Buying the right oven is not just about choosing a large or small capacity. You need to consider your kitchen space, cooking frequency, power consumption, and installation type to avoid ending up with a product that doesn’t suit your household. This guide brings together the most popular types of ovens available today along with the most important buying criteria, helping you confidently choose an oven that fits your kitchen space and real cooking needs.
Popular Types of Ovens Today
The market now offers many types of ovens with different installation methods and cooking mechanisms. Understanding the characteristics of each type will help you narrow down your choice faster before moving on to the specific criteria in the next section.
Built-in Ovens
Built-in ovens are a popular product line favoured by many Vietnamese families because they allow free placement within kitchen cabinetry or under the countertop. This oven type commonly comes in capacities from 32 to 75 litres, suitable for both small households and larger families, apartments, or rental homes.
Pros:
- Saves kitchen space since it is built into the cabinet, without taking up counter space.
- High aesthetic value, blending seamlessly with the overall kitchen cabinetry.
- Large capacity, suitable for cooking multiple dishes or trays at once.
- Often integrates premium features such as self-cleaning and temperature probes.
Cons:
- Usually priced higher than a countertop oven in the same segment.
- Requires cutting or carving a cabinet recess for fixed installation.
- Difficult to move or take with you when relocating.
Countertop Ovens
If your kitchen space is limited or you want the flexibility to move the appliance when needed, a countertop oven is worth considering. This oven type doesn’t require cutting into cabinetry or a fixed installation spot, making it suitable for small apartments or young families just starting to equip their kitchen.
Pros:
- Usually priced lower than a built-in oven in the same segment.
- Flexible placement, easy to move or take along when relocating.
- No cabinetry renovation needed, ready to install and use right away.
Cons:
- Usually smaller capacity than a built-in oven, limiting large-batch cooking.
- Takes up counter or shelf space.
- Harder to blend aesthetically with cabinetry compared to a built-in oven.
How to Choose the Right Oven
Once you have a clear picture of the different oven types, the next step is to pin down the specific criteria that suit your household. Below are the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Oven Capacity
Oven capacity should be chosen based on the number of household members and how often the family cooks. The table below suggests a suitable capacity range for each household size for your reference:
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Recommended Capacity |
Suitable For |
|---|---|
|
30 to 40 litres |
Singles or couples with moderate cooking needs |
|
40 to 70 litres |
For families of 3–4, who often cook with large-sized ingredients |
|
Over 70 litres |
Large households of more than 4 members who frequently host parties or guests |
Oven Wattage
Oven wattage typically ranges from 800W to 3,000W, depending on capacity and included features. The higher the wattage, the faster the oven heats up and the more stable the temperature stays when cooking multiple dishes at once, though it also consumes more electricity.
For small ovens of 30 to 40 litres, a common wattage of 1,500W to 2,000W is enough to heat the small cavity within about 10 to 12 minutes. Mid-sized ovens of 40 to 70 litres usually have a wattage of 2,000W to 2,500W to ensure heat is distributed evenly in the larger cavity.
Kitchen Space and Installation Location
The style and size of the oven need to match the overall kitchen space in your home. If choosing a built-in oven, measure the cabinet recess beforehand to ensure a proper fit and avoid having to modify the cabinetry after purchase. For smaller kitchens or spaces without a fixed layout, a countertop oven offers more flexibility since it doesn’t require cutting into cabinets or carving out a recess.
Needs and Frequency of Use
Clearly define your intended use before buying, for example cooking daily for the family, baking frequently, or only occasionally grilling meat or fish on weekends. If you often host parties or invite guests, prioritise a larger capacity oven with multiple cooking modes to serve several dishes at once. Otherwise, simpler cooking needs can be met with a more compact oven to save kitchen space and investment costs.
Material and Durability
Since ovens are frequently exposed to high temperatures, they should be made from heat-resistant, durable materials. The exterior is usually electrostatically painted, keeping the surface attractive and resistant to dents or rust over time.
The cavity should ideally be coated with non-stick enamel or made of stainless steel to make cleaning easier after each use. The multi-layer glass oven door is another noteworthy feature, helping keep the exterior surface from becoming too hot to the touch even when the oven is operating at high temperatures.
