Oven Guides & Advice
Need help choosing the right oven or getting the most out of the one you have? Our Oven Guides & Advice hub is here to help.
From buying tips and feature breakdowns to installation guidance and maintenance know-how, we’ve got everything you need.
Whether you’re baking, roasting or upgrading your kitchen, explore our expert advice and cook with confidence.
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- Oven Guides & Advice
Learn how to preheat an oven properly, when it really matters, and when you can skip it. Get better cooking...
Uneven oven cooking ruining meals? Discover the most common causes, simple fixes, and when it’s time to repair or replace...
Learn how to clean glass oven door windows safely and effectively, inside and out. Follow our simple steps for clear,...
Discover the difference between true fan and fan-assisted baking modes and when to use each for perfect results. Learn how...
Find out which oven preheat shortcuts really save time and which don’t. Discover smarter ways to heat up faster and...
Notice heat escaping or uneven cooking? Learn the key signs your oven seal needs replacing and how to fix it...
Learn how fan ovens let you cook two dishes evenly at once. Save time and energy with CATA’s fan-assisted ovens...
Thinking of buying a self-cleaning oven? Discover how pyrolytic, catalytic & steam-clean ovens work, their pros and cons, and whether...
Is your oven slow to preheat? Discover common causes like faulty elements or poor seals and learn quick fixes to...
Why use our oven guides?
Our oven guides are designed to make choosing, using and caring for your oven simple and stress-free. Whether you’re comparing oven types, understanding energy efficiency, or learning how to get better cooking results, our guides break everything down in clear, practical language. Written with real kitchens in mind, they help you avoid costly mistakes, cook more efficiently, and get the most from your appliance every day. If you want confident buying decisions and better results from your oven, our guides are the perfect place to start.
What are the different types of oven?
Choosing the right oven starts with understanding the different types available and how they suit your cooking style. From simple conventional models to feature-rich multifunction and steam ovens, each option offers its own benefits depending on how and what you like to cook.
| Oven type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional oven | Uses top and bottom heating elements with natural heat movement. | Traditional baking, roasting and simple home cooking. |
| Fan oven | A fan circulates hot air for more even heat distribution. | Faster cooking, batch baking and consistent results. |
| Multifunction oven | Combines fan, grill, conventional and specialist cooking modes. | Flexible cooking styles and varied recipes. |
| Steam oven | Uses added steam to retain moisture during cooking. | Healthy cooking, baking bread and keeping food moist. |
| Combination microwave oven | Combines microwave power with oven and grill functions. | Saving space, quick meals and versatile cooking. |
| Single oven | One main cooking cavity with multiple functions. | Smaller kitchens and everyday cooking needs. |
| Double oven | Two separate cavities, often with different functions. | Cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures. |
By comparing oven types side by side, it becomes much easier to see which features matter most in your kitchen. Whether you prioritise flexibility, speed, or healthier cooking, the right oven type can make everyday meals simpler and more enjoyable.