Freestanding cookers: How to choose a cooker Built-in ovens and hobs
Built-in ovens look great in fitted kitchens
Built-in ovens and hobs are designed for fitted kitchens. They can look great, and offer you the option of cooking with electricity in your oven and gas on the hob if that’s your preference.
Types of built-in ovens and hobs
Built-in ovens are usually electric, though there are some gas models available, and they slot into purpose-built cabinets in fitted kitchens. Like freestanding cookers, built-in ovens can have double or single ovens; two ovens offer more cooking options.
Hobs can be gas, gas on glass, electric ceramic or electric halogen, and you can position them wherever there’s counter space and a power supply.
Built-in oven sizes
Ovens can either be built under (ie fitted underneath your kitchen worktop), which are around 72cm high, or built-in at eye level, which are about 90cm high. Single ovens are smaller at about 60cm. Both types are about 60cm wide and 55cm deep. But always check that the built-in oven or hob you’re buying will fit the space in your kitchen.
Built-in oven and hob features
Oven volumes
Double ovens tend to have a large main oven of about 45-70 litres and a smaller top oven of 30-35 litres. Single ovens have a capacity of between about 50 and 65 litres. The smaller oven will usually double as a grill.
Fan ovens
Most electric built-in ovens come with a fan to distribute the heat evenly in the main oven.
Multi-function cooking
This feature allows you to cook with a combination of heat from the top and the bottom of the oven, the grill and fan.
Timers
Some built-in ovens have a timer that will time your cooking and let you know when that time is up.
Programmable ovens
These will turn the oven on, time your cooking and turn the oven off when the food is done.
Steam ovens
Some built-in ovens also have a steam function with an integral water tank. The water is vaporised and provides a quick, healthy cooking method.
Turnspit
This cooks food on a spit, like a rotisserie.
Meat probe
Plunge this probe into a joint and it tells you when the tip is at optimum temperature and the joint is cooked.
Pizza mode
A program designed to ensure a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy base.
Price range for built-in ovens
Single built-in electric ovens are available from about £160, and double electric ovens from about £300. Single gas ovens cost from about £340 and double gas ovens from £500.
Gas hobs start at around £70, with ceramic electric hobs at around £100.
Built-in oven brands
Our built-in oven reviews rate built-in ovens from brands including AEG-Electrolux, Baumatic, Bosch, Cookworks, Delonghi, Electrolux, Fagor, Gorenje, Hotpoint, Indesit, John Lewis, Miele, Neff, New World, Siemens, Smeg Stoves, Whirlpool and Zanussi.
Which? Best Buy built-in ovens start at £275.
Built-in ovens – pros and cons
- Pros Built-in ovens and hobs look great in fitted kitchens, and the ovens perform well in our tests.
- Cons Not suitable for every kitchen, a built-in combination can be quite pricey compared with freestanding cookers.
Check out the Which? built-in oven reviews for the latest Best Buys.
