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Cooking Appliances

Top Tips

Measure your kitchen cavity before you buy your new oven. Make sure it is large enough.
Alternatively, if you are buying a freestanding oven, make sure there is enough space in your kitchen before you make a purchase. You should also measure the width of the doors and corridors leading up to the kitchen.
Think about whether you want a gas or electric oven. If you want a gas oven, you'll need a natural gas connection.
What kind of dishes do you like to cook? This will affect your decision. If you like baking cakes, look for a fan-forced electric oven with a 'bake' setting. Or if you like cooking roast dinners, you should get yourself an oven with a hot air grill or rotisserie function.
Try to choose an oven that matches the other appliances in your kitchen.

Size & Capacity

Built-in Ovens

Generally speaking, the standard width of a built-in oven is 60cm. Most kitchen cavities are able to accommodate an oven of this size - but you should always remember to measure before you buy.

It's also possible to buy extra-large wall ovens with a width of up to 90cm. These ovens are great because you can fit larger trays inside - perfect for catering.

You can also buy a double oven, giving you two separate oven cavities to use. Usually, one oven is placed on top of the other, but sometimes they are side by side. The configuration you choose will depend on the layout of your kitchen, and your own preferences.

Freestanding Ovens

Freestanding ovens start at a standard width of 60cm, and go up to widths of around 120cm. The wider the unit, the larger the oven capacity.

Many freestanding ovens have a capacity of approximately 80L, while the larger models offer 100L or more.

A freestanding oven is a great investment if you entertain frequently. The larger capacity means you can cook greater quantities of food, and the extra width on the stovetop means you can fit a variety of pots and pans on top.

Self-cleaning ovens

If you're after a self-cleaning oven, there are two broad types to choose from - pyrolytic and catalytic.

Pyrolytic ovens run a special cleaning cycle that heats the oven to 500°, reducing any food splashes inside to a fine ash that's easy to wipe away with a damp cloth once the cleaning cycle is over.

Catalytic ovens are slightly different. These are normal ovens, except with removable catalytic panels affixed to the walls. The catalytic panels will absorb grease and food residues, and then when the oven reaches temperatures above 200°, these residues will be converted into ash. Then when the oven has cooled down, you can simply wipe the ash away with a damp cloth.

Energy Efficiency

At this stage, ovens that are sold in Australia do not come with an energy star rating. However, there are some ways to tell if an oven is energy efficient:

Oven door glazing - the more layers of glass in the door, the better insulated your oven will be
Size - the larger the oven, the more energy it will use
Fuel type - a gas oven will obviously use less electricity than an electric oven
European energy ratings - some oven brands provide this information

Finish

	White	Stainless Steel	Black	Colour
Advantages	The cheapest option Does not show fingerprints	Modern look Easy to match with other appliances	Sophisticated look	Unique, personalised look Can brighten up a dull space
Disadvantages	Not very exciting Shows up grubby marks	Can show fingerprint marks More expensive than white enamel	Can be tricky to match with other appliances Tends to be expensive	Difficult to match with other appliances The most expensive option Often made to order - which can incur delays

Warranty & Service

Appliances Online sells only brand new appliances with full manufacturer's warranties - not factory seconds.

All the ovens we stock come with a standard warranty (usually 2 years, depending on the manufacturer). However, you also have the option of buying an extended Customer Care Plan from Appliances Online.

Our Customer Care Plans are available at the time of purchase. You can purchase a Care Plan of 2, 3 or 4 years - which will begin once the original manufacturer's warranty is up.

What type of cooktop should I buy?

Top Tips

Always remember to measure the space available in your kitchen before you buy a new cooktop. Cooktops come in various different shapes and sizes, so please double check there is enough room.
There are three cooktop types: electric, gas and induction. Each has its own advantages - your decision will come down to your budget, the availability of natural gas in your home, and your personal cooking preferences. See below for more detail on cooktop types.
How many cooking zones do you want? Logic dictates that smaller households will only need around two cooking zones, while large families will need at least four.

Capacity

When buying a cooktop, your first consideration should be size. The smallest cooktops start with a width of 30cm (featuring a maximum of two cooking zones), while the largest go up to around 120cm. While all cooktops are different, the most common size is 60cm (with four cooking zones).

You can use the following as a rough guide:

1-2 people

2-4 cooking zones

3-4 people

4 cooking zones

5+ people

4-5 cooking zones

Energy Efficiency

Induction cooktops make the most efficient use of energy. Compared with gas and traditional electric cooktops, they are the fastest to get a pot of water to the boil.
However, induction cooktops are nonetheless still powered by electricity. Gas cooktops, on the other hand, can be powered either by natural gas or by LPG (in special circumstances).
Traditional electric cooktops are the least energy efficient of the lot. However modern cooktops have improved a lot in recent times to keep energy expenditure to a minimum.
Make sure you use your cooktop efficiently. This means using a cooking zone that matches the size of your pot, or investing in a cooktop with sensor technology to use only as much power as is needed.

