Electric Ovens

While there is no clear ‘best’ when it comes to deciding between gas and electric, each has its own advantages that could suit depending on your own personal preferences.

Electric ovens are the most common and come with a greater variety of cooking functions. Also, if you're after a pyrolytic oven, steam oven, or a combi oven, these are all electric. Although electric ovens tend to be more expensive to run, basic electric ovens are often the cheapest to buy and install. When cooking with an electric oven you will find it creates a dryer, more stable heat than gas ovens, which makes them a great option for foods like breads and pizzas.

If you want to retain more moisture when you cook (for roast meats and cakes amongst other things) then gas might be worth considering. If you don’t mind missing some of the specific cooking settings you generally get with electric (and your home is connected to mains gas), you’ll save on running costs in the long term.

Although generally speaking Electric Ovens tend to be cheaper and easier to install than Gas fuelled counterparts, most Electric Ovens are required to be installed by a licensed electrician. For Electric Ovens stated as having a 10 amp plug to 'plug and play' these should still have all wiring checked and certified by a licensed electrician before installing.

As always the first step before installation comes before buying as having accurate dimensions measured out in the Oven's space ensures it's appropriately sized and easy to install. Different types of ovens can be more complex than others to install, such as Built-in Ovens saving space being more complex than a Freestanding Oven.

We offer Oven Installation services as a part of our Home Services offerings, which includes installation, demonstration, clean up and can even optionally include recycling / disposal of the old unit.

Regardless of whether you cook with Gas or Electricity all Ovens work on the same principles. Inside Ovens are a single source of heat with Gas burners or a heating element that is usually found at the bottom. A Convection Oven is no different aside from the addition of a fan and exhaust system. The fan moves the heat around the Oven allowing the entire Oven to heat quicker and evenly.

Convection settings allow for quicker and more even cooking which tends to be more energy efficient overall at a reduced temperature with shorter cooking time. Convection also offers dryer heat making them great for browning, crisping and roasting. Turn convection off when cooking recipes that require rising like cakes and especially souflles as they cook too quickly for them to rise properly which negatively impacts their texture.

To keep your appliance performing at its best, it is ideal to wipe down the interior shortly after use. Addressing spills before they have a chance to harden prevents smoke during future cooking sessions and ensures a more favourable environment for your recipes. For more stubborn, burnt-on residue, using specialised oven cleaners can help restore the cavity without excessive scrubbing.

• Pyrolytic Cleaning: Many modern units feature a self-cleaning mode that heats the cavity to approximately 500°C, incinerating grease into a fine ash that can be easily wiped away once the unit has cooled.

• Catalytic Liners: These interior panels feature a special coating that breaks down grease splashes during normal cooking temperatures, though they may require replacement every few years to maintain peak performance.

• Removable Components: To simplify deep cleaning, many models include detachable shelf runners and removable door glass panels to help you reach tight corners and maintain high hygienic standards.

Some ovens also include features that will help make regular cleaning much easier, like some of the Smeg ovens with a ‘vapour clean’ setting to help loosen and soften the grime and food spills that may have built up in the oven - or some of the Bosch ovens with catalytic liners that automatically absorb the grime.

Consistent maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your oven but also ensures consistent heat distribution. For step-by-step techniques on managing different levels of grease and grime, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to clean your oven.

Selecting a reputable manufacturer is essential for long-term reliability and culinary precision. Market leaders such as Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel, and Miele offer an extensive range of capacities and design aesthetics, ensuring there is a high-performance solution for every household. When comparing brands, consider specialised cleaning technologies and warranty periods as indicators of build quality and longevity.

• Smeg ovens: These appliances often feature advanced vapour clean settings that utilise steam to loosen grime, significantly reducing the time required for manual maintenance.

• Bosch ovens: Known for German engineering, many models include catalytic liners that automatically absorb grease and spills during the cooking process to keep the interior pristine.

To further narrow down your search, our comprehensive oven buying guide provides detailed comparisons of features and price points. If you are looking to optimise your budget without compromising on functionality, we also suggest browsing our curated list of the best cheap ovens available today. Finding the right balance of innovation and value has never been easier at The Good Guys.

Cool-touch doors reduce the risk of burns, particularly important in households with children who might touch the oven whilst it's operating. Automatic shut-off functions turn the oven off after a preset time period, preventing overheating if you forget to deactivate it. Child lock controls disable the touch panel or dials, stopping accidental activation or temperature changes during cooking.

Residual heat indicators warn when the oven remains hot after switching off, with a light or display symbol that stays illuminated until the cavity cools to a safe temperature. Some models include tip-resistant brackets for wall ovens and built in ovens, securing the unit even when heavy dishes sit on an extended rack. Here is an overview of the elements to look for:

• Triple-glazed door glass: Keeps external surface cooler

• Cooling fans: Continue running after cooking to reduce internal temperature

• Anti-tip brackets: Prevent forward tipping when doors open

• Heat-resistant door seals: Maintain efficiency whilst preventing external heat transfer