Oven Installations: Things That You Need To Know

Ovens are the centrepiece of the kitchen and the vehicle which turn the raw and uncooked into a wafting delight.

As an essential part of any home, choosing the right oven to install in your home is not a simple task.

Bear in mind that buying an oven is a considerable investment so being well equipped with all the information you need for installing a new oven is imperative.

Here, you can find out everything you need to know about oven installation, types of oven, and costs.

Table of Contents

• An overview of modern day ovens
• Oven Installations: DIY or Hire a Professional
• How much does it cost to install an oven?
• Oven Fixer Installations – Call Today for a Free Chat.

 

An overview of modern day ovens

The oven technology has changed dramatically over the years and because of that, there are now plenty of different types you can buy for your home.

They are split into a few categories based on their features and heat sources.

The most common oven types are wall built-in ovens which are ovens that sit in the cabinetry cavity.

Then we have freestanding ovens that combine the features of a cooktop and the features of an oven, an all-in-one combination.

Less common are benchtop ovens which as the name suggests, sits on top of a bench.

The ovens can be fuelled by two sources, electric (AKA: convection) or gas (natural gas is the most common, but for areas that do not have in-built gas supply, LPG).

In this guide, however, we will first discuss what are the necessary steps that you need to take when buying one, replacing it, and the oven installation process, so let’s get right to it!

Step 1: Check your existing oven

The easiest thing to do when choosing a new oven is to match the new oven the same size and fuel supply to your existing oven. Make sure to clean your oven in case that is one of the issues.

However, if you prefer changing these features, it usually means that you will need a qualified electrician or gas plumber to carry out the appropriate fuel connections, or, a cabinet maker or carpenter to ensure the new cavity can house your new oven.

As such, the most common process is to match the new oven to your existing.

The easiest way to do this is to check the make and model number of the oven on the data badge. This is usually found on the inside of the oven door.

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Step 2: Checking The Dimensions

Checking the dimensions of your oven cavity sounds fairly simple to do, however, it is a very common and expensive mistake people make.

There are two methods we commonly use.

One would be to measure the dimensions of the existing oven and look for a new one with the same dimensions. Of course, it’s not only length and width that’s important but also depth – knowing that some ovens are not cubes and are indented at the back.

The second option is to measure the oven cavity, in particular checking for any power points or gas pipes that aren’t visible by moving the oven out of the cavity. If moving the oven, this should be done with caution as to prevent breaking any existing connections.

Step 3: Checking your electric supply

The next consideration to take when installing a new oven is checking all the fuel supply your oven takes.

Firstly, both gas and electric ovens require an electric source.

If your installing a gas oven, often the only electrical supply you need is for the ignitor and so a nearby powerpoint is all that would be required.

Very small electric ovens also fit this group and can simply be plugged into the normal wall socket.

However, most ovens are hard wired to the property.

Hardwired ovens mean that the electrical cable comes already furnished with the product and it is connected to the household wiring meaning there’s no plug to plug-in.

All of the built-in products have conduits with electric leads already attached to the range. Ovens usually demand a higher degree of electricity to run so it’s best not to plug the oven directly in a normal socket and it’s wise to always consult with an electrician before installation.

Next and often a missing step is to ensure the electrical supply to the oven is adequate. This means we need to check the property switchboard, ensure the oven is on a separate circuit breaker and that circuit breaker and cable can handle the current that the oven requires.

For example, this circuit breaker only provides 20amp of current and this oven has a max rating of 30amp, so the circuit breaker needs to be updated with a new rcbo and this must be performed by a qualified electrician.

Step 4: Choosing your oven

Choosing your oven to be installed is the fun part of the process (in our opinion). However, to most people, they’re all about the same aren’t they?

Not quite.

Choosing the perfect oven type for your household depends mostly on your budget and aesthetic taste.

Customers tend to do research on the brand or the type of ovens that they’re interested in, but we will save you the trouble as we will take a closer look at some suggestions mostly preferred by customers.

You can go to websites like choice.com.au and productreview.com.au or turn to google reviews to find out how previous customers feel about specific brands.

The most popular economy brands include Euro, Blanco, DeLonghi, Chef, Westinghouse, and Technika as customers noted that the pricing for these products is great and there are often discounts in the appliance store exactly for these types of ovens. You get some great features for a lower price but the downside of these economy ovens is that you might have to upgrade sooner than you think.

The popular mainstream brands such as Elfa, Glem, Emelia, Bosch, Baumatic, La Germania and Ariston are also considered to be the most reliable oven brands. What customers say is that these products lasted longer and are easily accessible but also noted that they have a great performance over time.

Of course, if you want to invest more in your oven, some of the more high-end brands include Miele, Smeg, ILVE, Neff, Gaggenau, and Lofra. They offer plenty of features that cannot necessarily be found in the mainstream versions. These ovens are manufactured following the highest standards of oven-making and are also created following the latest trends on the market.

A quick note on built-in ovens:

Matching your new oven to the oven diameter measurement’s is very important to not only ensure it fits, but also to ensure it’s installed correctly. Built-in ovens are usually installed in 2 days – flush mount and proud mount and it’s important to select the right one before proceeding with the installation. 

 

Step 5: Oven Installation: How to do it

While the basic premise of installing an oven is simple, there are a number of nuances and qualifications one may need to have.

In it’s simplest form, the steps are:

1. Turn the electrical power and gas fuel (if applicable) off
2. Disconnect the oven from it’s power supply
3. Remove the oven from it’s place and safely dispose
4. Put the new oven in place
5. Connect the new oven to the power and fuel supply
6. Ensure the new oven is correctly secured in place
7. Turn the power back on
8. Test and approve the oven ensuring no electrical or gas leaks

However, unless the oven can be plugged into the wall socket and depending where you live, you may legally be required to hire a gas plumber or electrician to complete the task – as is the case in Australia and for oven installation in Melbourne.

We cannot stress enough the importance of hiring professionals who have experience in this area. Not only will this ensure the new oven installed will fit in place and look nice, but ensure there are no electrical leaks, live wires or gas leaks which are a threat to safety which may require an oven repair.

Oven Installations: DIY or Hire a Professional

Much of the described above requires a qualified electrician, gas plumber of both to complete the task both legally, and, to attain manufacturers warranty on your oven oven.

If the oven as a small plugin oven, you may be able to manager yourself.

However, due to the number of considerations, it may be best to consult with experienced technicians to install or repair your oven.

 

How much does it cost to install an oven?

The cost of installing an oven depends on the oven brand, fuel type, and the features that the oven offers.

Also, sometimes the cost can vary depending on the city that you live in as well.

Standard fees for oven installation vary between $150 – $550 depending on size and fuel type.

Further costs may be incurred if new cabling, powerpoints, cabinetry or switchboards need to be upgraded or installed to meet your local standards.

Here in Victoria, Australia, we conform to Energy Safe Victoria and the Victorian Building Association.

Oven Fixer Installations – Call Today for a Free Chat

As you can tell, oven installation can be a complex process, so let us take that burden off your shoulders.

Call us today and find out why we are called the local oven install professionals.