Best Electric Oven For Versatile Cooking

Hardwired appliances for when only a Sunday roast and sponge pudding will do.

Best electric oven

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Get to grips with convection baking with the best electric oven for versatile cooking. The only thing that's rising is your muffins, as the best ovens are energy-efficient thanks to improved insulation. Look for fan-assisted ovens that evenly distribute hot air around the cavity, therefore cooking faster and at lower temperatures. There's a lot of fuss about air fryers being a quicker and cheaper way to cook. But if you're feeding a family, a thimbleful of chips is not going to satisfy. For large households, opt for an oven with a 70+ litre main oven. Otherwise, a standard oven that's between 40–70 litres is ample for a three-to-four-person household. Singles or couples go for a space-saving electric oven that's 35–40 litres.

The key benefit of an electric oven is accurate temperature control and heat distribution. Both freestanding and integrated ovens are available. You may find that your kitchen has a cavity that's just the right width to fit a freestanding cooker. And you'll notice a big red switch next to it. This is an isolator switch which cuts off the electricity supply to a cooker. Crucially, a large electric oven operates at over 3kW. It must be hardwired into the cooker circuit by an electrician. Large electric ovens cannot run off a standard 13amp plug socket. The good news is that most retailers offer an installation service.

Best Electric Oven At A Glance:

Best electric built-in double oven: INDESIT Aria IDD 6340 IX Electric Double Oven – View on Currys
Best premium freestanding electric oven: Beko KDC653S 60cm Double Oven Electric Cooker – View on Argos
Best budget integrated single oven: Bush BIBFOBAX Built-In Single Electric Oven – View on Argos
Best air fryer electric single oven: BEKO AeroPerfect AirFry BBIFA12300AC Electric Oven - View Offer at Currys

An electric oven can be a single or double cavity. In a double oven the main cavity is larger and has a fan so that heat is evenly spread. In addition, there will be a smaller oven (around 30 litres) that can also grill. A double oven offers versatility with several cooking modes, including convection baking, fan-assisted cooking, grilling, roasting and defrosting. You'll find that double ovens tend to be built-in to kitchen cabinets at eye level. Alternatively, opt for an under-counter oven to complement a hob that's integrated into the worktop.

Brand reputation and warranty that's offered with a large appliance are important factors too. You'll find with premium brands, such as Bosch, the oven will have advanced cooking modes, self-cleaning, and smart user interfaces. Also, you'll benefit from a longer warranty. So, if cooking is your passion and you want a future-proof appliance, it pays to invest in the best.

Best Electric Oven

Best electric built-in double oven

Enjoy a large-capacity fan oven (75 litres) and a variable grill (40 litres) that lets you choose between full and half heat. The INDESIT Aria IDD 6340 IX Electric Double Oven has an LED display with a timer, so you know at a glance when your dinner will be ready. In addition, there are Defrost and Slow Cook functions to ensure meat is safely and thoroughly cooked. Easy to clean thanks to the enamel liners, there’s no need for scrubbing. We think this electric double oven is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-built model to feed a family.

On AO.com it's received over 850 reviews, rating it 4.6 out of 5. In general, customers say it's an affordable double oven that works well. However, several reviews comment that it could benefit from an extra shelf.

The key benefits are its energy efficiency, accurate and consistent temperature, plus its price-point. In addition, the dial controls are clearly labelled, so it's intuitive to use and not overwhelming with pre-set functions.

Pros

  • Great value double oven
  • Defrost and Slow Cook functions
  • A-rated energy rating

Cons

  • Only one shelf in main oven
Dimensions:H88.7 x W59.7 x D57.5cm; 71 litres
Energy rating:A
Type:Built-In, Electric, Fan
Guarantee:1 year labour; 10 year parts
  • Delivery, recycling and installation are available
  • Requires hardwiring to a 20 Amp fuse and should be installed by a qualified electrician

Best premium freestanding electric oven

This Beko double oven is another A-rated appliance that offers flexible cooking for families. The Beko KDC653S Double Oven Electric Cooker has easy-to-use and robust metal knobs. The cavity is smooth and enamel-lined, so it's easy to clean. Plus, the glass doors only need a wipe to restore their shine. The bright interior light and timer make this oven user-friendly too. Ideal for your daily cooking requirements, this electric cooker provides excellent cooking versatility with its fan-assisted main oven, as well as a conventional top oven and grill.

Do note, that this is a cooker with a ceramic hob that's made up of four 'rapidlite' zones that can quickly and efficiently reach their highest temperature.

It's a popular appliance, with over 1,250 reviews on Appliances Direct, rating it 4.5 out of 5. Customers say it's a well-designed cooker that's proved cheaper to run than their previous hob and oven. The only negative observation is that it doesn't heat up as fast as one would expect for a new appliance.
The controls are metal knobs so they're more durable and easy to clean, plus the icons and digital display are clear.

