Speed Ovens

A speed oven combines microwave technology with convection oven cooking to dramatically reduce cooking times compared to a standard oven, while still delivering properly browned and cooked results. At Bing Lee we stock speed ovens from leading brands including Miele and Smeg in built-in wall oven formats. Our FAQs below explain what speed ovens do and whether one suits your kitchen.

FAQs

1. What is a speed oven?

A speed oven is a built-in wall appliance that combines the rapid heating of a microwave with the browning and crisping capability of a convection oven. In combination mode, it uses microwave energy to cook food from the inside out quickly, while convection heat browns the surface - giving you results that look and taste like conventional oven cooking in a fraction of the time. It can also be used as a standalone microwave or as a standalone convection oven when you do not need the speed cooking function.

2. How much faster is a speed oven than a conventional oven?

Cooking times in combination mode can be two to four times faster than a conventional oven, depending on the food. A whole chicken that takes 90 minutes in a standard oven might cook in 30-40 minutes in a speed oven using combination mode. A baked potato that takes 60 minutes in a conventional oven can be done in 15-20 minutes. This time saving is significant for busy households where getting dinner on the table quickly is a priority.

3. How do I choose the best speed oven for my kitchen?

Think about where it will sit in your kitchen layout and how you plan to use it. Speed ovens are typically built into a wall cabinet column alongside or above a conventional wall oven, where they serve as a fast second oven for everyday cooking while the main oven handles larger or longer cooks. Consider the capacity in litres to make sure it can accommodate the dishes you typically use. For more guidance on choosing the right oven, check out our buying guide with expert tips to help you compare oven types.

4. Can a speed oven replace a full-sized conventional oven?

For a small household with limited cooking needs, a speed oven can potentially serve as the primary cooking appliance since it handles most of what a conventional oven does, just faster. However, the cavity is typically smaller than a full-sized wall oven, which limits you for larger roasts or multiple trays. For most households, a speed oven works best as a second cooking zone that complements a full-sized wall oven rather than replacing it entirely.

5. Does a speed oven also work as a regular microwave?

Yes. Speed ovens include a full microwave function that operates independently from the convection cooking. You can use it as a standard microwave for reheating, defrosting and quick cooking tasks without engaging the convection function. This makes a speed oven a very versatile appliance that effectively gives you both a microwave and a fast oven in a single built-in unit.