Types of Oven: Compare and Choose the Right One

Wondering which oven is right for your kitchen? This detailed ovens buying guide breaks down types of oven, key features, sizes, fuel options and smart tech — plus tips on installation, cleaning and choosing the best model for your layout and budget.

When it comes to choosing the right kitchen appliance, understanding the different types of oven is a great place to start. Whether you’re after a single oven, double oven, steam or pyrolytic model, this ovens buying guide will help you compare options and match them to your kitchen layout, fuel type, and cooking habits.

From oven dimensions and smart tech to cooking times and energy use, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying a built-in oven, wall oven or compact kitchen appliance.

Explore the full range of ovens at Bi‑Rite.

Oven Types Explained in 60 Seconds

There are six main types of oven commonly used in Australian kitchens:

Oven Type

Capacity Range

Cooking Modes

Install Type

Price Band

Single Oven

60–90 L

Bake, grill, fan

Built-in or wall

$$

Double Oven

90–120 L total

Multi-course cook

Built-in or wall

$$$

Compact Oven

30–50 L

Microwave, bake

Built-in/Benchtop

$–$$

Steam Oven

30–70 L

Steam, combi modes

Built-in

$$$–$$$$

Pyrolytic Oven

60–90 L

Self-cleaning cycle

Built-in

$$$–$$$$

Combination Oven

40–70 L

Fan, microwave, grill

Built-in

$$$

 

Oven Dimensions: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right oven starts with understanding standard oven dimensions. Most built-in or wall ovens in Australia follow these measurements:

  • 60 cm – standard built-in ovens (595 H × 595 W × 570 D mm)
  • 70–75 cm – wider cavities for larger cooking space
  • 90 cm – premium, high-capacity ovens (595 H × 895 W × 570 D mm)
  • 45 cm – compact ovens for small kitchens or extra functionality

Depth is typically around 560–580 mm, but always check installation specs and allow a 5–10 mm ventilation gap as per AS/NZS 60335.

Front-facing comparison diagram showing four common oven widths in Australian kitchens: Compact (455H × 450W × 560mm), Standard (595H × 595W × 570mm), Wider Cavity (595H × 700–750W × 570mm), and Premium Capacity (595H × 895W × 570mm). Each oven is illustrated under a benchtop with a labelled 10mm ventilation gap.

Measuring Your Space: Step-by-Step

Before purchasing, measure your space carefully to avoid fitment issues.

Checklist:

  • Cabinet width and height
  • Oven depth with clearance
  • Electrical or gas connection location
  • Ventilation space at the top and back of the cavity
  • Oven door swing clearance
  • Proximity to other kitchen appliances

Replacing an older oven? Consider compact or combination models if the existing cavity is smaller than standard.

Three line diagrams showing how to measure cavity height, cavity width, cavity depth, and oven door swing clearance for built-in ovens.

Gas vs Electric Ovens: Which Fuel Type Suits You?

Choosing between gas and electric ovens depends on how and what you cook.

Feature

Electric Ovens

Gas Ovens

Fuel types

10 A or 15 A circuits

LPG or natural gas

Heat method

Hot air from heating elements

Open flame, direct heat

Cooking times

More consistent, slower start

Quick heat-up, ideal for roasting

Energy use

Steady, sometimes lower

Cheaper if gas is connected

Installation

Easier (electrician only)

Requires licensed gas fitter

Oven options

More brands, features, sizes

Fewer models on the market

Bi‑Rite stocks a range of both electric ovens and gas ovens.

Single vs Double Ovens: Pros, Cons & Who They Suit

Single ovens are perfect for everyday cooking, while double ovens give you more flexibility for multi-dish meals.

Feature

Single Oven

Double Oven

Capacity

60–90 L

Up to 120 L total

Energy use

~2.5 kWh per bake

~4.5 kWh full usage

Ideal for

Small families, couples

Entertainers, large families

Kitchen layout

Compact or galley

L-shape, open plan


Browse single ovens or double ovens

Pyrolytic Self‑Cleaning: Worth the Upgrade?

Pyrolytic ovens clean themselves by heating to over 400 °C and reducing food residue to ash.

  • Cycle time: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Energy use: Up to 3 kWh
  • Safety: Child locks, cool-touch oven doors
  • Maintenance: Just wipe ash after cycle

If you hate scrubbing oven walls or using harsh chemicals, it's a game changer.

Shop pyrolytic single ovens or pyrolytic double ovens

Compact & Combination Ovens for Small Spaces

Compact and combination ovens offer big performance in a small footprint:

  • Steam ovens retain moisture and nutrients
  • Microwave + convection combos are perfect for quick meals
  • Benchtop models suit renters or tight spaces
  • Built-in compact ovens blend into cabinetry

Great for small households, secondary cooking spaces or busy weeknight dinners.

View compact ovens

Matching Your Oven to Your Kitchen Layout

Your kitchen layout and cabinetry will shape your oven choice:

  • Wall ovens allow for higher installation and reduce bending
  • Built-in ovens fit seamlessly into under-bench or tower configurations
  • Freestanding ovens include cooktops but take up more space
  • Stainless steel finishes are durable and easy to match with other kitchen appliances
  • Cooking space in open-plan kitchens supports wider or double ovens

Always plan your layout around usability, clearance and appliance workflow.

Energy Efficiency, Features & Smart Tech

Today’s ovens are packed with features that reduce energy use and make cooking easier:

  • Hot air fan cooking reduces cooking times
  • Rapid preheat modes save time
  • Meat probes prevent overcooking
  • Telescopic runners make trays safer to handle
  • Wi‑Fi smart ovens let you preheat or monitor meals remotely
  • Steam functions for cooking and easier cleaning.

Some states offer rebates on efficient electric and steam ovens. Check your local eligibility before buying.

Installation & Compliance Checklist

Installing a new oven? Make sure to:

  • Use a licensed electrician for electric ovens
  • Hire a licensed gas fitter for gas installations
  • Check for 15 A circuits if needed
  • Maintain airflow and ventilation as per AS/NZS 60335
  • Ensure safe clearances around oven doors

Keep all instruction manuals, safety certificates and warranty cards in a safe place.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Life of Your Oven

Regular upkeep will improve performance and help your oven last longer:

  • Wipe spills immediately to prevent baked-on residue
  • Check oven door seals for heat loss
  • Use steam-clean or eco clean modes between pyrolytic cycles
  • Avoid steel wool or abrasive cleaners on enamel surfaces
  • Leave oven doors open slightly after use to release moisture

Shop the Best Ovens at Bi‑Rite

Looking for a great ovens offer? Bi‑Rite has a wide range of single, double, wall and built-in ovens — including electric, gas and pyrolytic models. All handpicked for performance, safety and value.

Compare on Bi‑Rite to find the perfect kitchen appliance for your space and budget.

FAQs: Quick Answers on Oven Buying

What capacity oven do I need for a family of four?

A 70–90 L single oven is usually enough. Bigger families or entertainers may prefer a double oven.

Are pyrolytic ovens safe for kids and pets?

Yes. They lock automatically and have cool-touch oven doors.

Can I replace a 600 mm oven with a 900 mm model?

Only if your cabinet cavity allows it. Wider ovens need more space and ventilation.

Do double ovens use more power?

They can, especially when both cavities are running. But they offer more flexibility for batch cooking.

What’s the difference between built-in and wall ovens?

Both are integrated models. “Wall oven” just refers to units mounted higher in cabinetry to reduce bending.