It’s no secret that innovative kitchen appliances are at the top of everybody’s wish list when thinking about how to design their dream kitchen. Our talented designers have produced some fantastic contemporary kitchens over the years, and in our experience, few appliances are more central to the space than the built-in oven. The function and abilities of your oven often influences how you’ll use the rest of your space, making it a vital consideration in kitchen design. And that’s exactly what we’re aiming to make easier for you with this week’s post! Here are some of the most essential questions you’ll need to ask as you make a decision on which built-in oven is best for your kitchen – the answers might not be as straightforward as you think!
It makes sense to get started with one of the first questions on everybody’s lips when they start looking at in-built ovens – how much will it cost? As you might have guessed, the answer can vary hugely.
For a decent single oven you’re probably going to be looking at a figure closer to £550, whereas for an excellent double oven – like this one we installed for Mr and Mrs Redmond – you’ll be looking at ones in the £825 range. Remember, a good oven should last you at least a decade, so that initial investment does even out quite quickly! And remember, how much you’ll spend also depends on the answer to…
Your kitchen should be a reflection of your personality, so here at Kitchen Design Centre we’re firm believers in buying the appliances that suit your exact needs. A brilliant advantage to buying your oven when you redesign your modern kitchen is that space doesn’t pose as much of an issue as it would if you were trying to slot it into your existing layout.
a) Should I have a single or a double oven?
There are four main categories of oven to choose from. Every one of them is roughly 60cm wide – it’s only their heights that vary. They are:
Built-under ovens, as you might have guessed, are designed to go under a hob. On the other hand, built-in ovens are designed to be installed at eye level – which is handier for putting in and taking out food. Depending on your preferences, you’ve got a couple of options with a single oven, which can be installed at either hob or eye level. If space is at a premium, compact built in ovens are great for fitting snugly into a limited space. It’s up to you!
b) What size of oven should I get?
This can be a bit of a tricky one. Manufacturers use the total internal volume of their ovens as a guide for consumers to work out their size, but you’ve got to think outside the box a little – literally! It’s not just about total space, as you’ve got to factor in the layout and the positioning of shelves, for example, both of which can make a noticeable difference in how much food you’re able to comfortably fit inside the oven. This means that oddly, you could theoretically fit in more food into some ‘smaller’ ovens as you could with some bigger ones!
Now, we’re not saying you automatically shouldn’t trust these measurements – just make sure you’re thinking about it from all angles before you commit to a decision!
A few quick facts to know:
c) Should I Get A Conventional, Fan Or Multi-Cooking Oven?
Once again, that depends, as each excel in certain conditions. Conventional ovens heat food using two heating elements, one on top and one on the bottom. If you’re designing your kitchen for baking, it’s possible you’ll want to consider it, as many cakes, soufflés and flans turn out marvellously well with just top and bottom heat.
Your next option is a fan oven, which are often better at distributing heat evenly throughout the cavity. True fan ovens use single heating elements around their fans and are notably more useful for cooking food faster, as the hot air is constantly moving around inside the cavity. They’re distinguishable from ‘fan-assisted’ ovens, which is another term for a conventional oven that uses a fan to spread the heat more effectively inside. (You probably guessed that, though.)
With double built in ovens, you’ll often find that the main oven uses a fan, and the smaller oven operates a conventional oven, giving you a welcome flexibility when deciding which one is going to help you most in producing your latest culinary masterpiece!
Multi-function ovens are the most popular option for most of our customers here at Kitchen Design Centre, produced by industry-leading supplier Neff. These incorporate top and bottom heat, a grill and a fan, for top efficiency and flexibility when cooking – you can choose to use each of them independently, or even in combination. For example, you can achieve the perfect crispy top on a lasagne by using the top heat to give it a bit of browning once it’s cooked through. Multi-function ovens also have a defrost setting, which is not only faster than keeping your food on the side for a few hours, but is also more helpful for protecting it from the paws of wandering pets or the energy of excited children!
Plus, Neff multi function ovens are becoming far more mainstream than they used to be, as they’re taken up by designer kitchen showrooms all over the country – making it easier than ever to find more options that suit your budget.
If you want our opinion, we’d often lean towards a Neff multi-function oven – it’s a common staple of all the best contemporary kitchens! It’s got a stunning versatility to match its intuitive controls, and our status as a Neff Master Partner means we’ve got a great depth of expertise when it comes to smoothly integrating it into your modern kitchen design.
In fact, our talented designers are always happy to advise on anything you might need help on as you realise the vision of your dream kitchen. Drop into our Blackburn kitchen showroom (or our other designer kitchen showrooms in Manchester or Barrowford) where you can sit down for a chat to let us know exactly what sort of requirements you have. We’re here to help!
Introducing Beth Ainsworth to our Blackburn showroom. Beth brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to kitchen design. Off the clock, I’m most likely in the gym.
We’re passionate about tailoring our designs to fit your lifestyle, so whether you want a space to entertain or a family-centric kitchen to spend quality time together, our designers know exactly how to make your dream kitchen a reality.
When you book an appointment, you’ll be introduced to your personal kitchen designer, who will sit down with you in our dedicated meeting space to discuss what you want for your dream kitchen. Then, when you’re happy with the final design, they’ll become your dedicated project manager as they oversee every aspect of the installation, guaranteeing exceptional customer service as we deliver the kitchen of your dreams.
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
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