If you’re planning a new kitchen or replacing an existing oven, getting the sizing right for your oven housing unit is critical. A mismatch between your oven and its housing unit can mean anything from an unsightly gap to an appliance that physically won’t fit. Either way, it’s an expensive mistake to make.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about oven housing unit sizes, how to measure correctly, and what to watch out for before you order.
What Is an Oven Housing Unit?
An oven housing unit (also called a tall oven cabinet or oven tower) is a tall kitchen unit specifically designed to house one or two built-in ovens at a raised height. Rather than placing your oven at floor level, an oven housing unit brings the appliance up to a comfortable working height, making it easier to check on food and load and unload without bending down.
They’re available in a range of configurations: single oven housing, double oven housing, and combination units that include space for a microwave above or below the oven.
Standard Oven Housing Unit Dimensions
Height
The most common heights for oven housing units are:
1,900mm (190cm): standard tall unit height and the most common option
2,150mm (215cm): for floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or extra storage above the oven
2,100mm (210cm): used in kitchens with higher ceilings
The internal aperture (the opening where the oven sits) is what really matters. More on that below.
Width
Oven housing units are typically available in two widths:
600mm: the standard width, designed to house a standard 60cm oven
900mm: a wider unit, used for range-style or American-style double ovens
Depth
Most oven housing units are 560mm–580mm deep (the same as standard base units). Some suppliers offer 600mm deep versions for appliances with slightly deeper bodies.
Understanding the Internal Aperture
This is the measurement that matters most. The internal aperture is the opening inside the housing unit that the oven slides into. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of installation problems.
Standard aperture sizes are:
For a standard single oven:
Height: 590mm
Width: 560mm
For a compact single oven (45cm oven):
Height: 452mm
Width: 560mm
For a double oven:
Height: 888mm or 900mm
Width: 560mm
Always check the oven manufacturer’s specified minimum and maximum aperture dimensions in the oven’s installation guide. These will be the most accurate reference point.
How to Measure Your Oven for a Housing Unit
Step 1: Check the Oven’s Installation Guide
Every built-in oven comes with a cutout template or a table of required dimensions. Look for:
Minimum cabinet height (the smallest aperture the oven will fit in)
Minimum cabinet width
Minimum cabinet depth (to ensure the oven doesn’t protrude)
Step 2: Note the Oven’s Body Dimensions
The oven’s external body dimensions are slightly smaller than the required aperture. This is intentional, as there needs to be a small gap around the appliance for ventilation.
Step 3: Check the Trim Kit or Door Frame
Many built-in ovens come with a trim kit (a decorative frame around the front of the oven). The trim kit sits proud of the housing unit face and covers any small gaps, so you don’t need to achieve a perfectly flush fit. The trim handles that.
Single vs Double Oven Housing Units: Which Should You Choose?
Single Oven Housing
A single oven housing unit positions a standard-height oven at an ergonomic height. There’s often additional storage above and below the oven within the same tall unit.
Best for: Smaller households, kitchens with limited space, or those who don’t need the extra oven capacity.
Double Oven Housing
A double oven housing unit is designed to house two ovens stacked vertically, or a full-height double oven. These are ideal for keen home cooks or families who regularly prepare multiple dishes at different temperatures.
Best for: Larger households and avid cooks who need more oven capacity.
Single Oven + Microwave Combination
Many housing units are designed to hold an oven at mid-height and a built-in microwave directly above. These are increasingly popular as they keep both appliances off the worktop.
Best for: Kitchens where worktop space is at a premium, or families who use their microwave frequently.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ordering a Housing Unit Before Confirming Oven Dimensions
Always confirm your oven’s required aperture before ordering the housing unit. Different brands and models have slightly different requirements.
2. Forgetting About Ventilation Clearance
Ovens generate significant heat and need adequate airflow. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for minimum clearances around the unit, as some require specific gaps at the rear or sides.
3. Not Accounting for the Plinth Height
In a floor-to-ceiling tall unit configuration, the plinth at the base of the unit adds to the overall height. Make sure your total measurements account for this.
4. Ignoring the Depth
Most built-in ovens have a body depth of around 550–570mm. Ensure your housing unit is deep enough (usually 560–580mm is standard) so the oven sits flush rather than protruding.
5. Mixing Metric and Imperial Measurements
Always work in millimetres. Rounding figures or switching units mid-measurement is a surprisingly common cause of ordering errors.
A Quick Reference: Standard Aperture Sizes
– Oven TypeAperture HeightAperture Width
– Standard single oven (60cm)590mm560mm
– Compact single oven (45cm)452mm560mm
– Standard double oven888–900mm560mm
– Wide single oven (90cm)590mm860mm
Always verify against your specific appliance’s installation guide.
Final Tips
Buy from a reputable kitchen supplier who can cross-reference your oven model against the housing unit before you order.
Have your appliance specifications to hand when speaking with a designer or measuring up.
Leave installation to a professional if you’re not confident. A qualified kitchen installer will ensure correct fit, ventilation, and electrical connection.
Getting your oven housing unit right the first time saves significant time, cost, and frustration. When in doubt, measure twice and check the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