Finish

	White	Stainless Steel	Black Glass
Advantages	The cheapest option Does not show fingerprints	Modern look Easy to match with other appliances Durable	Sophisticated look Flat surface is easy to wipe clean
Disadvantages	Not very exciting Shows up grubby marks	Can show fingerprint marks More expensive than white enamel	(Generally) the most expensive option There's a small chance of cracking the glass (if the cooktop withstands a significant impact)

Warranty & Service

Appliances Online sells only brand new appliances with full manufacturer's warranties - not factory seconds.

All the fridges we stock come with a standard warranty (usually 2 years, depending on the manufacturer). However, you also have the option of buying an extended Customer Care Plan from Appliances Online.

Our Customer Care Plans are available at the time of purchase. You can purchase a Care Plan of 2, 3 or 4 years - which will begin once the original manufacturer's warranty is up.

What type of rangehood should I buy?

Top Tips

Your choice of rangehood will mainly come down to how much space is available in your kitchen. Remember to measure very carefully before you buy.
Ducted rangehoods expel air outside the house, via a ducted vent (either through the wall or ceiling). Alternatively, recirculating rangehoods clean the air using charcoal filters and then recirculate the air back into the kitchen.
Ducted rangehoods are the most effective, but they are more difficult to install.
Noise is a consideration. Most rangehoods provide a decibel measurement, which will give you an idea of how noisy it will be. Generally speaking, the more powerful the motor, the noisier the rangehood.
How much cooking do you do? If you cook a lot, you'll need a powerful rangehood.
A rangehood is a particularly useful investment if you have an open plan kitchen, as it will stop grease, smoke and cooking odours from travelling through your house.
Look for a rangehood with dishwasher-safe stainless steel filters, for easy cleaning.

Extraction Rate

The extraction rate refers to a rangehood's ability to draw in air. Models with higher extraction rates will vent a larger amount of air - making them highly effective.

The extraction rate of a rangehood is measured in cubic metres per hour. If you have a large kitchen, it is best to get a rangehood that has a high extraction rate so as to prevent smoke and cooking odours from travelling through your home.

If you do a lot of cooking, look for a rangehood with an extraction rate of around 700m3/h.

Ducted Rangehoods

A ducted rangehood directs air from the kitchen outside the house (via the wall or ceiling) through a metal duct. This is the most effective way to clear the air in your kitchen. However, this option might not always be possible as it involves getting a builder to knock a hole in the wall or ceiling in order to install the ducting pipe.

Recirculating Rangehoods

Recirculating rangehoods filter impurities from air and then recirculate the clean air back into the kitchen. They do this using carbon filters which need to be replaced from time to time (depending on how often you use your rangehood). The advantage of recirculating rangehoods is that you don't need to install a duct pipe through the wall or ceiling. But the disadvantage is that they are not as powerful.

Filters

All rangehoods have filters. Ducted rangehoods will usually use aluminium filters, which need to be cleaned regularly for maximum efficiency and safety. For maximum cleaning convenience, look for a model with dishwasher-safe filters.

Recirculating rangehoods use carbon filters to remove impurities from the air. These cannot be re-used - once their lifespan is up you'll need to buy new ones to replace them.

Some rangehoods include a filter indicator which is a handy feature to have, as it will inform you when it's time to change the filter.

Noise

The noise levels of different types of rangehood will vary. Most manufacturers will provide a decibel rating, however the noise level will be affected by other factors such as where the rangehood has been installed and what fan speed you're using.

If noise is a concern for you, look for a rangehood with a sound-proofed motor.

Warranty & Service

Appliances Online sells only brand new appliances with full manufacturer's warranties - not factory seconds.

All the rangehoods we stock come with a standard warranty (usually 2 years, depending on the manufacturer). However, you also have the option of buying an extended Customer Care Plan from Appliances Online.

Our Customer Care Plans are available at the time of purchase. You can purchase a Care Plan of 2, 3 or 4 years - which will begin once the original manufacturer's warranty is up.

What type of microwave should I buy?

