A key player in the white good game, the oven has been a kitchen staple – in its many iterations – for more than 300 years.
With so many models and brands on the market these days, figuring out where to make the big buy can be a task strenuous enough to pick up a sweat.
Fortunately for you, we’ve done the hard work and have created a guide to help you decide on the right oven for your home and budget.
Read on for everything you need to know to make the investment – including key factors to consider like energy efficiency and capacity, as well as the best oven brands to shop.
What to look for when buying an oven
Size and capacity
How often do you cook and for how many people? How big is your kitchen? Do you entertain on the regular? Consider the space you have to work with it for a unit and how much food you’ll be able to cook at once.
Fuel type
Electric, gas and duel-fuel are the three main fuel types for ovens – each with their own pros, cons and price tags. Consider which is best for your cooking needs.
Features
Many ovens these days come with extra features such as self-cleaning, air-frying and Wi-Fi connectivity; decide which extras will make your time in the kitchen easier.
Energy efficiency
Check the energy star rating of the an oven before you invest, and choose accordingly if you’re looking to cut down on your energy usage and power bills.
5 best oven brands to shop in Australia
With quality, reliability and features in mind, these are some of the most highly rated oven brands in Australia.
Miele
Founded in 1899 Germany, Miele know a thing or two about quality appliances that stand the test of time. Its range of premium ovens includes speed ovens, steam ovens, pyrolytic self-cleaning models and combination ovens that offer intuitive features.
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Bosch
Boasting quality and a versatile aesthetic, Bosch’s electric ovens, pyrolytic ovens, double ovens and freestanding ovens are made in Germany and elevate any kitchen.
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Fisher & Paykel
Considered a classic appliance brand in Australia and New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel delivers on innovative design and features in its electric ovens, pyrolytic ovens, double ovens, freestanding ovens and steam ovens.
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Westinghouse
Offering an intuitive array of freestanding ovens, built in gas ovens, electric ovens, pyrolytic ovens, steam ovens and large capacity double ovens, Aussie brand Westinghouse makes dinner prep easy for the whole family.
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Smeg
A leader in marrying style with thoughtful design, Italian brand Smeg offers electric ovens, pyrolytic ovens, double ovens, steam ovens and freestanding ovens that boast charm of a bygone era.
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What is a pyrolytic oven?
Using high heat of approximately 400-500°C to burn off grease and any leftover food, a pyrolytic oven essential cleans itself over several hours. Once the oven has cooled down, simply wipe away the residue that has been turned to ash in the cleaning process.
What is a steam oven?
Instead of dry heat, a steam oven creates a moist cooking environment by injecting steam into the oven. This method can help to preserve natural moisture and flavour of food – perfect for cooking vegetables, fish, poultry and grains.
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