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Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, veteran renovator, or somewhere in between, a quality oven can turn even the tiniest kitchen into the heart of your home. A high-quality oven can help prepare just about any at-home meal, and several modern ovens also include extra cooking functions such as air frying and sous vide in one convenient location.
The amount of money you will spend on a new oven depends on factors such as the capacity, brand, type of oven, and features it includes. Typically, lower-end models can be found for as little as $500, while high-end models can exceed $2,000.
To help you make an informed purchase, the This Old House Reviews Team compared the best ovens on the market today, including a combination air fryer-convection oven, a double wall oven with the latest smart features, and several traditional, freestanding electric and gas ovens. Overall, our top pick is the LG Smart Slide-In Double Oven for its convection baking and easy air-frying capabilities. Read our guide below for more of our top picks, as well as a comprehensive buying guide, and answers to critical questions you might have while shopping.
Best Ovens: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Oven Overall: LG Smart Slide-In Double Oven
- Best Double Oven: Samsung Smart Double Wall Oven
- Best Electric Oven: GE Electric Freestanding Range Oven
- Best Gas Oven: Samsung Bespoke Smart Gas Range Oven
- Best Wall Oven: Samsung 30-Inch Smart Wall Oven
- Best Design: LG STUDIO Electric Slide-in Range
- Best Budget Model: Whirlpool Freestanding Gas Range
Compare Top Ovens
Product | Capacity | Configuration | Fuel Type | Key Features | Warranty | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LG Smart Slide-In Double Oven | 2.6 cubic feet (top); 4.3 cubic feet (bottom) | Slide-in | Electric or gas | Air fryer, convection oven, Wi-Fi connectivity | One year parts and labor | |
Samsung Smart Double Wall Oven | 5.1 cubic feet (top); 5.1 cubic feet (bottom) | Wall | Electric | Two 5.1 cubic feet convection ovens, Wi-Fi connectivity | One year parts and labor | |
GE Electric Freestanding Range Oven | 5.3 cubic feet | Freestanding | Electric | Smoothtop surface, dual cooking elements | One year parts and labor | |
Samsung Bespoke Smart Gas Range Oven | 6.0 cubic feet | Slide-in | Gas | Five-burner gas range, convection oven, Wi-Fi connectivity | One year parts and labor | |
Samsung 30-Inch Smart Wall Oven | 5.1 cubic feet | Wall | Electric | Convection oven, Wi-Fi connectivity | One year parts and labor | |
LG STUDIO Electric Slide-in Range | 6.3 cubic feet | Slide-in | Electric | Air fryer, convection oven, air sous vide, five burners | Two years parts and labor | |
Whirlpool Freestanding Gas Range | 5.1 cubic feet | Freestanding | Gas | Frozen bake technology, two Speedheat burners, porcelain cook surface | One year parts and labor | |
Product | Capacity | Configuration | Fuel Type | Key Features | Warranty |
Terms to Know for Ovens
- Configuration: Slide-in and wall ovens are designed to fit in between kitchen cabinetry or appliances, while freestanding ranges can be installed between cabinets or on their own.
Best Oven Overall
Good for: Busy kitchens and serious at-home cooks.
What Are People Saying About the LG Smart Slide-In Double Oven?
Our research revealed that satisfied customers praised the double oven’s numerous functions, performance, easy use, and overall appearance. However, disappointed customers said the electric version had longer than expected cooking times and that the control knobs were sometimes difficult to use.
“Very nice double oven range. It has so many options that I thought I’d be overwhelmed, but actually, I like them and their smart features. They can be connected to your phone by the LG app. Like the oven options like air fry, sous vide, warming and so much more. I like how the knobs light up, and I like the knock knock doors.” — KelliP via Best Buy
“The control knob should have an ‘off’ setting. It is dangerous not to have one. The reflection makes it difficult to read the letters. And I have adhesive residue inside the bottom oven which I cannot get off.” —JH double oven via LG
Best Double Oven
Good for: Extra-large households and streamlined kitchens.
What Are People Saying About Samsung Smart Double Wall Oven?
We found that customers liked this double wall oven’s overall performance, speedy cook time, sensitive broil settings, and steam-cleaning option. However, we learned of a few buyers who felt the oven’s smart features fell short of their expectations and indicated they preferred using its manual controls, while others had issues with the fan being overly noisy.
“We bought this oven about three months ago now. It’s amazing! The whole two-oven thing is far more practical than I thought it would be. Great smart functionality. Controlling my oven from my phone is fun and surprisingly helpful. It’s just so pretty in our kitchen too. Looks absolutely amazing. We get a lot of compliments on the aesthetics.” —Rory via Samsung
“The oven fan is louder than expected. When warming up before cooking and after cooking the fan buzzes so loud.”— goody via Samsung
Best Electric Oven
Good for: Medium-sized households in need of a reliably performing oven.
What Are People Saying About GE Electric Freestanding Range Oven?