Top Tips

Remember to measure the space available in your kitchen before you buy a new microwave to ensure it will fit. Balance this against consideration of how many people you will be cooking for - will you be nuking a small meal for one or whipping up something big for a large family?
Consider what you want to cook in your microwave and how often you will do so. Do you want something simple and cheap for quick, no-fuss heat-ups in a flash? Or do you want the microwave to be a primary appliance that will regularly prepare whole meals for you?
Consider whether you want a Standard Microwave or a Convection Microwave. The convection variety incorporates cooking elements to generate heat that is then fan-circulated evenly around the cavity, much like an electric oven.
As well as the conventional counter-top variety, you also have the option of buying a built-in microwave to integrate with your kitchen layout. Installation will require the services of a licensed professional.

Capacity

The more people in your home, the more internal space your microwave will need to fit larger dishes. A good rule of thumb:

1-2 people

20-25 litre capacity

4-5 people

30-40 litre capacity

Of course, internal capacity will have a bearing on the overall size of the microwave. So make sure you measure the bench or cavity-space you have available and match it to the height, width and depth specifications of the model you wish to purchase.

Don't forget to leave some extra space available in the microwave cavity for ventilation - microwaves require a minimum amount of ventilation space to function effectively. We'd recommend at least 5cm.

Power

As a very general guideline, the higher the microwave wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves have a power setting between 600 and 1200 watts.

Be sure to factor in the size of the microwave relative to the power rating - larger models will need a higher wattage.

Heating and cooking modes

The variety and quantity of your microwave cooking will determine what features you'll find useful.

All microwave models will perform the basics such as re-heating and defrosting. However, the more innovative and feature-laden microwaves can offer surprisingly versatile and effective cooking.

For example, sensor technology on some microwave models enables them to automatically adjust temperature settings as necessary throughout the cooking process. This helps avoid common pitfalls of microwaving, such as unevenly heated food.

You'll also find programs offering optimised cooking performance for common tasks (e.g. baking potatoes, making popcorn, steaming vegetables etc.).

For even greater functionality and the ability to follow gourmet recipes, look out for microwaves with grilling and steaming capabilities.

By contrast, if you're someone who only uses their microwave for basic tasks, such as reheating last-night's left-overs or defrosting bread, opt for a simpler, less expensive model with more basic features.

Maintenance and Safety

For easy cleaning, look for models with removable turntable trays and non-stick, scratch-resistant interiors. Sleek touch-pad controls not only look great, but they're easy to keep clean.

Meanwhile, if you have young kids in the house, having a child lock on your microwave will prevent them from activating it when you're not around.

Convection Microwaves

A convection model adds to the normal functions of a microwave by incorporating a heating element and circulating fan to brown and crisp the food, thereby greatly expanding its capabilities.

For example, you'll be able to able to heat up a pie while ensuring the pastry isn't soggy - and do so faster than a normal oven.

Warranty & Service

Appliances Online sells only brand new appliances with full manufacturer's warranties - not factory seconds.

All the microwaves we stock come with a standard warranty (usually 2 years, depending on the manufacturer). However, you also have the option of buying an extended Customer Care Plan from Appliances Online.

Our Customer Care Plans are available at the time of purchase. You can purchase a Care Plan of 2, 3 or 4 years - which will begin once the original manufacturer's warranty is up.

