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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.

Cool-down times by oven type
Find out how long an oven takes to cool down, why it stays hot, and safe cooling tips. Read our oven safety guide for practical advice and expert tips today.
Can I Plug an Oven into a Normal Socket
Not sure if your oven needs hardwiring? Find out if you can plug your oven into a regular socket and avoid electrical hazards. Read now!
Fan Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
Convert any recipe to a fan oven with our simple chart. Learn the 20°C rule across Celsius, gas mark and Fahrenheit for perfect baking every time.
Why Your Oven Smells When You First Turn It On
Find out why your oven smells when first turned on, what causes it, and how to fix it safely. Read our guide and get your oven fresh and ready to use.
Why Is the Bottom of My Cake Burning but the Top Raw?
Bottom burning, top raw? Your cake’s base is getting too much heat too fast. Here are the causes and the simple fixes, from shelf height to tin choice.
How to Troubleshoot Uneven Baking and Temperature Accuracy
Struggling with uneven bakes? Learn how to fix hot spots, calibrate your oven, and improve temperature accuracy for perfect cooking results
How to Maximise Oven Space: Smart Tips for Baking Multiple Dishes​
Learn how to maximise oven space with smart baking tips. Cook multiple dishes at once efficiently and evenly. Read our guide for practical advice.
What Is a Self-Cleaning Oven
Discover how self-cleaning ovens work, their pros and cons, and if they’re worth the cost. Learn about pyrolytic, catalytic, and steam cleaning – read more now!
Which Oven Is Best for Cooking Pizza
Discover which oven is best for cooking pizza at home. Learn key features and explore CATA built-in ovens for crispy, delicious results. View the guide.

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.