These accessories make it easy to get started with your tandoor oven and expand your cooking capabilities.
One of the best aspects of the Mini Tandoor is that it can be fired with either charcoal or wood, giving you the option to add an authentic char-grilled flavor to your dishes. Overall, the Mini Tandoor oven from Puri is an excellent appliance for anyone looking to bring the flavors of the tandoor oven into their home kitchen.
PURI SS1 Ultima – Medium Home Tandoor
The SS1 Ultima is a portable, medium-sized mini tandoor oven for home kitchen made of stainless steel and fired with charcoal.
It is suitable for feeding up to 20-25 people and has a stylish stainless steel outer casing with an authentic, hand-crafted clay oven inside, which is well insulated to maximize heat retention.
The SS1 Ultima comes with a range of free accessories, including a stainless steel lid with a brass handle, 10 stainless steel skewers with wooden handles, 2 stainless steel naan bread rods, a naan bread cushion, a stainless steel BBQ grill, a large weatherproof cover, and 2 stainless steel detachable side tables.
A free recipe book called “Tandoor: The Great Indian BBQ by Ranjit Rai” is also included with every Ultima model, but this offer is only valid for a limited time.
Using and Caring for Your Mini Tandoor Oven
Once you’ve chosen the right mini tandoor oven for your home kitchen, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions (mentioned in the manual) for use and care to ensure that it will last as long as possible. Here are a few tips for using and caring for your mini tandoor oven:
Preheat the mini tandoor oven before cooking
Allow the tandoor oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature.
Use a cooking spray or brush on oil
To prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface, lightly coat the cooking tray or rack with cooking spray or brush on a thin layer of oil. This will save some time while cleaning later.
Avoid overcrowding the mini tandoor oven
Try to cook only a little food at a time, as this can cause uneven cooking and may result in burnt or under-cooked food.
Allow the mini tandoor oven to cool down before cleaning
After cooking, allow the mini tandoor oven for home to cool down before cleaning it.
If the oven has a removable cooking tray or rack, remove it and wash it with warm, soapy water.
Wipe down the oven’s interior with a damp cloth, careful not to get water into any electrical components.
Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive sponges, as these can cause damage the surface of the mini tandoor oven.
Store the mini tandoor oven properly
When not in use, store the mini tandoor oven in a dry, cool place out of reach of children and pets.
If the mini tandoor oven for home kitchen is not going to be used for an extended time, it’s a good idea to unplug it and store it in its original packaging to protect it from dust and damage.
Delicious recipes to try in your mini tandoor oven
Now that you know how to use and care for your mini tandoor oven for home kitchen, it’s time to get cooking! Here are a few delicious recipes to try:
Tandoori Chicken
This classic Indian dish is made by marinating chicken in a flavorful mixture of yogurt, spices, and citrus juice, then cooking it in a tandoor oven until tender and juicy.
Naan Bread
Naan is a type of Indian flatbread, traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. It’s easy to make at home using a mini tandoor oven for home kitchen and is a delicious accompaniment to curries and other dishes.
Grilled Vegetables/Paneer
Tandoor ovens are great for grilling vegetables and paneer, as the high temperatures help to caramelize the natural sugars and bring out the flavors. Try grilling a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant in your mini tandoor oven for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Tandoori Shrimp
Marinated in a tasteful mixture of yogurt, spices, and citrus juice, tandoori shrimp, is an easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them in your mini tandoor oven for a few minutes on each side.
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Tandoori lamb chops are a decadent and flavorful treat that is perfect for a special occasion. Marinate lamb chops in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and citrus juice, then grill them in your mini tandoor oven until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Tandoori Chicken Wings
If you’re a fan of chicken wings, you’ll love this tandoori version! Marinate chicken wings in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and citrus juice, then grill them in your mini tandoor oven until crispy and tender.
Conclusion
Mini tandoor oven for home kitchen offer a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a tandoor oven’s flavours and cooking methods at home.
By considering factors like frequency of use, kitchen space, capacity, and price, you can find the best mini tandoor oven for your home kitchen.
When shopping, look for a mini tandoor oven that is made of durable materials, has a reliable temperature control system, is easy to use, and has a good reputation.
With proper care and maintenance, your mini tandoor oven for home kitchen can last for many years and provide you with endless delicious tandoor-cooked dishes.