Ovens Buyers Guide
The Oven Buyer's Guide: find the right fit for your kitchen.
Fuel type, oven type, single vs double, and the features that actually make cooking easier — this guide walks through every decision, so you can buy with confidence instead of guesswork.
Gas or electric?
Ovens are designed for baking, grilling, heating and roasting using controlled heat. Consider upfront cost, cooking performance, ease of use and running costs when picking between the two.
Gas ovens
- Cheaper to run — gas is a lower-cost power source than electricity
- Heats up quickly, with more immediate temperature control
- Releases some moisture while burning, helping keep cakes and pies moist
- Higher upfront cost than most electric equivalents
- Requires a natural gas connection, which not every home has
Electric ovens
- Lower upfront cost than most gas equivalents
- Dry, even heat — great for baking and roasting, and helps food crisp up
- Widely compatible — most homes already have a suitable connection
- Usually easy to clean, with some models offering self-cleaning functions
- Costs more to run, and is generally slower to heat up and adjust
Types of oven
Beyond fuel type, ovens also differ in how they distribute heat and what extra functions they offer.
Convection
Uses a fan to circulate air for even cooking and faster cooking times — ideal for baking and roasting.
Conventional
Top and bottom heating elements without a fan, creating hotter and cooler zones — good for cooking multiple dishes at once.
Multifunction
Combines microwave, grill and convection oven functions in one appliance — heat, roast, grill and crisp, all-in-one.
Self-cleaning
Uses pyrolytic technology, heating to very high temperatures to burn off food spills and grease for easy wipe-down.
Steam
Uses steam to cook food, preserving nutrients and moisture while often cooking faster than a conventional oven.
Compact
Smaller in size with multiple cooking modes, including conventional and microwave functions — ideal for smaller kitchens.
Single or double oven?
Choose based on household size and how often you cook multiple dishes at once.
Single oven
Usually installed without major kitchen modifications, with a smaller footprint that suits compact spaces. Single ovens also tend to sit at the lower end of the price range compared to double ovens.
Shop single ovens →Double oven
Two separate cooking compartments let you cook at different temperatures simultaneously — broil in the top oven while roasting in the bottom, or keep food warm in one while finishing a dish in the other. Ideal for larger families or frequent entertaining.
Shop double ovens →Oven fit and size
Consider whether a built-in or built-under oven suits your kitchen layout. Built-in ovens sit at eye level for easy access, while built-under ovens fit beneath the counter to conserve space. Measure your kitchen space carefully before you buy.
Oven energy label, explained
A+++ to D — a different scale from most appliances
Oven energy labels still use the older rating system, ranging from A+++ (most efficient) down to D (least efficient). Be mindful that this differs from the newer A–G scale now used for fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and TVs — the two scales are not directly comparable letter-for-letter.
Key features to consider
Temperature probe
Tells you exactly when your meat has reached the internal temperature you want — perfect for Sunday roasts.
Digital controls
Set more accurate temperature and timer settings, for greater control over your cooking.
Pre-set programs
Select the type of meat, its weight and how you'd like it cooked — the oven takes care of the rest.
Steam cooking
Circulates "wet heat" in the form of steam, cooking efficiently and deliciously while adding extra moisture.
Self cleaning
Uses high heat to burn off residue and soil into ash, which can then be easily wiped away.
Slide-away doors
Open and slide neatly under the appliance, giving more space and easier access for large dishes.
Shop by oven brand
Explore our trusted oven brands, chosen for quality and compatibility with the rest of your kitchen.
Oven FAQs
What's the difference between a conventional and a convection oven?
What features should I look for in an oven?
Are gas ovens better than electric ovens?
What is a double oven, and when should I consider one?
Are there smart ovens with advanced technology?
Found the right spec? Let's find your oven.
Browse our full range by type, brand or budget — or drop into your local store and talk it through with the team.