WHAT To look FOR

Key features to help you buy the right oven

CAPACITY

60L used to be considered huge for a single oven, but thanks to thinner, more efficient insulation you can now fit as much as 74L inside. If looking for a double oven, the second cavity is generally between 30L and 35L.

layout

Choose a design with multiple shelves to make the most of space. Also, ovens with slide and hide doors give you easy access to what’s cooking and prevents the dreaded oven door burn!

hobs

If you’re buying an all-in-one cooker, choose from gas, electric, ceramic and induction rings. Induction and gas offer the fastest heat-up. Induction is by far the safest choice and comes with smart timers and even the ability to boil and simmer automatically.

FUEL

Gas ovens aren’t as popular today and are being replaced by electric options that heat up more quickly and are easier to install and more accurate, plus you can enjoy more such as top/bottom heats and fan grilling.

Energy

Most main ovens are A rated these days – second ovens and range cookers can be less efficient due to their size but it’s worth buying A+ to save energy. Two A-rated ovens can use different amounts of energy, so look at the kwh/cycle figure before you buy.

EASY Cleaning

enamelcoated oven walls can be wiped clean, while catalytic liners help absorb and break down food spills, which are then burned away during cooking. Pyrolytic cleaning – on top-end designs – burns away any dirt, leaving just ash to wipe up.

SMART FEATURES

Appconnected appliances (using your home’s wi-fi) offer the ability to adjust the temperature and check on progress from your smartphone. some can even let you pre-heat the oven before you get home!