Max ovens are a popular brand of oven found in many homes across the world. They are known for their durability, performance, and innovative features. But despite their widespread use, many people don’t know much about the company behind these ovens. Who exactly makes Max ovens?
A Bit of History
Max ovens originated in Germany in the early 1900s. The company founder, Max Müller, was an engineer who had a passion for cooking. In 1908, Müller opened a small manufacturing workshop and began producing cast iron ovens and stoves. His goal was to make ovens that were high-quality, long-lasting, and easy to use.
Müller’s ovens quickly gained popularity in Germany due to their superior heat retention and even cooking. By the 1920s, the Max Oven Company had grown into one of the leading oven manufacturers in Europe. Müller expanded the product line to include gas and electric ovens. He also pioneered new oven technologies like the rotisserie oven.
International Expansion
In the 1950s and 60s, Max Ovens began exporting products worldwide. The ovens were well received in North America for their sturdy build and reliability. Max established manufacturing and distribution centers in the US and Canada to meet growing demand.
By the 1970s, Max had become the bestselling oven brand in multiple countries. They focused on innovation and released the first self-cleaning oven in 1976. Their ovens were known for being easy to use and loaded with features. Max ovens typically cost more than competing brands but consumers felt the premium quality was worth it.
The Rise of Kitchen Appliance Conglomerates
In the 1980s and 90s, large corporations started snapping up successful kitchen appliance brands. These conglomerates could manufacture products at higher volumes and lower costs. Max Oven Company was acquired by BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in 1985.
BSH is based in Germany and owns multiple major appliance brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, Neff, and Thermador. Under their ownership, Max continued to be a popular mid-priced oven brand. BSH gave Max the resources to expand engineering and distribution on a larger scale.
Max Ovens Today
As of 2023, Max ovens are still manufactured by BSH. They offer a full line-up of single, double, combination steam, and microwave ovens. The ovens are designed and engineered in Germany but produced globally in various BSH factories.
Max ovens are sold worldwide through retail appliance stores, kitchen remodeling suppliers, and online retailers. They target the middle-to-upper end of the market. Their ovens typically range from $1,000-3000 based on size and features. Some signature features include:
- Precise convection baking
- Customizable temperature probe
- Self-cleaning via steam
- Fast preheat
- Sabbath mode
Reliability and ease of use continue to be cornerstones of the Max oven brand. Their ovens often rank highly in consumer testing for baking performance and temperature accuracy. While not cheap, Max ovens continue to deliver robust quality and durability.
Max Oven Technology
Max ovens utilize the latest in cooking technology to deliver restaurant-quality results in the home kitchen. Here are some key technical features of Max ovens:
Convection Systems
Max ovens use precise convection systems with fans that circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity. This allows for very even baking and browning without hot or cold spots. Their dual convection system has both a rear fan and a third heating element for optimized airflow.
Steam-Assisted Cooking
Many Max ovens have built-in steam injection. The steam keeps foods moist and tender during cooking. It can be used for baking breads or roasting meats. The steam clean function helps loosen soils for easy oven cleaning.
Induction Cooktops
On some models, Max uses induction for smooth-top ranges. Induction directly heats cookware using magnetic energy for instant control and safety. Pan temperature sensors help prevent scorching.
Gas Burners
Max gas cooktops use sealed burners that output up to 20,000 BTU for fast boiling and searing. The flame is contained under the burner for easy cleaning. Simmering under 750 BTU is possible for delicate foods.
Oven Controls
Max ovens have intuitive controls with options like one-touch cooking modes or food probes. The Max Smart Oven is WiFi enabled and can be controlled via smartphone. Voice assistant compatibility allows for hands-free control.
Durable Construction
Max ovens feature sturdy builds with minimal plastic parts. Their oven interiors are porcelain or stainless steel for longevity. Metal or glass touchscreens resist cracks and scratches. Oven doors are specially designed for optimal heat retention.
Max Oven Design
In addition to innovative technology, Max ovens also feature European-style designs. Their ovens have an upscale look for today’s stylish kitchens.
Premium Exteriors
Brushed stainless steel, matte black, or clean white finishes give Max ovens a sleek, modern look. Their minimalist exteriors and metal or glass surfaces are easy to keep clean and fingerprint-resistant. Red accents add a pop of color.
Spacious Cavities
Even compact Max ovens maximize interior capacity. Their cavities easily accommodate large dishes or sheet pans. Interior lighting illuminates the oven for easy viewing.
Coordinating Suites
Max ovens are designed to match with other Max appliances like cooktops, range hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers. This allows for a unified look in kitchens.
Luxury Touches
Subtle design details provide luxury. Soft-close oven doors, anti-slip racks, and adjustable interior lights all lend a high-end feel. MAX ovens also run quietly even during demanding cooking tasks.
Max Oven Performance
The most important factor for any appliance is how well it performs. Max ovens are designed to be best-in-class when it comes to cooking food.
Precise Baking
Convection, steam, and accurate temperature controls result in evenly baked goods. Users rave about Max ovens for baking perfect cakes, cookies, breads, and pizzas.
Juicy Roasting
Large roasts or poultry come out tender and flavorful in Max ovens. The convection system thoroughly cooks meats while keeping them moist.
