Good question! An oven cooktop combination is a normal electric oven with an integrated electric cooktop positioned on the top of the unit. These appliances run on the same power source, and the controls are combined.
Most oven cooktop combinations come as two individual pieces, but you'll need to install both components together with the oven integrated into a niche below the benchtop, and the cooktop sitting on top.
Oven cooktop combos offer terrific value for money.
Because you are not running the cooktop and the oven from two separate power connections, this appliance is easier to wire in. This will save on overall costs when it comes to installing your cooktop and oven.
The dials for the cooktop are located on the front of the appliance (above the oven), which makes the cooktop extremely easy to keep clean. (There are less nooks and crannies for food and grime to build up). All you need to do is wipe your cooktop down with a damp cloth and hey presto! Your cooktop will be near-instantly rendered clean and beautiful.
Before you make a decision, think about what kind of cooking you like to do. It's important to choose an oven and cooktop that match not just your space and budget requirements, but your needs as a chef.
Please measure the available space in your kitchen before you buy. The standard width for an oven cooktop combination is 60cm, however this measurement could vary between brands.
If you are replacing an old oven and cooktop, please double check the measurements before you buy - as oven and cooktop sizes have changed over the years. If you are renovating you will have more options available.
The standard oven capacity for an oven cooktop combination is 80 litres (gross). This should provide ample room if you are cooking for an average-sized family. However if you entertain a lot or have an enormous family, you might need to consider an oven with a larger capacity.
Some ovens come with catalytic liners affixed to the oven walls, which are designed to collect grease and grime. When your oven reaches a temperature of 200°C or above, this grease and grime will burn off and convert into ash. Once your oven has cooled down, you will be able to wipe this ash away with a damp cloth.
Depending on how frequently you use your oven, the catalytic liners will need to be replaced or turned over periodically.
Catalytic liners will save you time and effort. However please note that you will still need to wipe down the oven shelves and door regularly to keep your oven completely clean.
Some ovens will feature an internal grill inside the oven itself. This means that only the top element of the oven will be used. This feature is great for browning the tops of potato bakes, frittatas, and more.
Most ovens feature double glazing (i.e. two layers of glass in the oven door) as standard. However some offer triple or even quadruple glazing. This has two benefits: it helps to keep heat locked inside the oven (for more efficient cooking), and it helps to keep the outside of the oven door cool while the oven is in use.
Some ovens come with a tangential cooling fan, which circulates cool air around the outside of the oven carcass to keep your kitchen cool.
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