Built-in ovens: How to buy
Around 90% of new homes have a built-in oven, and they’re also a popular choice when fitting a new kitchen. The style and design of kitchen appliances is becoming as important as function. New ovens and grills often have a range of functions or modes, but don't be fooled into thinking that the more modes an oven has, the better or more hi-tech it is.
Multifunction ovens give control over a variety of heating methods
For a start, some functions are rather tenuously named - the 'barbecue' mode on one model, for example, is just the top heating element. There's also no consensus over what manufacturers consider a 'function' - some include 'oven light' while others don't include 'recipe' mode.
Measure up
Be sure to measure carefully before you buy. Unless you’re planning to install a brand-new kitchen at the same time, your cooker will need to fit into an existing space. Most built-in ovens are 60cm wide so they fit in a standard kitchen cupboard unit, but their height varies. A single oven is usually around 60cm high, enabling it to be located either under a worktop or in a tall eye-level unit. Double ovens can either be built-under, which are around 72cm high, or built in at eye level, which are about 90cm high.
Gas vs electric
You may not have a choice, but if you do then electric ovens offer you more control and most have fans to spread the heat right around the cavity. Multi-function electric ovens give you more control over how your oven is heated, so you can provide the perfect cooking conditions for a wide variety of foods. It’s no surprise that 90% of built-in ovens sold are electric.
Stainless steel tends to show fingermarks so will need regular polishing
Colour options
Stainless steel is by far the most popular finish, and this trend shows little sign of fading. The majority of models are avilable in stainless steel, but it often costs about £50 to £200 more. Glossy black is also gaining ground, and many cheaper models are also still available in white and brown. Model numbers often use a suffix to indicate the colour - for example K is black, W is white, B is brown, and SS is stainless steel.
High street vs online
Your cooker buying options are going online, or in-store at a big-name retailer or independent shop. Large retailers are likely to have competitive deals but independents can offer that personal touch, and may have more specialist brands, and models in wider ranges of colours.
Delivery
Some large retailers will deliver for free, while the full package of delivery and installation of a new electric oven, together with removal of the old one can cost as much as £99. Independent retailers are a good option for quick delivery from stock.
Installation
Whether it’s gas or electric, you’ll normally need to get your oven professionally installed. For gas cookers, you’ll need to find a CORGI-registered engineer.
For electric cookers, in England and Wales, as long as you’re connecting to an existing cooker socket, you won’t have to let your local authority know. However, if you’re installing a new power circuit for the cooker, Part P of the Building Regulations will apply. This means you will have to notify the Building Control Office of your Local Authority, unless the work is carried out by a qualified electrician with certification that exempts them from notification. In Scotland, use a certified electrician if the job is covered by a building warrant. These regulations don’t apply in Northern Ireland.
Removal and recycling
Retailers will usually take away your old oven when you buy a new one from them as long as it’s disconnected first. If you pay for installation of a new machine they’ll be able to carry out the disconnection work as well. If you prefer, use the www.recyclenow.com site to find a recycling centre near you, or if the oven still works, offer it to a good home on http://www.freecycle.org .