HOT PURSUIT

NEED A NEW OVEN? WE DIVE DEEP INTO EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INVESTING IN WHAT IS OFTEN THE MOST-USED APPLIANCE IN THE HOUSE

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Self-cleaning, built-in air fryers and interior cameras so you can watch your salmon bake from your smartphone?! The only thing ovens can't do these days is order your groceries for you (stay tuned for that). So, it feels like a lot when trying to decide what oven is right for you. Do you just go for the basics or is it worth the splurge for the fancy, techy extras? Which comes first when designing a kitchen: the oven or the cabinetry? And what does self-cleaning even mean? We asked the experts, all of your most burning questions so you don't have to blow a brain fuse when you start perusing all the oven options.

I'm a basic cook, what do I need in an oven?

"Even if you're not planning on entering MasterChef, fan-forced (or convection) cooking functionality is non-negotiable when shopping for a new electric oven. Faster and more energy efficient, fan-forced cooking will also set you up for power savings," says cooking buyer at The Good Guys, Tania Grillinzoni. "Some other must-have features for home cooks are pizza mode and grill settings for easy eats, pyrolytic self-cleaning technology for easy cleans, telescopic racks that extend on rails so you can pull out heavy dishes safely, and, ideally, a 70-litre capacity to accommodate Sunday roasts."

What are oven features that are helpful if I cook large meals?