If you often cook several dishes in one batch, look for a built-in oven that specifically supports fan cooking on multiple levels. Your recipes will also need to require compatible temperatures. Conventional cooking is better suited to a single level, while a steam oven is worth considering if you plan to use its steam programmes. Before choosing a model, compare its installation dimensions and connection requirements with your kitchen.
If you want to cook gratins, vegetables or baked goods in the same batch, check that the model supports cooking on multiple levels. Group together recipes that need compatible temperatures, and make sure there is enough room for your dishes.
Your new oven needs to fit the existing housing and meet the installation requirements set out in its manual. Measure the cabinet and check the connection requirements for the model you are considering before placing your order.
A cleaning programme may influence your choice, but it is only one part of the maintenance involved. Also check which parts need to be cleaned by hand, what accessories are included and what the model’s care instructions say.
First choose the cooking mode that suits your batches, then check that the oven will fit your cabinet and can be maintained in the way you prefer.
Consider it if: you mainly cook one recipe at a time. Electrolux recommends using a single level for conventional cooking.
Limitation: this mode is not designed to meet a regular need for cooking on several levels at once.
Consider it if: you regularly want to cook several dishes at compatible temperatures, on the levels permitted by the manual.
Limitation: the name of the mode alone does not guarantee even cooking in a particular model; UFC-Que Choisir assesses this in its tests.
Consider it if: you also plan to use the steam or combination programmes on the model you choose.
Limitation: steam is not essential for cooking on multiple levels. Check the cooking modes, maintenance requirements and installation separately.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking on multiple levels | Check how many levels are supported in your chosen mode and which shelf positions the manual recommends. Also make sure your dishes will fit. According to Electrolux’s guidance, food cooked together should require the same temperature. | I want to cook several dishes in one batch, without assuming that every recipe can be cooked together. |
| Built-in fit and connection | Measure the usable height, width and depth of the housing, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model. Check its manual for ventilation and connection requirements. | My new oven needs to fit the cabinet and suit the installation in my kitchen. |
| Maintenance | Understand the difference between pyrolytic cleaning and other cleaning aids. Check which parts can be removed, what accessories are included and what maintenance the model requires. | I want a cleaning method that fits the time I’m prepared to spend on it day to day. |
| Modes you’ll actually use | Compare conventional, fan-assisted and, where relevant, steam modes with the recipes you usually cook. Check the manual to see which dishes and shelf positions each programme is designed for. | If I mainly cook on one level, my needs are different from someone cooking several dishes at once. I’ll only choose steam if I’ll use its programmes. |
Recipes that need different temperatures may not be suitable for cooking at the same time. Electrolux’s guidance says that cooking on several shelves at once is for food requiring the same temperature.
Group dishes by temperature, and check which modes and shelf positions the manual recommends.
The front of the oven does not tell you the housing dimensions or installation requirements for that model.
Measure the cabinet’s usable height, width and depth, compare them with the installation diagram, then check the connection requirements.
A steam function gives you more ways to cook, but simultaneous cooking also depends on the fan-assisted modes designed for that purpose.
Choose steam if the model’s programmes suit recipes you plan to make.
A dedicated cleaning cycle does not, by itself, tell you how to clean the oven’s accessories and other parts day to day. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses everyday maintenance as part of its testing process.
Read the care instructions and check which accessories and removable parts come with the model.
These examples highlight features to check on a model-by-model basis; they do not represent every range from each brand.
The HBG272EB3F is a model worth considering for cooking on multiple levels.
Two models let you compare a fan oven with pyrolytic cleaning against one with added steam functions.
The WBI4IS8PM1XAF is an example of a model with assisted programming.
These two built-in ovens are worth considering if you’re looking for a multifunction model. If you want to cook several dishes at once, check the manual for each model to see which modes and how many levels you can use.
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Worth considering for batches that use fan-assisted cooking: the model description lists Multiflow heat distribution across the levels, though this alone does not confirm that several dishes can be cooked at once. This 71 L oven has pyrolytic cleaning. Check the permitted shelf positions in its manual, as well as the built-in dimensions and connection requirements.
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Worth considering if you use a range of cooking modes: the description lists seven modes, including fan cooking, and a 71 L capacity. Hydrolytic cleaning is described as an aid for removing light soiling, not as pyrolytic cleaning. Check the manual to see whether simultaneous cooking on multiple levels is supported, then compare the installation requirements with your kitchen.
No. Electrolux’s guidance says that cooking on several shelves at once is for food requiring the same temperature. Group together compatible recipes and follow the shelf positions recommended in your oven’s manual.
Measure the housing’s height, width and depth, then compare these measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model. Also check the manual for ventilation and connection requirements. If the electrical installation needs to be changed, ask a qualified professional to assess the work.
No. Pyrolysis means the oven has a cleaning programme, but day-to-day maintenance also depends on the accessories and parts that need to be cleaned by hand. UFC-Que Choisir assesses everyday maintenance separately in its testing process, too, so check the care instructions for the model you’re considering.
No. A fan-cooking mode specifically designed for multiple levels will meet this need when the dishes require compatible temperatures. Consider steam if you also plan to use the steam or combination programmes on the model you choose.
Search for the full model number on the manufacturer’s website and check which manuals, accessories, spare parts and repair services are available for that model. For example, Electrolux offers original parts and a service for arranging repairs; check what is available for the model you’re interested in.