You’re replacing an oven in an existing cabinet
First, check that the model is compatible with the niche, door opening and planned installation. Que Choisir’s guide recommends taking the appliance’s specific installation requirements into account.
Who should consider a built-in oven?
You cook on several shelves
A fan-assisted mode may suit you if you regularly prepare several dishes or trays at once. Choose functions to match the way you cook rather than focusing on the number of programmes alone, as Que Choisir advises.
You’re deciding between steam and microwave
Think about whether you want to cook with steam regularly, add moisture from time to time or mainly reheat food. The terms used can refer to different functions, so check the details of the model you’re considering.
What should you check before buying?
Conventional oven
Worth considering: if you usually cook one dish at a time and want to avoid functions you won’t use.
Check: that it has top and bottom heating elements. A multifunction oven may also offer conventional heat.
Multifunction oven
Worth considering: if you regularly use several shelves or want a choice of cooking modes.
Check: the capacity, usable shelf positions and which functions will actually be useful for your recipes.
Steam oven
Worth considering: if cooking with steam is part of your regular routine.
Check: whether it has a dedicated steam mode or simply adds moisture, as well as how water is managed and what maintenance is required.
Built-in microwave
Worth considering: if reheating or defrosting is your main use and space is limited.
Check: whether it has a fan-assisted mode if you also expect it to cook like an oven; a grill alone doesn’t offer this.
For a fitted or renovated kitchen, first check that the model suits the cabinet and planned connection, then choose functions to match the way you usually cook. The priorities below highlight the needs you may need to weigh up.
| Criteria | What to check | Who considers this most important? |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and connection | Internal niche dimensions; installation diagram, ventilation and connection requirements for the model. | If I’m replacing an oven in an existing cabinet, I want to avoid problems with the installation or connection. Around 31% of consumers prioritise how well it fits. |
| Cooking on several shelves | Fan-assisted mode and usable shelf positions; capacity to suit the dishes you plan to cook. | When I prepare several dishes, I look for a mode and space suited to the job. Around 25% of consumers prioritise cooking on several shelves. |
| Cleaning | The cleaning system specified for the model; removable parts and instructions in the manual. | If I cook often, I want to know what maintenance will still be needed afterwards. Easy cleaning is a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Steam cooking | The exact steam mode; water tank or water supply and any related maintenance, depending on the model. | If I want to cook with steam regularly, I check that the function is suitable for this, rather than simply adding moisture. Around 13% of consumers put steam cooking first. |
| Reheating and compact size | Microwave, grill and fan-assisted functions; capacity and niche dimensions. | If I mainly want to reheat food in a limited space, I compare the functions and capacity before choosing an appliance to use as my main oven. This is a priority for around 12% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a built-in oven?
-
Relying on the advertised width alone
Niche dimensions and installation requirements vary by model. The width of the front panel alone isn’t enough to confirm that the oven will fit the cabinet.
Ask for the installation diagram for the exact model and have the cabinet, airflow and installation checked before you order.
The cabinet may need adapting or professional installation may be required if this hasn’t been planned for.
-
Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A microwave with a grill isn’t automatically a combination oven that can cook like a fan-assisted oven.
Check the microwave, grill and fan-assisted modes separately, along with the usable capacity.
If it doesn’t have the cooking function you need, you may need a second appliance.
-
Assuming all steam functions are the same
“Steam” can refer to different modes. A function that adds moisture isn’t necessarily the same as dedicated steam cooking.
Compare the specific modes and maintenance instructions in the manual, especially those covering water management.
-
Choosing based on the number of programmes or price alone
More programmes don’t guarantee that they’ll suit your recipes or improve your cooking results.
Start with your cooking habits and how often you’ll use the oven, then compare the functions and test results available for the exact model.
Functions you rarely use can add complexity without meeting your everyday needs.
Built-in oven brands to consider
Bosch
The models with published specifications include multifunction ovens and compact models that combine an oven and microwave.
