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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.

How to Tell If Your Oven Seal Needs Replacing
Notice heat escaping or uneven cooking? Learn the key signs your oven seal needs replacing and how to fix it easily. Keep your oven efficient!
Preheat Shortcuts That Actually Work (and Those That Don’t)
Find out which oven preheat shortcuts really save time and which don’t. Discover smarter ways to heat up faster and cook more efficiently — learn more!
Can You Cook Two Dishes at Once in a Fan Oven?
Learn how fan ovens let you cook two dishes evenly at once. Save time and energy with CATA’s fan-assisted ovens – explore our range today!
Why Is My Oven Taking So Long to Heat Up?
Is your oven slow to preheat? Discover common causes like faulty elements or poor seals and learn quick fixes to restore fast, efficient heating.
How Does a Pyrolytic Oven Work - and Is It Worth It
Discover how does a pyrolytic oven work – and is it worth it? with expert tips and advice. Read now to find out more.
Does a Built-In Oven Need Ventilation?
Learn why built-in ovens need ventilation, how airflow works, and how to install one safely. Follow our simple tips to prevent overheating and damage.
True Fan vs Fan-Assisted Baking: Pick the Right Setting
Discover the difference between true fan and fan-assisted baking modes and when to use each for perfect results. Learn how to bake smarter today.
Can You Leave Oven Trays Inside While Preheating
Can you leave oven trays inside while preheating? Learn when it’s safe, when to avoid it, and get expert tips for better cooking results.
How Self-Cleaning Ovens Work: The Go-To Guide
Discover how self-cleaning ovens work, including pyrolytic and catalytic systems. Save time and effort—read our go-to guide before your next upgrade.

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 typeHow it worksBest for
Conventional ovenUses top and bottom heating elements with natural heat movement.Traditional baking, roasting and simple home cooking.
Fan ovenA fan circulates hot air for more even heat distribution.Faster cooking, batch baking and consistent results.
Multifunction ovenCombines fan, grill, conventional and specialist cooking modes.Flexible cooking styles and varied recipes.
Steam ovenUses added steam to retain moisture during cooking.Healthy cooking, baking bread and keeping food moist.
Combination microwave ovenCombines microwave power with oven and grill functions.Saving space, quick meals and versatile cooking.
Single ovenOne main cooking cavity with multiple functions.Smaller kitchens and everyday cooking needs.
Double ovenTwo 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fan or multifunction oven is ideal for most homes, offering even heat distribution and flexible cooking modes for daily meals.
Fan ovens circulate hot air for even cooking, while conventional ovens rely on top and bottom heat, which can create hotter zones.
Yes, fan ovens usually cook faster and at lower temperatures because heat is distributed more evenly throughout the cavity.
If you enjoy varied cooking styles, multifunction ovens are worth it as they combine fan, grill and conventional modes in one appliance.
Most households are well suited to a standard 60cm oven, offering enough capacity for everyday meals and family cooking.
No, modern steam ovens are easy to use and are great for retaining moisture, improving baking results and healthier cooking.