How to Install an Oven

Wall-mounted or “in-column” ovens offer a modern twist on kitchen design, delivering several benefits over traditional freestanding or standard built-in ovens. From their ergonomic height to their space-saving design, these appliances are particularly ideal for compact or contemporary kitchens.

However, installing a built-in oven involves a different process compared to its freestanding counterparts. The installation requires careful attention to existing cabinetry, precise measurements, and specific mounting techniques to ensure stability and proper ventilation. This article will guide you through the steps and considerations needed to successfully install an integrated oven.

This article is intended solely as a guide. For safety reasons, qualified personnel should carry out installation and servicing. For that reason, Smeg offers a connection service to replace electric ovens. However, should any wiring changes be necessary, you must contact a local, qualified electrician before proceeding.

The following guide explains how to install your new oven into an existing cabinet; if you don’t feel comfortable or able to properly complete the task, it’s important to consult a professional. Do not take any risks that could cause harm whilst fitting your oven. 

1. Turn Off the Electricity

Before beginning the installation, ensure the electricity is switched off both at the appropriate isolator switch and at the RCD/fuse box. Do not proceed until this step has been properly completed. To check that the power has been completely turned off, use a non-contact electrical tester.

It is recommended to put tape over the RCD switch for that circuit during this process so that others do not accidentally touch it while it’s being worked on. 

2. Remove Old Oven (If Applicable)

Ensure the relevant circuit is off and that this has been tested, both visually and with a non-contact electrical tester (as outlined in step 1). Remove any trim or panelling surrounding the appliance to access the mounting screws. Carefully unscrew these and gently slide the oven out of its built-in space, taking care not to damage nearby cabinetry. Then disconnect the electrical cable or plug.

NOTE: If you’re not planning to install the new oven immediately after removing the old oven, the end of any exposed electrical cable will need to be safely isolated using an isolation block, taped, and placed where it can't be accidentally touched. It's recommended you leave the oven circuit turned off BOTH at the red oven switch and RCD or fuse box.

3. Measure the Cabinet

Measure the height, width, and depth of the cabinet where you intend to locate the oven, as well as the oven itself, to ensure the appliance will fit. You should allow a clearance of at least 0.5cm on each side of the oven for ventilation, as well as suitable room behind the oven for the wires. The unit should be properly squared. 

NOTE: To prevent any possible overheating, the appliance should not be installed behind a decorative door or a panel.

For exact measurements of your model, consult your instruction manual. Here’s an example of measurements for our built-in 60cm Omnichef Galileo single ovens:

4. Prepare the Installation Area

Remove any obstacles or existing fixtures from the area and verify that the cabinet is strong enough to support the oven's weight. Double-check that the individual shelves within the cut-out are perfectly horizontal and that there is either a plug socket behind where the oven will be placed or a wired spur connection. In either case, it is recommended that this is controlled by an easily accessible isolation switch so that the oven can be easily turned off and isolated in an emergency. 

Carefully bring the oven close to the installation site, remove its packaging, and inspect it for any signs of damage, such as dents or scratches. Place the oven near the cabinet on a piece of cardboard or a towel to protect your flooring. 

5. Connect the Oven to a Power Supply

Using a second person to help you lift, place the oven on a low, sturdy table or chair so that it can be a similar height to the cabinet whilst the wiring is connected. Ensure the table or chair is stable to avoid the risk of the oven falling off. We recommend you use gloves whilst lifting the appliance, as sometimes the bare metal at the back of ovens can be a little sharp, and you should ensure the electrical cables are not damaged in the process. 

If your oven has a moulded plug fitted, carefully plug in the oven’s power cable, ensuring the wire is long enough to safely fit between the plug socket and the cabinet cut-out. Similarly, if you need to hard-wire the oven, follow the relevant instructions to connect the relevant live, earth, and neutral connections as instructed.

6. Placing and Fastening the Oven

Using a second person for assistance, slowly place the oven inside the cabinet, sliding it all the way in so that it sits flush and centred. Do not force the appliance if you encounter any resistance. Any resistance might be caused by a trapped electrical cable, so it’s important not to crush or damage these. Simply remove the oven and investigate the cause of the resistance. Then, once resolved, try again.

Once correctly cited, open the oven door and locate the fixing screw holes - there should be two on each side. Fasten the appliance into the cabinet using fixing screws so that it is secure.

7. Checking the Oven Works

To test that the oven works, switch it on. Depending on the model, you will normally see the electrical display light up. If it does not, do not proceed any further. Ensure you have turned on the isolator switch and the RCD or fuse box. Should it still not work, we recommend you consult a professional.

Assuming all is well, have a final check to ensure all packaging has been removed from the inside of the oven.

Next, heat it to a standard oven cooking temperature (around 180°C). You may notice a slight smell and potentially some subtle vapour. This can be fairly common depending on the manufacturer and is caused by residue left from the manufacturing process. Opening a window is normally sufficient to clear this. 

However, you should not notice a burning smell or any smoke. Should either of these occur, turn off and isolate the appliance immediately.

Assuming the oven is working correctly, wait for the oven to cool before giving it a proper clean and inserting any necessary shelves or racks within the oven cavity.

Does Smeg provide an installation service?

Legally, "installation" is different from "connection", so whilst most consumers are unaware of the difference and will use the terms interchangeably, we need to be clear on what we can and cannot help with so that there is no confusion.

• We do provide a "disconnection" and/or "connection" service, which allows us to disconnect an old appliance and, assuming the connection point is suitable and safe, connect your new appliance in a like-for-like manner.

• "Installation" is a wider term which might also include the installation of new sockets, wiring, and so on. We do not provide "installation." Should you require any change to your electrical system, such as moving a socket, isolator, and so on, you will need to speak with a local electrician.

Do built-in ovens need ventilation?

Yes, built-in ovens require adequate ventilation to ensure safe operation and optimal performance. Proper airflow helps dissipate heat, prevent overheating, and maintain the efficiency of the appliance. This is normally achieved by having sufficient space between the appliance and the cabinet and the rear of the oven so that heat can dissipate.

Always refer to the manufacturer's installation guidelines to determine the necessary clearance and ventilation requirements for your specific model.

What power supply do I need for a built-in oven?

Built-in ovens typically require a 230V mains supply connected via a dedicated circuit. Some ovens are designed for connection to a standard 13A fused spur, while others, particularly those with higher power ratings, might need a permanent connection on a dedicated cooker circuit, sometimes with a 32A fused connection unit. 

Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and consult a qualified electrician to ensure your wiring meets current UK electrical safety standards.

Can I relocate my oven to elsewhere within my kitchen?

Yes, but this will need to be done before the appliance is delivered. Please note that Smeg only provides a connection service to a safe and existing connection point. 

Can I replace a built-in oven with a new one of a different size?

Yes, you can replace a built-in oven with a new one of a different size, but it's important to note that doing so may require modifications to your cabinet or surrounding space. Ensure you carefully measure your existing installation area and compare it with the new oven’s dimensions.

 Any alterations to the cabinetry or cut-out might affect ventilation and wiring requirements too. 

Integrated ovens are a popular choice for sleek and stylish kitchens, but there are many models to choose from! Our oven buyer’s guide is designed to make your choice easier, exploring the functions and features that give your mealtimes even more flexibility. 

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