Out of hundreds of reviews our team read for this model, most customers were pleased with this electric freestanding range’s reliability and ability to cook numerous foods evenly without over-drying. However, critical buyers did not like that the power cord was sold separately, and a few customers found the electric range’s cook times were longer than expected.
“This stove is perfect for the everyday at-home cook. It has everything that a family needs for good-cooked meals. I like its size as it is perfect for the smaller to average size kitchen. The Power Boil works great—very quick to boil—and the ceramic glass cooktop is quick and easy to clean.”— VickiR via Best Buy
“Efficient, timely delivery. Nice looking range. But the oven – the temperature control is way off! You need to set it to 425 to get the oven to heat to 375. —reviewer via Best Buy
Best Gas Oven
Good for: Large households and very particular at-home chefs.
What Are People Saying About Samsung Bespoke Smart Gas Range Oven?
According to our research, satisfied customers seemed pleased with this gas oven’s numerous cook settings, speed, cooking precision, and smart functionality. However, one buyer claimed that they experienced a gas leak within a few weeks of using the oven, and a few critical buyers expressed frustration with the initial Wi-Fi setup.
“Great product! Love the air fry and convection. Healthier cooking is essential for me, [and] this oven delivers.” —Colin L via Samsung
“ …The Wi-Fi connectivity does not stay connected. The unit was serviced, and the radio was replaced. it won’t connect to most wireless networks, and when you do get it to connect […]it will not stay connected. I’ve tried different access points and even tried two different ISPs. I expected much more from a supposed technology company. Super disappointed.”—David via Samsung
Best Wall Oven
Good for: Smaller spaces and modern kitchens.
What Are People Saying About Samsung 30-Inch Smart Wall Oven?
We found that most buyers praised this smart wall oven’s precise cooking and numerous settings. They were also pleased with its suite of Wi-Fi-connected smart controls. However, we found several reviews that indicated the initial cloud-based setup was complicated, and one customer said the oven’s interior enamel chipped after four months of use.
“I bought this a month ago, and we are so happy because the performance is great. Our food is cooked evenly. It preheats quickly.”— Tasha via Samsung
“This is a beautiful oven — it works great — but have had this oven for 4 months, [and] I have only used it to bake cookies and heat frozen pizzas. The other day I moved the rack to add 2 frozen pizzas to the oven and found that there is a chip in the enamel where the rack sits on it … Also, the metal frame of this oven may be fingerprint-proof but it is not scratch-proof!” —JBJBJBJBJBJB via Best Buy
Best Design
Good for: Customers looking for a high-end oven with a unique design.
What Are People Saying About LG STUDIO Electric Slide-in Range?
Overall, we found that customers who had positive things to say about this product liked that it had a sleek, stylish appearance and convection heating capability. Others were impressed with its number of burners and air frying feature. However, some felt that the knobs were too sensitive and turned on too easily, while some others said that the glass was difficult to clean.
“I am so amazed by the stove. I will happily give up my other stove. This stuff is state of the art. It looks amazing; it is top-of-the-line. I love all the features. I [switched] from gas to electric so it took a little work; however, it is amazing. It was worth the switch and the extra effort. I would highly recommend this product.” —Mainej82 via LG
“If you buy, you are going to be disappointed with the glass top. After using [it] one time, [I] requested help about a dull color on one area of the glass. LG [is] saying that is a cosmetic issue not [covered] under warranty They gave recommendations of how to clean the top glass after use and to remove the problem spot. Have 22 years experience with a glass stove and never a problem like this. Expensive stove but poor quality glass. Very difficult to clean.” —Ileana SM via LG
Best Budget Model
What Are People Saying About Whirlpool Freestanding Gas Range?
Overall, our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it cooked quickly, had a stylish design, and had excellent value. However, there were some customers who felt this stove could be challenging to clean, and some said that it didn’t always heat evenly.
“I love this stove. Everything cooks great. It’s a beautiful stove. Easy to keep clean.” —RoseannL via Best Buy
“The burners make it difficult to clean the trays. We thought that this range and oven would not be [as] hot as the GE, but if you ignore the range top, which tends to siphon off some heat, the rest of the appliance is just as hot.” —MarkF via Best Buy
What Do You Need to Know Before Buying an Oven?
There are several factors to consider when choosing an oven that meets your needs. Before purchasing an oven, consider whether you prefer a single or double oven and if you want it to be freestanding or built-in. You’ll also need to decide if you’re keying in on a gas or electric model. From there, consider factors such as the cleaning method, timing function, and smart features to help you choose the best model. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best oven for your home.
Configuration
Ovens come in single or double configurations. Double ovens allow users to cook separate dishes using different temperatures and settings simultaneously. This is especially useful for large, busy households and meal-laden holidays.
Double ovens can include two ovens of equal capacity and options or one smaller oven at the top and a full-sized oven below.
Some newer double-oven models include top compartments with hybrid cooking modes, including air fry, microwave, steaming, or toaster oven functions.
