1. Oven types
There are many types of ovens available for you and it can be difficult to select the right one. Our buying guide will help you identify the right oven for your needs, whether it be a gas, electric, freestanding, steam, pyrolytic, oven-microwave combo or compact ovens or double ovens.
Electric oven
An electric oven is simple to install and uses power from the house to cook and heat food. They use a resistor in the form of a heating element which applies resistance to the electrical current and becomes hot. Electric ovens are a popular choice around New Zealand and the world.
Freestanding oven
A freestanding oven is one that can be placed directly on the floor as part of a kitchen configuration and features a cooktop as part of the design. The cooktop can vary from gas or electric.
Steam oven
Rather than using the hot air traditionally used to cook food, a steam oven combines hot air with water throughout the cooking process, creating a whole new range of options in the kitchen. In order to create the steam, water needs to be poured into the bottom of the cavity or the oven may have a water container, which you can fill up.
Pyrolytic oven
Pyrolytic ovens, sometimes referred to as self-cleaning ovens, heat baked-on food and splatter to high temperatures until they are turned to ash, making them much simpler and easier to wipe off - no elbow-grease necessary.
Oven-microwave combo / Combi oven
With a range of cooking options, the oven-microwave combo or ‘combi oven’, as it is sometimes known, is the perfect sleek and stylish addition to your kitchen. Combi ovens combine traditional oven technology with microwaves, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, they're designed to be seamlessly built-in to your kitchen layout.
Duo oven
A duo oven is perfect for those who love entertaining, as well as big foodie families. Either featuring two equally sized ovens side-by-side, or a smaller oven on top of a larger one, the double oven allows you to cook separate dishes at different temperatures, all at the same time.
2. Fuel Source
Electric oven
Electric ovens are simpler to install than their gas counterparts, and can easily be fitted simply by plugging into existing power supply - though most require professional fitting. One of the benefits of an electric oven is that it usually comes with a lower price tag, and in terms of design, an electric cooktop is able to have a sleek, glass finish that adds sophistication to your kitchen and can be easily wiped down after use without having to dismantle burners or hotplates for cleaning.
Dual fuel
An increasingly popular product is the hybrid gas/electric oven, which features a gas cooktop on top of an electric oven. This type of freestanding cooker has the advantage of instant stovetop heat coupled with simple, electricity-fuelled baking capacity.
3. Kitchen layout and design
One of the most important factors to consider in your oven purchase is how you’d like your kitchen configured to best suit your family. Ideally, keeping your cooktop, fridge and sink within easy manoeuvring distance from each other is a good rule of thumb, but other considerations must also come into play.
For those with young children, a wall oven can be an excellent option as it is safer out of reach of little hands, and for frequent bakers, the height of a wall oven can definitely save your back! Alternatively, those looking to capitalise on space may prefer an all-in-one freestanding oven and cooktop which allows more cupboard space and a compact, simple option.
For those with young children, a wall oven can be an excellent option as it is safer out of reach of little hands, and for frequent bakers, the height of a wall oven can definitely save your back! Alternatively, those looking to capitalise on space may prefer an all-in-one freestanding oven and cooktop which allows more cupboard space and a compact, simple option.
Image courtesy of Oak & Orange
4. Energy efficiency
Your oven is a surprisingly large contributor to your average yearly power bill. With an average family of four pays nearly $2000 a year in energy costs, and the average cost of running an oven within that is between $400-$800 a year - or between a quarter or a third of your total bill*. For this reason, focusing on how to choose, use and maintain your oven sustainably has never been more important. In order to maximise oven energy efficiency, consider the following tips:
*According to the Electricity wizard
5. Maintenance and cleaning
How to clean an oven depends largely on the model you have purchased. For example, our pyrolytic feature heats baked-on grease and food to a temperature high enough to turn it into ash, meaning there’s no need to scrub and scour - simply wipe up the ash when it’s finished.
It’s important to remember to remove the telescopic door runners before using this feature, but apart from that, it’s the easiest way to maintain your oven’s cleanliness. For other models, maintenance includes removing and wiping drawers and racks, and regularly wiping down the inner walls and glass of the door to prevent splatter buildup. Ensure you check the gaskets and elements periodically to preserve optimal function.
It’s important to remember to remove the telescopic door runners before using this feature, but apart from that, it’s the easiest way to maintain your oven’s cleanliness. For other models, maintenance includes removing and wiping drawers and racks, and regularly wiping down the inner walls and glass of the door to prevent splatter buildup. Ensure you check the gaskets and elements periodically to preserve optimal function.
6. Warranty and service
Our ovens come with a 24-month warranty, and servicing is available through our list of registered providers. To find the address of your nearest authorised service centre in New Zealand please call 0800 436 245
7. Top FAQs
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What is a steam oven?
Rather than using the hot air traditionally used to cook food, a steam oven uses hot air combined with steam throughout the cooking process, cooking your food 30% quicker and creating a whole new range of options in the kitchen.
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What is a pyrolytic oven?
Pyrolytic ovens, also known as self-cleaning ovens, heat baked-on food and splatters to high temperatures until they are turned to ash, making them much simpler and easier to wipe off - no elbow-grease necessary!
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How often should you replace your oven?
The general lifespan of an oven is between 10 and 15 years. With proper maintenance and cleaning, you’ll ensure the longevity and efficiency of your appliance.
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Is it worth fixing an oven?
Depending on the issue and the warranty period on your appliance, it is worth weighing up the cost of service and or repair with the cost of replacement. This will vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, and the best way forward is to have the issue assessed by one of our registered service technicians. To find the address of your nearest authorised service centre in New Zealand PLEASE CALL 0800 436 245
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What does an "E" error code mean?
If your oven displays an ‘E’ and a number, there is an error in the appliance. To rectify this, disconnect the appliance from the electrical supply for some time. Disconnect the fuse from the electrical system of the house and connect it again. If it comes on again, speak to the service centre.
