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Best built-in ovens 2024: integrated ovens for baking, roasting and grilling

Our experts rigorously test built-in ovens to bring you our in-depth reviews. Find a Best Buy oven that's quick, effective and easy to clean
Matt KnightResearcher/writer
Best built-in ovens

Find the perfect built-in oven for your kitchen with our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice.

Modern ovens can have a host of hi-tech features. But if you don't get the basics right, you could end up with one that's annoyingly slow to heat up or cooks unevenly.

Our rigorous independent lab tests help us root out poor performers. Read on to find out which built-in single, double and built-under ovens impressed us - and choose the best for your budget.

Go to our built-in oven reviews to see and compare all the models we've tested.

Best built-in ovens for 2024

The following built-in ovens are the very best of all the appliances we've tested.

Every year we rigorously test built-in ovens - covering everything from control accuracy to running cost - to find the best model for you. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best built-in ovens in our table below. Join Which? to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

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Built-in oven reviews by type

Built-in ovens by price

Why you should trust our built-in oven reviews

We buy every single built-in oven we test – that means no 'free samples'.

Then we subject every model to the same independent lab testing and assessments, to make sure the ovens are accurate and comparable, regardless of how cheap or expensive they are.

These unbiased tests root out the ovens that are quick to heat up, stick closely to the correct temperature and spread heat evenly throughout the whole oven cavity. These are our Best Buys.

Read more about how we test built-in ovens.

Oven types explained

Single ovens

Single oven

While single ovens have just the one oven to bake, roast and grill in, there’s usually enough space to cook most things.

Single models are around 60cm tall and can fit pretty much anywhere in your kitchen, such as under a counter or in an eye-level cabinet.

Pros:

  • More variety to choose from in the shops, especially if you go for an electric model.
  • More space inside a single cavity: the oven in a single model is bigger than either of the ovens in a double.
  • Cheaper than double ovens.
  • Some single ovens have a special divider that allows you to split the internal space and cook at two different temperatures. This is handy if you don't have space for a bigger type of oven but want a more flexible cooking space.

Cons:

  • Only having one oven to cook with will be a limitation for some.

Compact single ovens

Single compact built-in oven

Compact ovens are smaller than single ovens. At just 45cm tall, they're around the same size as a large built-in microwave.

They usually come with a grill inside the oven compartment.

You can also buy compact steam ovens, although these are more likely to be used as an additional cooking option rather than as the main family oven.

Pros:

  • A good option if space is at a premium in your kitchen. 

Cons:

  • There’s not much room inside, so don’t plan to cook Christmas dinner for a crowd.

Double ovens

Double oven

Having two ovens gives you more cooking options. There will always be a grill in the smaller top oven and, on higher-spec models, you’ll sometimes find one in the main oven, too.

Double fitted ovens are about 90cm tall and need to be slotted into cabinets at eye level.

Pros:

  • You can do two cooking jobs at once. For example, you can roast a chicken in the bottom oven and bake a dessert in the top one at the same time.

Cons:

  • They take up more space in your kitchen than a single oven, so you'll lose valuable cabinet space.
  • There are fewer models to choose from.
  • More expensive than single ovens.

Double built-under ovens

Double built-under oven

If you need the flexibility of two ovens but kitchen space is limited, a double built-under oven could be the best option for you.

Double built-under ovens are around 72cm tall and can fit into an under-counter unit, or be positioned at eye level.

Pros:

  • You still get two ovens, but without taking up the extra space of a full-sized double oven. 

Cons:

  • Double built-under ovens might be smaller inside than you’d expect, particularly the main oven. This is because two ovens are squeezed into a space only 12cm taller than a standard single oven.

Built-in combination microwaves

Combination microwaves are bigger-than-average microwave ovens that can also cook with convection, and have a grill.

Some combi microwaves are built in rather than freestanding, so look neater and more like an oven than a regular microwave. 

You might consider buying one if you often run out of space in your oven, as it gives you an extra cooking compartment.

Use our built-in oven reviews to find the right oven for you.

Conventional vs convection vs multifunction ovens

Putting cakes into an oven

There are several ways an oven can provide heat, and it helps to understand what these mean so you can choose the right option for you.

Conventional ovens

A standard conventional oven supplies heat from two heating elements: one towards the top of the oven and the other near the base. This can result in hot and cold spots, and food placed nearer the top of the oven tends to cook more quickly than food near the bottom. 

