Buying an oven and hob – your shopping guide for modern technology in the kitchen

Buying freestanding cookers or built-in ovens and hobs: what's right for you?

Freestanding cookers combine a hob and an oven in one appliance, offering a practical and functional solution with a touch of classic charm. However, in modern kitchens, separate built-in ovens and hobs are becoming increasingly popular. This setup offers maximum design flexibility: you can position the oven at a comfortable height and select a hob that aligns with your cooking preferences. You can design your work surface ergonomically, avoiding unnecessary bending down and ensuring that your cooking zones are always the right size, while maintaining an optimal overview.

This is precisely why we focus on bespoke built-in solutions. You can combine a built-in oven and a separate hob in a variety of ways: you can integrate them harmoniously into the METOD kitchen system, install them flush-mounted as an eye-catching feature, or expand them modularly depending on the available space and your cooking style. The choice is yours. The design is not overlooked either: your kitchen will look as if it is made from a single mould, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Cooktops at a glance

Making buying hotplates easy: here we reveal the most important facts about classic ceramic and induction hobs.

Glass ceramic hob (Ceran)

The classic glass ceramic hob is an electric hob that works using heating coils beneath a smooth glass surface. When purchasing, you can choose a ceramic hob on its own or a classic combination of a ceramic hob and an oven in an electric cooker. Advantages include the low price, robust surface and ease of cleaning. The residual heat makes it easy to keep food warm. However, these hobs take a little longer to heat up, and energy can be lost due to open heat transfer.

Our tip: switching to green electricity can help to reduce the environmental impact of your traditional glass ceramic hob.

Induction hob

If you're looking for a modern electric cooker that offers greater efficiency and safety, an induction hob is the way to go. Heat is generated directly in the magnetic cookware, while the hob itself remains cool (although it will heat up later due to the hot pot). This is an advantage for families or busy people, as the temperature rises rapidly and can be controlled precisely, providing greater control when cooking. Energy consumption is minimal. Please note that only ferromagnetic pots work on induction hobs, so you may need to invest in new cookware if you switch. However, don't worry — you can find affordable, high-quality, induction-compatible pans and pots at IKEA. So if you want to buy an induction hob, nothing stands in your way.

Tip: As well as large built-in induction hobs, compact single induction hobs are also available. A portable induction hob can be an ideal solution for smaller households, motorhomes or holiday homes.

The functions and features of a good hob.

Modern hobs offer much more than just hotplates for heating up food. Let's take a look at some of the most important features and functions of IKEA hobs, depending on the model.

• Booster function: Use this function for particularly fast heating, for example when you need to bring pasta water to the boil quickly. This temporarily increases the cooking zone's power.
• Child safety lock: Provides protection in everyday family life, prevents the hob from being switched on accidentally and ensures greater safety in every kitchen.
• Flexible cooking zones (bridge function): Two hobs can be connected and used together, so even large pans or roasting tins can be used with ease.
• Integrated timer: Each cooking zone can be controlled individually. When the timer runs out, the hob switches off automatically, which is practical, safe and energy-efficient.
• Touch control operation: Hobs often have flush-mounted touch displays that are intuitive to use and easy to clean.
• Integrated extractor fan: In this design, the fan draws air directly downwards from the hob. This effective and stylish design eliminates the need for an additional extractor hood to be installed on the ceiling or wall.

Which oven would best suit your lifestyle and kitchen?

Pizza, bread, roasts and more – if just thinking about these things makes your mouth water, you need an oven. Ideally, a modern one that impresses with numerous practical functions, is energy-efficient and has an attractive design. Want to buy an elegant, contemporary oven? Here is all the information you need to make your decision:

Comparing heating types and programmes.

Special features

Wondering what else to look for when buying a new cooker or oven? The answer is simple: look for special programmes and functions.

• Bread function/pizza setting: For extra-crispy bases and crusts with a moist interior.
• Defrost or keep warm function: This practical function saves time and preserves the quality of food for everyday cooking.
• Rapid heating: Saves time. Automatic programmes and core temperature sensors: State-of-the-art models recognise the food being cooked and adjust the cooking time and temperature independently.
• Telescopic slides: For convenient handling.

Depending on the model, our ovens offer these and many other state-of-the-art functions. This means you'll be well prepared for any recipe.

What you need to know when buying ovens, combi ovens with hobs, and separate hobs and cooktops.

Whether you have a new or existing IKEA kitchen, you can purchase a built-in oven and hob either separately or as a complete set, which can be installed individually and ergonomically. The METOD kitchen system, for example, can be used flexibly for all standard dimensions, allowing you to easily integrate your new electrical appliances. The range of finishes extends from stainless steel to black, with either discreet handles or touch control surfaces, giving your kitchen a seamless look. What else should you consider when buying an oven, hob, or combination cooker? Here are a few important aspects:

• Energy efficiency: Powerful yet energy-efficient ovens and hobs make everyday life easier and reduce your electricity bill.
• Design: Get a clear picture of how you want your kitchen to look. Electrical appliances can either add exciting accents or harmoniously complete the overall look.
• Functions: Do the oven and hob meet your requirements? If you enjoy baking bread, for example, you might want to consider special baking functions. Alternatively, if you often want to cook for a large number of people, you might prefer an induction hob.
• Convenience extras: Ovens with a pyrolysis function and hobs with a booster function can save you time and reduce stress in everyday life.
• Advantages: Look out for that little bit extra that IKEA can offer you when you make your purchase, whether it's long warranties or old appliance disposal.

One final tip: take your time when choosing an oven and hob, and make sure you do thorough research. The product descriptions and documentation will give you a clear idea of what to expect. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, whether it's a self-cleaning oven, a ceramic hob or an induction hob, you will end up buying the perfect oven or hob for you and your kitchen.