Crispy Broiling
With infra-red broilers and convection, Max ovens excel at broiling steaks, chops, or anything you want crispy. Foods brown rapidly for those grill marks.
Gentle Defrosting
Using low fan speeds, Max ovens safely thaw frozen foods. Meat and breads defrost evenly without damage.
Consistent Results
Once you learn an oven’s hot and cool spots, they typically remain the same. Max ovens heat so uniformly that results are repeatable each use.
Max Oven Reliability
With heavy-duty construction and quality components, Max ovens are built to provide years of reliable service.
Long-Lasting Parts
From insulation to heating coils, Max ovens use materials that resist warping and corrosion. Their minimal use of plastic means less cracking or stripping.
Rigorous Testing
Before release, Max puts prototype ovens through tests like 24/7 burn-in periods. This ensures any defects are corrected prior to production.
Warranty
Max ovens come with strong limited warranties. Coverage spans 3-5 years for parts and labor depending on model.
Service Network
With authorized service agents nationwide, Max ovens can be repaired by factory-trained professionals. Diagnostics help troubleshoot issues.
Replacement Parts
Even years after purchase, Max oven owners can typically order replacement parts through Max authorized dealers. Common parts remain available.
Solid Reputation
Talk to Max oven owners, and you’ll hear stories of ranges lasting 15-20+ years. While not infallible, most perform well year after year.
Max Oven Pros and Cons
Max ovens have many benefits but also some downsides to consider, depending on your needs.
Pros
- Superb baking thanks to convection
- Steam cooking keeps foods moist
- Heavy-duty construction for longevity
- Large oven capacity
- Intuitive controls and programming
- Matching suite for a cohesive look
- Generally quiet operation
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost
- On the heavy side for installation
- Fingerprints show on stainless models
- Some reliability complaints
- Limited color options
- WiFi connectivity can be glitchy
Max Oven Pricing
As a premium brand, Max ovens are an investment. But pro-style performance doesn’t come cheap. Here’s what to expect:
Single Ovens
Single Max ovens with standard functions start around $1,000. Larger, upgraded single ovens can run $1,500-2,000+.
Double Ovens
Expect to pay $2,500-3,500+ for a Max double oven. The upper oven is often smaller than the lower. High-end models with twin full-size ovens cost over $4,000.
Range/Oven Combinations
A Max range with a single oven starts around $2,000. Their deluxe pro-style gas ranges with double ovens run $4,000-6,000+.
Steam Ovens
Max combination ovens with steam capabilities are $2,800+. They allow steaming, baking, broiling, poaching, and more in one appliance.
Microwave Ovens
Max microwaves cost $600-1,000 based on size, power, and features. Higher-end models have convection cooking too.
Where to Buy Max Ovens
Max ovens are sold through the following channels:
Kitchen Appliance Showrooms
Many independent appliance retailers carry Max ovens. They provide a large showroom to see the ovens in person. Staff is often knowledgeable.
Home Improvement Stores
Big chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy have some Max ovens on display and in stock. Selection is more limited.
Online
Amazon and other appliance e-commerce sites sell Max ovens. This allows easy price comparisons but no ability to see before buying.
Direct from Manufacturer
The Max website has an online store for direct oven purchases. This ensures you get new factory-direct ovens.
Kitchen Remodelers
Max ovens are available through many kitchen renovation companies. They handle the entire removal and installation process.
Max Oven Competitors
While one of the popular premium oven brands, Max faces stiff competition in the marketplace from other lines.
Wolf
The ultra-high-end Wolf brand is known for pro-style ranges. Their dual fuel and induction models rival Max for performance. Commercial-grade construction ensures durability.
Miele
German-made Miele ovens offer similar convection and steam cooking to Max. They are incredibly versatile and made to last decades.
Thermador
Part of the same BSH corporation as Max, Thermador competes with innovations like their star-shaped burners and steam assistance.
Bosch
Bosch Benchmark ovens utilize digital temperature control for precision heating. WiFi connectivity allows remote oven control.
GE Profile
For a more budget-friendly oven with similar finishes and functions to Max, GE Profile is a considerable option.
Kenmore Elite
The new Kenmore Elite oven line from Frigidaire includes wifi, convection, and induction models that rival Max for far less.
Max Oven Accessories
To enhance their ovens, Max offers various official accessories:
| Accessory | Description |
|---|---|
| Replaceable oven racks | Stainless steel racks are durable and easily removable for cleaning |
| Rack glides | Allow you to smoothly pull the oven rack out while supporting heavy dishes |
| Temperature probe | Monitors internal food temperature and programs oven accordingly |
| Broiler pans | Specialized pans with slots to drain grease away from broiling foods |
| Dutch ovens | Heavy cast iron pots that provide superior heat distribution |
| Oven liners | Non-stick mats to prevent messes from dripping and baking on |
Conclusion
Max ovens deliver professional performance, innovation, and quality construction. Owned by German appliance conglomerate BSH, they offer technologically advanced cooking capabilities and European styling. With convection baking, steam-assist, precise digital controls, and heavy-duty builds, Max aims to be the premier oven for the passionate home chef. Their premium materials and manufacturing ensure longevity. If your budget allows, Max ovens provide one of the best cooking experiences available today.