Choosing the right oven can be overwhelming, especially with so many styles, sizes and features available today. Modern Living Direct’s oven buying guide explores the different types of ovens available. You’ll learn how to choose an oven that suits your space and cooking needs. This guide explains what to look for when buying an oven, and oven functions are explained clearly and simply.
Whether you are replacing your old oven, renovating your house or upgrading your kitchen, this guide will support you to make the correct oven choice.
Why Choosing the Right Oven Matters
Choosing the right oven has a direct impact on how well, how quickly and how reliably you cook. Most modern ovens feature fan-assisted technology. This provides more accurate temperature control and even heat distribution. Luckily for you, this means no more burnt edges and undercooked middles.
Ovens that have good insulation and quick preheating save time, an important factor for busy households. Efficient designs will use less energy. This reduces running costs and environmental impact. Many Modern Living Direct ovens offer intelligent controls, timers and programmable settings, making everyday cooking simpler.
Kitchens keeping up with growing appetites will benefit from a higher capacity oven, while smaller kitchens or occasional cooks may prefer a compact model. If your idea of fun involves trying new recipes and chasing perfect results, a multifunction oven will allow you to do that. Their versatility makes them perfect for growing cooking skills.
Ovens should offer long-term value. Having reliable quality and a strong warranty supports consistent performance for years. This offers peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
We have a wide range of ovens that will support your cooking needs and budget needs, so no matter what you need from an oven, we can provide that.
What Type of Oven is Right for You?
Understanding the different types of ovens is one of the most important steps in any oven buying guide. At Modern Living Direct, we offer a curated range of ovens that are suited to all homes. Helping you confidently decide how to choose an oven that matches your cooking habits
| Oven Type | Details |
| Single Ovens | Most popular option, ideal for standard kitchens. Compact but versatile.Ideal for small households |
| Double Ovens | Great for multitasking, has two separate compartments. Suits families, batch cooking and hosting dinners. Able to cook at different temperatures at the same time. |
| Electric Ovens | Popular choice due to even heat distribution. Great for baking, roasting and everyday cooking. Tends to come with fan-assisted modes, grills, defrost functions etc. |
| Gas Ovens | Provides instant heat and a traditional moisture-rich cooking environment. Tends to be preferred for roasting or conventional cooking styles. Ideal for individuals who already have a gas supply or prefer traditional cooking results. |
| Steam & Combination Ovens | The steam is used to retain nutrients, moisture and texture.Combination modes support steam, convection and grilling.Perfect for health-based cooking Great for achieving artisan-level baking results |
| Smart Ovens | Features include app control, guided cooking and intelligent cooking modes. Suits busy homes. Great for tech-savvy home cooks. |
| Freestanding Electric Cookers | All-in-one cooking solution, with an electric hob and electric oven. Suits kitchens with built-in cabinetry or limited space.Often affordable and easy to install. |
| Freestanding Gas Cookers | Combines a gas hob and a gas oven in one appliance. Provide instant heat and traditional cooking results. Great for quick temperature adjustments on the hob. |
| Dual Fuel Cookers | Gas hob for controllable heat and electric oven for reliable baking.Serious home cooks love this.Suits people who cook a lot and need reliable temperature management. |
| Range Cookers | Large cookers which combine multiple ovens and a large hob. It offers a huge capacity, suits large families and passionate cooks. Tend to include extra features like warming drawers, grill compartments or multiple hob burners. Can provide a traditional or luxury aesthetic depending on design. |
How Do You Choose the Right Oven Size?
Most built-in ovens are designed to fit into standard UK kitchen cabinets, which helps ensure that the installation is smooth and that you are left with a modern, built-in look. The standard width of an oven is 60cm, but the height varies. Compact ovens tend to be 45cm high, while single ovens are 60cm. Double ovens come in built in and built under versions. Built under are 70cm – they can be installed under a work top or in an eye level unit. Built in double ovens are 90cm and only suitable for larder units.
Oven capacity is measured in litres, and this reflects the usable cooking space inside. Your actual cooking space can be affected by shelving and oven shape, so don’t just look at the litres figure. The correct oven size for you will depend on how often you cook and the amount of food that you need to cook at once. Couples may only need 50-60L, such as the Avelis 45cm Combination oven, while families may need 65-75L, such as the Bosch built-in oven.
