Our breakdown review of the Chef CFE535WB Key Features and Drawbacks

Dejan Josipovic

The Chef CFE535WB 54cm Freestanding Electric Stove is crafted to deliver a simple and reliable cooking experience, perfect for small to medium-sized kitchens. Emphasizing simplicity and practicality, this stove is ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of electric cooking. Chef, a reputable Australian appliance brand that is a part of Electrolux, makes sure that this model has the necessary features and functionality to satisfy regular cooking needs without being prohibitively expensive.

Key Features of the CHEF CFE535WB

Four Radiant Heating Elements: The stove is equipped with four radiant electric solid heating elements of three different sizes, accommodating a range of cooking needs from simmering sauces to rapidly boiling water. The front two elements are each 1500W, the rear right element is 1000W, and the rear left element is 2000W.

Dual Functionality: The Chef CFE535WB includes an electric oven and a separate electric grill compartment. This dual functionality allows users to bake, roast, and grill simultaneously, making it versatile for a variety of cooking methods. It is important to note that the grill compartment cannot be used with the door closed.

80L Capacity: The oven has one of the largest oven volumes in the category, with an 80-liter capacity, spacious enough to handle larger dishes and multiple trays, making it suitable for family meals and entertaining guests.

Interior Oven Light: Unlike previous versions of the CFE535W stove, the CFE535WB version includes an interior oven light, making it easy to monitor the cooking progress without opening the door and losing heat.

Mechanical Timer: The inclusion of a mechanical timer adds convenience, allowing users to set precise cooking times and focus on other tasks without worrying about overcooking.

Shelf Positions: The oven features five shelf positions and comes with two actual oven shelves, providing flexibility in arranging dishes and optimizing cooking space.

2-Year Warranty: The Chef CFE535WB comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality and durability.

Manual Knob Controls: The stove is equipped with manual knob controls for precise temperature adjustments for both the cooktop and oven. These controls are user-friendly and straightforward, with clear markings that make it easy to set and monitor cooking temperatures.

Classic White Enamel Finish: The stove boasts a classic white enamel finish that complements any kitchen decor and is easy to clean, maintaining a fresh and tidy appearance.

Sturdy Build Quality: The robust construction ensures durability and long-term use, designed to withstand the demands of daily cooking. With a 54cm width, this stove is ideal for kitchens with limited space, providing efficient use of available room without sacrificing functionality.

Removable Glass Door: The oven door is equipped with a removable glass panel, which offers significant convenience and functionality. It allows for thorough cleaning of both inner and outer surfaces, preventing grease and residue build-up, which improves hygiene and reduces odours and bacteria. A clean glass door enhances visibility into the oven, allowing for monitoring without heat loss. It also minimizes fire hazards and helps maintain the appliance's appearance. The easy removal of the door simplifies maintenance, encouraging regular cleaning and better overall kitchen hygiene.

Hardwired Installation: The Chef CFE535WB requires hardwiring with a minimum 4mm cable and a 32A circuit. This ensures a stable and secure power supply necessary for its operation.

Anti-Tilt Plate: As part of Australian standards, the stove comes with an easy-to-install anti-tilt plate that must be installed as a safety feature, preventing the appliance from tipping over and ensuring user safety.

Conventional Oven Function: Unlike some of the premium models, such as the Chef CFE547WB, the Chef CFE535WB comes with a conventional oven function. A conventional oven uses a bottom heating element to cook food, which can result in uneven temperatures inside the oven. This method is ideal for traditional baking, roasting, and cooking recipes that require different temperatures at the top and bottom of the dish.

Why we think fan-forced ovens are better?

Fan-forced ovens use a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food, resulting in more consistent cooking temperatures and faster cooking times. This can be particularly useful for baking and roasting multiple dishes at once. In contrast, conventional ovens rely on the bottom heating element, which can create hot spots and uneven temperatures.

What are the pros of the CHEF CFE535WB?

Class-leading 80-Liter oven capacity

Handy separate grill

Removable glass door system

2-Year warranty

What are the cons of the CHEF CFE535WB?

Basic design lacks advanced features

Conventional oven function

Grill cannot be used with the door closed

We find the Chef CFE535WB 54cm Freestanding Electric Stove to be a practical and reliable choice for those seeking an economical electric cooking solution. Its combination of essential features, safety, and versatile cooking options makes it a solid option for small households or kitchens with limited space. While it may lack some features found in higher-end models, it offers excellent value for those prioritizing functionality and simplicity. The added benefit of a 2-year warranty ensures peace of mind for its users, and the included anti-tilt plate enhances safety, meeting Australian standards. Additionally, this stove is one of our more popular electric stoves, especially in the rental market, due to its economical price tag and user-friendly features.

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