From Roasting to Baking and Everything In Between, Find the Oven That Fits Your Needs

Which oven is right for me?

The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home. After all, it’s where food is prepared. Through food we give nourishment, provide comfort and make memories (be they “that was the best lasagne I’ve ever tasted”, or “remember when Sarah set those biscuits on fire?!”). The kitchen’s glowing reputation, and the food we enjoy, all comes down to one industrious piece of kit: the oven.

Often taken for granted, the oven works hard for us, day in, day out. From glorious roasts to frozen pizzas, it has our back (and never judges!).

Choosing an oven is, therefore, an important decision, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by seemingly limitless options. Well fear not; SIA is here to help you find the perfect oven for your needs.

What types of ovens are there?

Gas

The traditional option, (we’re not including wood-fired bread ovens in this list!) gas ovens typically use propane to cook with a flame. They heat up quickly and the temperature is generally easier to control than in electric ovens. They tend to cook less evenly, however, hence some recipes will advise which shelf to place your dish on and food might require rotating to avoid burnt edges. Gas ovens can be expensive to install and this must be done by a licensed professional.

Electric

Electric ovens have become very popular in recent years and thus there are a lot of options available. They cost less to install than gas ovens and are considered a safer option as there is no flame and no risk of a gas leak. They cook using heating elements, so they are slower to get up to temperature than a gas oven, but they can reach higher temperatures and cook more evenly. They are also easier to clean.

Fan

As the name suggests, fan ovens have a fan within them. They can be electric or gas, though the former is more common. During cooking, the fan causes the hot air to circulate so the temperature stays even throughout. This is ideal if you’re cooking more than one thing or if you can’t be doing with moving shelves about. Fan ovens tend to work at lower temperatures and thus use less energy. We’re certainly a fan of that (sorry!).

Pyrolytic

Pyrolytic, or ‘self-cleaning’, ovens feature a programme that heats the oven to a very high temperature, reducing grease and debris that has built up over time into ash. This can be easily wiped away, thereby removing the need for strong chemicals and scrubbing, and allowing you to stare intensely into your oven à la Bake-Off. You can read more about SIA’s range of pyrolytic ovens in this handy guide.

Other factors to consider when choosing your oven

Size

To make life simple, ovens tend to come in a standard size (60cm). SIA ovens are no exception, making them a breeze to fit into your space. We have built-in and built-under options to ensure they fit seamlessly with the rest of your furniture.

Double or single?

The other size consideration is whether you go for a double or single oven. The SIA Stainless Steel Built Under Electric Double True Fan Oven has two compartments, allowing you to simultaneously cook multiple dishes in different ways. For example, use the fan oven on the bottom for even, efficient cooking, and grill in the top oven for a crisp, crunchy finish. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties, making a variety of dishes, or if you have a big family to feed, a double oven could be the answer.

Alternatively, keep it simple and stylish with a single oven such as the Stainless Steel Built In Single Electric True Fan Oven. Its modern design will look sleek in any kitchen and the easy-to-use controls will make cooking delicious food a doddle. Did we mention it also has an ‘A’ energy rating?

Appearance

At SIA, we believe practicality and beauty should go hand in hand. Our range offers the choice of stainless steel, black, or white ovens so you can pick the look that best suits your space. You can also choose the type of controls you prefer, from soft-touch as seen on the SIA 13 Function Single Electric Oven, to the tactile dials of the SIA Electric Fan Oven. Whatever your taste, we’re confident SIA has a style for you.

Explore the SIA range

Buying an oven is definitely worth taking your time over. We hope that this has been a useful guide and that SIA will be a part of your kitchen for years to come.