Before purchasing, you should ensure to measure the width, height, depth, required clearances and also consider the door opening space. This will ensure that the oven fits and avoids any installation issues.
Which Fuel Type Is Best for Your Cooking Style?
Fuel type plays a major role when deciding on the best oven to buy.
- They use electric heating elements to deliver even heat; many modern UK ovens are electric.
- Pros include – even heat distribution, precise temperature control, modern features, easy installation, multifunction modes, and they are typically more energy efficient.
- Cons include – slower to heat, higher electricity costs.
- This oven suits home cooks and families who need consistent results.
- Use a gas burner at the base of the oven to generate heat.
- The heat tends to be more humid.
- Pros: fast pre-heating, cheaper to run, moist heat.
- Cons: Heat distribution can be less even in models without an internal fan, fewer advanced features than some electric options and installation must be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
- Suits cooks who prefer traditional roasting, homes that are connected to mains gas and individuals who prioritise lower running costs.
- They combine electric oven cooking with gas elements, which offers flexibility between heat control and even cooking.
- Pros include even baking performance and fast heat response.
- Cons are that it requires both electric and gas connections, there are fewer built-in models, and it can be a complex installation.
- Suits passionate home cooks and homes that are already set up for gas and electric cooking.
Before deciding which fuel type to buy, you should always check your power supply, gas supply, installation and future-proofing.
Where Should I Install My Oven?
Your kitchen layout will influence the best place to install your oven. Most modern ovens are built-in (also called integrated), meaning they are designed to fit inside your kitchen cabinetry rather than sit freestanding. Because of this, the installation height can be adapted to suit your space and how you prefer to cook.
Eye-Level Installation
Built-in ovens can be installed at eye level inside a tall or larder unit. This puts the oven at a comfortable height, making it easier to check dishes and remove trays without bending. It also keeps the oven further from ground level, which many households with young children or mobility concerns prefer. This setup is common in contemporary kitchen designs.
Under-Counter Installation
The same built-in oven can also be installed under a worktop or beneath a hob. This is a traditional layout and is especially common in smaller kitchens, flats or spaces where tall cabinets aren’t used. Under-counter ovens help maximise wall and cabinet space.
Freestanding Ovens
Freestanding ovens combine the hob and oven in one appliance and sit directly on the floor. Because they have a fixed footprint and are not built into cabinetry, they offer less flexibility in terms of placement. They are typically used in more traditional layouts or in kitchens planned around a single all-in-one appliance.
Installation Essentials
Whichever positioning you choose, ensure your cabinetry allows for proper ventilation and that your electrical or gas connections match the oven’s requirements. Correct installation is essential for performance, safety and maintaining warranty coverage.
How Much Should You Budget for a New Oven?
Oven prices can vary depending on features, size, brand and quality. You should always set a budget to narrow your options.
- Entry-level ovens (£250-£450) are ideal for first-time home buyers, rental properties and light or occasional cooking.
- Mid-range ovens (£450-£800) are the most popular for modern homes. They offer better design, improved efficiency and greater functionality. Makes them more suitable for families and regular home cooks.
- Premium ovens (£800+) are designed for frequent cooking and often include advanced features such as self-cleaning and larger capacities. While the upfront cost is higher, they often offer better performance and a longer lifespan.
Spending more can be worthwhile if you cook often or want specific features but always prioritise functionality you will actually use.
Why Should You Buy Your Oven from Modern Living Direct?
Buying an oven is an investment, and choosing a retailer you can trust is just as important as choosing the appliance itself. Modern Living Direct specialises in modern built-in kitchen appliances and offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Every product is carefully selected from trusted manufacturers and backed by reliable warranties. Giving you the confidence that your oven is built to perform and designed to last.
Choosing the right oven doesn’t need to be complicated. With a clear understanding of the types of ovens and this oven buying guide. You can now choose an appliance that enhances your kitchen and supports everyday cooking.
Explore the full Modern Living Direct oven range today and discover reliable and stylish ovens designed for modern homes. Contact us today to find your perfect oven.