- For the HBA534BS3, Bosch lists seven modes, including conventional heat and fan-assisted cooking.
- Dimensions and functions vary between models, so check the specifications for the exact model before comparing.
Electrolux
The models with published specifications include multifunction ovens, including models with pyrolytic cleaning or the SteamCrisp function.
- Electrolux product specifications distinguish between the cooking modes and functions available on each model.
- The low steam setting listed for the EOC6P67WX shouldn’t be confused with all the modes offered by a dedicated steam oven. Also check the product number to confirm which accessories are compatible.
Siemens
The CS736G1B1 is an example of a compact option combining conventional oven modes with a steam function.
- For this model, Siemens lists a 60 × 45 cm front panel, fullSteam Plus and conventional oven modes.
- Check the niche height, steam maintenance and installation requirements against your kitchen and how you plan to use it.
Whirlpool
The WMD44MXF model with published specifications is a built-in microwave with a grill and Crisp function.
- Whirlpool lists microwave and grill functions for this model.
- These functions alone don’t make it a full-sized fan-assisted oven, so check that it has the modes you need for your recipes.
Multifunction built-in ovens available at Joybuy
This selection features multifunction built-in ovens for a range of cooking needs. Check the niche dimensions, ventilation and installation instructions for each model against your kitchen setup.
Image unavailable
Candy CA6 NP5B3HTX built-in oven, 78 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a high-capacity multifunction built-in oven. First, check that it’s compatible with your niche.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 78 L, 12 programmes, convection, a grill and hydrolytic cleaning. It specifies a niche of 56 × 59 × 56 cm.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EOM3H00X AirFry built-in oven, 72 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a multifunction built-in oven with an AirFry function. Check the installation dimensions before making your choice.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 72 L and an energy rating of A.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint FI4485PIX pyrolytic built-in oven, 71 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a multifunction built-in oven with pyrolytic cleaning. The listing says it must be installed correctly by a suitably qualified professional.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 71 L, 16 modes and an energy rating of A+.
Image unavailable
Samsung NV7B41403BS/U5 built-in oven, 76 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a multifunction built-in oven with several programmes. Bear the ventilation instructions in mind when installing it.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 76 L, 20 programmes and an energy rating of A+.
Image unavailable
Bosch HBA514BB3 built-in oven, 71 L, 3D hot air
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in oven with several heating modes. Compare the dimensions of this model with your niche.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 71 L and lists a 3D hot air function.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a built-in oven
Does a “60 cm” size guarantee that the oven will fit in my cabinet?
No. Measure the internal height, width and depth, then compare them with the installation diagram and ventilation instructions for the exact model. For example, Electrolux specifies a niche of 590 × 560 × 550 mm for the EOF4P46H. These dimensions don’t apply to other models.
When should I have the electrical connection checked?
If a socket, circuit or consumer unit needs to be installed or altered, have the work assessed before installation. Promotelec recommends using an electrician for electrical work, and the Bosch manual consulted specifies that connection without a plug must be carried out by qualified, approved personnel. This doesn’t mean that every oven with a plug needs to be installed by a professional.
What circuit should I plan for when renovating the electrical installation?
For a circuit intended for an electric oven, Legrand describes a dedicated circuit with conductors of at least 2.5 mm² and a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A, under NF C 15-100. Promotelec explains the scope of the standard for new or modified installations. Have its application checked for your work and the appliance you choose.
How do you maintain a steam oven?
Follow the instructions for your model. Que Choisir describes tasks such as emptying the tank, drying the oven walls and, depending on the design, descaling. The steps and how often they’re needed vary by model.
What warranty covers a new oven bought from a trader in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity is provided by the professional seller. For a new product, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the period is two years. Check the terms of any commercial warranty or installation service separately.
Does a missing energy label on a microwave oven prove something is wrong?
No, not by itself. European Regulation 65/2014 excludes ovens with a microwave heating function, as well as those heated mainly by steam, from its scope. Check the category and specifications of the appliance in question.