Canstar Blue’s 2021 oven review compares Miele, Smeg, Westinghouse, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel and Chef on cooking performance and reliability, functionality and features, ease of use, ease of cleaning, design, value for money and overall satisfaction.

Miele cooked up an impressive victory in Canstar Blue’s oven ratings, achieving five-star reviews for cooking performance, functionality & features, ease of use, ease of cleaning, design and overall satisfaction.

Feeling burnt out over trying to fix an oven that won’t work? Whether you’re looking to furnish your dream kitchen or replace an old unit that’s only serving up plates of disappointment, shopping for a new cooking appliance isn’t easy and can get seriously pricey. Plus, while the basics of using different oven settings won’t have changed much since your last purchase, there are now plenty of ‘techy’ features and functions that can make the decision even more confusing. That’s why it pays to do your research, so you can find the best oven for you. That’s also where we come in.

This year, we’ve grilled more than 700 Aussies for their feedback on the oven they’ve installed and used in their home in the last three months. Respondents rated brands on their cooking performance and reliability, functionality and features, ease of use, ease of cleaning, design, value for money and overall satisfaction. Manufacturers that met the minimum required survey sample size of 30 responses are featured in our results.

In our 2021 review, Miele roasted the competition after earning five-star reviews in a whopping six out of seven categories ─ including overall satisfaction!

Here are the best ovens in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s 2021 review:

Miele rose to the top with the only five-star review for cooking performance, functionality & features, ease of use, ease of cleaning, design and overall satisfaction. Chef was the only other brand to rate five stars in any category, namely value for money. Most other brands landed on four stars overall.

It’s fair to say that some of the top-rated brands in our review are some of the most premium (and therefore expensive) available. So, what does that tell you? Well, perhaps that investing in a quality oven will prove a sound financial move now and in the long run. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a temperamental oven, or just left disappointed by its performance, then it may be time to upgrade. To help you decide which oven will be the best fit for your home, read on for an overview of what the brands in this year’s comparison have to offer.

Miele is perhaps the epitome of high-end kitchen appliances, with many of its products manufactured in Germany and made with a strong focus on durability and timeless designs. The brand’s oven range is jam-packed with features you might not see from other manufacturers, such as an integrated camera inside the oven so that you can always keep an eye on your food. There’s also a TasteControl function, which automatically starts cooling the oven down to prevent the dish from continuing to cook or bake once the timer is done. It can also be used to keep food warm. Miele additionally offers a wireless food probe in some ovens to see when your food will be ready. Other common features include self-cleaning or easy-clean enamel finishes, cool-touch doors, multiple programs and functions, as well as the ‘Flexiclip’ runners which allow you to baste and turn meat without the risk of burning yourself.

Miele has proved a hugely popular brand in Canstar Blue’s research over the years, but be prepared to pay premium prices. The brand’s wall ovens can cost anywhere from $1,899 and up to a whopping $15,999, while Miele’s steam ovens can range between $5,599 and $10,599, or up to $11,399 for special orders.

Miele’s oven range includes these models:

Miele was rated best for cooking performance and reliability, functionality and features, ease of use and cleaning, design and overall satisfaction. It got four stars for value for money.

Italian appliance manufacturer Smeg provides ‘elegant contemporary living solutions’ for Aussie kitchens. Smeg ovens are rather chic in appearance, with touch displays and sleek silver finishes. Its range features different types of cooking methods, including combi-microwave, combi-steam, microwave with grill and Thermoseal. You can also expect each model to have either a pyrolytic or vapour clean cleaning system. Smeg ovens are available in sizes 60cm, 70cm and 90cm as well as in a compact 45cm model or 90cm oven with reduced height. Many models feature ‘smart sense’ cooking programs, as well as advanced safety features such as cool-touch door technology to prevent accidental burns. Oven capacities generally hover around the 80L mark, with prices typically ranging between $1,690 and $6,600. However, expect to pay more for pyrolytic varieties.

Here’s a selection of several Smeg ovens:

Smeg achieved four stars in the majority of categories, such as cooking performance and reliability, ease of use and cleaning, features and functions, design and overall satisfaction. It got three stars for value for money.

