When it comes to selecting the perfect oven for your kitchen, you may find yourself stuck between built-in and built-under options. Both have their unique advantages, catering to your specific needs and aesthetics.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two oven types, helping you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
Built-in ovens offer a modern, sleek look as they are installed at eye level within your kitchen cabinetry. These ovens provide extra convenience and accessibility due to their height.
On the other hand, built-under ovens are designed to fit beneath your kitchen countertop, positioned closer to the floor. Though not as high as built-in ovens, they offer a space-saving solution and create a seamless look in your kitchen.
When it comes to size, built-under ovens are generally more compact, measuring approximately 70cm high, 60cm wide, and 55-58cm deep. This smaller size allows them to fit under standard countertops which are usually 87cm from the floor. In contrast, built-in ovens are taller and often don’t fit under countertops.
Consider these factors when choosing the ideal oven for your kitchen, bearing in mind your requirements for convenience, style, and available space.
Built-In vs Built-Under Ovens
Key Differences
Built-in ovens are designed to fit in larger spaces above your kitchen countertop. Their standard height is around 88 cm. On the other hand, built-under ovens are installed beneath your kitchen worktop, making them closer to the floor. They are usually smaller, around 70 cm high, fitting between the underside of the countertop and the top of the plinth.
Built-in ovens are typically at eye level, making it easier to monitor your cooking. Built-under ovens, though standalone like built-in ovens, require you to bend down to access them due to their placement near the floor.
Pros and Cons
Built-in Ovens:
- Pros: Easy access at eye level, seamless integration with kitchen cabinets, variety of sizes and styles
- Cons: Can be more costly, takes up more space in the kitchen
Built-under Ovens:
- Pros: Space-saving design, fits under the countertop, versatile styles for different kitchen layouts
- Cons: Less convenient for users due to lower placement, smaller capacity compared to built-in ovens
Ultimately, your choice between built-in and built-under ovens depends on your kitchen layout, preferences, and available space for installation.
Sizes and Capacities
Effect on Kitchen Layout
When choosing between a built-in and built-under oven, consider how each style impacts your kitchen layout. A built-in oven occupies a standard kitchen cabinet, typically with a width of 60cm and a depth of 55-58cm. If you prefer a larger oven, there are 90cm options available, albeit with limited choices.
Built-under ovens, on the other hand, are designed to fit beneath your kitchen countertop. These ovens save space and keep your cooking area tidy. However, they might not be the perfect choice if you need a high-capacity oven for regular large-scale cooking.
Comparing Sizes
Built-in Ovens:
- Standard width: 60cm
- Depth: 55-58cm
- Extra-wide options: 90cm
Built-under Ovens:
- Fit under standard kitchen countertops
- Height: up to 87cm from floor to countertop
- More compact than built-in ovens
- Limited capacity compared to built-in double ovens
Evaluate the size and capacity of both oven types to determine which option best suits your needs and kitchen design. Keep in mind that built-in ovens typically offer more capacity, while built-under ovens prioritize space-saving benefits.
Oven Types
Single Ovens
Built-in single ovens come in a standard size of 60cm wide and 45-60cm high, with a depth of 55-58cm. They are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets, providing a sleek and modern look.
Your choice of a gas or electric single oven depends on your personal preference and power supply, with electric ovens being the more common option.
A built-under single oven is similar but is intended to fit beneath your kitchen cabinet instead of being integrated into it. This type of oven is typically the same width as a built-in model (60cm) but may have a slightly smaller capacity. Keep in mind the size of the dishes you plan to cook when selecting an oven.
Double Ovens
Built-in double ovens have a standard width of 60cm as well, but they are typically 90cm high, allowing for two separate cooking spaces. These ovens often feature a larger main oven and a smaller secondary oven, providing you with additional cooking flexibility. Just like single ovens, they can either be gas or electric fuel types.
Built-under double ovens are designed to be installed beneath your kitchen cabinet and usually have a height of around 70-90cm.
They offer the convenience of multi-level cooking and may be more suitable for smaller kitchens, where the extra height of a built-in double oven might be problematic.
With various sizes, styles, and oven types available, finding the right oven for your kitchen largely depends on your personal preferences, available space, and cooking needs. Always be sure to measure your kitchen and consider your specific requirements before making a decision.
Installation and Integration
Housing Cabinet
When incorporating a built-in or built-under oven into your kitchen, the housing cabinet plays a critical role. For both types of ovens, it is essential to ensure that the housing cabinet dimensions match your appliance’s size.