Pros

  • Great energy efficiency
  • Good capacity
  • Flexible cooking

Cons

  • Grill tray included, but no handle
Dimensions:H90 x W60 x D60cm; Capacity 69L + 36L
Energy rating:A
Type:Freestanding, Electric
Guarantee:1-year guarantee
  • Defrost function
  • Digital clock and timer
  • Home delivery, installation and recycling is available

Best energy-efficient electric oven

The Haier I-Touch Series 6 is a modern and sleek-looking appliance with a 70-litre capacity. It has 14 diverse functions, all while maintaining an eco-friendly A+ energy rating. Integrated with the Haier app, this oven provides interactive recipes and step-by-step cooking assistance. Plus, its Climatech technology guarantees consistent temperature control. Also, the Meat Probe ensures your meat and fish are cooked to perfection. The 360° visibility allows you to keep a keen eye on your food while it cooks. Additionally, cleaning is made simple with the catalytic cleaning system. Aesthetically, its sophisticated black finish – complemented by contrasting brushed and smooth dark aluminium – will undoubtedly elevate your kitchen décor.

An online review describes this appliance as being shiny black with a chrome trim. Plus, it's got a cooking guide on the inside door of the oven that reminds you which setting to use for particular foods. The reviewer comments that the door has a robust seal. Inside there is a baking tray and grill pan included. The interior light is particularly bright, which is useful for monitoring food as it cooks.

The two dials are intuitive: one selects the temperature and the other selects the cooking function. Plus, there is a timer that's straightforward to set using the digital controls.

Model number: HWO60SM2S9BH

Pros

  • The oven is integrated with the hOn app
  • A+ energy rating and one of the best ovens for energy efficiency
  • Offers 360° visibility with great internal lighting
  • Equipped with a catalytic cleaning system

Cons

  • The control panel is wholly digital, some may prefer manual dials
Size:595 x 595 x 568 mm
Energy Rating:A+
Type:Electric, Integrated
Guarantee:5 years
  • LED Display
  • Even Heat Distribution

Best budget integrated single oven

With an energy consumption of 80kWh per cycle, this A-rated Bush BIBFOBAX Built-In Single Electric Oven and grill is a smart way to cook on a budget. Fill the 67-litre main oven with Sunday roasts, jacket potatoes and big pudding dishes. It's smart and simple to operate, with six cooking functions and a defrost setting. The interior cavity is easy-to-clean enamel and the door is triple-glazed glass that safely contains intense heat. The grill and baking tray are removable, so it makes bringing the pizza to the table a doddle. Home delivery, recycling and installation are available.

This appliance is rated 4.6 out of 5 on Argos, with 92% of customers saying they recommend it. It's perfect for rental properties or small households, whilst larger families may find 56 litres lacking when it comes to cooking a full roast dinner. Some reviews commented that it could do with an additional shelf to make better use of the cooking space.

Pros

  • Quiet operation so ideal for studios and open plan areas
  • Great value for money
  • Heats up quickly

Cons

  • Knobs are a little flimsy
Dimensions:H59.4 x W59.4 x D54.5cm
Energy rating:A
Type:Electric, integrated, single fan oven
Guarantee:1-year guarantee
  • Interior light
  • Timer
  • Triple glazed window
  • Defrost function
  • Dial control

Best single electric oven for ease of use

With fast heating elements, this LOGIK LBFANX23 Electric Oven is an A-rated appliance that boasts both a fan-assisted oven and grill function. Cook faster and more efficiently in the 66-litre oven, with five cooking functions that offer versatility – from grilled cheese on toast to roast chicken and all the trimmings. The durable enamel interior is easy to wipe clean, as is the double-glazed door. In addition, the interior light and wide door make it easier to monitor what you're cooking.

It's a popular pick on Currys, with 2,960 reviews rating it 4.4 out of 5. It's outstanding value for money, with easy-to-use controls and cooks well. Yes, it's a basic no-frills oven, but that could be just what you're looking for.

In particular, we rate it highly for its low annual energy consumption (0.79 kWh) and the stainless steel exterior which is durable and easy to clean.

