Updated 15 Jan 2010

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Introduction

Ovens aren't simple anymore - our buying guide takes you through the choices, and looks at the latest in oven technology.

You could spend hours walking around kitchen showrooms, admiring the increasingly sleek ovens on offer. But while looks may be important, they're only one of many things to think about when buying an oven. Our guide will help to keep you on track and increase your chances of getting exactly the oven you need.

Note: this report is a general buying guide only. It does not contain test results or brand specific recommendations.

Gas or electric?

If you're open to either option, here are some things to consider.

About electric

• Older electric ovens have a reputation for taking longer than gas ovens to heat up and cook, but in fact they've markedly improved over the years, so this is no longer relevant.
• Most electric ovens these days are multifunction, meaning you can use a combination of top, bottom, grill and sometimes rear elements plus a fan to optimise different cooking, baking and grilling needs, so they tend to be more versatile than a gas oven.
• The price range for electric ovens starts lower.

About gas

• Gas ovens don't dry food out as much as electric ovens (unless they're fan-assisted), so they're ideal for roasts, casseroles and heavy cakes that require moisture.
• Gas ovens are naturally hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom, so unless there's a fan, food will need to be rotated to get even cooking and browning if you're doing any multi-shelf cooking. However, it does mean you can cook several different foods at once. For example, after a roast has been in the oven for some time, you can move it to the bottom, turn the heat up, and use the top shelf to crisp the potatoes.
• There's no direct heat from the top in a gas oven (unless it has an internal grill) so it may not be as good as an electric oven for foods that need browning or crisping on top.
• A gas oven may have electronic controls and/or an electric grill, in which case you'll need an electrical outlet nearby.
• There are only a few brands of gas oven on the market, meaning less choice for you.

The bottom line

If you're willing to experiment with your oven, you'll learn how to get a good result regardless of its fuel.

For people with a disability

The Independent Living Centre in NSW, Australia, provides the following guidelines for buying ovens:

For wheelchair users

• Control panels and door handles should be within easy reach from the wheelchair.
• Wall ovens generally need to be installed at slightly lower than normal height, within the user's reach range.
• Side-opening doors are more user-friendly.

For upper limb impairment

• Look for doors that are easy to open, and handles that allow a good grip.
• Easy-to-press buttons may be preferable to rotary knobs. Any knobs should be large and easy to turn, with little resistance.
• Choose appliances with shelves and trays that move very easily and aren't heavy.
• Place the oven at chest height to avoid excessive reaching.

For visual impairment

• Controls that are large and wide-spaced, and labels in a contrasting colour.
• Positive feedback - beeps and electronic lights - can be helpful.

For back pain

• It's best to minimise bending and reaching, so avoid appliances with controls knobs at the back.
• A wall oven installed at chest height is preferable to a freestanding oven.

For cognitive impairment

• The key is to keep it simple. Labelling that has a very clear and simple picture may be more useful than words, but this will vary for different people.
• Choose appliances with few options for the controls.
• Avoid appliances with auditory feedback if this will confuse the user. However, this can be useful if it successfully reminds the user to do something.