Convection vs. Conventional
Electric ovens are available in conventional or convection designs. The difference between the two is how heat within the oven is applied. Since hot air rises, the top of a conventional oven tends to get hotter than the bottom, which is why experts recommend baking foods on a center rack.
Convection cooking ovens include a convection fan at the back, which more evenly distributes the top-to-bottom heat by circulating air.
Fuel Type
Knowing which fuel type you prefer is perhaps the most important factor when buying an oven. Ovens are available in electric, gas, or dual-fuel varieties.
- Electric: Ovens that generate heat with electricity tend to be more affordable and safer than gas or combination ovens because they’re not connected to a gas line. Electric models are known for even heating and are often preferred by bakers for this reason. However, electric ovens take longer to heat and cool than gas and combo ovens and can cause electrical fires if damaged, mishandled, or installed improperly. The majority of wall ovens are electric.
- Gas: Gas stoves rely on liquid propane or natural gas for fuel. Professional chefs often prefer them due to their open-flame ranges. Pro-style ranges always feature gas burners. Preheating and cooling times are shorter with gas ranges and ovens. Gas ovens require routine inspections for gas leaks and generally cost more than electric versions because they require a gas line hookup. However, they typically outlast electric ovens and are usable during power outages.
- Dual-fuel/combination: Dual-fuel (or “combination”) ovens use gas to ignite the stovetop burners and electricity to heat the oven. They’re popular because of their flexible fuel options. These hybrid ovens offer the fast, precise cooking of an open-fire gas range and the dry, even baking of an electric stove. However, due to their dual features and gas line requirements, dual-fuel ovens are usually much more expensive than electric or gas alternatives.
Freestanding vs. Built-In
Freestanding ovens differ from built-in (or “wall”) ovens in a few ways. The most obvious difference is that freestanding models are self-contained and sit directly on the floor, whereas built-in ovens are installed inside a wall. Standalone ovens also include stovetop ranges with burners, whereas most in-wall ovens do not. Some countertop-height wall ovens include ranges, but these models are uncommon and usually command a premium price.
Self-Cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens, also known as “pyrolytic” ovens, use extremely high heat to incinerate grease, residue, and other food messes. A self-cleaning cycle typically lasts 1–3 hours. Initiating “self-cleaning” mode automatically locks the oven door until the cleaning process is complete and the temperature inside the oven has returned to a safe level.
Various models also offer a steam clean option, which requires a little more elbow grease but ultimately serves the same purpose and is generally more energy efficient than pyrolytic cleaning.
Smart Features
Smart technology is increasingly common in newer ovens. Smart ovens connect to smartphones and tablets via a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. This enhancement gives users app-based control and monitoring capabilities. Some apps even provide setting and mode suggestions for various meals.
Timer and Delay Start
Most modern ovens include a timer function that automatically turns the oven off at a specified time. Delay start is another automated timer function that powers up the oven at a later designated time.
Oven FAQs
How do you break a new oven in?
To break in a new oven, most manufacturers recommend heating the appliance to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Doing this should clean the oven’s interior by removing potential residue left behind during manufacturing and packing.
We advise opening the windows in or closest to your kitchen and running a fan while breaking in your oven.
Can I install a wall oven on my own?
Experts and manufacturers don’t recommend installing a wall oven on your own. A professional will be able to assess your kitchen to ensure that it has the proper structural support, electrical connections, and space to accommodate a wall oven safely.
Are gas ovens better than electric ones?
Whether a gas or electric oven is better depends on your cooking style, budget, whether you already have a gas line connection in your kitchen, and whether or not federal rebates are important to you.
If your kitchen already has a proper gas line connection, a new gas stove may be just as affordable to you as a new electric stove. However, if you’re considering upgrading from electric to natural gas or propane, keep in mind that running a new gas line can be expensive and time-intensive, particularly if you’re installing a propane-fueled stove.
If you’re considering changing from gas to electric and you live in the United States, this year is a great time to make the switch. Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in late 2022, U.S. residents who convert from gas and dual-fuel ovens to electric are eligible for tax credits and federal rebates.
Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), select your state, and check which energy efficiency programs are available in your area.
Who This Oven Buying Guide Is For
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a veteran home renovator, or somewhere in between, a top-rated oven can level up your kitchen. Our Reviews Team considered a variety of ovens by looking at top contenders for the best freestanding oven and the best built-in oven, as well as the best electric oven and gas oven.
Our Rating Methodology
Our team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.
We ranked the top ovens featured in this review using a seven-factor, 100-point system:
- Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after oven features, including design, fuel source, settings, and more.
- Finishes (up to 5 points): Ovens that came in more than one finish were rated higher than those only available in one finish.
- Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each oven received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
- Capacity (up to 10 points): Models with an oven capacity of 6 cubic feet or more received more points than their smaller counterparts.
- Smart technology (up to 5 points): If an oven included app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility, it received five points.
- Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each oven manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 20 points if it came with any warranty or guarantee.
- Customer service (up to 10 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each oven received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of kitchen appliances—from dishwashers to French door refrigerators to laundry machines.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products from trustworthy appliance brands alongside additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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