A mini oven is a countertop oven that plugs into a standard socket and does most of what your main oven does, in a fraction of the space. Some models add two hobs on top, which turns a worktop into a complete little cooking station. If you are weighing up whether one belongs in your kitchen, this guide walks through the decisions that matter: size, hobs and how you plan to use it.
Who gets the most from a mini oven
Mini ovens earn their keep in more homes than you might expect. They suit small kitchens where a built-in oven is not an option, caravans and holiday homes, student flats and first kitchens, or anyone who wants a second oven when the main one is full. Come December, plenty of households buy one purely to take the pressure off Christmas dinner. They are also handy for everyday moments that do not justify heating a full-size oven, like a tray of chips or tonight’s garlic bread.
Which size do you need?
Our range comes in three sizes, and the right one depends on what you cook rather than the space you have spare. Think in meals, not litres.
28L is the most compact choice. It handles a small roast, a casserole dish or a baking tray comfortably, and suits one or two people cooking everyday meals in a tight space.
34L is the middle ground. There is room for a family-sized traybake or a larger roasting tin, and it copes with midweek cooking for a household without dominating the worktop.
48L is the closest thing to a full oven in countertop form. Sunday roast territory, with space to cook more than one dish at a time. If this is your main oven for a family, rather than a backup, start here.
With hobs or without? And standard or ceramic?
Every size in the range comes with or without two built-in hobs on top. If your kitchen already has a hob, the oven-only models might be perfect. If it does not, the hob models turn one plug socket into a complete cooker, which is exactly what a caravan, annex or studio kitchen needs.
The choice between the two hob types comes down to how you cook. The standard hotplates run at a set high heat, which is well suited to boiling a pan of pasta, heating soup at pace or getting a fry-up moving. If you want to turn things down to a gentle simmer, choose the ceramic hob models available on the 34L and 48L sizes. They give you control over the heat and cost the same as the standard hob versions.
Mini oven or air fryer?
An air fryer is quicker for small batches and brilliant at crisping. A mini oven gives you shelves, trays, room for a whole meal and the ability to bake properly. Plenty of kitchens run both: the air fryer for speed, the mini oven for capacity. We sell both, so we have no reason to talk you into the wrong one. If you regularly cook for more than two, or you bake, the mini oven is the more versatile tool.
The range at a glance
| Size | Hob options | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| 28L | No hobs, or 2 standard hotplates | Black/Silver, Black/Copper |
| 34L | No hobs, 2 standard hotplates, or 2 ceramic hobs | Black/Silver, Black/Copper |
| 48L | No hobs, 2 standard hotplates, or 2 ceramic hobs | Black/Silver, Black/Copper, Grey Nordic |
Frequently asked questions
What size mini oven do I need for a small kitchen?
For most small kitchens the 28L strikes the best balance, giving you enough room for a small roast or a full baking tray while taking up the least worktop space. If you cook for a family or want this to work as your main oven, the 34L or 48L will serve you better.
Do mini oven hobs have adjustable heat?
The standard hotplate models we stock run at a set high heat, which suits boiling and fast pan cooking. The ceramic hob models, available on the 34L and 48L sizes, let you adjust the heat properly, so you can hold a sauce at a simmer or cook more delicate dishes with control.
Can you cook a full roast dinner in a mini oven?
In the 48L, yes, and comfortably: it takes a roasting tin and trimmings at the same time. In the 34L you can roast a chicken with a little planning around the sides. The 28L is happiest with a small roast rather than the full spread.
Are mini ovens cheap to run?
They can be, mainly because there is far less space to heat than in a full-size oven and they get up to temperature more quickly. The honest answer depends on what and how often you cook, so we have written a separate practical guide to what affects mini oven running costs.
Ready to choose?
Browse the full mini oven range to compare sizes and hob options side by side.