Ovens – Fuel, Fit, and Function

Choosing a new oven is one of the most critical decisions in a kitchen renovation or upgrade. It’s not just an appliance; it’s the heart of your home cooking.

At Howard's Electrical, we know that finding the perfect fit involves understanding the subtle but important differences in fuel type and installation type—from sleek built-in single ovens to versatile built-under double ovens.

Our expert guide breaks down the essential factors to ensure your new oven seamlessly integrates into your UK kitchen, both practically and aesthetically.

Part 1: Electric vs. Gas – Choosing Your Fuel

The first major choice revolves around the energy source. Your decision will affect everything from cooking performance to installation costs.

1. Electric Ovens (Fan & Conventional)

Electric ovens are by far the most popular choice in the UK, offering the widest range of sizes, styles, and features.

Electric Oven	Details
Heat Distribution	Fan Ovens (Multifunction): Use a fan to circulate heat, ensuring fast, even cooking on all levels. This is a must-have for batch bakers.
Control	Precise temperature control is easier to achieve and maintain.
Features	Enables advanced features like Pyrolytic self-cleaning, steam cooking, and complex programmes.
Installation	Easier and cheaper to install than gas (though high-power models may still require professional wiring).

2. Gas Ovens

While less common for modern built-in models, gas ovens still have their dedicated fans, particularly amongst serious cooks.

Gas Oven	Details
Heat Distribution	Tends to be hotter at the top than the bottom. The heat is ‘moister,’ which can be excellent for roasting meats and prevents some foods from drying out.
Running Costs	Generally cheaper to run over the long term than standard electric models.
Installation	Crucial: Must be installed and connected by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. This adds to the initial cost.
Safety	All new gas ovens feature a Flame Safety Device (FSD).

Part 2: Installation Styles – Built-in vs. Built-under

Professional Electric Oven 60 cm - Gemma - Black Glass - Lofra Cookers

When we talk about integrated ovens, the terms built-in and built-under refer specifically to where the appliance is positioned in your kitchen cabinetry.

1. Built-in Single Oven

This is the standard 60cm wide, 60cm high integrated unit.

Placement: Can be fitted either at eye-level (in a tall cabinet column) or under the counter.
Aesthetics: Offers a streamlined, modern look, integrating perfectly with contemporary kitchen designs.
Ergonomics: An eye-level installation is highly ergonomic, allowing you to easily check on food and lift heavy dishes without bending down.
Capacity: Provides one large main cavity (typically 70+ litres), often featuring a grill within that same cavity.

2. Built-in Double Oven (Tall Housing)

These are larger appliances, typically 90cm high, designed exclusively for installation into a tall cabinet column at eye level.

Capacity: Features two full, separate oven cavities (a main oven and a separate top oven/grill), providing maximum cooking flexibility for large families or keen entertainers.
Convenience: The top-mounted design is the most convenient and safest for use.

3. Built-under Double Oven

This is the ideal solution for kitchens that demand two separate oven cavities but do not have the space for a tall unit.

Placement: Designed to fit neatly under a standard 60cm kitchen worktop, replacing a cupboard unit.
Size: They are shorter than a tall built-in double oven (typically around 72cm high), which means the main oven cavity is slightly smaller than a standard single oven.
Perfect Pairing: Often chosen when the homeowner wants a hob (gas or induction) directly above the oven for a classic 'cooker' setup, but with a sleeker, integrated look.

Oven Type	Height (Approx.)	Typical Placement	Key Benefit
Built-in Single	60cm	Eye-level or Under-counter	Versatile, Large Single Cavity
Built-in Double	90cm	Eye-level Tall Cabinet	Maximum Dual-Cavity Capacity & Ergonomics
Built-under Double	72cm	Under Worktop	Dual-Cavity in a Compact, Under-counter Space

Next Steps: Finding Your Perfect Appliance

Whether you are seeking the advanced features of an electric oven or need the compact cooking power of a built-under double oven, the team at Howard's Electrical is here to help. We supply models from all the leading brands, ensuring you find the right blend of function and fit for your home.

Don't let the technical terms confuse your buying decision. Contact Us today or visit our store to discuss your kitchen plans with one of our appliance specialists. We can assist with capacity advice, feature breakdown, and installation requirements to ensure a perfect fit every time.

Call us on 01782 639333 or Shop Our Full Range of Ovens Online!