Cooking

Different types of cooking appliances

Kitchen cooking appliances cover multiple categories, each designed for a different part of how you cook, clean, and set up your kitchen.

Ovens come in electric and gas varieties, with built-in or freestanding installation options. Electric models give consistent temperature control. Gas models heat fast and respond immediately to flame adjustments.

Cooktops split into three main technologies: gas, ceramic, and induction. Gas gives visible flame control. Ceramic has a flat surface that wipes down easily. Induction heats cookware directly through magnetic fields, leaving the surface itself cool to the touch.

Rangehoods extract grease, heat, smoke, and steam through either recirculating filtration or ducted external venting. Ducted models perform better but require roof ducting and a licensed electrician to install. Rangehood installation services cover the full setup including cleanup and waste removal.

Dishwashers use less water per load than washing by hand. Microwaves handle quick heating and defrosting, whilst sinks and taps and kitchenware round out a fully equipped kitchen.

Leading brands include Miele, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, and Electrolux.

Ovens and cooktops

Oven and cooktop choice depends on how you cook, your kitchen layout, and whether you have a gas connection.

Oven formats:

• Freestanding ovens combine oven and cooktop in a single unit and slot into a standard 60cm or 90cm gap

• Built-in wall ovens install at eye level, separate from the cooktop

• Double ovens cook two dishes at different temperatures at the same time

• Pyrolytic ovens self-clean by heating the cavity to up to 500°C, turning grease into ash you wipe away with a damp cloth

• Steam ovens inject moisture during cooking, keeping food moist and preventing drying out

Cooktop configurations:

• Induction cooktops heat only the pan, not the surface, with precise zone-by-zone temperature control

• 4-burner models suit compact kitchens and smaller households

• 5-burner options often include a central wok burner or varied heat zones

• 6-burner and domino module configurations suit larger households or frequent entertaining

Measure your cutout dimensions before buying. Check manufacturer clearance specs for ventilation and heat dissipation, particularly for built-in models.

Energy efficiency in cooking appliances

Energy ratings on cooking appliances show annual electricity consumption. Check the star rating and kWh per year figure on the product label to compare running costs across models of the same capacity.

Induction cooktops are the most efficient option because the magnetic field heats the pan directly, losing almost nothing to the surrounding surface. Gas cooktops lose heat to the air around the burner, though the instant-on, instant-off control reduces waste from preheating.

Fan-forced electric ovens circulate heat more evenly than conventional models, which typically lets you drop the cooking temperature by around 20°C. Pyrolytic self-cleaning uses significant energy during the cycle, but removes the need for chemical oven cleaners entirely.

Compare star ratings only within the same capacity bracket. A larger oven will always draw more power than a compact one, regardless of its rating. Programmable timers and delayed-start settings help avoid energy waste from appliances left running.

Latest innovations in cooking appliance technology

Smart connectivity

Wi-Fi-enabled ovens connect to smartphone apps for remote monitoring, temperature adjustment, and cooking alerts. Some models accept recipe data directly, setting time and temperature automatically. Built-in cameras let you check on a roast without opening the door.

Precision temperature control

Probe thermometers monitor internal food temperature and automatically adjust oven settings or trigger alerts when a target is reached. Multi-zone cooktops hold precise temperatures across separate cooking areas at the same time.

Steam and moisture-controlled cooking

Steam ovens inject moisture during cooking, keeping food moist and preventing drying out. Combination steam-convection modes produce crispy exteriors without drying out the interior, useful for roasting, baking, and reheating. Microwave ovens with convection modes extend that versatility further, combining fast microwave heating with browning capability.

Safety features

Automatic shut-off activates after extended inactive periods. Child locks prevent accidental activation. Cool-touch door glass and cooktop surrounds reduce burn risk. Residual heat indicators on ceramic and induction cooktops warn when a zone is still hot after being switched off.