Conventional cooking can sometimes have the edge over using an oven with a fan. Cakes, soufflés and flans fare better with just top and bottom heat, and anything liquid you want to cook slowly, such as a casserole, doesn't get any special benefit from fan cooking. 

Convection or fan ovens

Most electric ovens have a fan that helps to distribute the heat evenly. Some gas ovens can also be fan-assisted. True fan ovens have a single heating element around the fan, while a fan-assisted oven is essentially a conventional oven (two heating elements) with a fan set into the back.

Food cooks faster in a fan oven, as warm air is constantly moved around the cavity. You can reduce the oven temperature by 20% if you're cooking with a fan.

In double ovens, the larger main oven usually has a fan and the other operates as a conventional oven, so you can choose the option that suits your dish best.

Multifunction ovens

Multifunction ovens usually include top and bottom heat, a grill and a fan. They allow you to cook with these heat sources independently or in combination. So, you could use just the top heat to give your lasagne a bit of extra browning when it's cooked through, or use bottom heat only for a pizza or quiche to get the perfect crispy base. 

Multifunction ovens often also have a defrost setting. Some models use just the fan to move unheated air around, while others introduce a little bottom heat at the same time. Either way, the job gets done far more quickly than defrosting in a fridge.

Multifunction ovens are becoming increasingly common. They can offer more flexible cooking options, but be sure to check how easy they are to use, as more options means potentially confusing controls.

Installing a new kitchen along with your new appliances? See our guide to the best and worst kitchen brands.

Oven sizes explained

Here we answer the most common questions about oven sizes and getting a new oven installed.

Are built-in ovens a standard size?

No, all four types of built-in ovens are around 60cm wide, but their heights vary.

Oven sizes compared
  • W 60cm x H 90cm - Full-height double fitted ovens are usually positioned at eye level, making it easier to get food in and out.
  • W 60cm x H 70cm Built-under double ovens are designed to go under a hob or kitchen worktop.
  • W 60cm x H 60cm - Single ovens are more flexible, and can fit either under a hob or at eye level. 
  • W 60cm x H 45cm - Compact ovens are handy for smaller living spaces, or alongside or above a single oven.

What is the standard oven capacity? 

  • Stated oven capacity can range from 51 to 76 litres.
  • The average capacity of a single oven is 64 litres.
  • The average capacity for a double oven is 62 litres for the main oven and 35 litres for the smaller one.
  • Layout and shelf positions also affect how much you can fit in an oven.
Oven capacity comparison

Manufacturers generally quote the total internal volume of their ovens as a guide to size, but this isn't especially useful. You can't use all that internal space to cook with, and the layout and positioning of shelves makes a big difference to how much you can fit in. It's possible for an oven with larger dimensions to have less space available for cooking than a smaller one.

The usable capacity of an oven can be 27 litres less than the stated capacity.

We measure the actual usable volume of each oven, ignoring any space that won't count when you're cooking, such as the top 3cm of the oven, and any space under the lowest shelf position. If you cram food into these spaces, you prevent hot air circulating properly, which will affect cooking results.

We also use our collection of life-sized foods (a fake turkey, chicken and beef joint on roasting trays) to check what you can realistically fit in each oven. The biggest ovens will fit in a large turkey and still leave space for a tray of roast potatoes or veg. Smaller ovens might fit in a turkey but leave no space for extras, while others can be too narrow to even fit in a turkey on its own. 

How do I measure for a built-in oven?

As we explained above, the standard width of all integrated ovens is 60cm, so all you need to worry about is measuring the height. 

Oven cabinets should all be built with space for ventilation, too. But if you're planning a new kitchen then you'll need to factor in a 5mm space along each side and 35mm at the back. Some cabinets are also built with 20mm at the top, but it's not a necessity – most fitted ovens sit flush with a top cabinet.

If you’re replacing an old oven, it's even easier: simply measure its dimensions and pick a new oven that matches. 

Best oven features to look for

USED_gas oven

If you spend a little more, you'll be able to invest in some of the following useful features.

