Oven Buying Advice
We’re here to help you!
We're here to help you buy a new Oven. We've got advice and information about all the latest oven. We discuss the features and specifications you need to look for, including safety, styles, and energy efficiency. Ovens can be single, double, built-in, built-under or a combination of both.Fuel Type
Electric ovens
Electricity is clean and can be controlled using sophisticated technology – so you can benefit from pre-set programmes.
Conventional - have heating elements in either the side or the top and bottom, and are hotter at the top.
Fan - with a heating element around the fan cooks faster and at lower temperatures than a conventional electric oven, and there's no need to pre-heat before cooking. When using this sort of oven, remember to lower the temperature and cooking time – the manufacturer's instruction booklet will provide details.
Fan assisted - this type of oven uses top and bottom heat with a fan to circulate the air. There is no proof that a true fan oven is better than a fan assisted oven, although some believe that the former requires less pre-heating.
Multifunction electric ovens - allows you to choose between several different cooking options, and all will offer a choice between fanned and conventional heat.
Gas ovens
Gas ovens are generally hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom. Burning gas creates a moist atmosphere, which helps to prevent food from drying out while cooking, which is particularly good for roasting meats etc.
Fan assisted - gas ovens are now available, giving even heat throughout the oven cavity.
The following general features are also useful:
- An auto-timer switches the oven on to a pre-set temperature at a pre-set time
- A minute minder reminds you when cooking time is up
- A glass door and interior light let you see what's happening inside the oven
- Non-tip shelves are very useful. Some ovens have a roasting shelf attached to the door
- Drop-down grills allow easier cleaning
- A shelf rack enables you to pull out all three or four shelves at once
Grills
Not all ovens have an inbuilt grill so make sure you check this before buying.
Gas grills - a traditional gas grill is usually hotter in the centre than at the edges. However the latest vitro-grills (which have the gas flames concealed) spreads the heat evenly and prevents smoking caused by food splashes hitting the flames.
Electric grills - even the best electric grill is slow to heat up. Once the grill is hot, performance is usually acceptable. Most ovens have a half grill option for cooking just one or two portions of food.
