Who is this guide for?

Households cooking several dishes at once

You prepare batches of food, bake or cook several parts of a meal and want to check whether the oven can handle more than one shelf level at a time.

Households mindful of cleaning

Your cooking regularly leaves greasy splashes. The choice between pyrolytic and catalytic cleaning depends on which areas need cleaning and how much maintenance you’re happy to do.

Households replacing a built-in oven

Your kitchen unit is already in place, so the cavity dimensions, door clearance and connection compatibility matter more than extra programmes.

Which criteria should you consider?

For regular use, first check that the oven will fit in your kitchen unit. Then choose its cooking and cleaning features to suit the dishes you prepare.

Criterion What to check Who it’s for
Cooking on several shelf levels Check the fan setting and how many shelf levels the oven supports. To assess how evenly it cooks, also look for test results for the specific model: Que Choisir assesses factors including temperature and its stability. If I’m preparing several batches for the same meal, I want to know whether they can cook together rather than relying on the programme name alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this feature.
Cavity cleaning Find out which cleaning system the oven uses, what preparation a pyrolytic cycle requires and which catalytic surfaces will still need cleaning by hand. After cooking that leaves greasy splashes, I mainly want to cut down on manual cleaning without overlooking areas the system doesn’t clean. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Fitting and electrical connection Compare your cavity measurements with the built-in dimensions and clearances in the instructions. Also check the door opening and the model’s electrical requirements. When replacing an oven in an existing kitchen unit, I need to be able to fit and power it as specified. Around 25% of consumers put this compatibility first.
Capacity and energy use Compare the usable capacity, the stated energy use per cycle for the available modes and how easy the controls are to use. I want my dishes to fit in the cavity and to be able to compare energy use without trying to infer it from the oven’s size alone. This is a priority for around 17% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on the external dimensions alone

    An oven may look like it will fit, but its built-in requirements could be incompatible with the depth or clearances of your kitchen unit.

    Measure the cavity and compare all three dimensions, along with the required clearances, against the technical specifications or instructions for the exact model.

  • Assuming a fan oven will always cook evenly

    Having a fan setting doesn’t prove that the temperature will remain stable or that results will be even. Que Choisir assesses these factors when testing ovens.

    If you often bake or cook on several shelf levels, look for test results for the model you’re considering.

  • Starting a pyrolytic cycle without reading the oven instructions

    This cleaning process uses very high temperatures and may require you to remove accessories and detachable supports.

    Before each cycle, follow the model’s instructions to prepare the cavity, close the door and provide the required ventilation.

  • Assuming catalytic cleaning covers the whole cavity

    According to Electrolux’s cleaning advice, surfaces without a catalytic coating still need to be cleaned by hand.

    Check which walls are coated on the model you choose and follow its cleaning instructions, particularly when it comes to abrasive products.

Brands to consider for specific models

Bosch

The HBA4720B3 is an example of a multifunction oven with pyrolytic cleaning and hydrolysis-assisted cleaning.

  • Bosch also lists a 3D hotair function for cooking on three levels on this model.
  • These features apply to the HBA4720B3. Check the specifications for any other model before assuming it has the same features.

Electrolux

The COH4P06BX3 and LOH3C00BK let you compare two cleaning systems on ovens listed with a capacity of 65 L.

  • Electrolux says the COH4P06BX3 has pyrolytic cleaning, while the LOH3C00BK uses catalytic cleaning.
  • The published built-in dimensions for the COH4P06BX3 shouldn’t be applied to the LOH3C00BK or any other model.

Whirlpool

The OMR551RR0X and OMR58CR1B are examples of two cleaning set-ups, both listed with a capacity of 71 L.

  • Whirlpool lists pyrolytic and hydrolysis cleaning for the OMR551RR0X, and catalytic cleaning for the OMR58CR1B.
  • The stated number of cooking levels differs between these models, so check the details of the one you’re considering.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should I measure before replacing a built-in oven?

Measure the height, width and depth of the cavity, as well as the space available to open the door. Compare these measurements with the built-in dimensions and clearances specified for the exact model, rather than relying on the external dimensions alone. For example, Electrolux specifies a cavity measuring 590 × 560 × 550 mm for the COH4P06BX3; these dimensions don’t apply to all ovens.

Can a fan oven cook on several shelf levels?

Yes, provided the model has the relevant setting and supports the corresponding shelf levels. The fan is designed to circulate heat, but this alone doesn’t guarantee even results. To compare models, look for tests covering temperature and cooking consistency, such as those carried out by Que Choisir.

Pyrolytic or catalytic cleaning for an oven that’s used often?

Pyrolytic cleaning is a good choice if you want to deal with residue using a high-temperature cycle and are happy to follow the preparation instructions. Catalytic cleaning works on coated walls as the oven heats up. With catalytic cleaning, uncoated areas still need to be cleaned by hand; with pyrolytic cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on accessories and ventilation.

What should I check when connecting an oven to the mains?

Check the model’s connection requirements in its instructions and make sure they’re compatible with the planned installation. For a new installation or a complete renovation in France, Promotelec says that certain appliances need a dedicated circuit. If you’re replacing an oven using an existing installation, have the current set-up checked before choosing a model.

How can I compare the energy use of two ovens?

Compare the energy use per cycle shown on the energy information sheets for equivalent cooking modes, then consider how much usable capacity you need. European energy labelling documentation describes a measurement based on a standardised cycle; this alone doesn’t tell you how much energy all your own dishes will use.