Some people prefer a wall oven to a standard oven because it’s a real space saver. A wall oven is convenient and easy to use and it can add considerable aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. There are many models on the market and it can be a challenge to find the right appliance to meet your needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at wall ovens and the most useful features to help you make a purchasing decision.

What is a Wall Oven?

As the name suggests, a wall oven is built into a kitchen wall for an integrated look that saves counter and floor space. Because these appliances are installed up at eye level they reduce the need for bending. This makes them a popular choice for busy cooks that are looking for ways to streamline their cooking. The best places to spend money during a home remodel are the kitchen and bathrooms. So, it should come as no surprise that a wall oven is a popular appliance for a kitchen upgrade.

What are the Different Wall Oven Types?

There are many types of wall ovens that are designed to meet specific preferences and needs. The best way to narrow your choices is to consider how you like to cook and the features you need. Let’s take a look at the different wall oven types in more detail. They are:

  • Single-Wall: This is an oven with a single cavity that’s a good fit for kitchens where space is limited. Those that don’t cook multiple dishes at the same time or use a separate cooktop may find that a single-wall oven meets their needs. These ovens are ideal for broiling, roasting and everyday baking and they can be installed in wall cabinets or under countertops.
  • Double-Wall: These are a great option for cooks that prepare multiple dishes at the same time or those with larger families. The typical format is a pair of oven cavities stacked on top of each other to cook at two temperatures at the simultaneously.
  • Microwave Combinations: This is a conventional oven and microwave integrated into a single appliance. This saves countertop space with the convenience of two different ovens in a single location to save space. The conventional oven can be used for broiling, roasting and baking and the microwave can be used to cook or reheat as needed. These appliances are a great option for those that value functionality, versatility and space without compromise.
  • Smart: The advent of smart technology in the kitchen continues with smart wall ovens. These appliances feature advanced technology to monitor and control the cooking process via your smartphone or tablet. This can include recipes guides, voice control automated settings and more. For tech-savvy cooks, this is a wonderful way to integrate a wall oven into a smart home setup.

Wall Ovens: Conventional or Convection?

A modern wall oven can be a traditional oven or a convection oven. A conventional model uses heating elements to cook the food for those that prefer classic cooking. This is straightforward, well understood and reliable technology that has been used for decades in kitchens. A conventional wall oven can produce consistent and even heat distribution for baking, roasting and broiling and they are available in multiple sizes and configurations.

A convection oven uses a fan to circulate the heated air inside the oven cavity for faster and more even cooking. Many cooks believe that this produces superior cooking results and it’s ideal for roasting and baking. Those that are interested in taking their cooking to a new level to roast larger cuts of meat or make trays of cookies will benefit from more consistent oven temperatures.

Choose the Power Source

A wall oven may be powered by electricity or gas and both options have their merits. An electric wall oven is the more common type because they are easier to install and maintain than their gas counterparts. A modern electric oven may have extra features, such as: precise temperature controls, self-cleaning and convection settings. They are a good option for those seeking convenience and versatility in their next oven.

A gas wall oven can use propane or natural gas as fuel and they are highly regarded by professional cooks. These ovens heat quickly and the temperature controls are extremely precise. This makes them an ideal choice for roasting and baking purposes.  A gas wall oven will supply moist heat which is useful for baked goods and meats that need to be juicy and tender. Those that enjoy using a traditional oven are often surprised at the fast and precise temperature control that a gas-powered oven offers.

Wall Oven Sizes Explained

A wall oven is designed to fit a variety of kitchen layouts to meet your cooking requirements. They are available in a wide range of sizes and understanding the sizes can be helpful when you’re choosing a new wall oven. Let’s look at several standard sizes with the typical widths, depth and heights below:

Width

  • Primary Oven: 30 inches.
  • Mid-Size: 27 inches.
  • Compact (Secondary): 24 Inches.

Length

Due to their compact nature, wall ovens typically have a length of 22 to 24 inches.

Height

This can vary a great deal depending on the specific configuration as follows:

  • Single: 28 to 30 inches.
  • Double: 50 to 53 inches.
  • Combination: 42 to 48 inches.

As you can see, the available wall space will be a factor in the type and size of wall oven that you wish to purchase and install in your kitchen.

The Cooking Capacity

The capacity of a wall oven is measured in cubic feet and this will determine how much food it can cook at the same time. The capacity can be grouped into three broad categories. They are: small, medium and large.

  • Small: This is 2-3 cubic feet, it’s a good option for a smaller kitchen or to use as a secondary oven.
  • Medium: These wall ovens fall into the 4-5 cubic feet range and they are a good fit for an average-sized family with sufficient kitchen space to accommodate them.
  • Large: These ovens have more than 5 cubic feet of cooking capacity for those with larger families or a desire to entertain frequently.

Choose the Door Style

A wall oven may have one of several door styles and each of them offers benefits in accessibility, functionality and aesthetic appeal. Let’s take a look at the three most popular door styles in more detail:

  • Drop-Down: This is the most common and traditional option that you would see on a traditional oven. It offers a platform to place and remove a dish and it’s a practical choice that would suit most kitchens.
  • Side-Opening: These oven doors open to the side, this could be left or right as desired and it offers easier access to the cavity. This is a great option for those with limited space or mobility issues. In an ergonomic kitchen where space is at a premium, side-opening oven doors can make a huge difference.
  • French Doors: These are a pair of doors that open out from the center, they work in a similar manner to the doors on a refrigerator. They are sophisticated and elegant and they have become a popular choice for those looking to upscale their kitchen.

How to Choose the Best Model for Your Kitchen

When you’re researching wall ovens, it’s all too easy to become caught up in the aesthetic appeal and design elements. Sure, these are important, but there are other needs that must be met if you want to avoid buyers remorse later. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that needs to be considered to ensure that make the right choice:

Aesthetic Appeal:

For some, this may be a secondary consideration, but many well designed modern appliances are virtually works of art. The look of your new wall oven should complement your existing design or match the remodel. There are multiple color options to consider, stainless-steel still has timeless appeal, but you could choose a color that matches your decor.

The Oven Door:

We took a closer look at the three most popular wall oven door styles above, but choosing the right door to match your needs is essential. The best modern oven doors have larger windows to monitor the cooking process without opening the door. How the door opens is important if someone in the home struggles to reach into the oven cavity.

The Control Panel:

The controls should be intuitive, certain modern models may have touchscreens and others may have a more traditional approach. The controls that you choose should be matched to how you want to use the oven. That said, a touch screen will look amazing in a kitchen remodel for those that want to promote a modern finish for tech-savvy home buyers.

The Installation Requirements:

We’ve already covered the common wall oven  sizes, but there are other factors to consider. If you want to install a gas-powered oven and you don’t have an existing hook up this will raise the installation costs. For an electric model you should consider a dedicated electrical circuit to meet the power requirements. Before you make a final decision, verify the voltage and amperage requirements.

If you’re considering a new wall oven, you can explore your options with our online collection or for further guidance and help speak to one of our home appliance experts.