How to Choose the Right Oven Size for Your Kitchen

Oven size is one of the most important buying decisions for a kitchen. Too small and you'll struggle to cook for a family; too large and you're heating a cavity far bigger than you need. Here's how to choose the right size for your household and cooking style.

Standard Oven Sizes in Australia

Australian ovens are measured by width and cavity volume:

• 60cm wide: The most common size, with a cavity of 60–90 litres. Fits standard 600mm kitchen cabinets.
• 90cm wide: Larger cavity (90–130L+), typically with 5 burners on the cooktop, suitable for large households and serious cooks.
• 75cm wide: Less common but available from some brands, filling the gap between 60cm and 90cm.

Cavity Volume: What It Means in Practice

Cavity volume (measured in litres) determines how much food fits inside at once:

• 60–70L: Suitable for a couple or small family. Can fit a standard roasting tray and two or three shelves of biscuits.
• 70–90L: Family-size capacity. Comfortably fits a large turkey or lamb shoulder plus vegetables.
• 90L+: Large household or frequent entertainer. Can run two levels simultaneously with reasonable results.

60cm vs 90cm: Which Should You Choose?

Choose 60cm if: You have a standard kitchen with 600mm cabinets, cook for 2–4 people most of the time, and don't regularly cook large cuts of meat or multi-tray baking sessions.

Choose 90cm if: You cook for a large family (5+), entertain regularly, do serious baking and want to run two or three levels at once, or simply want a generous cooktop with 5 or 6 burners.

Freestanding Cooker vs Built-In Oven

A freestanding cooker combines cooktop and oven in one unit. It can be placed anywhere in a kitchen that has the right gas or electrical connection. Installation is simpler, and they can be moved if you change your kitchen.

A built-in oven is installed into cabinetry at an ergonomic height (usually eye level), which is easier on your back and gives better visibility into the oven. It's paired with a separate cooktop. This configuration offers more flexibility in placement but costs more to install.

Fuel Type: Electric, Gas or Dual Fuel?

• Electric: Even heat distribution, fan forced ideal for baking, no gas connection required
• Gas: Preferred by many chefs for roasting; moist heat, good for bread
• Dual fuel: Gas cooktop (responsive, controllable) with electric oven (even heat) — widely considered the best combination

Find Your Ideal Oven at Oceania Appliances

We stock 60cm and 90cm freestanding cookers and built-in ovens in both gas and electric configurations from brands including Smeg, AEG, Electrolux, Westinghouse and more. Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance. Contact us to browse current stock.