Another successful sibling from the Electrolux family, Westinghouse is a big player in the world of home appliances and its long list of electric and gas ovens is an example as to why. Its range caters to a wide selection of needs, offering a mix of single and double combination steam ovens, steam ovens and pyrolytic ovens, plus several options that have either a separate or integrated electric gill. Westinghouse ovens also provide capacities ranging between 80L and 126L, to accommodate two-person households requiring a standard size oven as well as larger families with plenty of mouths to feed.

Westinghouse ovens usually start to retail from $899 for a 60cm electric built-oven and can cost up to just under $3,900 for a 90cm pyrolytic oven or an electric built-in double oven). Some common features include FamilySafe doors with multi-layer glazing to ensure the oven door remains fairly cool to touch, fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel, timer functions and programs such as Pizza, Roast, Quick Cook, Fan Assist and Defrost. Certain models additionally come with Pyro Clean, Maxi Grill, Fan & Grill and Split Grill.

Westinghouse’s oven range includes:

Westinghouse earned a solid four-star review in most research areas, including cooking performance and reliability, ease of use, features and functions, design, value for money and overall satisfaction. It scored three stars for ease of cleaning.

Bosch is a well-renowned name in the home appliance world, with the German manufacturer generally synonymous with quality and technology. Bosch offers Australian consumers a wide selection of more than 30 ovens, both electric and gas. Some features to expect include AddedSteam, PerfectBake (baking sensor), PerfectRoast (roast thermometer), 4D Hot Air, AutoPilot and pyrolytic cleaning, Eco Clean. Of course, the availability of these functions varies between models.

Bosch ovens generally come in at the premium end of the price spectrum, with the majority of models above the $2,000 mark. However, there’s still a decent-sized range of Bosch ovens available for cheaper such as the Bosch 60cm Serie 4 Electric Built-In Oven ($999 RRP*) and the Bosch 60cm Serie 4 Pyrolytic Built-In Oven ($1,399 RRP*).

Bosch’s oven range includes these models:

Bosch scored four stars for cooking performance and reliability, functionality and features, ease of cleaning and overall satisfaction. It ended on three stars for value for money, ease of use and design.

Fisher & Paykel has grown into a serious Aussie household name since it was founded in New Zealand more than 80 years ago. The brand caters to a variety of tastes, offering minimal and contemporary designs in various models including built-in and freestanding ovens, as well as single and double ovens. For built-in fans, you can pick either steam, convection or microwave ovens. Meanwhile, shoppers opting for a freestanding cooker can score a 90cm Fisher & Paykel oven and cooker with five zones, SmartZone and Self-Cleaning programs. Alternatively, built-in Fisher & Paykel ovens come with features like a food probe, CoolTouch doors, a catalytic venting system and non-tip full extension shelves. Some models also have about 20 different programs such as Pastry Bake, Slow Cook, Rapid Proof and pyrolytic self-cleaning. Retail prices usually start from $1,099 and go up to the $3,500 mark.

Fisher & Paykel’s oven range includes:

Fisher & Paykel landed four stars for most factors, including cooking performance and reliability, functionality, design and overall satisfaction. It got three stars for value for money, and ease of use and cleaning.

Fittingly named Chef, the kitchen appliances manufacturer is part of the Electrolux family and produces a modest selection of mid-range electric ovens. The line-up generally features standard sizes and capacities, including 60cm stainless-steel single ovens with an 80L capacity. Many Chef ovens are said to be made in Australia. Features to expect (depending on the model) include dial controls, moulded shelf supports, 24-hour timers, integrated electric grills, pyrolytic cleaning and air-cooled doors.

Chef’s currently sells just built-in electric ovens, with both single and double oven options available. Prices usually range between just under $800 and $1,450. You can also head to The Good Guys for some exclusive Chef oven models.

Here are several Chef ovens currently available:

Chef was rated best for value for money, receiving the only five-star review for the category. It achieved four stars for cooking performance and reliability and ease of use, plus three stars for overall satisfaction and everywhere else.

Aside from the major brands rated in this year’s review, there are several others that you might like to consider when shopping for a new oven, including:

Electrolux remains one of the global leaders for home appliances. It caters to a wide range of tastes, serving up a variety of single and double steam ovens, pyrolytic ovens and compact ovens. The brand mainly offers 60cm models, although there are 90cm ovens and a smaller 44L built-in combination microwave oven ($2,249 RRP*). In terms of features, many Electrolux ovens have a Bake +Steam function, Smart Food probes, and Intuitive Oven Interface (IOI) to remove the need for an instruction manual, FullFlex telescopic runners, fold-down grill elements, a removable door and control knobs. The brand additionally usually packs in cooking programs such as Pastry, Fan Bake, Fan Grill, Bake/ Pizza, Grill, and Rapid Heat.

