Ovens are the centre of every cook's world. They're where the magic happens in the kitchen - it's in the oven that succulent roasts, delicious cakes and wonderful casseroles are able to cook to perfection. So what should you consider when choosing an oven for your kitchen? In this article we'll cover some of the basic points, including types, sizes and functions.

Oven Types

The most obvious choice you need to make when deciding on an oven is whether to go gas or electric. If there is no gas connected to your neighbourhood, the decision will be made for you - electricity is the only way you can go.

But if you have a choice, you need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each type. A gas oven doesn't dry food out as much as an electric oven, which makes it great for roasts and other types of cooking that require moisture. But gas ovens tend to be hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom, which means food generally needs to be rotated to ensure even cooking.

While older electric ovens can be slow, newer models tend to heat up very quickly. They offer more control over cooking than gas ovens, thanks to a variety of elements and settings. For instance, a top element in your electric oven can help to crisp up the top of a roast chicken, which is not possible to control in most gas ovens.

You also need to consider whether you want a freestanding or under-bench model. A freestanding cooker does just what is says - it stands alone as a unit, with a stove on top and an oven underneath. With under-bench models, the stove top is bench mounted and the oven itself is built into the cabinetry.

Oven Size

Ovens and cooktops come in a variety of sizes that suit different space requirements. The most common size is 600mm wide, which generally has room for four hotplates or burners. But many people these days are opting for freestanding 900mm wide models, which allow for extra burners and fancy features such as wok burners. For gourmet wannabes there are also 1200mm and 1500mm wide models which often incorporate two or more ovens. Then there are smaller models that suit kitchens with limited space.

Other options for ovens include:

- Self-cleaning ovens
- Fan-forced ovens
- Grills
- A variety of cooking settings