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BigOven is a social network dedicated entirely to cooking and food related topics. Users can check out the site and share their favorite recipes or look for potential new favorites. The features available allow users to connect while making grocery lists using BigOven recipes, build a try soon list and organize recipes online. BigOven is the cooking enthusiasts dream come true. The site allows users to get in touch with others who enjoy cooking, regardless of skill level. Along with detailed directions, the recipe also come with full color images to entice users and help guide them in preparing the dish for the first time.

BigOven was founded in 2002. Based out of Seattle, Washington, the team is headed by CEO Steve Murch. The site was originally intended to create a place to build a cooking social network. The site has been successful, with many members contributing their favorite recipes and others discovering new ones every day.

There are many social networks out there today, although the most popular examples offer a general theme. BigOven is unique because the site is entirely dedicated to the art of cooking. Users can discover new recipes they have never tried or post their preferred recipes to share with others. The social networking element makes the site interactive as users discuss food, cooking and help one another prepare recipes posed by the user community.

The BigOven website offers a clean, clutter free design that is highlighted by large, vibrant images of mouthwatering food. New visitors may be enticed by images of recipes and dishes featured on the homepage header. The red and white color scheme provides an eye-catching contrast that builds the perfect backdrop for searching recipes and getting to know the BigOven community. The site also features many common social networking tools, but does so without all the clutter of well known social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace.

A new visitor can become a BigOven member by clicking the red “Join Us!” button in the top right hand corner of the website. Signing up is very easy and the site only asks for the very basis. The short registration form, found along the right hand side of the account page, asks for a desired username, email address and password. After clicking the red “Sign me up for BigOven!” button at the bottom of the form, the user is sent a confirmation email. After that, they can begin accessing BigOven features and participating in the cooking community.

Visitors can sign up for a BigOven account for free. There are no subscription fees or other charges required. The site does not request payment information to create an account. Anyone can stop by and begin using BigOven without paying a dime for doing so. BigOven mentions a premium paid membership option, however no additional information is provided. The site does not list the cost. Users can also choose to download BigOven for iPad, iPhone and Android mobile devices. The price for each download varies from free to about $10.

BigOven is a great resource for anyone who enjoys cooking. Even novice chefs can hone their skills and expand their cooking potential by collecting new recipes. The site allows users to share and discover new dishes at their leisure. The social networking aspect also gives users a way to get answers to their cooking related questions as they improve their abilities.

• Post your favorite recipes to share with the community
• Browse recipes posted by other users
• Create a cooking profile that details experience
• Connect with other users who enjoy cooking
• Build a grocery list using BigOven recipes

BigOven video

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