The oven: tasty & multifunctional.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven and what do you have to look out for when buying one? This and more here in the Mykitchens magazine.
reading time: approx. 3 minutes
The right oven makes everything work! Chips and chicken are crispy, cakes are juicy and a delicious Sunday roast is a breeze. What can a modern oven do and which are the best ovens? Here we explain all the important points you need to know when you need a new oven in your kitchen.
Oven Bestseller
Which cooker or oven fits your kitchen?
We would be happy to advise you personally and work with you to find the cooker or oven that is the perfect fit for your kitchen.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
Often used synonymously, but two different kitchen appliances. Stove or oven? How can you tell the difference?
This is a stove
A stove is one in which the hob and the stove belong together and are controlled via a control panel. The stove and hob can only be placed together in the kitchen. A distinction is made between a built-in stove, which is permanently installed in the kitchen unit, and a free-standing stove, a free-standing stove that can be placed freely in the kitchen. Provided there is a high-voltage socket nearby.
This is an oven
An oven is one that is self-sufficient. That is, it is independent of the hob and can be operated independently of it. The self-sufficient oven can be placed anywhere in the kitchen and only requires a normal power socket. The oven is often installed ergonomically at work height.
![[Zweite Wahl] Miele H 7840 BP Einbau-Backofen Obsidianschwarz](https://www.mykitchens.de/media/f0/3f/c2/1728649596/miele-h7840bp-einbauherd-backofen-obsidianschwarz-produktbild.webp?ts=1728649596 "[Zweite Wahl] Miele H 7840 BP Einbau-Backofen Obsidianschwarz")
What to look out for when buying an oven
Before you decide on an oven type, you should consider a few features. For example, the energy saving class, the dimensions, the volume and the functions.
Which oven dimensions are the right fit?
Manufacturers use standard dimensions to ensure that any oven or cooker fits into the kitchen. Typically, an oven is 60 cm wide and 60 cm high. However, there are also compact ovens available with a height of just 45 cm.
In addition to dimensions, volume is also a key factor. It determines the appliance's capacity—or how much food you can prepare inside it. Small ovens have a volume of 12 to 30 liters, while large ovens can hold up to 65 liters or more.
- Standard dimensions: 60 x 60 cm
- Volume: approx. 40–50 liters for "normal" household use; 60 liters or more for larger households
How much electricity does the oven consume?
Every electrical appliance comes with an energy label from the manufacturer. This allows you to see the exact energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). These figures are based on usage and the oven's capacity. Look for low power consumption and the best energy efficiency classes (A–B).
Which type of oven is right for you?
Nowadays, there is more than just the classic oven; various types are available. Which oven is right for your kitchen depends on how you use it. If you only bake pizzas, casseroles, and the like, a standard oven will naturally suffice. However, if you want extra-crispy results or wish to save time, it is worth considering combination appliances.
- Classic oven: Standard baking functions, single appliance
- Steam oven: Combines steam with oven functions—e.g., for gently cooked vegetables
- Oven with microwave: Combines microwave capabilities with oven functions—e.g., for faster results
Conventional oven
A classic oven is your assistant for delicious oven-baked dishes such as pizza, casseroles, or cakes.
Steam oven
A steam oven combines hot steam with classic baking functions such as top and bottom heat.
Microwave oven
A microwave oven combines conventional baking functions with microwave functionality.
The most important cooking settings on the oven
In addition to the general features such as size and volume, an oven has various settings that can be used to achieve optimal cooking and baking results. We will introduce you to the most common cooking settings. You can also find even more oven functions and special features from individual manufacturers in our oven glossary of technical terms.
Oven features: This is what a modern oven can do
Touch display, digital temperature display and timer are almost standard. There are now further technological advances that are intended to make using the oven easier. We will introduce you to some of them.
Pyrolysis
A modern oven features pyrolysis, a self-cleaning function that allows the appliance to clean itself. The interior is heated to up to 500°C, burning out the dirt. It then settles in the form of ash, which can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Modern kitchen appliances are equipped with artificial intelligence. For instance, modern AI-powered ovens feature automatic programs driven by intelligent technology to ensure optimal results. Here is how AI is used in the oven:
- Dish recognition: A camera identifies the food inside the oven
- Automatic programs: The oven automatically sets the ideal temperature and cooking time
- Browning sensor: Select your desired level of browning for perfectly browned dishes
- Notifications: Receive a push notification via the app when cooking is complete
Camera
With Miele FoodView, a heat-resistant camera in the oven has been launched for the first time, giving you the best view of your food at all times. The oven camera sends high-resolution HD images to your smartphone or tablet every minute.
The oven camera is now also available in the Siemens iQ700 oven with browning sensor or the Bosch Series 8 oven with dish recognition.
Steam Assist & Microwave
A modern oven is much more than a simple oven. It's a multifunctional appliance that can do virtually anything. Choosing a combo oven not only offers traditional cooking modes, but also steam assist (a steam oven that gently cooks food with hot steam) or microwave (a microwave oven that cooks faster).
Oven accessories
There are oven accessories for easy baking and cooking. The highlights from our shop!
![[Zweite Wahl] Miele HGBB 91 Grill- und Bratblech](https://www.mykitchens.de/media/10/05/60/1728585399/miele-hgbb91-zubehoer-produktbild.webp?ts=1728585399 "[Zweite Wahl] Miele HGBB 91 Grill- und Bratblech")
Top sellers: Our favorites from the oven category
Before buying a kitchen appliance, you can sometimes be overwhelmed. The selection of products, models, colors and functions is large. That's why we have simply listed our three product highlights from the oven category.
Miele oven with camera
It is one of the biggest innovations of recent years: the Miele FoodView oven with camera and AI (artificial intelligence). Automatic baking, smart controls and of course a modern design are among its highlights.
- FoodView camera
- Smart Food ID with artificial intelligence
- Sends pictures to social media
- Smart controls
- 5 cooking levels
- Food thermometer
- Rapid cooling
Siemens iQ700 Oven
This model is a high-quality built-in oven with modern features and an elegant design: The Siemens iQ700 oven is an absolute bestseller and takes oven cooking to a new level. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as dish recognition with artificial intelligence, a browning sensor for perfect crispness, 4D hot air, and a modern full-touch display or a matte black design for a cleaner look and fewer visible fingerprints.
Siemens iQ700 Oven in the shop
Smeg Retro oven
Here we have a beautiful retro oven from the Smeg Cortina nostalgia series. Golden elements (handles, numbers, logo, ...) combined with a delicate cream or anthracite transform this vintage kitchen appliance into an absolute must-have in the retro kitchen!
- Pyrolysis
- ECO baking function for reduced energy consumption
- Vintage control knobs
- Analogue program clock
- In Creme or Anthracite
- Matching hob
You might also be interested in
Discover more inspiration in similar posts.
Oven Glossary
Technical terms such as pyrolysis and combi-cooking explained briefly and simply.
Siemens iQ700 Oven
Discover one of our favorites: the Siemens iQ700 oven with browning sensor.
... and of course, we have plenty more tips, new products, and kitchen ideas in the magazine.