Eye-Level Installation
Built-in ovens offer you the flexibility to install them at eye level. This positioning makes it easier for you to monitor your cooking without bending or stooping. Eye-level installation also frees up space under the counter for storage.
Countertop and Under-Cabinet
Built-under ovens are designed to fit beneath your kitchen countertop. They allow you to conserve countertop space while maintaining a sleek, integrated appearance. However, this placement means that built-under ovens are typically closer to the floor.
In contrast, built-in ovens can be installed at various heights within your kitchen cabinet, providing greater versatility in kitchen design. By carefully selecting the location of your oven, you can optimize convenience and accessibility for your unique needs.
Remember to always verify the dimensions and requirements of your chosen oven and compare them with your existing kitchen layout to ensure seamless integration.
Fuel Types
In this section, we’ll discuss the two main fuel types for ovens: electric and gas. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on your cooking preferences and kitchen setup.
Electric Ovens
Electric ovens are the most common and popular choice for built-in and built-under ovens. They offer precise temperature control and even heat distribution, ensuring your food is cooked consistently. Some key aspects of electric ovens include:
- Typically require less maintenance than gas ovens
- Install easily in most kitchens, as they don’t require a gas line
- Can feature various cooking modes like convection, broil, or roast
However, electric ovens might take longer to reach the desired temperature, and the absence of an open flame means you won’t have as much control when cooking specific dishes.
Gas Ovens
Gas ovens, on the other hand, heat up quickly and give you the option to cook with an open flame. Some factors to consider regarding gas ovens are:
- Tend to offer more sensitive temperature control
- May require installation of a dedicated gas line
- Gas burners provide superior responsiveness for dishes like stir-fries or searing meats
Bear in mind that gas ovens may produce more moisture during cooking, which can affect the crispiness of some baked goods.
As you select a built-in or built-under oven, remember to consider your cooking style, fuel type preferences, and kitchen setup to find the best option for your needs.
Common Features
Hobs and Cooktops
When considering built-in or built-under ovens, you’ll come across different types of hobs and cooktops. Gas and electric options are available, and you’ll have to choose based on your preferences and needs.
Keep in mind that some built-in ovens offer the flexibility of having a separate hob, which allows you to customize your cooking space. This means you can have gas burners alongside an induction cooktop, for example.
Microwaves and Compact Ovens
You will also encounter built-in microwaves and compact ovens in your search. Both of these options can save you space in your kitchen and are designed to easily integrate with your chosen style.
Like built-in and built-under ovens, microwaves and compact ovens come in different sizes and fuel types. Popular options are 24″, 27″, and 30″ in width, but it’s essential to measure your available space before purchasing.
Electric fuel types are more common these days for ovens, including compact ovens. To determine the best option for your kitchen, consider your cooking habits and the amount of space you need for your appliances.
Remember, when selecting the right appliances for your kitchen, it’s essential to factor in convenience, style, and how well the oven will blend with your kitchen design. Take into account features like control panels, handle styles, and materials for a seamless integration.
Freestanding and Range Cookers
Comparing with Built-In and Built-Under Ovens
When considering a freestanding oven, you’ll find that it typically includes both a cooktop and an oven. Range cookers fall under similar category, but they tend to be larger and offer more cooking options. On the other hand, built-in and built-under ovens are designed for integration into your cabinetry.
A key difference between these options is installation flexibility. Freestanding ovens and range cookers can be installed without the need for a housing cabinet, whereas built-in and built-under ovens require one.
Freestanding ovens can offer you more mobility, but may not seamlessly integrate into your kitchen design. Built-in and built-under ovens can enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic and save valuable space.
In terms of size variations:
- Freestanding ovens: Standard sizes are 60cm, 90cm, and 100cm
- Range cookers: Typically 90cm to 110cm
- Built-in and built-under ovens: Standard size of 60cm with variations depending on specific model
| Freestanding Ovens | Range Cookers | Built-in/ Built-under Ovens | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size Options | Wide range of standard sizes | Larger widths for more cooking options | Commonly 60cm wide with some variations |
When comparing performance, freestanding oven and range cookers might not have the same performance and efficiency levels as built-in and built-under ovens.
So, when choosing between freestanding and range cookers or built-in and built-under ovens, consider factors like:
- Kitchen design
- Space availability
- Installation flexibility
- Cooking requirements and performance