Electrolux ovens can cost anywhere from $899 for a 60cm Multifunction Oven and reach up to just under $3,800 for a 90cm alternative.

A few Electrolux ovens include:

Blanco offers a variety of compact and built-in ovens, each boasting timeless European style and German craftsmanship. Its oven range is smaller than most other major brands, comprising mainly of single 60cm electric ovens, although there is also a 75cm option available as well as a 32L microwave oven. Blanco ovens are regarded as fairly budget-friendly, with most models priced under $1,000.

Some Blanco electric built-in ovens come with a Triple Glazed Thermo-Reflective door, which is claimed to provide a cool-to-touch surface as well as increase energy efficiency by retaining heat within the oven. The catalytic liners are another standout feature and supposedly make the oven easier to clean by absorbing oil and fat that splashes onto the interior wall during the cooking process.

Blanco’s oven range includes these models:

It can be pretty difficult to find a freestanding oven since many brands tend to offer a greater variety of built-in options, but Euromaid will have you covered in that department. The brand has several 50cm, 54cm, 60cm and 90cm freestanding cookers, with both electric and gas fuel types available. This range can certainly fit more than the standard, with its larger units offering a capacity of around 113L to 115L. Some features include twin oven fans, catalytic self-cleaning liners, extended zones to fit larger cookware, programmable timers, multiple cooking functions and a lower storage compartment.

Otherwise, you can pick any of the 70cm, 75cm, 90cm single or double built-in ovens also available from Euromaid. These also have a slightly more generous oven capacity than some other brands, with most models designed with a 94L gross capacity. Retail prices start from just under $1,000 and can go up to $2,500. There are also cheaper alternatives, including a Euromaid benchtop oven.

Euromaid’s oven range includes:

Turkish domestic appliance and consumer electronics brand Beko offers a modest range of built-in ovens and freestanding ovens, with both electric and dual options available for the stove and oven models. The range mainly includes 60cm models, but you can find a 45cm combi-microwave oven ($1,499 RRP*) and a 90cm oven ($1,799 RRP*).

A standout feature from the brand is its Aeroperfect Technology in certain models, which is claimed to distribute hot air inside the oven evenly to minimise temperature fluctuations, making it useful for achieving consistent results when baking, roasting and grilling. Other features include CleanZone with an oleophobic coating to reduce dirt and grease build-up on the door, telescopic shelves, integrated electric grills and control knobs. Beko ovens can cost anywhere between $849 and $1,799.

Here are a few Beko ovens you can find:

Italian brand ILVE caters for both home and professional cooks. Specialising in high-end ovens for more than 60 years, the manufacturer offers a fairly large selection of full-size built-in ovens, compact ovens and combination microwave ovens. The single and double ovens are available as either a gas or electric unit, while the cooktop ovens are sold as either a dual fuel or gas-only model.

Expect to fork out premium prices, similar to that of Miele, with models starting from $1,499 for a 60cm electric built-in oven and reaching up to $5,899 for a 76cm pyrolytic model. Some freestanding oven and stove units can also max out towards the $9,100 mark. Expect features such as Quickstart pre-heat functions, TouchControl, a climate sensor, a rotisserie spit, food probes and the ability to create and save up to 24 of your favourite cooking programs. ILVE additionally provides consumers a fairly generous warranty period of five years (compared to the standard two years).

ILVE’s oven range includes:

If you’re looking for a new oven and don’t mind splashing the cash, then perhaps Swiss manufacturer V-Zug might be a brand to consider. Its range of ovens features a variety of functions from soft roasting and plate warming to humid hot air and fast preheat options. In addition, expect modern designs with touch controls, plus a ‘gourmet guide’ that gives you access to automatic programs that can carry out even the most difficult cooking tasks with one touch of a button, according to V-Zug. Expect most of its ovens to cost more than $2,000.

V-Zug’s oven range includes these models:

There are several factors worth considering before you jump into a purchase to ensure you buy the best oven for your household’s needs and budget.