  • Automatic cooking controls You select the dish you're cooking and the oven sets the temperature, heat sources, moisture levels and time.
  • Digital controls These can be more precise than dials. They can also offer more flexibility and guidance, and give a more streamlined look.
  • Extra shelving Cheaper ovens tend to be less generous with extra shelving, so you might find yourself shelling out for more. Some pricey ovens also have fewer than you might expect, though, so check what you get before you buy, especially if you want something specific such as a grill pan and grid.
  • Meat probe Insert this probe into the centre of the meat you’re cooking to find out if it has reached the optimum temperature and is therefore cooked. Make sure the whole probe goes into the meat or it will read the heat from the oven, giving a falsely high temperature reading, meaning you could end up serving food before it’s ready.
  • Memory functions Ovens with memory functions allow you to create, save and name your own cooking programs.
  • Pizza mode should ensure a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy base. When we tested it in the past, we found in most ovens this gave slightly better results than just using the fan mode. It’s therefore worth considering if you eat a lot of pizza.
  • Programmable timer This lets you set the oven to cook for a specific time. The oven automatically turns on, cooks and turns off afterwards.
  • Proving/warming drawer A warming drawer – which usually heats to between about 40°C to 80°C – can be used for proving dough, melting chocolate, making yoghurt, warming plates and more.
  • Removable glass panels Many ovens are designed to let you remove one or more glass panels for cleaning, which is useful if grime has built up over time. If you do this, handle the glass carefully during removal, cleaning and replacement. The corners are particularly vulnerable. 
  • Self-cleaning Pyrolytic ovens use a high-temperature program to reduce burnt-on cooking grime to ash. Catalytic liners help to break down fatty spills and splashes when you cook at high temperatures. See below for more information on self-cleaning ovens.
  • Slide-away door This is unique to Neff ovens and allows the oven door to slide underneath the oven. Handy in tight spaces.
  • Smart features These allow you to control certain functions or check on cooking progress using an app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Steam cooking Some ovens come with a water tank that you can set to steam cook or to inject bursts of steam. Moisture settles on your food, then evaporates, which causes the surface to crisp up. 
  • Telescopic runners These make it smoother and easier to pull out shelves and push them back in again.
  • Triple or quadruple-glazed doors Multiple layers of glass insulate the space, preserving heat and saving energy.

Oven features for specific needs

If you’re finding it difficult to use your oven – for example because of impaired vision, or if the oven is too low or the hob too high – there are a few features that might make things easier. 

  • Eye-level installation Consider installing your oven at eye level so you can easily see what's inside without bending down. 
  • Large visual display Choose a large, clear display and position it so you can read it easily.
  • Integrated oven timer If you don’t hear well, check that your oven's timer is suitably loud and at a frequency/pitch that you can hear. As you might not be able to check the sound before you buy, look out for mention of volume control in the oven's specifications.
  • Pull-out shelf under the oven This can make a useful temporary resting place for hot dishes, but it's a feature that only works if you have an oven with a retractable oven door such as the Neff Slide N Hide.

See more information on kitchen appliances and aids for older people.

Electric and gas ovens: pros and cons

Most of us have a preference for the type of fuel we cook with, while some of us might not have a choice.

It's worth sticking to what you've got, as changing the fuel your cooking appliances run on can be costly – it's likely to cost hundreds of pounds to reroute a gas line. 

Electric ovens 

These are by far the most popular. As with gas ovens, most electric ovens need to be installed by a professional. You do still come across models that can simply be plugged in, but these are relatively few and far between.

In general, electric ovens do better in our tests. How well heat is distributed through an oven's cavity is an important predictor of reliable cooking results – and we've found that the best electric ovens beat the best gas models at spreading heat evenly.

Built-in ovens usually have a grill function, too. Again, electric grills outperform gas grills in our tests. The best spread heat evenly to more than 90% of the grill pan below.

Pros:

  • Distribute heat more evenly around the oven for better cooking results. This is especially true for electric ovens with fans.
  • Tend to stay at a more accurate temperature than gas models.
  • Plenty to choose from – you'll find more electric single ovens in the shops than any other type.
  • Some models have useful self-cleaning functions. 

Cons:

  • More expensive to run than gas ovens.

Gas ovens

There are far fewer built-in gas ovens on the market and they're less popular than electric models, but you can still find good ones.

Pros:

  • Cheaper to buy than electric models.
  • Gas is the cheapest fuel to cook with, but the savings aren’t massive – based on the ovens we've tested, average annual running costs are £45 more for single electric ovens and £37 more for double electric ovens, when compared to gas.

