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Oven Buying Guide
Looking for a new oven isn't always easy. Do you want a single or a double? Gas or electric? And most importantly, will it even fit in your kitchen? But there's no need to stress, our buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know. So, whet your appetite on some exciting tech and let's find the perfect oven for you.
Looking for a cooker?
Ovens have similar features to a cooker, but they don’t come with a hob. If you're looking for an all-in-one appliance for your kitchen, our cookers buying guide is for you.
Things to know
Energy rating
Need an oven that’s kind to the planet and your bills? You won’t have to look any further than the handy energy rating. With a range of A+++ to G, you can easily compare how energy efficient each appliance is – those ranked A and above are the best in the biz. So now you can keep your tummy and your wallet happy.
Warranty
Ovens are built to last, but sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why the warranty is so important, it keeps you safe from any nasty surprises. The standard length is usually one or two years, but check the warranty section on our product pages to know exactly what you’re entitled to.
Capacity
If you’re a small household or have a large family to feed, you’ll want to find the right size oven to match. Capacity is measured in litres and ranges from around 43 for a single compact model, to around 75 for a large single or double. They can be built-in or freestanding as well, so you can have a streamlined kitchen.
Fuel type
The type of fuel you want your oven to have depends on the kind of cooking you like to do. For example, gas is great for traditional cooking since you can easily get a precise temperature. Electric meanwhile gives you an even heat, making it ideal for baking and roasting. So, whether you’re an ace chef or just like to keep things simple, you’ll have something that suits your needs.
Fit type
To decide which type of oven to buy, you'll want to think about where it'll go in your kitchen. A built-in model sits at eye-level, while a built-under fits below your kitchen worktop. So, you can choose an option that'll perfectly suit your space.
Dimensions
So, you’ve found an oven you like and you’re ready to commit, but are you sure it’ll fit? You don’t want to receive your fancy new appliance to find it won’t squeeze through your doorways or into the gap. We want to make your delivery day happen without a hitch, so we’ve prepared a handy measuring guide to give you all the info you need.
Number of Cavities
The number of cavities in a cooker vary, from just one main oven to three or four on a range cooker. Deciding which is right for you totally depends on how you'll use it. If you're a relatively small household cooking up quick family meals, one good-sized oven will do the trick. But if you've got space in the kitchen and often host for lots of people, multiple ovens will come in very handy.
Power Supply
Whether it’s time to replace old faithful or you just fancy a different type of oven, you’ll need to check your kitchen has the right power supply. If the oven’s electrical connection is below 3kw then it just needs a standard 13 amp fuse like a regular plug socket. However, if it’s above 3kw, you’ll need something bigger like a 16 or 32 amp fuse – that’s a big red switch on the wall. Going for a gas oven? The same rules apply, but you’ll need the electrical connections to be within 1.5 metres of where it’s being installed.
Key Features
Special cooking settings
Ovens with specialist settings make swish cooking simple with options to suit whatever you’re whipping up. From features that turn your appliance into a jumbo-sized air fryer (hello frozen favourites!) to sous vide and gratin settings when you fancy some posh nosh. There’s a setting for every occasion.
Steam cooking
Whether you're trying to stay healthy or have a bake off to win, an oven with steam cooking will take your creations to the next level. The hot vapour surrounds your ingredients, gently heating them from every angle. This leaves each dish packed with flavour and looking just like those pictures in the recipe book. It’s a fool-proof way to cook like a pro.
Crisp cooking
Ovens come with a bunch of handy features these days, including an option that helps crisp up your cooking. Whether you’re throwing in a pasta bake with a cheesy top or labouring over a roast cooked with love, the crisp cooking setting works by making sure your dishes are juicy on the inside with a crispy crunch on the outside. Yum
Easy clean
We all know that cleaning the oven is the last thing you want to do in your spare time. Luckily, there are clever functions that make it much easier to get everything sparkling again. From grease-proof coatings, steam cleans and Pyrolytic technology, you can pick the one that’s best for you
Electronic food probe
Whether you’re cooking up a Sunday roast or fancy a fish dish, ovens with an electronic food probe let you know exactly when you’ve hit that sweet spot. Some models will even turn themselves off once the desired temperature has been reached, so you’ll never have to suffer through over- or under-cooked meals again.
Even heat distribution
With an even heat distribution oven, there’ll be no more waiting for the veg on the bottom to catch up with the chicken on top. It does what it says on the tin – hot air is spread around, leaving your dinner with a delicious, even finish and letting you cook on every shelf with confidence. Want to become the master of mealtimes? Take a look below to find out how.