Ovens come in various sizes and capacities to cater to individual households and cooking needs. Oven sizes are displayed in centimetres and typically vary from 60cm to 120cm, depending on the model and configuration.

Height will vary depending on capacity, for example, double ovens typically come with two cooking cavities and will have more height than single ovens, but the same width. An oven’s capacity is measured in litres – this gives you the usable size of the internal cavity, or in other words; how much food can be cooked at a time. Built-in single models generally have the smallest oven capacity whereas built-in ‘doubles’ have a larger capacity.

To work out what oven size and capacity you need, consider first how much space is in your cabinet cavity or underneath your benchtop, and how much cooking you’ll be doing. Larger families and households who like to entertain should opt for a double oven with a primary and secondary cooking compartment, while smaller households can make do with a single oven, as long as it’s got enough shelves.

There are two fuel options for ovens – gas and electric. Both have their pros and cons. When deciding which to go with, it will ultimately come down to what energy connection you have at home, what you prefer cooking with, and the types of dishes you’ll be cooking.

Gas ovens: this type is generally cheaper to run, but more expensive to buy upfront. You also need a natural gas line connection in your home to hook up a gas oven. It doesn’t brown food as well as electric ovens but provides greater moisture for big roasts and baking.

Electric ovens: the most common type of oven, electric ovens generally have a wider range available, along with a cheaper upfront cost. Within the electric oven range, there are two types – conventional and convection. A conventional oven heats from the bottom up while a convection oven circulates warm air from the back and is designed to keep the temperature even.

Another important consideration is the type of oven you need/want. This will be informed by your household’s size, cooking habits, the type of heating you prefer, and the features you want. Here’s a rundown of different types of ovens.

Single ovens feature an oven and grill in the same cavity, whereas double ovens have a larger cooking capacity with one main oven compartment and a separate oven/grill cavity. This allows you to cook different foods, at different temperatures and at the same time, without cross-contamination of food types or odours. In terms of settings, single and double ovens offer all your standard cooking and grilling modes, self-cleaning, and more.

Read more: A guide to double ovens

Built-in ovens are the most space-saving of the lot, although require professional installation either into your kitchen cabinetry at eye level (often referred to as a built-in unit) or below your cooktop/benchtop (also called a built-under unit). Built-in ovens come in single and double configurations and provide a wide range of cooking settings and programs, like fan, roast, grill, bake, pizza, moisture control, and pyrolytic (self-cleaning) function, just to name a few.

Freestanding ovens feature a combined cooktop AND oven in a single, freestanding unit. They don’t require professional installation and can simply be slotted into any space in your kitchen, giving you more flexibility in the design and configuration of your kitchen. The biggest benefit to freestanding ovens is that they can be moved and swapped at your convenience. Freestanding units come in single or double sizes and offer various cooktop options including induction, ceramic, and gas cooktops.

Read more: Freestanding ovens buying guide

Steam ovens are considered healthier than standard ovens. They use steam to cook foods and lock in moisture in your meals during the cooking or reheating process, thereby reducing the need to add extra oils and fats to keep your dishes juicy. Steam cooking also helps lock in more nutrients and retain the natural flavours, colours, and textures of foods. Steam ovens can also reduce cooking times because steam transfers heat much more efficiently than air. Steam ovens come in built-in, freestanding, and small combi microwave units.

Read more: A guide to steam ovens

Besides standard cooking and grilling functions, pyrolytic ovens also feature an in-built self-cleaning function that takes care of food scraps and grease for you. When you activate the pyrolytic cleaning function, panels inside the oven will heat up to 400–500°C to incinerate any food residue and baked-on grime or grease on your oven walls, turning it into fine ash you can simply wipe away with a cloth or sponge. It typically takes about three hours for the full cycle to be completed. This is the ideal type of oven for households who don’t want to clean with harsh chemicals.

Read more: Self-cleaning ovens buying guide

As the name suggests, combi microwave ovens combine both microwave cooking with hot air and oven convection cooking. They can be used as a microwave, as an oven, and in combination mode (combining microwave, bake, and grill functions). Combi microwave ovens come with various cooking programs for fast and efficient cooking, especially when using high temperatures for roasts or pizzas. They’re available in built-in and benchtop units. Combi microwave ovens tend to have a limited capacity so be sure to consider the size of the cooking cavity to ensure it’s suitable for your household’s needs.

