What to Look For in a Cooking Stove With an Oven
With warmer weather on its way, it’s a great time to see if your kitchen setup is ready for another Aussie summer. If you’re cooking more at home or the heat’s pushing meals back indoors, it helps to have appliances that work with you, not against you.
A cooking stove with an oven is one of the most-used pieces in most homes. Whether it’s for weeknight dinners, Sunday baking, or fry-ups on the weekend, it takes a beating through the year. So picking one that suits your home layout and cooking habits can really make a difference to how smoothly things run in the kitchen.
Here’s what we look for when choosing a good fit.
Size and Fit for Your Kitchen
Before you get stuck on features or styles, it helps to think about how the stove and oven will sit in your space. Small kitchens, like many we see around Sydney, don’t always have room for oversized appliances, and open-plan setups often need something that blends in without cutting off movement.
- Think about bench height and how far the stove sticks out beyond nearby cupboards.
- Consider how much clearance you’ll have when the oven door is open, not just for safety but to avoid blocking paths.
- Leave space around the unit for air to move. That keeps things cooler and safer, especially in rooms that heat up fast in summer.
- The size you choose should match how your household eats. If you’re often cooking for four or more, a full-size setup might be a better long-term match than something too compact.
Good planning now saves juggling trays and bumping into corners later.
At Stax Online, we carry kitchen stoves and ovens in a range of sizes from brands such as Westinghouse and Chef, made for smaller city kitchens right up to roomy open-plan layouts. This makes matching your new set-up to your home a much easier job.
Features That Actually Make Cooking Easier
A basic setup will get the job done, but a few helpful extras can take everyday cooking from frustrating to easy. The right features depend on how you like to cook and clean up.
- Fan-forced ovens often give more even heat and can shorten cooking time.
- Multiple burners with strong heat output let you cook sides and mains at once.
- Glass lids can give a smooth surface when not in use and are easier to wipe down.
- Models with timers or child locks might sound like bonus extras, but they bring peace of mind when the kitchen gets busy or kids are around.
- Look for quick-heat burners if you cook often. They speed things up without needing multiple reheat cycles.
- A separate grill tray helps if you like crisp tops on your bakes or toast that doesn’t need flipping halfway through.
These smaller touches don’t always cost much more, but they can shave down time spent hovering over a hotplate or fussing with uneven oven temps. Having those extra features can mean fewer headaches and more enjoyable cooking, especially when meals need to get on the table quickly.
Gas or Electric: Which One Feels Better to Use?
Choosing between gas or electric really comes down to what you feel comfortable using during the day-to-day.
- Gas cooktops heat up quickly and let you control the temperature right away, which is great for stir-fries or when you need to simmer.
- Electric stovetops are easier to clean, especially smooth ones with ceramic or induction tops. They can keep a steady heat without much fiddling.
- Some people prefer the feel and response of gas, while others like the ease of electric. It’s really about what feels practical in your space.
- Think about supply too. Not every home in Australia has gas connected, and that alone might point your decision one way or the other.
Check power sources in your kitchen before settling on a choice. Sometimes it's the little day-to-day tasks, like boiling water or scrambling eggs, that show which type suits you best.
Many of our most popular electric and gas cookers in Sydney stock ceramic, coil or induction cooktops, as well as sturdy gas burners. This covers the basics and the extras for busy weeknight meals or longer weekend bakes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, picking the one that matches your habits will pay off.
Warranty and Long-Term Use
It’s not the flashiest topic, but it makes a big difference when your stove and oven keep going strong year after year.
- Long warranties give some confidence that parts won’t wear out too quickly.
- Check what kind of fix-it support or spare part replacements are available nearby.
- Knowing what to expect if something breaks down saves a lot of hassle later, especially ahead of school holidays or big meals with guests.
When your cooking appliances are reliable, there’s one less stress during the evening meal rush. It’s about having something you can count on through your daily routine. Planning for the long haul means fewer surprises later, especially if you expect to use your stove and oven often.
Our selection on the Stax Online website shows warranty details clearly on all products, so you know what's covered from day one.
Cooking Style and How You Use It All Year
Not everyone uses their oven the same way. Some people bake every weekend, while others keep it strictly for roasts or school lunches.
- A big oven might be helpful around Christmas or family dinners, but if you’re only heating leftovers during the week, a smaller one might suit just fine.
- Think about whether you bake in batches or just use the grill every now and then.
- During a heatwave, using fewer burners at once or leaning on a fan-forced oven can help keep the kitchen cooler overall.
The right cooking stove with an oven will match your habits without adding effort. A good fit saves time and works with how your household actually eats, not just how you think it might one day. Your kitchen should feel comfortable no matter the season, and having an appliance you actually want to use makes a real difference.
A Setup That Works for Your Everyday
Some stoves are packed with features but end up feeling like too much. Others seem simple but skip out on the basics that make cooking feel smooth.
- Try to picture how you'll use it every day during summer, are you searing, stirring, or just boiling the kettle?
- Will other people in the house use it too, or will you be doing all the cooking?
- Choose something that suits both the household routine and the space you’ve got (and maybe leaves enough bench room for chopping, too).
The right stove and oven combo makes mealtime more enjoyable, especially when it’s too hot to deal with extra stress in the kitchen. It should be something that fits into your daily rhythm without much thought. When it works well, cooking feels easier, even when the temperature climbs.
Upgrade your setup for smoother summer cooking with our range of options suitable for all kinds of home kitchens across Australia. Whether you’re after more burners, improved heat control or an appliance that’s easy to clean, choosing a reliable cooking stove with an oven can make your everyday meals simpler. At Stax Online, we select combinations made for real-life use, from busy weekdays to weekend baking and everything in between. Our team is ready to answer questions or help you pick the best fit for your kitchen, so contact us today.