Written by Frieda Russell
Edited on
25 August 2025
·
07:00
What is the difference between a stove, a built-in stove set, and an oven set?
Are you not sure whether you want a stove, a built-in stove set, or an oven set? There are many differences between these devices. A freestanding stove and built-in stove set offer everything you need for cooking and baking in one place. With an oven set, you can plan your kitchen more flexibly, as both devices work independently of each other. We will introduce you to these and other important differences here.
Freestanding stove vs. built-in stove
Freestanding stove: freestanding
In everyday language, both built-in and freestanding stoves are referred to as “stoves”. However, the distinction between the type of installation is crucial. The word “stove” simply describes a device that combines cooking, roasting and baking. The different functions are controlled centrally using the control knobs on the front of the device. A freestanding stove is therefore a stove that is freestanding. So you don’t need any extra kitchen furniture, but a freestanding stove interrupts your kitchen unit and worktop.
Built-in oven: fits into your kitchen
As the name suggests, a built-in oven is designed to be built in. This means that you can integrate it into a kitchen unit. You install it in a built-in oven cabinet. This gives you a continuous worktop, apart from the cutout for the hob. However, the control knobs work in the same way as with a freestanding oven.
Built-in oven vs. built-in oven set
Built-in oven: without matching hob
Both a built-in oven and a built-in oven set must be installed in a kitchen unit. The crucial difference for you is when you buy. If you buy a built-in oven, you still don't have the right hob. So you get a built-in oven with a control panel and oven functions. You then look for and order the right hob yourself. This is not always easy, as not every hob can be combined with every built-in oven. The plug connections can be different.
Built-in stove set: with matching hob
The big advantage of a built-in stove set is that you can get the right hob for your built-in stove with just one click. For example, if you buy your built-in stove set from Coolblue, we have already selected the best hob for you. This saves you a lot of effort and time. In addition, a stove set is often cheaper than an oven set.
Built-in stove set vs. oven set
Built-in stove set: all functions in one
The most important difference to an oven set is that the hob is controlled via the control panel. The hob does not work independently of a built-in oven. It is tied to the oven. Since the panel combines the operation of the hob and the oven functions, it consists of at least five knobs. The advantage of such a set is its price, which is often lower than that of oven sets. So you get a complete set for your kitchen for a lower price. This saves time, effort and money.
Oven set: for more flexibility
An oven set consists of an oven and a separate hob. You can tell this because you only see two control knobs. These are used to operate the oven. The independent hob has its own control panel. Such sets are particularly flexible. You install the oven either in a base unit or a tall unit. This is practical if you like your oven at chest height. You install the hob in a kitchen island, for example. If necessary, you can replace the individual components independently of one another.
Conclusion
The main differences between these types of products lie in their control and position in the kitchen. If you value a low price and minimal effort, then a built-in oven, freestanding oven, or built-in oven set is a good choice. In each of these three options, the oven reliably controls the appropriate cooktop. If you prefer flexibility, then you should opt for an oven set. This way, you can, for example, install the cooktop in a kitchen island and adjust the height of the built-in oven to suit your needs.