Read more: Different types of ovens explained

Ovens are equipped with numerous settings and controls to cook a variety of dishes at different temperatures (i.e. low heat, high heat), fan or grill intensity, or to activate lower or upper heating elements. However, one in ten Aussies (13%) are confused by all the different cooking functions of their oven, according to our survey. Here’s a short summary of standard settings and functions you’ll find across most ovens:

Read more: Oven settings explained & guide

Besides temperature probes, extra shelving, and double glass doors; ovens now also come with some truly impressive features for the modern home cook. Some include smart connectivity with remote control, in-built cameras inside the unit, automatic cooking modes for cakes, pizzas, and pasta, a Sabbath mode, and more. Another feature worth considering is the self-cleaning/pyrolytic function which burns away baked-on grime and food spills to keep your oven in tip-top shape without using elbow grease. Some ovens also feature extraction fans and/or dampers to control moisture and humidity inside the unit, which is particularly important when baking as humidity levels can impact dough expansion and the crust.

Prices for ovens usually range between $600 and $5,000 (and sometimes upwards), which is not cheap by any stretch. Our survey found that Aussie households spend an average of $1,046 on a new oven, but ultimately your budget will determine what you’re comfortable paying for. Just keep in mind that price alone isn’t the sole determiner of value. Be sure to compare the price against features like pyrolytic cleaning, cooking functions, programs, design, and online reviews! Our oven ratings should provide a helpful start to your buying journey!

While ovens don’t use the same Energy Rating system as other kitchen appliances like fridges and dishwashers; energy efficiency is still something to consider before buying an oven. Gas ovens can run off natural gas or an LPG bottle, and provide instant heat and better temperature control – this makes gas ovens more energy-efficient than electric ovens which require pre-heating and run on electricity.

Read more: The real cost of cooking your dinner

Gas and electric ovens wired into mains connections require installation by a licensed gas fitter or electrician, who should provide you with a compliance certificate that certifies that a) the installation conforms to all regulatory requirements and b) that it was tested. Be sure to ask for this compliance certificate upon installation as it’s a requirement of validity on most warranties. Most retailers will offer installation services at an extra cost.

It certainly pays to do your research before jumping into a purchase, especially considering the average lifespan of an oven is around 12 years, as our survey suggests. Make sure to consider all factors listed above such as size/capacity, design, energy efficiency, price, and even brand name.

You may also want to find an oven in the same colour, style, or brand as your other large household appliances, similar to nearly a quarter of our survey respondents (23%). Or you can follow what 28% of respondents did and opt to buy your new oven during a sales period and save a few extra bucks.

Ultimately, you’ll want an oven that lives up to your cooking expectations, and doesn’t let you down at the end of a long, hard day. This review is based on the real-world experiences of Aussie consumers just like you, so we hope you find this report helpful in your search for a new oven.

FAMOUS KNOCK OUT SALE CONTINUES

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s home & lifestyle journalist, Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito. She’s an expert on household appliances, grooming products and all things grocery and shopping. In addition to translating our expert research into consumer-friendly ratings reports, Tahnee spends her time helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services, while highlighting the best deals and anything you need to be aware of.

*Prices taken from retailer websites and Appliances Online, correct as of August 2021.

Telescopic runners are worth getting for extra safety. They make it easier to load and unload shelves and trays without the need to reach fully into the hot cavity of the oven, thereby reducing the risk of burns and spills.

Telescopic runners are extension slides that help support your oven trays and pans so that you can check on your food while cooking without the risk of anything tipping over. You can buy telescopic runners from most appliance retailers. Make sure to check what size you need first.

A pyrolytic oven is definitely worth getting especially if you want to save time, and effort, as well as minimise the need for cleaning your oven with harsh chemicals. The pyrolytic (self-cleaning) function turns baked-on food and grease into ash to just wipe away after the cycle. Pyrolytic ovens may be more expensive to buy upfront, but have really good insulation which means they heat up faster and tend to use less energy, which will save you money in the long run.

What’s the best oven to buy? These are the top brands in Australia, as rated by consumers in our latest review:

There are plenty of retailers that sell ovens, either in-store or online. These include:

Canstar Blue surveyed more than 3,000 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have an oven installed in their home and have used it in the last three months – in this case, 702 people.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.

Here are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s oven ratings:

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*Prices correct as of publication date.

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To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. This information may have changed over time. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply.