A stand-alone or built-in oven is a luxury in Hong Kong, but it's a necessity if you want to cook anything larger than a chicken.
What is it? A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting. Stand-alone ovens usually have burners on top; ovens that are built into the wall do not. Some ovens have grills for gratineeing and toasting. Ovens are usually heated by gas or electricity, although some can use coal or wood (these types aren't available in Hong Kong).
What are the differences? There isn't much difference between the cooking abilities of gas and electric ovens; they both provide a steady temperature, which is important in cooking, especially baking. Electric ovens tend to be more expensive to operate. Some gas ovens have pilot lights that are on constantly, which gives a low heat that's good for drying foods such as meringues. With gas ovens, there's a small danger of gas leaks and of the flame blowing out while a burner is lit.
What to look for: the most important criteria in a small kitchen is finding something that fits into the available space. Then decide if you prefer gas or electric. Some ovens have a convection setting, which makes food cook more quickly.
What else? Although ovens are calibrated, their temperature should be checked with an thermometer.
Where to buy: TownGas (tel: 2880 6988), Miele (tel: 2610 1331), Gaggenau (tel: 2890 1522) and some Fortress branches (tel: 2555 5788).