Does It Matter Which I Pick?
Baking, boiling, steaming, roasting, if you want it, an oven can probably do it. After over 190 years we've made ovens that are capable of many different kinds of things. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes, there are even ones you can program with your phone! Which leads many of us to question, how do you choose the right oven for you?
Let's start off with power sources.
Gas ovens as the name implies use either natural gas or propane as the fuel source. While they are expensive up front if you have to install your gas line, they can save you money over time. Because of that upfront cost and the dangers that can occur, most new buildings won't install gas ovens. This is especially true for apartment buildings where leaks and hazards are more likely to occur.
However if you're willing to deal with the upfront cost gas ovens can be phenomenal at roasting meats and veggies. They heat quickly, retain moisture, and the open flame allows for more precise control of temperature. Many professional chefs swear by gas ovens.
Your other option in terms of power is electricity. Electric ovens are cheaper to produce, but can be more expensive over time. They do take longer to heat up but once they are, they have a more consistent heat. They’re considered the ideal residential oven because they can handle almost any type of cooking you might want to use an oven for. If you’re looking to purchase a brand new oven, and you aren’t too picky about what it can handle, an electric is the way to go.
We have to note, while there are products marketed as “dual fuel” ovens, they actually are an electric oven paired with a gas range.
Next up let's take a look at size.
Picture your ideal kitchen, how does it look? Do you have just one oven? Or do you want two? If you want two, are they together as one unit or two separate ones? All three of these are possible and the terms to go with them are pretty simple as well.
Single oven - This is your standard “comes with most homes” combination oven and range unit. This term will also apply to single wall ovens. They come in a variety of sizes from 30 in to 36 in on average. However, you can get them as small as 20 in or as large as 40 inches.
Double oven - This is a single unit that contains two ovens that are the size of a standard oven when put together. They can be set to different temperatures and are ideal for cooking multiple things at once. You'll typically see these advertised around the holidays.
Double wall oven - When you purchase this oven for slightly more than a mid-tier single oven, you get two separate ovens. Unlike the double oven, although these are stacked on top of each other they offer matching capacity. Why is this one called a double wall oven rather than something else? We don't know, we don't get it either. What we do get is that you're getting two full oven units for only a bit more.
Now… Where to put it?
Have you decided on the size of your oven? Great! Now it's time to think about where you want it. Do you want it built into your wall? What about a cabinet? Or would you prefer having it as an island in the center of your kitchen?
Built-in Ovens - These are ovens that are slotted into your kitchen with the cabinetry then being built around it. It’s a very modern and sleek look that allows you to place your oven at any height for easy cooking. The downside here is that you’re going to have to have a separate range elsewhere within the kitchen. They’re also difficult to get at to repair if needed, and are tricky to move after installation.
Freestanding Ovens - A freestanding oven is the all in one model. You’ll have an oven, a range and sometimes a grill, warming drawer or air fryer as well. The upside is that you can move them relatively easily, clean them (more) easily, and move around it as needed.
Built-Under Ovens- These are very similar to the built-in oven, except they are meant to go under your countertops. Again you’ll need to purchase a separate range, but you’ll have an oven that blends more into your kitchen.
Now now with all of that covered, what are you looking at getting? Is it a double gas free-standing oven? They do exist, although you'll have to find a specialty shop to custom make it.
What type of oven are you thinking of getting? Do you want a built in? What about a double? We know we’ll be day-dreaming about a side by side double oven for a while. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or over on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you.
If you’re here not because you need a new oven but instead because yours is giving you fits, we’re still here for you. Whether it’s got a weird burning smell, it’s not heating right or someone melted plastic in it, we can help. Reach out to us via our website or by phone ((214) 599-0055) to schedule your appointment today. At Appliance Rescue Service, whether you live in Allen or the surrounding area, we’re here to help you.