Baking in Japan

20 comments

1. I have one of those oven/microwave combos. Big enough to fit a cast iron dutch oven and bake proper bread

2. Probably not the answer you’re looking for, but we bout a Zojirushi bread maker. Neither of us are much for cakes, so it serves pretty well.

3. Steam oven. Sharp Healsio.

4. If you want to buy a proper oven, check yodobashi, bic camera, joshin or whatever electronic stores around. They are expensive but they work as microwave, steamer, oven, air fryer, etc. They can be used at lower temperatures so they’re also good for proofing doughs and making yogurt, etc. And some go up to 350°C so they sound amazing for pizzas. We have an older version of one of these and it’s been going for 15 years no problem. So I’d say worth the investment. I also own a little toaster + air fryer from Iris Oyama that can bake cakes and bread too. Results are nowhere close to a proper oven but if you’re not here for too long or if you don’t want to spend too much, an エアーオーブントースター or ノンフライヤーオーブントースター can be a good alternative. I’d use the smaller one for muffins or cookies but cannot imagine baking a proper sourdough bread loaf in it.

5. Personally use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.jp/RE-SS10-XW-Superheated-Microwave-2-Tier-Cooking/dp/B07M8VBL6C

   (Last year’s model)

   Have made many loaves (1.5 size) as well as buns etc. Not so much into cakes so can’t comment on that but I can recommend.

6. Buy an oven.
   30L is enough for daily life in my experience. I bake bread, make pizza, roast veggies, make casseroles etc.

   Just one tip of advice. Look into one that can at least give you 250°C. if you plan on doing some pizzas 300°C is even better. Most of them are steam ovens with upper heat options. If you can find one where there is upper and lower heat settings that would be the best imo, as lower heat is the only thing I miss with my own. And let me know if you do.

7. [Sharp Healsio](https://jp.sharp/range/), [Panasonic Bistro](https://panasonic.jp/range/), [Toshiba Stone Kiln Dome](https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/jp/microwaves/lineup/?type=%E9%81%8E%E7%86%B1%E6%B0%B4%E8%92%B8%E6%B0%97%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%B3%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8), and [Hitachi Healthy Chef](https://kadenfan.hitachi.co.jp/range/) are the main higher end steam-oven/microwave combo units I believe.

   I have a Bistro and using it for baking all the time. Check reviews on Kakaku: https://kakaku.com/kaden/steam-oven-range/

8. I use a mini convection oven. Just made Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls from scratch last weekend. I’ve made loaf bread and hamburger buns as well without any hassle. Just wish I had more counter space for working with all the ingredients and making the dough.

9. I have a oven microwave combo like most people have been talking about. One issue I have found with all 3 I have used has been the like for them to come to heat and then maintaining that heat. One of them literally took 25 minutes to come to 210C. Moreover, when you open the door it drops straight down to 160C. I think that one was a Hitachi. I would ask the staff at Yodobashi, Bic, K’s, etc about those sorts of things before buying. The staff at those places are usually very knowledgeable.

10. I bake often! I use a toaster oven. Its small so I bake in batches if I’m making cookies. I use a 22cm tin for cakes that fits in it. So it works for me.

11. I bought a Japanese oven microwave. Its total shit compared to even the worst ovens in Europe and North America, but it’s better than nothing I guess. Sometimes I really want to roast or bake.

    It’s got a convection at the back of it and does fairly even heating but holy shit it loses all the heat in the oven immediately. Never stays at actual listen temperature.

    Cost me 300 usd on sale. Don’t buy full price it’s just not worth it

12. Few years ago I went to check at cooking classes to have a look and see what they use.
    It was a wall of Toshiba, I bought the same model and still enjoying 7 years after.

13. Microwave/oven combo. Gets the job done.

    Note the cheap ones take forever to reach temperature. Worth paying for a decent one IMO. Also, the grill function is anemic – not even close to matching a cheap toaster oven – but it’s better than nothing.

14. I use this cheap oven to bake muffin, cupcakes and bread. It’s amazing and still working after 2 years

    https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Iris-Ohyama-Convection-Oven-PFC-D15A-W/dp/B00PU3PHOQ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=%E5%AF%BE%E6%B5%81%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%B3&qid=1660786438&sprefix=convection%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-5

15. My apartment is equipped with a decent microwave-oven combo. THE reason I chose it. Heats up really quickly and the temperature is pretty even throughout.

16. Buy a countertop oven/microwave combo – the kind that is primarily an oven and has a microwave function (these are bigger and more expensive than a normal microwave). I had a microwave with an oven function before and it was only good for microwaving.

    30 litres is basically the biggest size you can get here and is good enough for anything IMO. I have a 30L Sharp Healsio and I love it. Panasonic Bistro is another good brand. You can get both on Amazon.

    I only use the fish grill for grilling fish.

17. https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/89dbi9/an_oven_question_for_the_baking_folks_out_there/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/clen2r/kitchenware_for_baking_around_tokyo/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/oa7euu/egg_whites_for_baking/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/g836wk/home_baking_best_ovenrange/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/t6qlk/does_anyone_know_how_to_use_the_fish_oven_thing/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/ngu6kq/unglazed_tiles_for_home_baking_at_d2_kounan_etc/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1u13nx/what_do_you_use_as_your_oven_alternative/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/atbp9j/where_to_find_larger_amounts_of_baking_ingredients/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/o2flov/help_with_making_bread_what_to_buy/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/jbd87c/any_suggestions_for_home_baking/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/c9s4b9/learn_to_bake_in_japan/

18. I bought a proper steam oven, as well as ended up importing the Anova Oven.

19. I got a normal sized oven from China. I think I found the seller on alibaba. MUCH cheaper than anything similar bought domestically.

20. I use small oven with 2 lamp at the bottom and top to bake sourdough, a bit too small but still possible.
    Plan to buy a microwave oven in the future