Choosing the right cooking appliances for your kitchen

Household size

Single-person households generally suit a 60cm oven with a 4-burner cooktop. Families of 3 to 4 benefit from a 60cm oven with a 5-burner cooktop for more heat zones. Large households or those who entertain regularly are better served by a 90cm oven with 75 to 90L capacity and a 5 or 6-burner cooktop.

Cooking style

Regular bakers should prioritise an oven with accurate, even heat distribution. Multi-function models add fan-forced, grill, and conventional modes in a single cavity. Wok cooking calls for a gas cooktop with a high-heat centre burner. Induction suits precise temperature work: simmering, melting chocolate, or holding sauces without scorching.

Installation requirements

Built-in appliances need precise cutout measurements and a licenced tradesperson to install. Freestanding ovens are easier to install and better suited to renters or kitchens where a permanent cutout is not possible. Gas appliances need an existing gas connection or an LP Gas conversion. High-powered induction cooktops may need a dedicated circuit, so check with a licensed electrician before purchasing.

Buying multiple appliances together? Kitchen packages bundle compatible ovens, cooktops, and rangehoods from matched brands and finishes.

Cooking appliance styles and design trends

Contemporary kitchen design leans toward appliances that blend into the cabinetry rather than stand out from it.

Current trends:

• Matte black and dark stainless steel finishes for a modern look

• Handleless doors with push-to-open mechanisms for clean sight lines

• Glass touch controls replacing physical knobs and buttons

• Integrated dishwashers fitted with a cabinetmaker door panel, hiding the appliance entirely within the joinery

• Minimalist control panels with displays that stay hidden until activated

Contrast finishes, such as a black cooktop paired with a stainless oven, create visual interest while keeping a cohesive overall look. Retro-styled appliances with rounded edges and coloured enamel finishes suit kitchens going for a vintage aesthetic.

Cooking appliances for different cooking styles

Professional-style cooking

High-powered gas burners exceeding 15,000 BTU handle rapid boiling and high-heat searing. Large oven cavities fit commercial-sized baking trays and full roasting pans. Precise simmer burners hold very low, steady heat for delicate sauces without scorching.

Steam and moisture-controlled cooking

Steam ovens inject moisture during cooking, keeping food moist without added oil or fats. Combination steam-convection modes allow browning and crisping alongside moisture retention, useful for roasting, baking, and reheating. Induction cooktops pair well here, giving the precise low-temperature control needed for sauces, melting chocolate, and other techniques that cannot tolerate heat spikes.

Batch cooking and meal preparation

Double ovens let you cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. Large-capacity single ovens fit multiple dishes across separate racks. Programmable timers and delayed-start functions let you schedule cooking during off-peak electricity periods.

Space-saving cooking appliance options

Compact 45cm ovens suit small kitchens, apartments, or a secondary cooking area. These typically offer 35 to 40L capacity, which is adequate for one or two people.

Microwave ovens with convection capability replace a standalone microwave and a small oven in a single unit, useful in compact kitchens, caravans, or studio apartments. Portable induction cooktops provide a temporary cooking surface without permanent installation, suited to rental properties, outdoor kitchens, or extra cooking capacity when entertaining.

Slimline rangehoods under 60cm width fit above narrow cooktops without sacrificing extraction performance. Under-bench dishwashers sit below a standard benchtop in kitchens where space is tight.

Cooking appliances for varied cooking methods

Steam cooking keeps food moist without added fats or oil, suited to fish, vegetables, and dishes where texture matters. Steam ovens are a versatile option for anyone cooking a wide range of food types.

Grill functions let fat drain away from meat during cooking. Fan-forced convection creates crispy textures without deep-frying. Lower-temperature cooking over extended periods, such as a sous-vide approach, suits cuts of meat and proteins that benefit from slow, controlled heat.

Dishwashers carry their own energy and water ratings. Compare models with the same place-setting capacity for an accurate read. Check the WELS star rating and litres per cycle on the product label. Freestanding dishwashers fit into any kitchen without cabinetmaker work. Integrated dishwashers take a custom door panel from your cabinetmaker and sit flush with the joinery.