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Spacious interior and lots of shelves
  • Versatile grilling with five cooking functions
  • Excellent energy efficiency so it's cheaper to run

Cons

  • It doesn't have any particular special features
Dimensions:H60 x W60 x D57cm; 66L
Energy rating:A
Type:Electric, single
Guarantee:1 year
  • Delivery, installation and recycling are available
  • Dial controls
  • Stainless steel

Best high-end integrated single electric oven

The sleek, stainless steel single oven makes cooking easy with AutoPilot. Simply, put your dish in the oven, set the weight, and AutoPilot determines the cooking mode, temperature and cooking duration. In addition, the 3D Hotair function ensures even heat distribution. The Bosch Series 4 Electric Oven is a high-end appliance that delivers consistent, quality results. Bosch's Pyrolytic Cleaning turns food residue into ash. Just wipe away the ash without constant scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

AO.com customers rate it 4.7 out of 5, based on nearly 300 reviews. Reviews comment that Bosch is hard to beat for quality and the build quality of this oven proves that. In particular, customers praise the pyrolytic cleaning function and the speed at which it reaches temperature.

Some reviews comment that the digital controls are a little difficult to see and use, which makes the timer function a bit awkward to set. Otherwise, the main dial controls are fine and simple to operate.

Model number: HBS573BS0B

Pros

  • Great for baking with even heat distribution
  • Very good build quality that's synonymous with the Bosch brand
  • Heats up quickly and consistently delivers great food
  • Self-cleaning is praised in reviews

Cons

  • Timer is a bit fiddly to set
Dimensions:H58.5 x W56 x D55cm
Energy rating:A
Type:Electric, integrated, single oven
Guarantee:5 years (2nd year onwards by registration)
  • Pyrolitic cleaning so no chemicals are needed
  • 10 pre-set programmes
  • Pop-out controls

Best budget freestanding electric oven

electriQ 50cm Double Cavity Electric Cooker - BlackAppliances Direct

Introducing the electriQ Double Cavity Electric Cooker. With a full fan oven for even cooking, a separate grill and a fast-heating ceramic hob, it's perfect for couples and smaller families. The clean design fits any kitchen, while features like an integrated thermostat ensure quality cooking every time.

Customers praise this cooker for being easy to clean. Some say they like the design of it and it's fitted well into their kitchen. In addition, it's more efficient than their previous appliance. Also, multiple reviews say it is good value for money. However, several customers comment that the timer is laborious to set.

Model number: EQEC50B3

Pros

  • With a separate grill for ease of use
  • Clean and simple to use
  • Full fan oven ensures even cooking

Cons

  • Knobs may not be easy to read for some
Dimensions:H90 x W50 x D61cm; 43 + 23 litre
Energy rating:A
Type:Freestanding, electric
Guarantee:1 year
  • Promises perfectly even cooking results wherever you place your dishes in the oven
  • With a separate grill, you can whip up a meal and sides all at once
  • The smooth ceramic hob heats up fast, and it's super easy to wipe away any food splatters
  • Comes with 2 oven shelves and a grill pan set
  • The clean and simple design makes it easy to use

Best electric double oven for features

This mid-range double oven has some exciting premium features. The Beko Pro RecycledNet Electric Double Oven has True Fan Cooking in the main oven (75 litres), letting you roast and bake evenly for delicious results. In addition, the main oven has five shelf positions and boasts steam cleaning and catalytic liners to keep the cavity pristine and hygienic. The second oven is enamel-lined for easy cleaning and has a grill that can be used on a full or half setting. The sleek touch controls and LED display are the stars of the show for a streamlined and easy-to-use interface.

Aside from the initial learning curve of getting used to a new oven and its controls, customers say they are pleased with their purchase. They find it quieter and better for cooking food than their previous appliances.

Model number: BBXDF29300Z

Pros

  • Quiet running fan is great for open plan living
  • Intuitive touch control that looks sleek and is easy to use
  • Steam cleaning function for chemical free cleaning
  • Fan-assisted for evenly cooked food on every shelf

Cons

  • No handle on the grill pan
Dimensions:H89 x W59.4 x D56.7cm; 75L and 38L
Energy rating:A
Type:Built-In, Electric
Guarantee:2 year
  • True Fan Cooking
  • SteamShine™
  • Defrost function
  • Delivery, installation and recycling available

Best mid-range integrated single electric oven

This Bosch Series 2 Built-In Single Electric Oven takes advantage of multifunction cooking. 3D HotAir evenly distributes heat quickly throughout the cavity so simultaneous cooking on all three levels is possible. Incredibly, you could cook a spicy pasta dish and a fruit crumble at the same time without mixing the flavours. With an easy-to-use LED display control to the time functions, this Bosch is a quality appliance without the more technical features of their higher spec models.

It's a popular appliance on AO.com, with over 1,615 reviews rating it 4.8 out of 5. It's praised for its efficiency and easy-to-follow instructions. There are mixed options for the dial controls; while they are easy to use, it's a shame they are made of plastic.

