Choosing the right oven size for your bespoke kitchen

Should you choose a bigger oven just for Christmas Day?

As Christmas approaches, many homeowners start imagining the perfect festive feast. Think golden turkey, trays of roast potatoes and all the trimmings. But for anyone planning a new kitchen, one question inevitably comes up: Should you buy a big oven just for Christmas Day?

At David Haugh, creators of handmade luxury kitchens across Kent and Sussex, we help clients design spaces that are as practical as they are beautiful. And when it comes to ovens, the right choice depends on much more than one day in December. We focus on the other 364 days of the year so that your kitchen works all year-round for its entire lifetime.

Think beyond Christmas

A large double oven or range cooker can feel like a dream when you’re hosting Christmas for ten but how often do you truly need that capacity? The reality is, your oven should suit your everyday lifestyle, not just the occasional celebration.

If you’re regularly entertaining or have a large family, a bigger oven may well be a worthwhile investment. But for many of our clients in period and character homes, a more flexible, tailored solution provides the best of both worlds: elegance, efficiency and practicality year-round.

Smart, flexible kitchen design

Our expert kitchen designer suggests clever ways to achieve extra oven capacity without compromising space or aesthetic:

• A full-size single oven paired with a compact or combi-steam oven, offering the flexibility to cook multiple dishes when entertaining.
• A built-in warming drawer, ideal for keeping dishes hot while you finish the final touches.
• A traditional range cooker, perfect for country or period homes, bringing both heritage charm and professional-level performance.

These options allow you to create a beautifully balanced kitchen so that it can perform perfectly at Christmas, but also suits your everyday living year-round.

Consider your cooking style

The right oven size also depends on what sort of a cook are you?. Are you a keen home chef who loves to host? Do you prefer minimal fuss and quick meals? Or are you investing in a kitchen as part of a wider renovation to add long-term value to your property?

Our bespoke approach means we can design your kitchen layout around your cooking habits, choice of appliances and available space. Whether you’re building a grand country kitchen or upgrading a compact town property, we’ll help you select appliances that complement your lifestyle and the architectural character of your home.

Questions to ask when choosing your oven size

When designing your new kitchen, it helps to think like a chef and a homeowner. Here are a few key questions our designers often encourage clients to consider:

1. How often do I cook for a crowd?
   Be realistic about how frequently you host large gatherings, not just Christmas.
2. What’s my everyday cooking style?
   Do you enjoy slow roasts and multi-course meals, or prefer quick, convenient cooking?
3. Do I need multiple ovens or one large cavity?
   Two smaller ovens can sometimes be more versatile than one oversized one.
4. How much counter and storage space am I willing to sacrifice?
   Larger appliances require thoughtful spatial planning, especially in period homes.
5. Which technologies matter most to me?
   Steam-assisted cooking, self-cleaning features, smart connectivity can all impact your oven choice.
6. What design aesthetic am I aiming for?
   A sleek built-in wall oven may suit a contemporary kitchen, while a statement range cooker enhances a traditional one.
7. Should I keep a range/Aga/oven that came with the house?
   Some property purchases come with a range still installed, but it’s worth considering whether you’ll make the most of it or if a more modern, efficient alternative would suit you better.

These questions should help you narrow down the decision about which oven suits your home and cooking style.

Premium appliances for serious cooking

As approved suppliers of Miele, Bora, Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Rangemaster appliances, we offer a curated selection of large-capacity, efficient and high-quality ovens designed for those who love to cook and entertain.

Some of our most popular choices include:

• All Miele 60 cm single ovens have a generous 76 litre oven interior, whether it is at the start of their entry level ovens to their most sophisticated ranges.
• Bora single ovens X B0 – steam & hot air combines innovative technology for perfect cooking results, with a 53 litre interior.  Professional cooking results are achievable on all three shelf levels.
• Bosch Series 8 HBG6764S6B Single Oven – offering a spacious 71-litre capacity and Home
• Neff N90 Slide&Hide® Oven – loved by keen cooks and featured on GBBO has a 71-litre capacity – the handy fully retractable doors and CircoTherm® technology, allowing even heat distribution across multiple trays make this a popular choice.
• Rangemaster range cookers – the Nexus 110cm range cooker typically has two main ovens, each with a capacity of about 73 -79 litres, while other models in the same range  may have different capacities. For example, the Nexus Steam has two 79 litre ovens and the Nexus SE has a 73 litre multifunction oven and a 21 litre slow cook oven. 

These premium appliances deliver the flexibility and performance needed for large family gatherings, yet remain efficient for everyday use, a hallmark of any bespoke kitchen we design.

Planning Your Perfect Kitchen

Whether you’re drawn to classic country style or sleek contemporary design, our team can help you make the right choices for your home, lifestyle and festive traditions. From bespoke cabinetry to premium appliances from Miele, Samsung and Bosch, every element is tailored to your exact specifications.

If you’re starting your kitchen renovation or simply exploring ideas, we’d love to welcome you to our Bells Yew Green showroom, just a ten-minute drive from Tunbridge Wells and with plenty of free parking, to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.