Pick the Oven Setup That Fits Your Kitchen
Start with how you cook. Then match the oven type to your space, daily routine and budget. This guide keeps it simple and practical for UK homes.
Oven types at a glance
Most UK kitchens fall into four built-in choices. Single. Double. Compact. Steam compact. Pick the type first. Then shortlist features.
Single oven
One large cavity. The mainstream choice
- Capacity often 65 to 75 litres
- Grill in the same cavity
- Best choice for pyrolytic cleaning and premium features
- Fits 60 cm housing units
- Strong base for appliance towers
Double oven
Two cavities. Two temperatures at once
- Top cavity often 35 to 45 litres
- Main cavity often 50 to 70 litres
- Built-in height around 88 to 90 cm
- Built-under height around 70 to 72 cm
- Feature choice is smaller than single ovens
Compact oven
45 cm height. Ideal as a second oven
- Capacity often 32 to 45 litres
- Stacks neatly in tall units
- Microwave combi versions use flatbed design
- Great for reheating, baking and quick trays
- Often paired with a 60 cm single oven
Steam compact oven
Full steam, combi steam and regeneration modes
- Full steam. Hot air. Combination modes
- Moist results for veg, fish and reheating
- Strong bread results with steam at the start
- Tank-fed on most models. Plumbed on some
- Often used alongside a 60 cm single oven
If you need two temperatures often, an appliance tower beats a double oven for flexibility. If you want the biggest cavity, a 60 cm single oven wins.
Quick comparison table
Use this to narrow the choice fast. Then check the internal cavity dimensions on any model you shortlist.
| Factor | Single oven | Double oven | Compact oven | Steam compact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity | 65 to 75 litres | 85 to 110 litres split | 32 to 45 litres | 32 to 45 litres |
| Height | About 60 cm | Built-in 88 to 90 cm. Built-under 70 to 72 cm | About 45 cm | About 45 cm |
| Two temperatures at once | No | Yes | No | No |
| Grill | Yes in the main cavity | Yes usually top cavity | Yes in most models | Varies by model |
| Microwave option | No | No | Yes in combi versions | Some premium models |
| Steam cooking | Steam assist on some models | No | No | Yes |
| Pyrolytic cleaning | Common | Very rare | Some models | Very rare |
| Best reason to buy | Big cavity and widest feature choice | Two temperatures in one appliance | Second oven or combi microwave | Steam cooking and better reheating |
| Typical UK price range | £250 to £2,500+ | £300 to £1,500 | £250 to £2,200+ | £800 to £3,000+ |
Capacity numbers vary by measurement method. Always check internal width, height and depth against your biggest tray and dish.
Which setup suits you
Match your daily routine to a setup. This stops you buying the wrong format.
Busy family
Weeknight cooking with heavy use
Reliable daily cooking. Easy cleaning. Enough space for trays and family dishes.
60 cm single oven with pyrolytic cleaning. Add a compact microwave combi in a tower if you need speed.
Keen baker
Cakes, pastries and bread
Even heat. Stable temperatures. Enough height for rising bakes.
Large single oven. Add a steam compact oven if you bake bread often.
Health focused cooking
Steam, moisture and gentle heat
Moist results. Better veg and fish. Reheating without drying.
Steam compact oven in a tower. Pair with a 60 cm single oven for roasting and baking.
Entertaining
Timing multiple dishes
Two cooking zones. Holding food while you finish.
Single oven plus compact oven in a tower. Add a warming drawer if you host often.
Small household
Cooking for one or two
Efficient day to day cooking. Flexible for the odd big meal.
Single oven for versatility. Add a compact microwave combi if you reheat daily.
Replacing an existing oven
Minimal cabinet changes
Correct housing size. Safe electrical connection. Simple swap.
Match the current type first. Measure the housing. Then compare internal cavity dimensions.
Decision tool
Answer five questions. You will land on a clear setup.
Appliance tower options
A tower gives you two cooking zones without the compromises of a double oven. You choose each appliance based on your routine.
Single oven plus compact microwave combi
- 60 cm single oven as the main cavity
- 45 cm compact microwave combi above or below
Best for: Fast reheating, defrosting and second-cavity flexibility. Clears the worktop of a standalone microwave.
Single oven plus steam compact oven
- 60 cm single oven for roasting and baking
- 45 cm steam compact for full steam, combi steam and regeneration
Best for: Better veg, fish and reheating. Strong bread results with steam at the start.
Single oven plus compact plus warming drawer
- 60 cm single oven as the main cavity
- 45 cm compact oven or microwave combi
- 14 to 29 cm warming drawer
Best for: Hosting. Warm plates and hold food while you finish cooking.
Single oven plus steam plus warming drawer
- 60 cm single oven for dry heat cooking
- 45 cm steam compact for full steam and combi
- Warming drawer for holding and plate warming
Best for: Serious home cooking and gatherings with better timing control.
Warming drawers keep food at serving temperature, warm plates, and prove dough. Read the guide here. Warming drawers →
Budget guide
Prices depend on cleaning systems, controls, accessories and build quality. Use these ranges to plan a realistic spend.
Single oven
Double oven
Compact oven
Steam compact
Some ovens plug into a 13A socket. Many need hard-wiring to a cooker connection unit. Check the rating plate and the installation guide before you book an electrician.
Checklist before you buy
This avoids wrong-size purchases and poor day to day usability.
Next step
Go deeper on the oven type you are leaning towards. Then shortlist models and compare cavity dimensions and features.