By law manufacturers must disclose the energy efficiency of their appliances, rated A to G. These are usually displayed prominently in showrooms. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the appliance is - good for both the environment and your pocket.

Keen cooks may want to take advantage of multi-function ovens - usually aimed at the top end of the market. As well as traditional cooking, fan or fan-assisted cooking and grilling, these ovens offer up to nine further functions. These include: Top element only (browning), bottom element (final cooking of pastry dishes or pizzas), fan and bottom element (delicate cooking), fan only (thawing).

Never use a scouring pad of any sort to remove stubborn stains or soiled areas, since these pads scratch the finish and any future soiled areas won't clean up as well, especially with the self-cleaning models. When the oven is cool to the touch, place a cloth or sponge, dampened with warm to hot tap water, onto the soiled area and allow it to sit, for about ten minutes or so, to help loosen the soil.