What to Know Before Buying a Smart Oven

As technology steadily transforms our homes into connected hubs of convenience, one appliance is quietly stepping into the spotlight: the smart oven. For those juggling busy schedules, family mealtimes, and a desire to eat better (or at least avoid the takeaway temptation), a smart oven promises to take some of the pressure off. But does it deliver?

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Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or simply intrigued by the idea of controlling your roast chicken from your smartphone, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a smart oven, from core features and real world benefits to hidden costs and must ask questions.

What Is a Smart Oven?

A smart oven is an internet connected appliance that can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone, tablet, or smart speaker. It often comes equipped with advanced features like guided cooking, automated temperature control, and integration with smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

There are several types on the market:

• Built in smart ovens (ideal for full kitchen refits)

• Smart countertop ovens or toaster ovens (great for compact kitchens)

• All in one ovens with steam, air frying or microwave functions

Key Features to Expect from a Smart Oven

Here’s what makes a smart oven smart and what to look out for when choosing one.

1. WiFi & App Connectivity

This is the foundation of any smart appliance. The oven connects to your home WiFi and allows you to preheat, monitor, adjust cooking time or temperature, and receive notifications all from your phone.

Imagine preheating your oven while still stuck in traffic, so dinner starts the moment you get home.

2. Voice Control

Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri enables hands free operation. You can start a timer, check if it’s preheated, or turn it off using just your voice.

3. Camera Monitoring

Some models include an interior camera, so you can literally watch your food brown and rise in real time from your mobile device.

4. Preset Cooking Modes & Guided Recipes

Many smart ovens offer built in recipes or automatic cooking programs. Select a dish, and the oven will auto adjust temperature and time for perfect results. Some even recommend the ideal shelf placement.

5. Multi Functionality

Modern smart ovens can do more than bake. Many models combine multiple cooking modes:

• Air frying

• Steam cooking

• Sous vide

• Convection

• Dehydrating

This all in one versatility is perfect for households with limited counter space or health conscious cooks looking for variety.

Real Life Benefits of a Smart Oven

While it may sound gimmicky on the surface, a smart oven can genuinely improve your cooking routine, especially in a busy household. Here’s how:

Saves Time and Reduces Guesswork

With pre set programmes and remote access, cooking becomes more predictable and less labour intensive. You won’t have to babysit your lasagne anymore

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Makes Cooking Easier for Beginners

Smart ovens with recipe guidance and temperature automation can be incredibly helpful for novice cooks or teens learning to cook.

Greater Precision = Better Results

Whether you’re baking, roasting, or steaming, smart ovens monitor and adjust settings to deliver consistently even, delicious results.

Supports Healthy Eating

Features like steam cooking, air frying and sous vide unlock new possibilities for nutritious meals, without needing several separate appliances.

Some Clean Themselves

Models with pyrolytic cleaning functions or steam cleaning modes take the elbow grease out of oven maintenance.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

While smart ovens are packed with promise, there are a few important caveats worth considering before investing:

Cost

Smart ovens typically cost more than traditional models. Built in models can range from £800 to over £2,500 depending on brand and functionality, while countertop smart ovens start at around £300.

Also factor in:

• Installation (for built in units)

• Potential service fees if the smart tech goes wrong

WiFi Dependency

Much of the convenience relies on your home WiFi. If your internet is patchy, app controls may not work smoothly.

Software Support

Like all smart tech, smart ovens depend on software updates. Ensure the brand you choose has a good track record for ongoing support, or you may end up with a "dumb" oven in a few years.

Privacy Concerns

Some smart ovens with cameras or voice control may raise concerns around data collection. Be sure to review privacy settings and terms of use before connecting devices.

Space & Fit

If you’re buying a built in smart oven, double check dimensions, especially if you're upgrading an older model. Countertop ovens can also be bulky, so measure before you buy.

Smart Oven Brands to Watch in 2025

Here are a few trusted brands offering top rated smart ovens for UK homes:

Samsung

Their Bespoke AI Oven features built in camera monitoring, air frying, steam cooking, and smart recipes with AI cooking guidance.

Bosch

Known for reliability and design, Bosch’s Series 8 Smart Ovens connect with the Home Connect app and offer flexible cooking modes and steam assistance.

NEFF

Ideal for serious home cooks, NEFF’s smart ovens include Slide&Hide doors and can be controlled via the Home Connect app, with built in recipes and custom modes.

Miele

A luxury brand with premium features, think precise temperature control, steam cooking, and long term reliability backed by smart connectivity.

Tovala / Ninja / Anova (Countertop options)

Great for renters, students or compact kitchens. These multi functional ovens offer smart cooking without installation fuss.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Here’s a checklist to help guide your smart oven purchase:

1. What size and capacity do I need?

   Single, double, or compact oven?

2. Will it fit in my existing space?

   Check installation requirements for built ins.

3. Do I want a built in or countertop model?

4. What cooking modes are important to me?

   Steam, air fry, grill, sous vide?

5. Which smart features will I actually use?

   App control, recipes, camera?

6. Is the brand known for reliability and updates?

7. How does it clean?

   Pyrolytic or manual cleaning?

8. Does it integrate with my existing smart home setup?

Is a Smart Oven Right for You?

Smart ovens are best suited for:

• Busy families juggling work, school runs and dinner prep

• Home chefs wanting precision and multi function cooking

• Tech savvy households already using smart speakers or connected appliances

• Health conscious cooks looking to experiment with air frying, steam or sous vide

• Flat dwellers or downsizers who want to save space without losing versatility

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and values time saving, efficiency and convenience, a smart oven could be a brilliant upgrade. On the other hand, if you rarely cook or prefer traditional controls, you might not use all the features enough to justify the price.

Final Thoughts

Smart ovens are more than a passing trend. They’re practical, time saving tools that can help bring joy (and ease) back to cooking. Whether you’re roasting a Sunday joint, baking school lunch muffins, or just trying to feed the family something healthy on a Tuesday night, the right smart oven can make the process smoother.

That said, smart doesn’t always mean better. Make sure the model you choose fits your lifestyle, budget and kitchen layout. And most importantly, choose an oven that helps you cook the way you love to cook.

— Elizabeth Mooreland, Smart Home & Appliances | The Tech Advisor