Wall ovens have become popular in the gourmet kitchens of today. They offer a streamlined appearance and have some great features especially in the high-end models. 

Most people who add a wall oven or combination of ovens are either generally replacing an older model or doing a remodel of their kitchen to update it.

How New Are Wall Ovens?

The first wall oven was manufactured in 1947. At that time, wall ovens were often built into a cavity in brick walls often on the exterior wall of a living room fireplace. If a brick wall was not available, it would be recessed into a plaster wall. But to add versatility and convenience, not to mention style, cabinet manufacturers soon began building cabinets to house wall ovens. 

Electric or Gas?

You’ll likely choose an electric or gas wall oven depending on the type of power you already use in your home. There is a larger selection of electric units with more features than gas to choose from. 

Electric Oven Pros

1. It’s less expensive to buy and install. 
2. It offers a good variety of cooking modes.
3. Heat is evenly distributed.
4. Easier to clean.

Electric Oven Cons

1. It’s more expensive to run than gas.
2. Food cooks more slowly.

Gas Oven Pros

1. Food cooks with more moisture.
2. Much greater control over temperature and flame.

Gas Oven Cons

1. Does not distribute heat as evenly.
2. Purchasing and installation prices are more expensive than electric models.
3. Not as much choice in sizes, features and manufacturer.

Types of Wall Ovens

Single Ovens

Single wall ovens can be installed below a cooktop (which is often built into a countertop), under the counter, or built into a set of cabinets. Cabinets for single or double wall ovens are pre-manufactured for purchase or specialty built.

Single wall ovens have the control panel on the top. Generally, it’s the most popular model that effectively replaces a range’s oven. 

Double Ovens

The double oven has two cavities (and doors) and a control panel on the top for both. Usually the 2 ovens are stacked on top of each other. If you have the horizontal space to spare, you can also arrange them size by side. Each oven acts separately, allowing you to cook two meals at different temperatures in the same appliance. If you have a large family or like making larger dinners this may be the option for you. 

Pros:

1. You have the ability to cook two dishes with different temperature settings at the same time.
2. You can cook multiple dishes with different techniques such as broiling in one oven and toasting or using a convection setting in the other.
3. You can keep food warm in one oven while cooking in the other.
4. Generally speaking, it is a good choice for larger families and enthusiastic bakers.

Cons:

1. Takes up more potential cabinet space.
2. Quite a lot more expensive than a single wall oven.
3. Installation and electrical work will be more extensive and expensive.

Microwave/Oven Combinations

A combo oven has a microwave oven above the wall oven. The microwave part is usually smaller, but also can be utilized as a small convection oven if that option is desired.

Convection Oven Setting

Both electric and gas ovens can add a convection setting, although it is more common in electric ovens. A fan in a convection oven circulates hot air in the oven to cook food quickly and evenly. It generally cooks your food about 25 to 30 percent faster than a conventional oven. Foods that do well in a convection oven are roasted meat, casserole and roasted vegetables. Convection settings are quite common now in appliances like ranges, toaster ovens and even microwave ovens. Adding a convection setting does add to the cost of your purchase but also adds convenience and versatility to your cooking and baking.

Self Cleaning Option

This is a popular choice for wall ovens but will add a fair amount to the total bill. 

Steam cleaning options for some models are available and are a gentler choice as they use a lower heat setting. Always consult your user’s guide when using self cleaning options.

Wall Oven Doors Come in Three Styles 

• A swing style with bottom hinge (range ovens have these): this is the standard style and most common. 
• A swing style with side hinge, either left or right: depending on where it is placed choosing left or right helps with functionality, you can get closer to the oven than with a bottom hinged door.
• Double French doors with side hinges: looks attractive, takes up less room when doors open, good for smaller kitchens, you can get nearer to the oven when doors are open, but more expensive.

Sizes and Capacity

Standard wall oven sizes typically run 24, 27 or 30 inches wide. A standard 30 inch range has a capacity of 5 cubic feet. Wall ovens tend to have a smaller capacity at around 3 cubic feet for the narrower models. If you are cooking for one or two people the smaller 24 inch wide wall oven may do fine for you. Choose the larger 30 inch size (which has about 5 cubic feet capacity) for more people. Double wall ovens generally provide about 8 to 10 cubic feet capacity.

Ergonomic Placement of Ovens

Placement of your wall oven is a very individual choice. Very short or very tall people may have different ergonomic needs. But generally, unless you are placing the oven beneath a countertop, you should be able to place the oven(s) at a comfortable level so that bending over is kept to a minimum. Some suggest that the bottom of the oven should be about waist height. Since the controls are at the top of the oven, you want to make sure you are able to easily see the controls without resorting to tippy toes. All this should be discussed with the designer.

For double ovens, some compromise will probably be needed. Putting the ovens side by side will mean that both ovens are equally easy to access but this may not be possible if your kitchen is not that spacious. Again, your kitchen designer will be able to guide you. Placing the ovens in a position that will minimize accidents and allow you to safely transport the items is key. 

Optional Features

As wall ovens get pricier, their features get more attractive. Here are some features you may be interested in:

• Smart Connectivity – control many aspects of your roasting, baking at a distance with your phone.
• Guided cooking controls – select the ovens’ display panel to get guidance. on every aspect of how to cook a certain dish. 
• Steam cooking.
• Air frying.
• Full-extension gliding racks – helps for easier unloading of roasts.
• Infrared grilling – allows you to cook at very high heat very quickly.
• Colors – while stainless steel is still the go to color, you can also choose from black stainless steel, white, and slate. High end brands offer many different color choices to complete your kitchen design.

To view designs and options available visit Subzero Wolf Ovens. 

You can count on C&W Appliance Service to provide the very best in repair, maintenance and safety tips for all your major appliances. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or submit our online service request form for prompt service.