First, choose an oven whose instructions confirm that it will fit your niche, meet the cabinet’s ventilation requirements and work with your planned power supply. A front described as “60 cm” is not enough to go on. For traditional cooking, look at conventional heat; if you prepare a variety of dishes or cook on several shelves, consider fan-assisted modes. Only choose steam if its modes and maintenance requirements suit the recipes you usually make.
If you’re replacing an oven or fitting out an existing cabinet, compare the model’s installation dimensions and ventilation instructions with your kitchen. Check its connection requirements too: the specifications for the Bosch, Electrolux and Siemens models mentioned here show that these details need to be checked for each individual model.
If you switch between baking, grilling and cooking on several shelves, look for the modes you’ll actually use. To compare two models, UFC-Que Choisir’s testing criteria include preheating, how accurately the oven reaches the set temperature and how consistently it maintains it.
If some of your recipes call for steam, check how steam is used alongside the oven’s other modes. Before choosing this feature, check the model’s water system, maintenance requirements and installation dimensions.
First, make sure the oven can be installed in your kitchen. Then compare the cooking modes based on the dishes you make most often.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting and connection | Niche height × width × depth and the clearances specified in the instructions; the model’s connection type and power supply. | I’m replacing an oven in an existing cabinet and want to know whether it will fit before choosing its features; around 45% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Cooking modes and consistency | Useful conventional and fan-assisted modes for your recipes; the model’s performance in preheating, temperature control and cooking on several shelves. | When I alternate between baking, grilling and preparing several dishes, I’m looking for an oven that suits those uses rather than a long list of programmes. For around 33% of consumers, versatility and consistent results would be the priority. |
| Using steam | The steam modes actually available and how the water system works; filling and maintenance instructions. | If I plan to use steam regularly, I want to know which modes are available and what maintenance they require; this would be the main need for around 22% of consumers. |
External dimensions are no substitute for the niche dimensions and clearances specified for the new model. For example, a 90 cm-wide Siemens model has different cabinet requirements from the 60 cm models.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then compare them with the installation details and ventilation instructions for the oven you’re considering.
If the model doesn’t fit properly, you may need to modify the cabinet and redo the installation.
A model with an earthed plug and one that needs to be hardwired require different preparations. Siemens, for example, states that its VB578D0S0 model is supplied without a plug and must be connected by an electrician; this doesn’t apply to its entire range.
Check the existing socket or cable outlet and read the model’s instructions. If a circuit needs to be installed or modified, have the plans checked before you buy. Legrand’s guide for this situation specifies a dedicated circuit, a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A and conductors of at least 2,5 mm².
The presence of a steam, fan-assisted or cleaning mode doesn’t, by itself, tell you how the oven will cook your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir tests oven performance across different modes and models, including temperature accuracy and preheating.
Make a list of the dishes you cook most often, check the corresponding modes in the instructions, then look up test results for the specific model if they’re available.
Bosch offers built-in ovens in a 60 × 60 cm format, with or without added steam, depending on the model.
The SteamCrisp range lets you explore how conventional cooking modes can be combined with steam in a built-in oven.
Siemens offers built-in ovens in 60 × 60 cm and 90 × 60 cm formats, as well as ranges with steam cooking.
Not necessarily. Compare the installation dimensions, depth and required clearances in the model’s instructions with your cabinet. The appliance dimensions listed by Bosch for its HBA534BS3 and HRG572ES3 models are not the same measurements as the niche dimensions listed by Electrolux for the EOC5H40X.
Check the connection type specified in the instructions and make sure it’s compatible with your existing installation. If your plans involve installing or modifying a circuit, Legrand’s guide specifies a dedicated oven circuit, protected by a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A and fitted with conductors of at least 2,5 mm². Ask a professional to assess the planned work.
It depends on the model’s connection type and any changes needed to your existing installation. Follow the instructions and ask a professional for advice if the oven is supplied without a plug or the circuit needs modifying. Siemens specifically requires the VB578D0S0 to be connected by an electrician.
Choose this feature if you plan to use the available steam modes regularly in your recipes. Check whether the model adds steam to another mode or offers a separate steam-cooking mode, then look into its water system, maintenance requirements and installation dimensions.
Take your old electric oven to a collection or take-back scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your household waste. The Ministry for Ecological Transition outlines a dedicated collection and treatment system for this equipment.