Oven buying guide: Which oven to buy for your home?

It may have been a while since you last shopped for an oven, and the choices available today may surprise you. To help you navigate the evolving options, we have created a practical guide with essential tips to choose the perfect oven for your home and lifestyle.

One of the major benefits of a built-in oven is its flexibility in placement, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into your kitchen design. If you are replacing an existing appliance, you will typically need to match the size and style of the previous oven.

However, if you are starting from scratch or willing to modify your cabinetry, the possibilities are much broader. Take the time to explore different types, sizes, features, and energy efficiency, so you can choose an oven that suits your cooking style, home’s aesthetic and budget.

Which type of oven is best for your kitchen?

Choosing the right type of oven is crucial for ensuring it fits seamlessly into your kitchen layout while meeting your cooking habits. Here’s a breakdown of some popular oven types by installation to help you decide:

Built-in ovens

Built-in ovens are designed to integrate seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, either at eye level in the wall or underneath a worktop, delivering a sleek and modern aesthetic. Their flexible placement allows you to position them comfortably, making cooking more convenient and accessible.

Built in single ovens

These standard-size ovens offer ample cooking space, perfect for most households. With a variety of cooking modes and precise temperature control, single built-in ovens provide the flexibility to prepare everything from family dinners to elaborate recipes.

Built in compact ovens

As the name suggests, these ovens are ideal for smaller kitchens or for those who don't require the capacity of a standard-sized oven. Despite their smaller size, built-in compact ovens typically offer all the features of their larger counterparts, including baking, grilling, and even microwave functions in some cases.

Freestanding countertop ovens

Compact and versatile, freestanding countertop ovens are designed for those who need flexibility and convenience in the kitchen. These ovens can be placed on your countertop, offering a space-saving solution without the need for built-in cabinetry. Despite their smaller size, they often feature multiple cooking modes like baking, grilling, roasting, and even air frying, making them highly functional for a variety of cooking needs.

How to choose oven size & capacity

What oven size do you need?

Choosing the right oven size is essential to ensure it fits seamlessly into your kitchen layout and meets your cooking needs. Here’s an overview of common oven sizes to help you make the right decision:

• Standard oven size: 60 x 60 cm (W x H)
• Compact oven size: 60 x 45 cm (W x H)
• Large oven size: 90 x 48 cm (W x H)
• Extra-large oven size: 90 x 60 cm (W x H)

Tip: If you’re replacing a standard oven but want a compact model, pair it with a warming drawer to fill the existing cutout seamlessly. This combination offers functionality without sacrificing design.

How much oven capacity do you need?

Apart from width and height, ovens are also measured in litres. You can refer to the capacity guide below to choose the most suitable oven for your needs:

Oven fuel type: Gas oven vs Electric oven

When selecting an oven for your kitchen, considering the fuel type is just as important as size, style, and cooking functions. Both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, so understanding the differences between gas oven and electric oven is crucial for making the right choice for your needs.

Electric ovens

Electric ovens are the more common choice in many modern kitchens. Here's what you should know:

• Electric ovens generally provide more even heat distribution throughout the cavity, especially models equipped with a fan (convection). This results in more consistent cooking and baking.
• Electric ovens require pre-heating to reach the desired temperature. However, advancements in technology have significantly reduced pre-heating times in modern models.
• The drier air generated by electric ovens can be advantageous for achieving crispy and browned results, particularly for dishes like roasted potatoes or baked goods.

Gas ovens

While less common than electric models, gas ovens offer their own set of benefits:

• Gas ovens typically have a higher initial purchase price compared to electric ovens. However, due to the energy efficiency of gas cooking, they can often be more cost-effective over their lifetime, depending on local energy prices.
• Gas ovens cook with greater moisture, making them particularly well-suited for baking cakes and roasting meats, helping to keep them moist and tender.
• Gas ovens heat up more quickly than electric models and offer more precise temperature control.
• Gas ovens can run on either natural gas or LPG (propane) bottles, depending on the model and your available gas supply.

Which oven heating types suit your cooking needs?

Modern ovens offer a variety of heating technologies designed to cater to different cooking styles and needs. Understanding these options will help you choose an oven that perfectly complements your culinary pursuits.

Convection ovens

Perfect for evenly cooked meals, convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring consistent temperatures throughout. This heating type is ideal for roasting meats, baking cookies, or preparing multi-rack dishes without worrying about uneven cooking.

Equip your kitchen with Electrolux traditional oven below:

Steam ovens

Steam ovens introduce steam into the oven cavity during the cooking process, making them perfect for healthy cooking, preserving nutrients and moisture in food. Whether you’re steaming vegetables, fish, or even baking bread, the steam function delivers tender and flavourful results while reducing the need for added fats.

Explore Electrolux’s range of steam ovens today:

Combi microwave ovens

Combining convection heating with the speed of microwave technology, this versatile option is great for those who value efficiency. You can quickly prepare dishes while still achieving crispy and golden textures, making it ideal for busy households.

Experience versatility with an Electrolux combi oven:

AirFry ovens

When you want the latest in cooking technology but don’t have space for a benchtop appliance, an airfry oven is the perfect solution. This all-in-one appliance allows you to enjoy the benefits of air frying directly in your oven, letting you cook for the whole family while achieving deep-fried results with significantly less oil.

Upgrade your cooking game with Electrolux AirFry oven:

What features to look for when buying an oven

Choosing an oven with the right features can make your cooking experience easier, more efficient, and enjoyable. Here are some essential features to consider:

Self-cleaning functions

Cleaning an oven after use can be a daunting task. Ovens with self-cleaning features, such as pyrolytic cleaning, heat up to high temperatures to burn off food residues, leaving behind only ash that can be wiped away. Alternatively, steam cleaning uses moisture to soften grime, making it easier to remove. These options save you time and effort, keeping your oven spotless with minimal hassle.

Multiple cooking modes

Versatility is a must for modern kitchens. Look for ovens with a variety of cooking modes, including bake, grill, roast, and specialized functions like steam or air fry. These modes enable you to prepare a wide range of dishes effortlessly, from crispy roasted vegetables to moist baked goods, catering to every culinary need.

Electrolux ovens go a step further with dedicated programs like the pizza function, which combines top grilling with heat from below, ensuring you achieve the perfect homemade pizza every time.

Energy efficiency

Energy-efficient ovens not only reduce your electricity bills but also have a smaller environmental impact. Look for models with high energy ratings (such as A+ or higher), which ensure optimized power usage without compromising performance. Energy-efficient ovens are particularly important if you cook frequently or have a large household.

LCD screen functions

Modern ovens often feature an LCD screen that simplifies cooking by displaying clear, intuitive controls and step-by-step cooking options. These screens assist in setting precise temperatures, choosing cooking modes, and even providing recipes or cooking tips, making your culinary tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Read more: Complete guide on how to use an oven

Smart food probe

Electrolux ovens feature a smart food probe for achieving precise cooking results every time. Whether you're broiling beef or roasting chicken, the food probe accurately tracks the core temperature of your dish throughout the cooking process. This ensures your meats are perfectly cooked, staying juicy and tender. The sensor even alerts you when your food reaches the desired temperature and automatically stops the cooking process to prevent overcooking or drying out.

Safety features

For families with children or safety-conscious buyers, consider ovens with features like cool-touch doors, automatic shut-off, and child locks. These additions prevent accidents and give you peace of mind while cooking.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect oven for your kitchen involves assessing your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and budget. Whether you prefer a sleek built-in design or a versatile freestanding unit, the right oven will elevate your cooking experience. Explore Electrolux ovens for premium features, sustainable options, and unparalleled performance tailored to your needs.