Oven Buying Guide: Compare Types, Sizes & Features

Revamping your kitchen or ready to invest in a new oven? This can be an overwhelming but exciting moment – and you’ll want to make sure you have all the relevant information on hand to make the best decision.

The reality is that ovens come in all shapes and sizes, and with so many different brands and models on offer, it can sometimes feel like there’s no ‘perfect’ appliance. But with some expert help, the daunting task of choosing an oven can be made much easier -  in this guide, we’ll help you understand the main oven types, what size is right for your space, and the key features to look for.

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Making it easy to achieve a sleek kitchen design, under bench ovens are installed beneath the kitchen bench between existing kitchen cabinetry. Good for smaller kitchens, they share many of the same features as single wall ovens.

• Installed beneath the kitchen bench, typically between two cupboard units

• Generally very similar to wall ovens

• Available in a variety of sizes

• Only have one cooking zone

• Some bending is required to reach the lower shelves of the oven

A great option for low-maintenance households, pyrolytic ovens clean themselves using extremely high temperatures to burn off food residue. Once the cycle is complete, all that’s left is a fine ash that can be easily wiped away.

• Feature a self-cleaning function that heats to very high temperatures

• Turns grease and food residue into ash for easy clean-up

• Typically more expensive than standard ovens

• Ideal for busy kitchens or frequent use

• Exterior remains cool to the touch during cleaning for safety

Perfect for small kitchens or secondary cooking spaces, compact ovens offer the functionality of a traditional oven in a smaller size. They’re great for singles, couples, or as an additional oven in larger households.

• Smaller than standard ovens, often under 45L capacity

• Ideal for apartments, caravans, or as a secondary oven

• Fast to preheat and energy efficient

• May have fewer features than full-sized models

• Not suited to cooking large meals or bulky dishes

EXTERIOR SIZE

Most ovens, with the exception of some larger freestanding units, are either 60cm or 90cm wide. 60cm models are among the most popular size ovens available, with 90cm models providing extra room for cooking and baking. To find out which will best suit your kitchen, you’ll need to measure the space that you have available. Measure the width, height and depth of each model and then compare these measurements to the space you have.

INTERNAL CAPACITY

Although most ovens are either 60cm or 90cm wide, the internal capacity does vary between makes and models. The internal capacity of an oven can be measured in litres, much like a fridge, but the actual dimensions of the space will differ. Smaller ovens generally have a capacity of 30 litres to 45 litres, average ovens offer 45 litres to 75 litres of space, while large ovens tend to measure in at 70 litres or more. Double ovens and under bench ovens tend to have slightly greater capacities than other types of ovens.

Of course, choosing the right size depends on your household size and cooking style but as a general guide, common sizes include:

GAS OVENS

• Can generate instant heat

• Are generally more expensive to purchase but are cheaper to run over time

• Require a gas connection

• Generate a greater amount of internal moisture, making them well suited to roasting

• May not cook food evenly without a fan

• A smaller range of models are available

ELECTRIC OVENS

• A greater range of models are available

• Tend to be more popular than gas ovens

• Require time to pre-heat

• Offer provide quite even heat distribution

• Generate drier air, making them well suited for baking and browning

• Are generally cheaper to purchase but cost more to operate over time.

FAN-FORCED OVENS

Fan-forced ovens use an internal fan to distribute the heat generated by the element around the oven.

• Generally heat up faster than conventional ovens

• Heat more evenly than conventional ovens

• Ideal for multi-shelf cooking, cooking meats and reheating foods

• Foods are often cooked faster than in a conventional oven

CONVENTIONAL OVENS

Conventional ovens are heated using a top and bottom element, with no internal fan.

• Foods need to be rotated to ensure even cooking

• Best suited to single shelf cooking

• Are generally hotter towards the top of the oven

There are two main types of self-cleaning ovens: pyrolytic and catalytic. Pyrolytic ovens heat up to around 500℃ to turn food residue into ash, while catalytic liners absorb and break down grease during cooking. Not all ovens include these features, but they can make ongoing cleaning much easier.

When choosing an oven, energy efficiency is an important factor to consider — especially if you're cooking regularly. Ovens with higher energy star ratings use less power, helping to reduce your electricity bills over time.

• Electric ovens tend to consume more energy than gas ovens, but models with better ratings are available.

• Look for 4-star or higher energy ratings for better efficiency.

• An energy-efficient oven is better for both the environment and your wallet.

• Checking the energy rating label before you buy can help you make a more informed and cost-effective decision.

