The Best Ovens For Baking – Ready, Steady, Bake!
With 2020 being the year that home baking took to new heights (looking at you, banana bread!), it’s no surprise that people keep asking: ‘What is the best oven for baking?’
Home baking has become incredibly popular, with the rise of many TV shows devoting themselves to the topic. So much so that many oven manufacturers are now focusing on dedicated functions and features specifically for the art of baking.
In this post, I’ll explain what features to look out for, as well as give my top five selection of the best ovens for baking.
In a hurry? Check out my top picks below:
BEST OVERALL | BEST BUDGET | BEST PREMIUM |
 |  |  |
NEFF B47VR32N0B | HISENSE BSA5221AXUK | MIELE H7164BP |
Capacity: 71L | Capacity: 71L | Capacity: 76L |
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What Makes An Oven Great For Baking?
Precise Temperature
It’s a cliche I’m sure you’ve heard: baking is a science. So the most essential attribute of an oven is to have consistent, accurate and evenly distributed heat. That’s a non-negotiable.
That may sound like an obvious thing to say. However, Which? lab tests regularly find ovens that veer away from their set temperatures by 20˚C or more – and some soar way off by as much as 40˚C.
Having an oven with precise temperature control and the ability to circulate the heat evenly is key – but it’s not a given!
Steam Function
The ability to inject a little moisture into the baking process can be the difference between a flat loaf and a perfect golden crust.
An added steam function in an oven comes in a variety of methods. It can be a basic water cavity at the bottom of the oven or a dedicated water tank that injects different amounts of moisture throughout the bake. Some can even be used as a full steam oven.
Having a steam function in your oven is a fantastic addition for any home baker.
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Proving Function
Proofing (or proving) dough in the oven can be twice as quick as at room temperature and prevents the surface of the dough from drying out.
A proving function will keep the oven at a steady low temperature whilst introducing steam to give your bread the best environment for the perfect rise.
Assisted Baking Function
Getting a bake just right can be challenging, so an oven with dedicated baking settings can be a big help.
Baking settings typically range between 180 – 240 °C and are perfect for baking bread, bread rolls and baked items that require higher temperatures.
Some oven models even have pre-programmed settings that tell you what shelf to place your food in the oven, what temperature to cook at and for how long. There are even ovens that include a digital recipe book!
The Best Ovens For Baking
Baking bread is all about rising to the occasion. Just rye your best, it’s the yeast you can do!
1. NEFF N70 B47VR32N0B
Capacity: 71L
Number of Functions: 12
Energy Rating: A+
Steam Function: Yes (VarioSteam)
Additional Features: Bread baking + Proofing settings / Slide&Hide Door
The NEFF N70 B47VR32N0B is a fantastic all-around oven, but it’s particularly great if you’re looking for the perfect baking partner.
With its dedicated bread baking function and proofing setting, it’s ideal for any home baker. And with the addition of the VarioSteam function, the oven can inject steam into the cooking process at three different intensity levels, depending on what you are cooking. This ensures you’ll get the perfect moist cake or springy bread, every time. It’s great for roasts too!
It’s a well built all-around oven with some useful baking features. That’s why it gets my ‘best overall‘ pick!
Check out the latest prices on:
AO
Appliance City
Currys PC World
2. Hisense BSA5221AXUK
Capacity: 71L
Number of Functions: 11
Energy Rating: A
Steam Function: Yes
Additional Features: SteamBake / Even Bake
The BSA5221AXUK from Hisense is an excellent option if you’re on a budget but want an oven packed full of features.
It has 11 functions, including added steam cooking and a steam cleaning setting. The EvenBake design means the oven has a special rounded shape that lets air circulate around the food. This gives an even finish to any dish, perfect for a golden brown loaf.
Some great features at a very reasonable price. That’s why the Hisense BSA5221AXUK gets my ‘best budget‘ pick!
Check out the latest prices on:
AO
Currys PC World
3. Miele H7164BP
Capacity: 76L
Number of Functions: 12
Energy Rating: A+
Steam Function: Yes
Additional Features: 1 Degree Acuracy / Pyrolytic Cleaning / WiFi Control
I’m a big fan of Miele appliances and this oven is no exception. Renowned for their exceptional build quality, this Miele oven is accurate to within 1 degree of your selected temperature.
The H716BP features Miele’s intelligent steam injection system MoisturePlus. Simply press the button to release steam during your bake for that all-important perfect bread crust.
This oven is full of fantastic features such as pyrolytic cleaning, rapid heat up, automatic programmes, telescopic runners and Wifi control. It also has a huge 76L capacity and 5 shelves. That’s why it gets my ‘best design‘ pick!
Check out the latest prices on:
AO
Appliance City
Currys PC World
4. AEG BPS355020M
Capacity: 71L
Number of Functions: 10
Energy Rating: A+
Steam Function: Yes
Additional Features: SteamBake / Pyrolytic Cleaning
The AEG BPS355020M is another great option if you’re looking to spend a little less while still getting some of the best features. It’s a great, well- built, all-around oven.
This model from AEG boasts 10 functions, including pyrolytic self-cleaning and a hot air system that distributes heat evenly throughout the oven for perfect results on every shelf. It also has a SteamBake function that creates a humid atmosphere with steam for succulent and fluffy cakes as well as crispy, golden bread. Delicious!
Check out the latest prices on:
AO
Appliance City
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5. NEFF N90 B48FT78H0B
Capacity: 71L
Number of Functions: 13
Energy Rating: A+
Steam Function: Yes (Full Steam)
Additional Features: Bread baking + Proofing settings / Slide&Hide Door / WiFi Control
You’ve seen it on the Great British Bake Off, and now you could see it in your home. The NEFF N90 Slide&Hide B48FT78H0B has it all! A generous 71L capacity, full steam cooking, dough proving and bread baking functions make this the ideal oven for home baking.
It also comes with the patented NEFF Slide&Hide oven door and telescopic rails. So it’s easier than ever to bring your sourdough masterpieces to the table.
The fantastic CircoTherm technology allows you to cook, roast and bake completely different dishes without the mixing of smells and flavours. The VarioSteam (in addition to the full steam) feature gives you the perfect amount of moisture by adding steam at three intensity levels. Perfect for baking any show stopper!
It might be on the pricier side but this NEFF oven is full of features and versatility. Plus, who doesn’t love a Slide&Hide door!
Check out the latest prices on:
AO
Appliance City
Final Thoughts…
Baking is a fantastic hobby, bringing together friends and family to create something delicious. Investing in an oven for baking helps make those experiences result in perfect bakes, every time.
There’s nothing left now but to find your favourite oven and get baking! Your tastebuds will thank you.
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Author
Michael is a kitchen designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new kitchen installations for over 10 years. Before that, he was an electrician and part of a team that fitted kitchens. He created Kitchinsider in early 2019 to help give people advice when it comes to getting a new kitchen.