Included Smart Features
Beyond the basic criteria, smart features will determine your day-to-day experience using the oven. Some features worth considering include:
- Flexible timer: Lets you set a start time and cooking duration, so you can manage your schedule without needing to stay by the oven.
- Tray slide rails: Lets you pull out the tray to safely check on food while cooking without risk of burns.
- Convection fan, dual fan system: Distributes heat evenly throughout the cavity, especially useful in 90cm models, helping food cook evenly every time.
- Self-cleaning via pyrolysis or steam: Save time and effort on post-cooking clean-up with just the touch of a button, or clean your oven with steam in around 30 minutes—without depending on harsh chemicals.
Design and Colour
When choosing kitchen appliances, prioritise designs with details and materials that stay durable over time. White suits those who prefer a traditional look, while black or natural steel brings a more modern feel to the kitchen.
You can choose a colour that contrasts with your cabinetry to create a focal point, or a matching colour for a seamless, harmonious space. As for controls, you can choose between mechanical buttons or a touch panel depending on your usage preference.
Explore Electrolux’s built-in kitchen appliances to create a modern, seamlessly coordinated kitchen with a cohesive design.
Trusted Brand and Warranty Policy
An oven is a long-term household appliance, so it’s worth prioritising a brand with a clear warranty policy and good after-sales service. Warranty duration, the service centre network, and response speed when issues arise are factors worth researching before deciding to buy, especially for an appliance that represents a significant investment.
If you’re looking for a brand that meets all the criteria above, Electrolux offers built-in ovens, countertop ovens, and steam ovens, along with a 24-month warranty in Vietnam. Here are a few models worth checking out to compare capacity, features, and price for your household’s needs:
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- SurroundCook circulates hot air for even cooking.
- LED timer display sets exact cooking times.
- AirFry your food for a fried taste with less oil.
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- SteamBake for fluffy yet crisp home-baked goodies.
- SurroundCook circulates hot air for even cooking.
- LED timer display sets exact cooking times.
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- 4-in-1 oven toast, bake, grill and rotisserie.
- AirFry your food for a fried taste without oil.
- Convection function for roasting or baking.
Oven products that meet Electrolux’s terms and conditions are covered by a 24-month warranty in Vietnam from the date of purchase. You can view the details of Electrolux’s warranty terms and conditions or register your warranty online to schedule a repair at a time that suits you.
The right oven helps you save cooking time and enhance the family’s everyday dining experience. If you’re still torn between built-in, countertop, or steam ovens, Electrolux’s advisory team is always ready to help you find the product that best matches your household’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a steam oven?
A steam oven has an added function that cooks using a combination of steam and hot air. Depending on how much steam is generated, some models have a water tank at the front to feed water into the oven, while others have a water compartment at the bottom for direct refilling.
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How do you clean an oven?
Depending on the model, you can clean the oven using steam or the traditional method. For steam cleaning, simply add water and vinegar, run the steam cycle, and wait about 30 minutes for grime to soften and loosen, then wipe with a cloth and a little detergent.
For the traditional method, mix 4 parts baking soda with 1 part water into a thick paste, spread it over the dirtiest areas for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge dipped in vinegar. -
Which type of oven is best for a family of 4?
For a household of about 4 members, prioritise an oven with a capacity of 40 to 70 litres to fit larger ingredients as well as multiple trays at once. If kitchen space allows, a 60cm built-in oven offers a good balance of capacity, features, and aesthetics for the kitchen.
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What's the difference between a built-in oven and a countertop oven?
A built-in oven is fixed permanently into the cabinetry, usually with a larger capacity, and suits households with heavier cooking needs. A countertop oven is more flexible in placement, doesn't require cutting into cabinetry, and suits smaller kitchens or households that want to move the appliance easily when needed.
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How many watts is enough for an oven?
The appropriate power level depends on the oven capacity you choose based on your family’s needs. Higher power typically comes with a larger capacity to ensure even heat distribution. Choose an oven with a power output suited to its capacity, as a power level that is too low for the oven size may result in longer cooking times than necessary.