• Controls. The controls on an oven should not only be easy to read, but also simple to use. Look for a model that you can read and navigate with ease.

• Shelving. Most ovens come with several internal shelves as standard, but it’s best to look for models with three or more. This gives you greater flexibility when cooking, allowing you to adjust the position of the shelving to your needs.

• Door. Since you will be opening and closing the oven door quite frequently when cooking, it’s important to check that it is not only easy to open and close, but that it can also stay open at any position you leave it in when checking on your food or removing baking trays. If you have kids or pets, you may also want to consider looking for a model with a cool-touch door that allows the window to be touched without unwanted burns.

• Door window. To help you monitor the progress of your cooking, the oven door window should provide you with a clear line of sight.

• Interior lighting.. Check that the interior light is not only bright enough to allow you to see your food through the oven door, but also has a light bulb that is easy to change. Some models may require a technician to replace a light bulb that no longer works.

• Exterior finish. Allowing you to coordinate your oven with the aesthetic of your kitchen, ovens are available in a variety of different colours and finishes. Although stainless steel and white are among the most popular, black ovens and coloured ovens are also sold.

• Self-cleaning features. There are two main types of self cleaning features available: pyrolytic ovens and catalytic liners. Pyrolytic ovens convert any remaining food residue to ash by heating up to around 500℃, while catalytic liners absorb any fat splatters that may land on the surface. Although not every oven has self-cleaning features, they do help to make keeping your oven clean easier.

• Telescopic shelf holders. This feature not only assists in keeping internal shelves stable as you slide them in and out, but also makes the movement smoother.

• Oven functions. While your needs may vary, there are several basic oven functions to look out for when buying a new oven. They include fan-forced, conventional, fan-assist, fan grill and grill only functions. Some additional oven functions that could also be handy include rapid heating, defrosting, automatic cooking, a keep warm function, a slow cook function and adjustable pre-set temperatures.

Q. What is the best type of oven for a family?

The best type of oven for a family is one that offers ample cooking capacity, flexibility, and convenience. Freestanding ovens or built-in double ovens are ideal, as they allow you to cook multiple dishes at once. Look for an oven with at least 75L capacity, fan-forced or multifunction settings for even cooking, and easy-to-clean features like pyrolytic self-cleaning. Double oven models are great if you often need to cook at different temperatures. Extras like child safety locks, smart controls, and timers can also make cooking easier and safer in a busy household.

Q. How to clean an oven

For a straightforward clean, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread it over the interior surfaces of your oven and let it sit overnight. The following day, wipe away the build-up with a damp cloth or sponge. For any hard-to-clean spots, use a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Remember to remove oven racks and trays for the most thorough clean – a hot, soapy bath or a run in the dishwasher can be a huge help for these accessories.

Q. What is a fan-forced oven?

This type of oven has a fan at the back that circulates hot air throughout the cooking chamber. This helps it keep a consistent temperature from top to bottom and across all racks. The airflow makes cooking times shorter, and the circulation also ensures cakes are perfectly risen and roasts are evenly browned.

Q. What is a convection oven?

A convection oven or benchtop oven is a microwave-sized appliance that utilises a fan to circulate hot air for efficient and even cooking. These ovens are ideal for small kitchens or for those looking for a more affordable oven appliance. 

Q. What are the best ovens to buy?

Our top picks for the best ovens to buy (depending on your budget & kitchen space) are the Bosch Pyrolytic Oven, the Miele Steam Combi Oven and the Ninja Air Fry Oven. Check out our premium range of ovens and find an appliance that will turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious possibilities. 

• Choose easy-to-use controls that are clear and intuitive.

• Look for 3 or more shelves for flexible cooking.

• Ensure the oven door opens smoothly and stays in place.

• A cool-touch door is great for households with kids or pets.

• A clear window and bright interior light help monitor cooking.

• Pick a finish that suits your kitchen style – stainless steel, black, or coloured.

• Consider self-cleaning features like pyrolytic or catalytic options.

• Telescopic shelves offer safer and smoother tray access.

• Look for useful oven functions like fan-forced, grill, defrost, or keep warm.

There is something special about finding an oven that matches your cooking style and your kitchen’s aesthetics. But with so many incredible products on the market, it can be hard to choose one that’s right for you. The good news is that we’ve compiled some of the best ovens available so that you can start comparing.

Below are just a few of our most popular ovens, as chosen by Bing Lee customers. Read their reviews, explore the different features of each oven, and then make the best decision for your kitchen.