Integrated Microwaves, Coffee Machines and Ovens - Finding The Balance For Your Kitchen

In this article we go over the different types of integrated ovens and the combinations that you can go for when designing your new kitchen.

Different Types of Cooking Appliances

There are a variety of cooking appliances available to you that you can choose from. In this section we break down the different categories and their sizings.

The depth of all integrated cooking appliances vary from model to model.

Integrated Microwaves

Integrated microwaves give you the convenience of a normal microwave whilst also maintaining your kitchens integrated design.

These appliances generally come in a standard size with a height of approx. 38cm and a width of approx. 60cm. The depth varies from model to model. There are some models that have a height of approx. 45cm but these are an exception to the rule.

Combi Ovens

Referred to as combi ovens or compact ovens, these appliances offer you an additional function as well as acting as a 'second' oven. Combi ovens come in a standard size with a height of approx. 45cm, width of approx. 60cm. 

Combi ovens can come with steam functionality or a microwave function. This allows you to get the most in a limited space. 

Single Oven

Single ovens are considered your main oven, these come with the largest internal capacity. Single ovens come as a standard size with a height of approx. 60cm, a width of approx. 60cm. 

Single ovens can come with a variety of functions such as airfry functions, steam functions or microwave functions and much more. Most ovens need to be hardwired and would require an electrician to do.

There are ovens that come with a standard GB plug but these are basic ovens without many special cooking functions.

Built-In Double Ovens

Built-In Double Ovens give you two cooking compartments in one appliance, these often are limited in terms of the features they can offer but are often cheaper than having two separate appliances. 

Built-Under Double Ovens

Built-Under Double Ovens are very similar to Built-In Double Ovens. The main difference is in their names. Built-Under Ovens are made to be fitted underneath a worktop, this also means that built-under double ovens have a smaller height in comparison to built-in double ovens.

Integrated Coffee Machines

Integrated Coffee Machines are a nice addition to any kitchen, with a similar sizing to a combi oven. Coffee machines can be plumbed in. If you require a plumbed-in coffee machine please call our experts on 02030519780 to help you find the right machine for you.

What To Consider

Almost all new ovens are electric, if your old oven was a gas oven you may be limited as to which appliance you can go for. This is because commonly, spaces for gas ovens do not have a hardwire connection available in the cabinetry. On top of this, to disconnect your old gas oven you will need a gas engineer to do so.

If you have a gas hob, you will also need to bear in mind that the gas pipe could take up space behind and you may need a smaller depth oven. 

Combinations

There are many combinations available to you if you are planning to design your kitchen. In this section we will be going over the 3 most popular options.

Stacked

This is where you have ovens stacked on top of each other. These can come in a variety of orientations. Such as two single ovens stacked on top of each other or a microwave stacked on top of a single oven. You can also have a compact oven or a coffee machine stacked on top of a single oven.

As long as the width of the appliances are the same as each other, you will have a variety of combinations to choose from.

Side By Side

This is where your ovens are fitted next to each other. Most commonly, there are two single ovens or a single oven with a compact oven and a warming drawer. However, if you do have the space available to you you can make a row of 3 appliances. 

This design is limited due to the fact that the height of appliances don't match and would need warming drawers/vacuum drawers to fill the space. But, this design offers you a much more user-friendly experience as you can have all of your ovens built-in at a suitable position for you where you won't have to reach up or down to use your oven. 

2 By 2

For larger kitchen spaces, this is a popular trend. A set of 4 appliances paired together. commonly 2 compact ovens on top of two single ovens.

This gives you maximum flexibility as well as a sleek design, but takes up a lot of space within your kitchen.