Oven buying guide

It may have been a while since you have been in the market for an oven and things have probably changed. We have created a practical guide with helpful tips on how to choose an oven for you and your home.

The benefit of having a built-in oven is the ability to place it wherever suits you. If you are replacing an existing product, you are in most cases limited to the size and style of oven you want.

On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch or willing to adjust your cabinetry, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You need to think and assess what the right oven is for your design and what will work best for your cooking style.

1. Oven size & capacity

Oven size

Your ideal oven size depends on the type of cooking you do, your cooking frequency, kitchen space and household size. Apart from width and height, ovens are also measured for volume in liter.

• 45 cm in height: A compact oven
• 60 cm in width: A single standard size oven
• 90 cm in width: A large model with side-by-side trays

Oven capacity

You can refer to the capacity guide below to choose the most suitable oven for your needs:

1 - 2 people

A 30–40-liter oven suits single households or couples, who eat out regularly, but like the compact convenience of a small capacity oven.

3 - 4 people

A 40 - 70 liter oven suits most households and can fit a large roast and the trimmings if you opt for one with multiple shelf positions.

4+ people

A 70+ liter oven is best for large households or those who like to entertain, offering unparalleled capacity.

2. Oven fuel type: Things to consider

Size, style and cooking functions are all important things that influence your final oven purchase decision, you will also need to consider whether you would like a gas or electric oven.

Electric ovens

• More common than gas ovens.
• Generally provide more even heat distribution, especially when equipped with a fan.
• Require pre-heating, this process has become quicker with modern innovation.
• Generate drier air which can assist with crisping and browning.
• Majority of models need to be hardwired by a certified electrician; some ovens will come with a plug and lead suited to a particular amp rating.

Choose a high-quality electric oven with our Electrolux recommended products below:

Gas ovens

• More expensive initial outlay than electric ovens; however, given energy efficiencies with gas cooking, they will cost less over their lifetime.
• Cook with greater moisture, making them ideal for cakes and roasts.
• Faster heating than electric models and more precise temperature control.
• Generally contain fewer parts than an electric oven, so the lifetime maintenance should be easier.
• Can run off natural gas or an LPG bottle - model dependent

Choose a high-quality gas oven with our Electrolux recommended products below:

3. Different types of ovens

Single ovens

By far the most popular and common type of built-in oven, a single oven can be installed where you want it. With the ability to go within wall cabinetry or under bench, your kitchen layout is limitless. Full of practical features and a choice of width 60cm and 90cm ensures that whether your family is big or small there is the oven for you. 

Ideal for:

• Small family - large family
• Apartment living
• Rental properties

Here are some factors to consider when buying a single oven:

Capacity:

50 - 125L

Cooler to touch oven doors

Beautifully designed with Arab families in mind, the multi-layer glazing of our oven doors is cooler to the touch when the oven is hot.

Ovens that clean up after themselves

Even cleaning up is easier with Electrolux. With Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning Function, you can keep your oven shiny and clean without harsh chemicals.

You set, we will do the rest

Our programmable timer gives you the flexibility to set when you would like to cook and how long you would like to cook for.

Designed for ease and safety

Telescopic runners are another piece of thoughtful design that makes it easy to slide trays in/out and a safety check on your dishes during cooking.

Even cooking UltraFan Plus system

Our The UltraFan Plus system in our 72L ovens work to evenly distribute heat throughout the oven so you can enjoy delicious results every time.

Tastier baking starts with steam

Steamify function helps you get a better rise, crispier crust, a fluffier centre and tastier textures for all your bread, pastries, cakes, and puddings.

Steam ovens

Whilst steam is traditionally found in a professional kitchen, the benefits have now been shared with it coming in domestic appliances. When it comes to steam, the perception is that this is only for rice and vegetables when in fact it is perfect for roasts and baking.

Ideal for:

• Small family to large family
• Apartment living
• Adventurous Cook

Here are some factors to consider when buying a steam oven:

Capacity:

60 - 125L

How it works?

The humidity created by combining steam with hot air throughout the cooking process creates a crisper layer on the outside of your dishes preventing your food from drying out and loss of nutrients.

Demystify steam cooking

The Steamify feature enables you to create delicious flavors and textures with steam. Just select the temperature that you would usually use, and the accurate amount of steam will be delivered to cook your dish in an optimal way. 

Perfect the art of sous-vide

Accurate temperatures are the key to sous-vide. With our precise technology, they are now totally achievable. Vacuum-sealed bags enhance flavours, while steam preserves taste and nutrients.

Choose a good steam oven with our Electrolux recommended products below:

4. Oven design & other considerations

White, natural or dark stainless steel 

A kitchen should feel timeless, using design elements and classic materials that will look good today and in a decade’s time. Whether you’re doing a complete renovation or replacing a single appliance, you can take your kitchen in a fresh new direction. With three options of finishes, you can look to a traditional white appliance or give your kitchen a modern update with natural or dark stainless steel. 

Contrast or complement your cabinetry

Take into consideration what will work best with your chosen finish. For example, you could contrast dark stainless with lighter colours like bright whites or creams or complement with dark or stained wood cabinetry.

Coordinate Your Accessories

From pendant light fixtures to a vase, it is important to think about what will be complemented by its surroundings. 

Choose from one brand

One thing to note when upgrading your kitchen is, just as there are 52 shades of white, same goes for appliance finishes.  For best results, buy your appliances from one brand to make sure everything is seamless.

Dial or touch controls

Whether you are someone who likes the feeling of turning a dial or prefers a touch control panel when setting your oven, there are a number of options to choose from. All designed to be sleek and simple to operate, you'll have total control over your cooking temperatures, times and functions.

5.Support & service

We have a Customer Care team available to assist you over the phone seven days a week, and a national network of experienced technicians and selected service agents. Offering a fixed price guarantee with no additional hidden labour costs, giving you peace of mind that your appliance is in good hands. Click here to contact customer care.