Smart-connected
With smart-connected tech, you can enjoy fuss-free cooking. From checking on the roast, to changing the temperature – getting dinner on the go has never been easier. Get ready to take the stress out of mealtimes.
Soft-close door
If you forget your own strength, then an oven with soft-closing doors is for you. They’re kitted out with clever mechanisms that make movements slow and steady. Not only will your kitchen stay quiet, but it’ll also stop your oven getting damaged. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Flexible space
Whether you’re baking a birthday cake or cooking up a large lasagna, you need an oven that can rise to the challenge. Enter: telescopic shelves. They effortlessly glide in and out, are strong and stable, and give you easy access to your delicious creations. Want some more information? Take a look below to see how this clever feature can help you become kitchen royalty.
Touch controls
Looking for a more seamless way to cook? We’ve got just the thing – touch control ovens. While they add a stylish look to your kitchen, they’re more than just a pretty face. Everything from cooking programmes to temperature changes can be sorted in seconds, it only takes a tap.
Quick cooking
So, you’re planning a three-course feast for the family but you’re running late. Luckily there’s time saving tech that’ll speed things up, from rapid pre-heat functions to settings that cook food faster. So, forget dashing around the kitchen – now dinner will be done in a jiffy.
Automatic cooking
Automatic programmes take the guesswork out of cooking by using the ideal settings for your chosen meal. For some, you’ll input the weight of your food to get the best results, while others switch the oven off when it’s done. We’ll take you through the benefits below, along with some of our favourite automatic programmes, so you can choose the best one.
Sensor-controlled cooking
Ovens with sensor controls give you the best results by doing the hard work for you. Some come with a temperature probe so you can get the perfect finish on your meat and fish. Others select the best settings to match your meal, others turn the heat off when your food is ready. Whichever one you choose, mealtimes just got a whole lot easier.
Energy-efficient
If you want to keep your running costs low, while still doing your bit for the planet, an energy-efficient oven will do the trick. Because they use less energy, they’re kinder to your bank balance and the environment – time to grab those recipe books and cook to your heart’s content.
Measure, delivery & installation
Features we love
Never clean your oven again. Ever
Learn more about pyrolytic cleaning and other awesome oven technologies
Samsung Dual Cook Flex™
Discover one oven and loads of ways to cook with this Samsung Dual Cook Flex™ single oven
Ovens with steam function
Check out these ovens that use steam to cook your food rather than just hot air
NEFF Slide&Hide® Oven
Serve up delicious dishes with the innovative Neff Slide&Hide® single oven range
FAQs
- How do I know what size oven I need?
To find out what size oven you need, measure the height of your current oven, or the cabinet space if you don’t have one installed yet. The width and depth of both single and double ovens are always the same, regardless of the model. But you’ll still need to make sure it fits your space. This saves you the work of measuring everything - phew.
Need a bit more help? Our handy cooker and oven measurement guide will give you all in the info you need.
- How do I choose an electric oven?
If you’re not sure what to look for when buying a new oven, it’s best to start with the essentials. Capacity is measured in litres and the more litres it is, the more food you can cook at once. We always include some information on suitable household size for each of our electric ovens, so you’ll be able to make a more informed choice.
You’ll also need to know whether you want the oven to be built-in (placed within a cabinet) or built-under (under the worktop). Other features such as a timer may be useful too – unless you prefer using good old Siri or Alexa.
- Which type of oven is best?
The best oven for you really depends on your home, your family, and how you like to cook. Each model has its own unique set of advantages when deciding which type of oven is best for your home. The 3 main options are single, double, and compact.
A double oven is perfect for families who cook a lot at once. If you’re a couple or smaller family, you may still enjoy the space a double oven provides, especially if you’re always in the kitchen. The next size down is a single oven, which may suit your household better.
Don’t usually cook more than one thing at a time? Compact ovens are ideal for small spaces and meals. When it comes to fuel types, gas ovens can heat up pretty quickly, while electric ovens provide more consistent heat.
- Are more expensive ovens worth it?
When looking at whether more expensive ovens are worth it, keep in mind your budget and which features you’d use. Ovens in the higher price range tend to have more options, such as self-cleaning, Wi-Fi, meat probes, and specialist cooking programmes. So, while you may spend more on the appliance, you’ll have a lot more tech to play with.
- How long should an oven last?
How long an oven lasts depends on how often you use it, but the average lifespan is around 13 years. Through regular cleaning and maintenance, you can make sure your oven lasts as long as possible.
Some manufacturers offer extended warranties in case something does go wrong, so you can get it fixed or replaced within the warranty period. Or, for peace of mind and additional protection, you can get AO Care.
