Neff vs Smeg Built-in Ovens

Neff and Smeg share a similar price range, and their models overlap closely at the double-oven end. Neff's models here run from £549 for the N 50 B1ACE4HN0B 71-litre single oven to £1,099 for the U2ACH7AG7B double oven with pyrolytic cleaning. Smeg's run from £419 for the SF6400TB 70-litre single electric oven to £1,129 for the DUSF400S Oven Cucina double oven and £1,179 for the DOSF6300X built-in double oven. The Neff U2ACH7AG7B and the Smeg DUSF400S are within £30 of each other.

Neff's distinctive features are the Slide&Hide door, the CircoTherm system for baking on four levels without flavour transfer and the TFT TouchControl display. Its pyrolytic cleaning heats to around 485°C, and the B6ACH7AN7B and U2ACH7AG7B offer Home Connect app control. Smeg's approach is built on fingerprint-proof stainless steel, eclipse black glass and metal control knobs, along with Smart Sense cooking that offers up to 50 automatic recipes. The DOSF6300X has five cooking levels and closed-door grilling, while the SF6400TB uses Vapour Clean and rapid pre-heating. Both brands offer a two-year warranty as standard.

Neff suits households that want a sliding door, Home Connect control or multi-level baking with a full-width grill. Smeg suits buyers who want a retro-modern look in the kitchen, a 70-litre single oven at £419, or a double oven with closed-door grilling. Smeg's Cucina double oven, with 35 and 61 litres of capacity, suits a household that bakes small cakes while roasting a joint, and a family that cooks most weekday meals in one oven will find the Neff B3ACE4AN3B at £699 a practical choice.

Bottom line: choose Neff if you want the Slide&Hide door, CircoTherm baking or Home Connect control, and choose Smeg if you want a 70-litre single oven at £419 or a double oven with a retro look from £1,129.