An elevated oven is an appliance that combines an oven with a cooktop, except instead of having the oven beneath the cooktop, both appliances sit side by side, next to each other.
By placing the oven next to the cooktop, you don't need to bend down. This makes an elevated oven a perfect choice for anyone with limited mobility.
Please note that elevated ovens are usually built-into new kitchens. You will probably need to hire a professional builder to integrate one of these appliances into your kitchen cabinetry.
When buying an oven, your first consideration will be the type of fuel source.
Electric ovens produce an even, dry heat that is perfect for baking and roasting. Excellent temperature precision is possible with electric ovens, which is vital if you are cooking dishes that are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature - such as soufflés, meringues, and sponge cakes.
Electric cooktops are generally easier to clean than gas cooktops - as there's no need to clean beneath trivets. (Look for an electric cooktop with a flat ceramic glass surface). It is also possible to get an upright stove with an induction cooktop - which is the fastest and safest type of cooktop you can buy. Please bear in mind, however, that induction cooktops only work with stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
First of all, some properties do not have access to a natural gas supply - so please check before you make a purchase.
Gas ovens produce a moist heat that doesn't dry out your food like an electric oven. Gas ovens are especially great for roasting meat - as they produce that delicious crispy effect on the outside while the middle of the roast stays moist and tender. Look for a gas oven with a fan to circulate the heat evenly - which is especially important when you're baking cakes and sweets. Additionally, with the rising cost of electricity, many people are turning to gas ovens as an eco-friendly alternative.
Meanwhile, gas cooktops are preferred by many because they're fast and powerful. Gas cooktops are especially suited to wok cooking. And although cleaning isn't quite as easy as it is with a flat electric cooktop, many gas cooktops these days feature dishwasher-safe accessories.
Please measure the space available in your kitchen before you buy. Not all ovens are the same size, so please double check the dimensions to make sure your elevated oven will fit.
The average elevated oven measures 1085mm in width. Bear in mind that you may also need to measure the doors and hallways leading to your kitchen before you make a purchase.
Most elevated ovens offer a capacity of around 80 litres, which will provide plenty of space for an average-sized household (around 4 people).
(Note: most ovens will advertise the gross capacity, which will always be larger than the net capacity. For this reason, it's best to check the product manual before you buy).
An elevated oven will give you four gas (or electric) cooking zones. This should provide ample space for cooking - provided you are not trying to use four extra-large pots at once.
Every oven will come with its own set of features. Here are some to look out for:
Some upright ovens come with a separate grill (which can be either gas or electric). The separate grill is great for quickly cooking chops, sausages and kebab skewers, and it's also great for making a simple meal of cheese on toast!
Some ovens come with a timer that will automatically turn the oven off after the desired time has elapsed.
There are two types of traditional electric cooktops on the market: solid and ceramic. Solid electric cooktops feature an exposed metal element that (in most cases) glows red to provide a visual indicator that it's switched on. These cooktops are easy to use and are also the cheapest of the lot.
Ceramic electric cooktops feature a stylish flat glass surface that is easy to wipe clean. The glass is reinforced to prevent scratching and cracking, however you will still need to be careful not to drop heavy pots and pans onto the surface.
Some gas cooktops (and ovens) feature electronic ignition, which means you don't need to use matches or a lighter to switch the cooktop on. This makes operation simpler and safer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 1300 000 500.