Start by checking that the oven’s dimensions and installation instructions are compatible with your cabinet and electrical installation. Then choose the cooking functions to suit the dishes you make: conventional cooking is particularly suitable for cooking on one shelf, while a fan-assisted mode may work better when cooking several dishes at once. Also compare usable capacity, the way the door opens, energy consumption for each mode and any cleaning you’ll still need to do.
If your kitchen is already fitted, compare the housing unit’s dimensions, fixings, ventilation and door clearance with the model’s installation instructions. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that the cabinet is suitable for a built-in appliance.
To choose between cooking on one shelf and preparing several dishes at once, check the cooking functions and usable shelf positions. Electrolux describes conventional cooking as suitable for everyday cooking on one shelf.
If you cook often, compare which surfaces are actually covered by the cleaning system and what you’ll still need to do by hand. UFC-Que Choisir describes pyrolytic cleaning as effective but more expensive. Catalytic liners, meanwhile, don’t remove the need to check the model’s cleaning instructions.
When choosing a built-in oven for a fitted kitchen, check that it can be installed first. Then compare the cooking functions, capacity, cleaning and energy consumption to suit your habits.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and installation | Compare the exact dimensions of the housing unit, ventilation clearances and door opening with the model’s installation instructions. Have the electrical connection checked if necessary. | If I’m replacing an oven in an existing fitted kitchen, I want to confirm the dimensions and installation requirements before ordering. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Cooking functions and capacity | Check the listed cooking functions, usable shelf positions and capacity in litres against the dishes you prepare. | If I prepare several dishes at once, I look at the fan-assisted functions and permitted shelf positions. If I cook one dish at a time, conventional cooking may be enough. Around 29% of consumers prioritise cooking functions and capacity. |
| Cleaning | Check the cleaning system, which surfaces it covers and what manual cleaning the instructions still recommend. | If I cook regularly, I want to know what the system actually cleans and what I’ll still need to wipe down. Around 21% of consumers prioritise reducing the effort involved in cleaning. |
| Energy consumption and costs | Compare the kWh per cycle for the same cooking mode and check which delivery or installation services are included. | If I use the oven often, I compare energy consumption for the same mode and check what services are available when replacing it. Around 14% of consumers prioritise energy consumption and additional costs. |
A 60 cm-wide front panel doesn’t confirm that the oven will fit the housing unit, its fixings or the cabinet’s ventilation requirements.
Ask for the installation plan for the exact model and check it against your cabinet dimensions before ordering.
You may need to adapt the cabinet or pay for additional installation work.
Pyrolytic cleaning, catalytic liners and steam-cleaning assistance work in different ways, and none necessarily removes the need to wipe the oven by hand.
Check the instructions to see which surfaces are covered and what cleaning you’ll still need to do.
The energy label distinguishes between conventional and fan-assisted cooking. Figures for different modes aren’t directly comparable.
Compare the kWh per cycle for the same mode, and don’t estimate annual energy consumption without considering how you use the oven.
The HBA572BS3F is an example of a multifunction oven with a 71 L capacity, conventional cooking, fan-assisted cooking, pyrolytic cleaning and hydrolytic cleaning assistance.
The EOF6P46LX is an example from the SurroundCook range, with a stated capacity of 72 L, conventional cooking and fan-assisted cooking.
The OMR58CR1B is an example of a catalytic-cleaning option with fan-assisted cooking and a stated cavity capacity of 71 L.
The HR776G3B1 is an example of a model with added steam, a probe, pyrolytic cleaning and steam-cleaning assistance.
The O643PG is an example of a multifunction built-in oven with added steam, a pizza mode and pyrolytic cleaning.
These built-in models offer different capacities and cooking or cleaning features. Before buying, check the dimensions, clearances and electrical connection against the installation instructions for your chosen model.
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If you’re comparing an oven with a range of features, this model has a stated capacity of 78 L, along with Air Fry and Wi-Fi.
Its title also mentions hydrolytic cleaning and an A++ rating. The description advises keeping children away during and after use because the surfaces become hot.
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If you’re looking for a multifunction oven with a stated capacity, this model is listed at 72 L.
Its title also mentions AirFry and an A energy rating.
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If you’re comparing a multifunction option with pyrolytic cleaning, this model is listed at 71 L.
Its title lists an A+ rating. The description warns that surfaces become very hot during the pyrolytic cleaning cycle and advises keeping children and pets away.
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If you’re comparing large-capacity multifunction ovens, this model is listed at 76 L.
Its title lists an A+ rating. The description advises keeping children and pets away from hot surfaces during cleaning cycles.
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If you’re comparing built-in ovens with 3D hot air, this model is listed at 71 L.
Its title also mentions seven cooking modes and hydrolytic cleaning.
No, that measurement alone isn’t enough. Compare the height, width and depth of the housing unit with the model’s built-in dimensions, then check ventilation, fixings and door clearance. For the Bosch HBA572BS3F, the specifications distinguish the appliance dimensions of 595 × 594 mm from the listed housing-unit dimensions of 585–595 × 560–568 × 550 mm. These dimensions apply to this specific model.
For a new oven circuit or one being brought up to standard, Legrand specifies a dedicated circuit for the oven, protected by a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A. The applicable requirements depend, in particular, on when and what work is being carried out. According to Legrand and CONSUEL, the new edition of NF C 15-100 doesn’t apply retrospectively to every existing installation. Have a qualified professional inspect the installation rather than carrying out electrical work yourself.
Compare the kWh per cycle for the same cooking mode — conventional with conventional, or fan-assisted with fan-assisted — and take the capacity in litres into account. The European Commission distinguishes between these modes on the energy label. A figure per cycle alone isn’t enough to establish annual energy consumption.
Check the exact cleaning system and follow the model’s instructions: pyrolytic cleaning, catalytic liners and steam-cleaning assistance don’t necessarily eliminate all manual wiping. Also check how to clean the door glass.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a private individual buys from a professional seller. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to make a claim under it. When you buy a new appliance, the retailer must offer to take back the old one on a “one-for-one” basis, as the Ministry for Ecological Transition reminds customers. Check removal and installation arrangements separately.