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How to install a built-in oven
Jamie's been reviewing consumer products for nearly two decades, and is the Which? cooking expert. When not making terrible puns, he grills nearly 100 ovens, cookers, cooker hoods and hobs every year, to see which can take the heat.
Choosing a new oven for your kitchen should be an exciting time, but don’t get too carried away by the sleek aesthetics, latest tech or dreams of that effortless dinner party you’ll host.
It’s important to think through the details to avoid unnecessary costs down the line, or significant installation problems.
Upscaling to a double oven or switching from gas to electric is tempting, but changes like these come with complications.
Prior knowledge and planning will help you avoid unexpected issues and unnecessary expenses.
Our best built-in oven recommendations will help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Choosing a different oven type or location
The easiest path when buying a new oven is to keep the same setup as before. Replacing your built-in oven with another of the same size requires no additional thought.
But if you’re fed up with managing a whole Sunday roast in a single oven and want something bigger, you’ll need to alter your cabinetry. This could be relatively straightforward if your kitchen units are from a retailer like Ikea, but it will cost more and take longer if your cabinets are bespoke.
Before hunting for your new oven, get out the tape measure and see what oven sizes will fit your intended space.
- Single ovens fit 60cm (W) x 60cm (H)
- Built-under double ovens fit 60cm (W) x 70cm (H)
- Built-in double ovens fit 60cm (W) x 90cm (H)
Many modern ovens have larger fan housings or cooling systems that require more ‘breathing room’ at the back than older models.
If you’re switching locations, check for any gas pipes or obstructions that sit behind the oven that might prevent the new one from sitting flush.
Choose a perfect replacement with our guides: best single ovens and best double ovens.
Switching between gas and electric
As with your oven’s location, sticking with the energy source you already have could save considerable time and expense. At Which?, we recommend going electric if you can as it’s safer and potentially reduces your carbon footprint.
If you can’t decide, our run-down of the pros and cons of electric v gas ovens will help you choose what’s best for you.
- Switching from gas to electric means installing an electric cable and capping your gas line. Installing a cable can be expensive and messy, potentially involving lifting up carpet and floorboards, or ‘chasing’ (cutting) into the walls.
- Switching from electric to gas means adding a gas line, which is also expensive and disruptive. You’ll still need electricity with a 13A fuse to power your oven’s ignition, lights, fan, clock and timer. Sufficient ventilation is also important to run a gas oven safely.
In both cases, you could end up needing an electrician and a gas installer.
Left without an oven for a while? One of our best air fryers could pick up the slack.
Upgrading to a more powerful oven
Before shopping for a new built-in oven, check whether your old one has a plug. Most new electric ovens are hardwired, which means they’ll require installation by a professional, but plug-in models are still available.
The ‘specifications’ dropdown of all our expert built-in oven reviews state whether they come supplied with a standard 13A plug or need hardwiring.
You shouldn't cut a plug off an appliance that comes with one and try to hardwire it.
If you upgrade to a wired appliance or your new oven draws more current than your old one, you may need to install a bigger electricity cable. Check your consumer unit: if you see a circuit breaker with 40A printed on it, and a label with the words 'oven/cooker/hob', it's a good indication that you already have the capacity you need for a more powerful cooking appliance.
Our built-in oven reviews also list estimated annual running costs – and you don't need to be a member to see them
Choosing a built-in oven installer
If you’re not making major changes, the simplest solution is to buy your built-in oven from a store that will remove your old one and replace it. All big retailers offer this service as an added extra, including John Lewis, Currys and AO.
Buying from somewhere that doesn’t install means you’ll need to instruct your own electrician or gas engineer. This will ensure the installation is safe and means you get all the necessary certification to pass on to your buyer if you sell your property. You’ll also have some protection if you’re unhappy with the work.
Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a Which? recommended tradesperson local to you.
Can I install a built-in oven myself?
Assuming you’re not an electrician, hardwiring a built-in oven yourself may be illegal if you do not adhere to the necessary building regulations. If you are adding a new circuit or making an alteration to your wiring, you’ll need somebody who is certified through the Competent Person Scheme to do the work.
- For gas ovens, that will be a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- For electric ovens, the Electrical Contractors' Association advises that installers should be Part P registered.
These tradespeople are entitled to self-certify their own installations, so there shouldn’t be any need for you to arrange additional paperwork or inspections.
Note that improper installation is likely to invalidate your appliance’s warranty. Bosch’s T&Cs, for example, state that: ‘No warranty liability will be accepted if the defects stem from … improper installation and assembly, improper use … or failure to observe operating or assembly instructions.’
Our guide to how to find a reputable trader shares advice on avoiding rogue traders and dealing with disputes
Installation costs compared
The oven installation and recycling costs from most retailers are similar, when they’re not offering freebies (which they sometimes do during special promotional periods like the January sales).
| Installer | Installation cost | Recycling cost | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO | £125 (single) £130 (double) | £25 | If choosing recycling only, your old oven must be left ‘by the entrance to your property’ |
Currys | £115 (or £125 with gas disconnect) | £25 | N/A |
| Euronics | £115 | £25 | N/A |
John Lewis | From £115 | £25 | Installation cost depends on amperage of new oven |
Independents * | £80 (single) £100 (double) | N/A | N/A |
All prices are taken at the retailer's checkout stage.
* Based on an average of three independent installers. Price rounded up.
If you choose to have your old oven recycled without having a new one installed, you’ll need to have it disconnected first – so that means another call-out fee for a tradesperson. Some retailers even require that the oven be removed and readied for collection.
How much do electricians cost? Discover how much you should expect to spend
Moving to a new home with an old oven
As well as being built into kitchen units, ovens are heavy and a hassle to move. This means people often decide to leave them behind when they move.
If you’re lucky, the existing oven in your new home will be clean. However, before you pop in your first meal, you'll also want to be sure it’s safe to use.
- If the oven is gas, ask the vendor for a gas safety certificate. If they haven't got one, or it's been more than a year since the last check, get a Gas Safe-registered engineer to carry out a safety check. You want to be absolutely sure it’s not emitting carbon monoxide. This is best done before you move in, if possible.
- If the oven is electric, you should get an electrician to give it the once-over and a safety certificate before you use it.
The previous owners may have left a manual behind, but if not, it's likely you'll find it online.