Compare all products

	Features	Advantages	Disadvantages	Ideal For
Wall oven Shop Now	An oven that's built into the wall of your kitchen	An efficient use of space If installed at eye-level, you don't need to bend down Can create a streamlined look for your kitchen	Must be professionally installed Difficult to relocate when moving or renovating You will need to buy a cooktop separately	Kitchens where space is at a premium
Freestanding upright oven Shop Now	An oven that stands on its own, without needing to be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry.	Available in a variety of configurations A cost effective way to buy an oven and cooktop Does not need to be built into your cabinetry	You have to bend down to access the oven Can take up a fair amount of space in your kitchen	Rental properties Large families (if buying a large model)
Steam oven Shop Now	An oven that cooks using hot steam.	Preserves nutrients in your food A healthy way to cook Facilitates professional cooking results	Water tank must be periodically refilled Takes practice to get used to the cooking style	Healthy households Gourmet cooks
Elevated oven Shop Now	An elevated oven is an appliance that combines an oven with a cooktop, with both appliances sitting side by side, next to each other.	No need to bend down to access the oven	Usually needs to be built into a kitchen by a professional installer Uses up a large amount of bench space	People with limited mobility
Warming drawer Shop Now	A smaller appliance that can help to keep food or crockery warm until it is time to serve.	Heats up plates Allows you to keep food warm until it's time to serve Also useful for defrosting or proofing bread	Must be professionally installed Can take up extra space	Entertainers Serious cooks
Electric Cooktops Shop Now	Up to 5 electric cooking zones (can either be solid or ceramic glass)	Usually the cheapest option Easy to use Easy to clean	The least energy efficient type of cooktop Not as fast as gas or induction Only compatible with flat-bottomed cookware (bad for wok cooking) There is a chance, with a ceramic glass surface, that it could crack if you drop a heavy pot on it Nowhere for spills to go - if your pot boils over, you could end up with water on the bench and floor	People who only need a cooktop to perform for basic cooking functions
Gas Cooktops Shop Now	Up to 5 gas cooking zones (sometimes also including a high-power wok burner)	No heat-up time - heat is instant Does not use electricity, and so won't contribute to your electricity bills Compatible with all types of cookware Great for wok cooking The manual knob controls are preferred by some	A natural gas connection may not be available in your area The open flames can make your kitchen hot and unpleasant The open flame presents a potential safety problem Can be a bit fiddly to clean Do not suit minimalist kitchen designs	People who love wok cooking Cooks who want a cooktop that resembles a professional kitchen Homes with a natural gas connection
Induction Cooktops Shop Now	Up to 5 induction cooking zones	Incredibly fast and responsive Very precise temperature control Heat is created in the pot itself, rather than transferred from cooktop to pot. This makes induction cooking very safe, and prevents your kitchen from getting too hot It's not possible to accidentally leave the stove on - as the cooktop cannot operate if there is no pot on the surface The flat surface is easy to wipe clean The cooktop can be used as bench space while not in use	Generally the most expensive option You can only use stainless steel or cast iron cookware Only compatible with flat-bottomed cookware (bad for wok cooking) There is a chance, with a ceramic glass surface, that it could crack if you drop a heavy pot on it Nowhere for spills to go - if your pot boils over, you could end up with water all over the bench and floor	Time-poor cooks Families who want the safest type of cooktop Gourmet cooks who want precise temperature control
Canopy Rangehood Shop Now	Forms a canopy over the cooking area Modelled on professional rangehoods Most models can either be attached to the wall, or suspended from the ceiling Generally quite large	Very powerful Provides a visually-striking focal point for your kitchen	The large design makes them a poor choice for smaller kitchens Can sometimes be noisy on the highest settings (because of the large motor)	Open plan kitchens Larger kitchens People who cook and entertain frequently Designer kitchens
Retractable Rangehood Shop Now	Designed to be installed beneath kitchen cabinetry Can be pulled out when needed, and pushed back out of view when finished Compact and space-saving	Makes effective use of space Disappears from view when not in use for a neat, streamlined look	Does not have the same power as some of the larger rangehoods	Apartments Small kitchens Minimalist kitchen designs
Fixed Rangehood Shop Now	A traditional style of rangehood Designed to be permanently mounted onto the wall above your cooking area	Cost effective	Cannot be hidden from view Limited choice of designs Does not have the same power as some of the larger rangehoods	Budget-conscious renovators
Under-cupboard Rangehood Shop Now	Designed to be installed beneath kitchen cabinetry Hidden from view Compact and space-saving	Makes effective use of space Most models are completely hidden from view - creating a streamlined look for your kitchen	Does not have the same power as some of the larger rangehoods	Apartments Small kitchens Minimalist kitchen designs
Island Rangehood Shop Now	Designed to be used in conjunction with an island cooktop. Modelled on professional rangehoods Generally quite large	Very powerful Provide a visually-striking focal point for your kitchen	Can sometimes be noisy on the highest settings (because of the large motor) An expensive option	Kitchens with an island-style food preparation area Designer kitchens People who cook and entertain frequently
Standard Microwave (basic models) Shop Now	A microwave with basic features such as: Timer Defrost function Power settings	The cheapest option Easy to use, no-fuss performance	Won't do anything more sophisticated than reheating/defrosting. May deliver pitfalls common to microwaves e.g. - soggy pastries, uneven heating.	People who only need their microwaves to perform basic functions: no fuss but no finesse! Apartments, offices and college dorms.
Standard Microwave (more sophisticated models) Shop Now	A microwave with basic functionality as well as features such as: Precise sensor technology One-touch pre-sets for common tasks (e.g. baking potatoes, steaming vegies). Grilling and/or steaming capabilities.	Makes it easier to get better results - e.g. sensor technology enables a microwave to cook more evenly. Sometimes able to achieve results on par with ovens and cooktops.	More expensive. More complicated to use and may offer features you rarely use.	Those who expect a little more from their microwave - for example, the versatility to cook a family meal.
Convection Microwaves Shop Now	A microwave that incorporates a heating element and fan to circulate heat evenly around the cavity. Also has the standard microwave features.	Augments the heating capabilities of the microwave with the ability to brown and crisp food. By far the most versatile microwave choice.	Generally the most expensive microwave option.	People who love roasting and baking yet want the quick heat-ups and convenience of a microwave.