Before you buy a new oven

Single ovens

Single ovens are a great choice if space is tight, if you tend to cook for one or two or don't spend too much time cooking. Single ovens are about 60cm tall and can be slotted under the counter or at eye level. Remember, though, you won't be able to cook and use the grill at the same time.

Double ovens

For family cooking and entertaining, a double oven may be a better choice. These offer more versatility and are good for families. There are two types of double oven available. There are double built-in models, which measure about 90cm high and are built-in at eye-level, and the smaller double built-under model, measuring 70cm high, which are built-in under the counter.

Built-in double ovens are usually roomier than the smaller, double ovens built under the counter. You may be better off with a larger single oven which will generally offer more space for your Sunday roast. When it's an under-counter model, double doesn’t necessarily mean double the size. Some models come with a very small second oven - more suitable for grilling than cooking larger dishes. You may find you’re better off with a large capacity single oven. Double ovens are also decreasing in popularity, so you’re less likely to find new models on the market. If you have a larger family with plenty of mouths to feed or enjoy hosting dinner parties, you may find two single ovens to be a more suitable option.

Smart ovens

Using wi-fi or Bluetooth, you can connect to these newer ovens using a smartphone so you can control it either from another room in your home or remotely. Depending on the model and specific features, you can operate the oven from a distance - you could switch it on and off or adjust the settings from the comfort of your sofa, or you could preheat it on your way home from work.

You can programme a smart oven to save your settings for next time so your cooking programmes are custom-made just for you. Smart ovens also feature preset cooking functions for different foods, so the hassle of selecting the right setting and temperature is out of your hands at the press of a button. They can also still be used manually like a standard oven.

Installing a built-in oven

Installing a built-in oven is relatively straightforward, as they’re designed to fit inside your kitchen cabinets, but it will require more than simply slotting into place and plugging in. Many electric ovens are just too powerful to plug straight into a wall socket. You can check this with the manufacturer for guidance.

You’ll need to make sure the oven is the right size for the cavity you intend to use and that the surrounding space will allow you to fully open the door. You should also check the cavity is near the power supply you want to use, be it gas or electricity, and have enough space around the power supply to be properly installed. You’ll also require a platform strong enough to support the oven’s weight and with enough clearance to meet the safety guidelines of the manufacturer.