If you regularly cook several dishes at once, choose a built-in oven with a fan setting specifically designed for cooking on multiple shelves, then check the cooking test results for the exact model. Conventional cooking is better suited to a single shelf; steam can complement a fan setting if your recipes call for it. In every case, check the housing dimensions, required ventilation and electrical connection before you buy.
If you regularly use several trays or shelves, look for a fan setting specified for this purpose. Tests of the exact model are still useful for assessing temperature and evenness: UFC-Que Choisir measures these factors as part of its testing process.
Your new oven must fit the housing and existing installation. Compare your measurements with the model’s instructions, particularly the ventilation clearances, and have the electrical connection checked if necessary.
A steam function may be useful for certain recipes; the cleaning system matters more if you use the oven frequently. Check the specific functions and maintenance requirements for the model, without assuming that steam improves every type of cooking.
To cook several dishes at the same time, start by checking that the oven has a setting specified for multiple shelves. Then look into the results for the exact model, its compatibility with your kitchen and the features you’ll actually use.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking on multiple shelves | A fan setting specifically designed for multiple shelves and, if even cooking is essential, test results for the exact model covering temperature and evenness. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these measurements from simply having a particular function. | If I cook several trays at once, I want to know whether each one will cook as expected; around 36% of consumers would make multi-shelf cooking their top priority. |
| Fitting and electrical connection | The housing dimensions and clearances in the instructions, checked against the available space in your kitchen unit; and whether the existing electrical circuit is compatible with the oven installation. | When I’m replacing a built-in oven, the unit and electrical connection need to be suitable before I choose its functions; compatibility would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Everyday cleaning | The model’s cleaning system and the tasks its instructions require between uses. | After frequent cooking, I’d prefer a cleaning routine that suits me; for around 21% of consumers, this would be the main consideration. |
| Steam function | The type of steam function and the recipes it’s designed for. If you plan to cook on multiple shelves, check the fan setting separately. | If some of my recipes call for a steam function, I want to know what it can do on the oven I’m considering; around 14% of consumers would put it at the top of their list. |
The name of a setting alone doesn’t tell you the temperature the oven actually reaches or how much it varies between shelves. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests look at factors including temperature accuracy and stability.
If you need to cook several trays at once, look for an independent test of the exact model rather than relying on the name of the function.
The external dimensions don’t replace the housing dimensions and clearances specified in the installation instructions.
Measure your kitchen unit and compare it with the model’s installation diagram before ordering.
A mismatch could mean modifying the unit or paying for additional installation work.
The electrical connection must be suitable for both the oven and the existing installation. For an oven in France, Legrand recommends a dedicated circuit protected by a maximum 20 A circuit breaker, with conductors of at least 2,5 mm².
Have the circuit checked before buying and follow the model’s instructions. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Steam functions and cleaning systems vary between models. An extra feature is no substitute for a setting suitable for multiple shelves or for considering the maintenance involved.
Start with the recipes you make and how often you use your oven, then read the instructions for the function and cleaning system on the model you’re considering.
Bosch offers built-in ovens with Hotair 3D; the HBA571BB4 combines this function with pyrolytic cleaning.
The range includes fan ovens and, depending on the model, steam functions and different cleaning systems.
Depending on the model, Whirlpool combines fan cooking with steam functions and catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning.
Depending on the model, Siemens offers 3D or 4D hotAir settings and a range of cleaning functions.
This multifunction built-in oven may be worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance for regular cooking. To decide whether it’s suitable for multiple shelves, check the settings in its instructions and, if this is a key factor, look for cooking test results for the exact model.
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Worth considering for regular cooking if pyrolytic cleaning meets your maintenance needs.
Listed capacity: 71 L; stainless steel finish; A+ energy rating.
Before buying, compare the instructions with your housing and electrical connection. For cooking on multiple shelves, check which settings are designed for this and look for a test of the FI4485PIX if even cooking is essential.
To cook on several shelves at once, look for a fan setting specifically advertised for this purpose. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from conventional cooking, which is used on a single shelf; however, check the cooking results for the model you’re considering.
Look for an independent test of the exact model rather than relying on the name of its cooking setting alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing process looks at factors including the temperature reached, its stability and temperature differences inside the oven.
Measure the housing in your kitchen unit, then compare it with the new oven’s built-in dimensions in the instructions, rather than checking only its external dimensions. Also check the clearances and ventilation specified for the model.
In France, Legrand recommends a dedicated circuit for a single oven, with a maximum 20 A circuit breaker and conductors of at least 2,5 mm². Check that your existing installation and planned connection comply with the model’s instructions; if in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
If your priority is cooking several dishes at once, first choose an oven with a fan setting designed for multiple shelves. Consider steam separately, according to your recipes and the model’s instructions; having this feature doesn’t demonstrate how well the oven cooks on multiple shelves.