What's the best type of oven for your kitchen and family?

Need a new oven? Finding the perfect fit for your kitchen can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this post we will explore the different types of ovens you can choose from, and look at the variations within built-in and freestanding models. By the time you’re done reading, you should have a clear picture of which type of oven will best suit you and your home.

Built-in ovens, often called wall ovens, are installed directly into your kitchen cabinetry or wall recess, which lets them integrate with the rest of your kitchen. This allows the oven to be placed at eye level if you want, making it a good option if you don’t like bending down to remove hot trays and baking dishes. Built-in ovens are almost always electric, which enables consistent heat distribution and precise temperature control.

You have two main sizes to choose from when it comes to built-in ovens: single and double.

Single ovens: Single built-in ovens are the most popular choice in Australia. They provide plenty of cooking space for most households, from individuals and couples to families. The standard size of single ovens is 60cm wide by around 60cm high, and they typically have a capacity ranging from 50 to 80 litres, providing enough space to accommodate large roasts or multiple baking trays.

Double ovens: Double built-in ovens are ideal if you have a large family or frequently entertain guests. They consist of two separate oven compartments stacked vertically, offering the flexibility to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different temperatures. The top oven is usually smaller, suitable for grilling or baking, while the larger lower oven is perfect for roasting or baking larger quantities. Double ovens are usually 60cm wide and around 89cm high.

Compact and combination microwave/steam ovens: If you need to make the best use of a smaller kitchen space, there are a number of compact ovens available, which have the same width, but slightly smaller height and capacity than regular single ovens.

Most compact ovens combine the functionality of a standard oven with microwave and/or steam technology. This combi oven model enables a range of cooking modes, from baking and grilling, to roasting and microwaving. This versatility, wrapped up in a conveniently small package, makes compact combi microwave ovens and combination steam ovens good options for smaller kitchens or households.

Freestanding ovens are standalone units that sit on the floor and can be placed anywhere in your kitchen. A significant advantage of freestanding ovens is that they incorporate the cooktop directly into the unit, eliminating the need to purchase a separate hob (and this is why some models are dual fuel - more on that below). Many freestanding ovens also have a built-in drawer at the bottom for convenient storage of pots, pans and other small kitchen appliances.

Freestanding ovens are available in a wider range of sizes than built-in ovens, so you can pick a size to suit your kitchen layout and cooking preferences. The two most common sizes are 60cm and 90cm width, but if you need slightly narrower, there are some 54cm width models available, and if space is no object, brands like Smeg, Ilve and Falcon offer a range of super sized freestanding ovens up to 150cm width.

60cm freestanding ovens: Generally, 60cm freestanding ovens have similar capacities to built-in single ovens. As such, they have ample cooking space for most households’ everyday needs, although, because it’s incorporated into the unit, the 4-burner cooktop may be a little small for large families.

90cm freestanding ovens: If you have a larger family or often host guests, a 90cm freestanding oven gives you plenty of cooking space. They also have wider cooktops, making it easier to have multiple pots and pans on the go as you prepare a feast for friends and family.

Freestanding ovens are available in different fuel types:

Electric: Electric freestanding ovens are the most common choice in Australia. They are easy to use and maintain, and usually have a variety of cooking functions, including fan-forced cooking and grilling.

Gas: Gas freestanding ovens are popular with people who prefer the responsiveness of gas cooking, but they are far less common than electric models these days.

Dual fuel: Dual fuel freestanding ovens combine the best of both worlds, offering the versatility of a gas cooktop and the consistency of an electric oven.

If you buy an electric oven, you will almost always require the services of a qualified electrician, because it will generally need to be hardwired to the mains electricity.

If you buy a gas oven, you will need to give a little extra thought to the installation requirements. While gas is used for cooking, most gas ovens still require electricity to operate various components, such as the grill and cooktop ignition. Depending on the model, the electrical requirements may range from a regular 10 amp plug to hardwiring. For safety and warranty reasons, you should get a qualified gas fitter to install the oven, as well as an electrician if hardwiring is required.

Other less common oven features include steam cooking and, in smart ovens, wifi connectivity which allows you to control your cooking from your phone.

When picking a new oven, the choice you make will be influenced by not just your preference, but also the practical considerations of your kitchen design and power connections.

If you have a built-in oven and are looking for a replacement, opting for a new built-in of the same size ensures compatibility with your current cabinetry and removes the need for modifications to be made. Similarly, replacing a freestanding oven with another of the same size is a simple switch.

If you are in the process of remodelling your kitchen, or designing a new one from scratch, you have the freedom to choose whichever you like. While built-in ovens blend seamlessly with your cabinetry, freestanding ones can serve as a stylish centerpiece for your kitchen.

Additionally, the choice between built-in and freestanding ovens may be influenced by gas connections. If your kitchen already has a gas connection, either mains or LPG, a freestanding oven with a gas cooktop may be a good choice. If you don’t have a gas connection, you can look into getting one installed, but of course, this will add to your costs.