Frequently Asked Questions About Built-In Ovens

What is a built-in oven?

A built-in oven is designed to be installed directly into a kitchen cabinet or wall. Unlike freestanding ovens, built-in ovens do not have a base or a cooktop, and they are typically installed at a height that is convenient for the user. Built-in ovens can be electric or gas-powered and come in various sizes and configurations, including steam ovens, convection ovens, single ovens, double ovens, and combination ovens. They are a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a streamlined and modern look in their kitchen.

What are the advantages of a built-in oven?

There are several advantages of a built-in oven, including:

• Space-saving: A built-in oven is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinet or wall, which can save valuable floor space in your kitchen.
• Safety & Convenience: With a built-in oven, you don't have to bend over or reach across a cooktop to access your food, making it safer and more convenient to use.
• Aesthetics: A built-in oven can enhance the overall look of your kitchen by creating a sleek, modern, and seamless design.
• Flexibility: Built-in ovens come in various sizes and configurations, including steam ovens and convection ovens, giving you greater flexibility in your cooking options.
• Energy-Efficient: Built-in ovens can be more energy-efficient than freestanding ovens because they are designed to fit more tightly into the wall, reducing heat loss and maximizing energy efficiency.
• Increase Home Value: A built-in oven can increase the value of your home by enhancing the overall look and functionality of your kitchen.

How do I measure for a built-in oven?

To ensure that a built-in oven fits perfectly into the designated space, start by taking accurate measurements and ensuring the correct electrical or gas requirements are met.

You should measure the height, width, and depth of the space where you would like your oven to be installed. Standard built-in ovens come in 24”, 27”, and 30” widths, and most are 24” deep to accommodate the standard width of kitchen cabinets. The height will vary depending on the style of oven you want, but most single-wall ovens are between 27 and 28 inches.

As a good rule of thumb, you should add an extra three inches to your measurements when considering a built-in oven. For example, if you want a 24-inch oven, you would need to cut out a space in your cabinets that is at least 27 inches wide.

What types of built-in ovens are available?

There are several types of built-in ovens available, including:

• Steam ovens: Built-in steam ovens use steam for cooking food and are designed to retain the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of ingredients. Steam ovens are ideal for those who want to prepare healthy meals with minimal effort.
• Convection ovens: Built-in convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air to ensure fast and even cooking. They are ideal for baking and roasting.
• Electric ovens: Electric ovens are powered by electricity and are available in both single and double configurations. They are typically easy to install and use.
• Gas ovens: Gas ovens are powered by natural gas or propane and are available in both single and double configurations. They are typically more energy-efficient than electric ovens but require a gas hookup.
• Single ovens: Single ovens are the most common type of built-in oven and are designed to fit into a single cabinet. They usually have one cooking compartment and come in various sizes and configurations.
• Double ovens: Double ovens are designed to fit into a larger cabinet and consist of two cooking compartments. They are ideal for those who need to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously.
• Combination ovens: Combination ovens combine the functions of a conventional oven, a microwave oven, and sometimes a steam oven into a single unit. This type of built-in is ideal for those who want the versatility of multiple cooking functions in a single unit.

What are the differences between built-in steam and convection ovens?

Convection ovens use hot air circulated by a fan to cook food, while steam ovens use water siphoned from a small water tank to generate steam and cook food that way. The main issue with convection ovens is that they have a tendency to dry out dishes, while steam ovens hold the moisture in. This makes for healthier cooking, as food maintains its nutrients better with steam cooking, and you don’t have to use extra oils or butter to keep food moist.

However, steam ovens have their limitations. Because they use steam for cooking food, you won’t be able to successfully bake, roast, or broil dishes the way you can in a convection oven. Steam ovens are best for cooking poultry, fish, and vegetables. Steam ovens also require more maintenance, as the steam can cause mineral buildup on the walls of the oven.

When deciding which built-in oven to choose, it’s important to consider the kinds of foods you’ll typically be cooking. Fortunately, some more high-end models combine steam and convection ovens, so if you’re torn between the two, that may be your best option.

What are the differences between a convection and a conventional oven?

The main difference between a convection oven and a conventional oven is how they circulate the hot air inside the oven. In a conventional oven, the heat comes from the bottom and top heating elements, which rely on natural heat convection to circulate the air inside the oven.

In contrast, a convection oven has a fan and an additional heating element that circulates hot air throughout the oven. This creates a more even cooking environment and can reduce cooking times by up to 25%. Additionally, the hot air flow in a convection oven can help to brown and crisp food more effectively.

However, conventional ovens are often easier to use, and most standard recipes are designed for these models. Additionally, they are better suited for baking and keeping food moist, as convection ovens have a tendency to dry out dishes.

If you prioritize even cooking and browning, a convection oven may be the best choice for you. If you prefer a simple and straightforward oven without too many features, a conventional oven may be a better option.

How do I install a built-in oven?

Installing a built-in oven requires some basic knowledge of electrical wiring and woodworking. If you are unsure about the installation process, you should hire a professional installer or licensed electrician to ensure that the installation of your built-in oven is done safely and correctly.