Model number: HHF113BR0B

Pros

  • Heats up quickly and distributes hot air evenly throughout
  • A popular choice with consumers
  • Cook a range of dishes simultaneously

Cons

  • Grill tray does not include a handle
Dimensions:H59.5 x W59.4 x D54.8cm
Energy rating:A
Type:Electric, single, fan oven
Guarantee:2 year parts and labour
  • Delivery, recycling and installation is available
  • Energy consumption 0.79kWh per use
  • LED display and dial controls

Best air fryer electric single oven

Who doesn't love the convenience of an air fryer? Stand out with this BEKO AeroPerfect AirFry Electric Oven. With a dedicated AirFry tray and AeroPerfect system, it delivers crispy, oil-free results. The touch control LED display, True Fan cooking and 72L capacity elevate your culinary journey, ensuring perfect dishes every time. This A-rated appliance has ample capacity for family dinners and get-togethers. If there's any burnt-on food, you can just use SimplySteam to soften it for easy wiping. Plus, RecycledNet means recycled fishing nets are used in the manufacturing of this model, so this is greener than your average oven.

On Currys, customers rate the BEKO AeroPerfect 4.5 out of 5. Reviews praise the air fryer shelf for nicely crisping food. Also, the catalytic cleaning system is an effective and easy way to remove grease and debris without chemicals.

It's easy to use and the controls are straightforward. A tiny criticism from customers is that the alarm is a bit too quiet. But resoundingly this is a very good oven.

Model number: BBIFA12300AC

Pros

  • SimplySteam to soften it for easy wiping
  • Grilled meat or veggies from its full-width fan grill
  • Capacity is big enough for family dinners

Cons

  • The timer alarm is a bit quiet
DimensionsH59.5 x W59.4 x D56.7 cm
Energy RatingA
TypeElectric, Single, Built-In
Guarantee2 Years
  • 5 oven functions
  • Touch control timer
  • 5 shelf positions

Tested

Best built-in single oven for baking

Hotpoint

Hotpoint Class 6 SI6 874 SH IX Single Built-in Oven has an efficient multiflow system that evenly cooks food across multiple shelves. The digital controls and pre-set functions are user-friendly. If you're used to air fryer controls, you'll find them a doddle. The 73-litre capacity allows for extensive batch cooking, with perfectly baked results every time. Also, the Eco Forced Air system makes it even more energy efficient while still cooking food to perfection.

Natalie reviewed the Hotpoint Class 6 oven for A Modern Kitchen and praised it for flawlessly roasting, grilling and baking. Find out more about its manual and pre-set controls and how it performs. Read our full review of the Hotpoint Class 6 SI6 874 SH IX Single Built-In Oven.

Model number: SI6 874 SH IX

Pros

  • Very quiet fan when running
  • Compact single oven, yet large capacity that's ideal for families
  • Excellent heat distribution and accurate temperature
  • Bright interior light that clearly illuminates food
  • Eco function is very economical and this is an A-rated energy efficient appliance

Cons

  • Digital controls, specifically pre-sets take a bit of getting used to
Size:H59.5 x W59.5 x D53.8cm
Energy Rating:A+
Type:Single electric built-in
Guarantee:1 year parts 10 year labour

Our Verdict: Best Electric Oven

For its price and features, we recommend the INDESIT Aria IDD 6340 IX Electric Double Oven. It offers large capacity and functionality, plus a few features that we'd expect from a more expensive appliance. In particular, we're impressed with its versatility: slow cook, defrost, fan, grill and cook without fan in this A-rated energy-efficient oven.

FAQs: Best Electric Oven

What should I consider when buying an electric oven?

When choosing a new electric oven, it needs to meet your cooking needs. Key features to consider include the oven's capacity, energy efficiency, temperature distribution, functions and user-friendly controls. Also, factor in its overall size and where it will be positioned in your kitchen. If you're really short on space, you may prefer a countertop halogen oven or an air fryer, such as the Salter AeroGrill.

As well as its energy efficiency rating, look for features and programmable timers that will reduce electricity consumption. A delay timer, for example, means you can come home to a perfectly cooked roast that's been set to cook for the exact time it requires. Also, ovens that have fans and temperature control mechanisms will ensure every part of the cooking cavity reaches an even temperature so you can batch cook without fail.

Other premium features to bear in mind are self-cleaning options and built-in smart technology that automatically adjusts the cooking settings.

The controls need to suit the user. Whilst some people may prefer dials, others will appreciate the precision of touch controls where you can set the time and temperature to the degree.

Finally, bear in mind most full-size electric ovens require hardwiring to a dedicated cooker circuit. This must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Which is better, an electric or gas oven?

Compared to a gas oven an electric appliance has the benefit of precise temperature control that results in more even cooking. Also, electric ovens are easier to use and safer than gas ovens.

What is pyrolytic oven cleaning?

Pyrolytic oven cleaning is a self-cleaning method that uses high heat to turn food residue into ash, making cleaning easier.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.

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