When fitting or replacing a built-in oven in a redesigned kitchen, first choose a model whose cabinet aperture, ventilation, door opening and electrical connection suit the planned installation: the oven’s external dimensions alone aren’t enough. Then compare the cooking modes with the dishes you usually make, whether you tend to cook on one shelf, prepare several batches at once or make recipes for which you’ll genuinely use steam.
The cabinet aperture is already fixed, so measure it and check its depth, ventilation, clearance in front of the door and electrical connection against the instructions for the new model. Que Choisir advises that an oven must be installed in a suitable cabinet.
A fan-assisted mode and the number of usable shelf positions matter more to you than a long list of programmes. When comparing models, Que Choisir’s tests also look at preheating and temperature stability.
Decide which recipes you’ll use it for, then distinguish between a function that adds moisture during cooking and a steam or combination steam oven. Check the care requirements and the specifications of the exact model too.
Start by checking that the oven will fit the cabinet: no cooking function can make up for an unsuitable aperture or electrical connection. If you mainly cook dishes on one shelf, look at conventional modes; for cooking several batches at once, consider fan-assisted cooking; and if you want steam, check exactly what the function does. These features can all be found on the same oven.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and installation | Measure the cabinet aperture’s internal dimensions; check ventilation, door clearance and the electrical connection against the model’s instructions. | If I’m keeping my cabinet, I want to avoid a measurement, the door or the connection preventing installation. Around 36% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Cooking on several shelves | Check the fan-assisted mode and usable shelf positions; look at cooking test results where available. | When I prepare several dishes, I look for a mode suited to cooking them at the same time. This versatility is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Steam function | Distinguish between occasional steam injection and a combination steam oven; consider the recipes you plan to make and the care required. | I want to use steam for specific recipes, rather than choose the function without having a use for it. It’s the main requirement for around 21% of consumers. |
| Simple cooking | Compare the modes you need for cooking one dish at a time and how easy the controls are to read. | If I mainly cook one dish on one shelf, I prefer controls and modes that suit this habit. Simplicity comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Two ovens with similar external dimensions may need different cabinet apertures or clearances. Que Choisir’s guide recommends checking the installation space and cabinet.
Measure the inside of the cabinet aperture and check the model’s installation diagram, whether it’s going under a worktop or into a tall housing.
If the oven isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the cabinet or its ventilation.
The cabinet may be suitable even if the existing connection doesn’t meet the requirements for the new oven. Promotelec recommends using an electrician for electrical work.
Check the instructions and existing connection before removing the old appliance. If the circuit needs to be installed or modified, ask a professional for advice.
Extra options won’t necessarily suit a household that mainly cooks on one shelf. Que Choisir’s tests also assess cooking performance, preheating and temperature stability.
Start with the dishes you make and how often you cook, then compare the modes and available results for each model.
An open door may obstruct a walkway or an adjacent cabinet front. If the oven is under a worktop, you’ll also need to consider how easily you can take dishes out. Que Choisir recommends choosing an opening that suits your kitchen layout.
Mark the door’s opening arc on your plan, and check for accessories that make it easier to remove dishes if they’re important for your installation.
The ranges below give you examples of sizes and features to compare. Always check the instructions for your chosen model to make sure it will fit your cabinet.
Bosch offers multifunction built-in ovens, including models listed as 60 × 60 cm.
The range includes multifunction ovens with an added steam function, such as the EOD6P56WH with SteamBake.
Miele lists built-in ovens separately from steam and combination steam ovens, with different sizes across its products.
Siemens offers built-in ovens in different sizes, including models with steam cooking.
These four multifunction built-in ovens offer a range of capacities and cooking features to compare. Before choosing one for your kitchen, check its installation instructions against your cabinet measurements, the space in front of the door and your existing electrical connection.
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Worth considering if you’d like to try different cooking methods and have a compatible cabinet.
The product title lists a 71 L capacity and 3D hot air function. Check the number of oven cavities in the instructions before choosing this model.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a multifunction oven with pyrolytic cleaning.
Listed capacity: 71 L. Before buying, check the cabinet aperture measurements and electrical connection requirements against your installation.
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Worth considering if a listed capacity of 76 L suits the dishes you make and the space you have available.
Check the built-in dimensions in the instructions and make sure the door can open freely in your kitchen.
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Consider this model if you’re looking for a 72 L multifunction oven and want to explore the AirFry option.
Check the instructions for details of the functions, cabinet aperture measurements, door type and connection requirements.
No. These dimensions don’t confirm the internal size of the cabinet aperture or the clearances required. Measure your cabinet and check the installation diagram for the exact model. For example, Electrolux lists a 590 × 560 × 550 mm cabinet aperture for its EOD6P56WH.
If your project involves installing or modifying a circuit or connection, ask a professional to assess the work required. Promotelec recommends using an electrician for electrical work. You should also check the requirements in the instructions for your chosen oven.
No. A built-in steam function can complement the modes on a multifunction oven, but it doesn’t do the same job as a dedicated steam oven. Electrolux, for example, describes SteamBake on the EOD6P56WH as adding steam. Compare the specific function with the recipes you plan to make.
Choose one to suit how often you use your oven and how much cleaning you’re happy to do. Check the cleaning system on the exact model, but also compare its cooking modes and any available test results: the cleaning system alone doesn’t tell you everything about using the oven.