Cons:

  • Gas built-in ovens aren’t as effective as electric models at spreading heat evenly around the oven.
  • Fewer models on the market, compared to electric ovens.
  • Still need an electric connection to power the ignition.

Need to quickly switch between degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, gas mark and fan temperatures? Use our oven temperature conversion table.

Oven installation

Installing a built-in oven

Don't forget to factor in oven installation costs when buying.

Changing fuels can be quite costly, but if you're replacing like for like, then John Lewis offers oven and cooker installation services for £90-£110, and it will remove and dispose of your old model for an extra £20.

Currys' current cost is £115-£120, and it charges from £15 for removal and disposal.

Go to Trusted Traders to track down a local tradesperson endorsed by Which? who might be able to offer you a cheaper deal.

More more information, see our guide to installing ovens, cookers and hobs

How much do ovens cost to run?

Ovens aren't typically as energy-hungry as other large kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers or tumble dryers, but it’s still worth checking their energy efficiency before making your choice. 

We measure energy consumption using a special standardised test that simulates roasting a whole chicken. We take into account the energy each oven uses to heat up to the right temperature and stay there for the time needed. 

The table below combines upfront costs alongside annual running costs, so you can pinpoint which models will leave you least out of pocket for the lifetime of your oven.

We’ve also introduced the Eco Buy label to highlight the most efficient and reliable ovens we’ve tested.

As well as being energy efficient, Eco Buy ovens impress in our lab tests and come from brands that have done well in our annual longevity survey.

To find a more sustainable oven, visit our oven reviews and use the Eco Buys filter.

Should I buy a self-cleaning oven?

Chicken cooking in an oven

Cleaning the oven is a messy, unpleasant job, so an oven that's promised to clean itself is a tempting prospect. There are several options available:

  • Pyrolytic cleaning The priciest option. Pyrolytic ovens have a special program that super-heats the cavity to around 500°C, burning off spills until all that's left is a fine ash that you can wipe away.
  • Catalytic liners These can be found on the sides, back and sometimes roof of the oven. They have a special surface that absorbs fat splashes and spills, gradually breaking down grime when you cook at temperatures of more than 200°C.
  • Steam cleaning This is less common. It usually involves adding some water to a small dip in the base of the oven, which then creates steam to loosen burnt-on grime.
  • Nano cleaning Some brands, such as Beko, offer their own additional cleaning features. In this case, the glass in the oven door has a nano coating designed to repel dirt.
  • Easy-clean enamel The most basic option. These are simply wipe-clean enamel surfaces.

Pyrolytic ovens are becoming increasingly popular and they can be very effective. The best ones clean the glass door, too. Some models offer a choice of shorter or longer cleaning cycles depending on how grimy your oven has become. Bear in mind, though, that you'll need to remove the shelves and clean them by hand.

While ovens with a self-cleaning feature will generally cost more, they will save on elbow grease and money spent on oven-cleaning products over time. Also, we've seen prices for pyrolytic ovens tumbling lately as they become more mainstream.

You don't have to splash out on self-cleaning for an easy life, though – some ovens don't have fancy self-cleaning features but still proved easy to clean in our tests. We've also found that not all pyrolytic ovens are worth paying for, so make sure you check our built-in oven reviews before buying.

For tips on manual oven cleaning, see how to clean your oven and our guide to the best oven cleaners.

Where to buy a built-in oven

These are some of the most popular built-in oven retailers carrying ovens from brands such as Beko, Bosch, Neff and Zanussi. 

Some manufacturers including Samsung, Miele, Hotpoint, or Whirlpool also allow you to buy their ovens direct through their online stores. 

  • AO stocks single, double, or compact built-in ovens from AEG, Bosch, Hotpoint, Neff and more. A scheduled home delivery is an extra £20 to £30, unless you're an AO Five Star member. From £30, you can also get your old appliance removed and recycled.
  • B&Q offers free shipping on orders over £75 or you can collect for free. It stocks a variety of brands, with ovens costing between £300 and £750. B&Q will also collect and recycle your old appliance for £20 per item.
  • Currys has a huge range costing from £159 to more than £1,600, including own brands, available online or in most stores. Shipping costs £20 for delivery between 7am and 7pm.
  • John Lewis offers a wide range from brands including AEG, Bosch, Smeg, Zanussi and its own-brand ovens. Standard UK shipping is free for most ovens, or £25 for a speedier delivery.

Discover which built-in oven brands are the most reliable.