Here are the general steps for installing a built-in oven:

• Turn off the power supply: Before installing a built-in oven, turn off the power supply to the area where the oven will be installed to prevent electrical shock.
• Measure the space: Measure the area where the built-in oven will be installed and make sure that the dimensions of the oven match the space available.
• Prepare the cabinet: Create an opening in the cabinet that matches the dimensions of the oven. Remove any additional cabinet doors, shelves, or drawers that will obstruct the installation.
• Install mounting brackets: Using bolts or screws, attach the mounting brackets to the sides of the oven. Make sure that the brackets are level and secure.
• Insert the oven: Carefully slide the oven into the opening in the cabinet, ensuring that it is level and flush with the front of the cabinet.
• Secure the oven: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, secure the oven to the cabinet using additional screws or bolts.
• Connect the electrical supply: Connect the electrical supply to the oven, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you are unsure how to do this, consult a licensed electrician.
• Test the oven: After turning the electricity in your home back on, turn on the oven to ensure that it is working correctly.
• Reinstall cabinetry: Replace any cabinet doors, shelves, or drawers that were removed for the sake of installation.

What are the cleaning and maintenance requirements for a built-in oven?

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning spills immediately, checking the oven seals, and replacing faulty parts, can help extend the lifespan of a built-in oven. You should regularly check the temperature with an oven thermometer to make sure the oven is functioning correctly, and look at your user’s manual to see if your built-in oven has a self-cleaning feature.

Additionally, using a built-in oven correctly and avoiding excessive heat or overuse can also help prolong its lifespan. If you notice any signs of malfunction, such as uneven cooking or strange noises, it's important to have the oven checked by a technician to avoid further damage and to ensure it continues to perform efficiently.

What is the average lifespan of a built-in oven?

In general, a built-in oven can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more, with some high-end models lasting up to 20 years or more. However, the average lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the oven, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained. If the oven is not maintained properly, it may require repairs or replacement before this time.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with a built-in oven?

Here are some common issues that can occur with a built-in oven and how to troubleshoot them:

• Oven not heating: If the oven is not heating up, check that it is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. Also, check that the oven's heating element is not damaged or burnt out.
• Uneven cooking: If the food is cooking unevenly, make sure that the oven racks are level and that they are positioned correctly. Additionally, make sure that the oven is preheated to the correct temperature with an oven thermometer.
• Oven door not closing properly: If the oven door is not closing properly, check that the door hinges are not damaged and that the door gasket is not worn out.
• Self-cleaning feature not working: If the self-cleaning feature is not working, make sure that the oven is properly locked and that the temperature is set correctly. Also, make sure that the oven is not too dirty or that there is no obstruction in the oven.
• Strange noises: If the oven makes strange noises, such as rattling or buzzing, check that the oven is level and that the racks are properly positioned.
• Control panel not working: If the control panel is not working, make sure that the oven is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. Additionally, check that the oven is not in Sabbath mode.

If you are unsure how to troubleshoot or repair a built-in oven, contact a professional technician to avoid any risk of electrical shock or injury.

What features should I consider when buying a built-in oven?

You should choose a built-in oven that fits your cooking needs while providing you with reliable performance and energy efficiency. The features that are most important will depend on several factors, including how often you cook, the kinds of meals you make, and the number of people you are cooking for.

Built-in ovens come in a variety of styles and sizes. If you have an average-sized family, a single-wall oven will likely be sufficient for your needs. However, if you have a large family, run a small baking business, or frequently invite friends and family over for dinner parties, a double oven might be best.

Built-in ovens also come in a range of cooking modes, including conventional, convection, and steam cooking. There are also a few models that combine all three, giving you more flexibility and versatility in your meals. These models may also have built-in microwave ovens as well.

If you are concerned about convenience, there are a number of built-in ovens with self-cleaning features and user-friendly controls. This makes it easier to set the oven temperature and maintain your oven without the time-consuming maintenance.

If you have children, you might be interested in looking for an oven with safety features like an automatic shut-off or child locks to prevent accidents. If you are concerned about energy consumption, there are also energy-efficient options to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your monthly energy costs.

Finally, you should search for a high-quality oven from a reputable brand. While the style and size of your oven will vary depending on your preferences, choosing a built-in oven from a well-known brand will help ensure that you are satisfied with your choice.

Can a built-in oven be used for baking and grilling?

Yes, most built-in ovens have multiple cooking modes, including baking, broiling, and grilling. The oven's heating element provides a consistent temperature and allows for even baking, while the broil and grill settings provide high heat to brown meats and vegetables.

Both steam and convection ovens can be used for baking and grilling, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

A steam oven is ideal for baking bread, cakes, and pastries, as the steam keeps the dough moist and produces a crisp crust. Steam ovens often have a grill mode, which can help to keep meats and vegetables moist while still achieving a crispy exterior.

However, a convection oven will likely be ideal for grilling because it circulates hot air throughout the oven, which ensures even cooking and faster cooking times. This makes it ideal for roasting meats and vegetables and grilling.

When searching for a built-in oven, you should choose a model that has the best capabilities for the types of food you cook most often. If you’re an amateur baker looking to up the quality of your pastries, a steam oven might be best for you. However, if you miss the taste of grilled food during the winter months, a convection oven might be the better choice.

What is the average cost of a built-in oven?

The average cost of a built-in oven is around $1,600 to $2,000. However, prices can range from as low as $500 to more than $3,000, depending on the brand, type, quality, and features.

Built-in steam ovens can range in price from $1,000 to over $3,000, with most models falling in the $1,600 to $1,800 range. Convection ovens can range in price from $500 to over $3,000, with most models falling in the $1,800 to $2,000 range.

About FOTILE Built-In Ovens

As a leader in innovative kitchen appliances, FOTILE has built-in oven models for all types of households and cooking needs. We offer 24” built-in convection ovens as well as built-in steam ovens with advanced features and modern designs. Shop all our oven models today.