The Complete Guide to Choosing an Oven: Including Wall Ovens, Steam Ovens, and Microwaves
What is a wall oven?
Wall ovens are a fantastic addition to any kitchen layout. If you love to cook, you'll enjoy the flexibility and versatility that wall ovens can provide. A wall oven is simply an oven installed into an opening, usually cabinetry. Most wall ovens install in a tall wall cabinet at a height that is convenient for you. Wall ovens are a great alternative to traditional stoves because you can access a wall oven at a comfortable height without having to bend over – great if you have back sensitivity. Most single ovens are installable under the counter, common for smaller spaces. It's popular for families to add a wall oven to a kitchen design in addition to a range for extra cooking capacity when you need it.
Wall ovens come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most ovens on the market are 30-inches wide. However, there is a handful of large 36-inch wide wall ovens and smaller 24-inch and 27-inch ovens for small spaces.
Historically single and double ovens were the most popular. Today's kitchen designs call for a wide variety of products, including combination wall ovens and steam convection, speed convection, and other specialty ovens.
This guide will introduce the different types of wall ovens available today. It will also answer commonly asked questions about shopping for wall ovens for new construction and replacement needs.
Wall Oven Configurations
Single Wall Ovens
Single wall ovens have one oven cavity controlled by a single control panel. Most single ovens have electronic controls that are easy to wipe down and keep clean. Some models have knobs – the choice is up to you. If you're planning to install your wall oven under the counter, you will end up buying a single wall oven. Single ovens are available in a wide variety of brands, prices, and sizes.
Double Wall Ovens
Double-wall ovens have two oven cavities controlled by a single control panel. Like with single ovens, many brands have electronic controls today. There are also many smart wall ovens out there that you can control from your phone or smart speaker. Double-wall ovens are a great choice if you love to cook or host large family meals. Having a double wall oven available affords you double the capacity and the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Combination Wall Ovens
Combination wall ovens combine a full-size wall oven cavity with another appliance under a single control panel. Combination ovens look like double wall ovens, except instead of two full-size oven cavities, a combination wall oven has a smaller oven on the top, which is typically a microwave. Some luxury combination ovens combine a speed oven or a steam convection oven for added versatility.
Combination wall ovens are popular for many kitchens. Families love the convenience of having a microwave and oven in the same appliances. Building professionals like the combination ovens because it looks like a fancy double oven yet eliminates the need for a built-in microwave in another part of the kitchen. Cooks love speed convection combination ovens as they provide more cooking versatility than traditional double wall ovens. Â
Wall Oven Installations
Vertical Wall Oven Stack
The most popular installation for wall ovens is the vertical stack. It looks just like it sounds. Wall ovens are stacked vertically in a full-height wall cabinet. Since this installation is the most popular, there are several cabinets ready to accept your wall oven. If you plan for this installation, you can also add a warming drawer or a microwave drawer to this design. As a pro tip, it's always essential to think about getting food in and out of your wall oven stack. We caution against stacking ovens too high as this can be a safety concern if the top oven is too high to reach comfortably.
Horizontal Ovens
Many luxury kitchen designs are adopting the horizontal oven look. Instead of stacking ovens vertically, wall ovens mounted horizontally so that they all line up at the same comfortable height. Select brands also make steam ovens, warming drawers, speed ovens, and built-in coffee systems to fit in with this new horizontal installation trend.
Under the Cooktop
If you're looking to maximize cabinet space, you can install most wall ovens under a cooktop. Opting for a wall oven and a cooktop in a base cabinet will provide a more luxurious look than a range in the same space. Your cooking appliances will blend more seamlessly with your cabinetry and surroundings. If you're planning a small space kitchen, opting for a separate wall oven and cooktop will afford you more upscale product offerings as well from leading luxury brands like Wolf and Miele.
As a pro tip, it's best to buy the same brand wall oven and cooktop so that the products fit together in the same base cabinet. If you're planning for this installation, make sure that you double-check the product specifications for both the wall oven and the cooktop to ensure compatibility.
Types of Wall Ovens
Convection Wall Ovens
Convection wall ovens have a fan in the back of the oven cavity responsible for circulating air for a more even temperature and faster cooking. Many electric wall ovens have true convection, also known as European convection. True convection ovens have an additional heating element behind the convection fan for the most accurate temperature throughout the oven. It's possible to turn off the convection fan and use any oven like a traditional thermal oven. So, if you have old recipes written for thermal baking, you can still use your oven without the convection mode. Additionally, many convection wall ovens come with a wide range of features, including roast, broil, and self-cleaning.
Thermal Wall Ovens
Thermal wall ovens are less popular these days. Thermal wall ovens do not have a convection fan in the back of the oven. Thermal ovens are almost always less expensive than convection ovens. Some double wall ovens have one convection oven and a lower thermal oven to cut costs. Some premium brands offer thermal ovens as an entry-level price point to satisfy the demands of entry-level luxury and builder packages.
Convection Steam Ovens
Convection steam ovens, also known as combi-steam ovens, are a leading trend in high-end kitchen design. Convection steam ovens afford home cooks a ton of versatility, healthy cooking, as well as high-quality reheating. Use your combi-steam oven as a steamer, a regular dry-heat convection oven, or a combination of the two.
Steam cooking is the healthiest cooking method as it allows you to add moisture without adding oils and fats. Additionally, steam cooking helps you preserve most of the nutrients and color in your fresh foods without sautéing, roasting, or boiling. Finally, steam convection ovens are the best appliance for reheating food to its original flavor and quality. So if you went out to a fancy dinner, for example, and brought home leftover steak, you can restore it to its original flavor, texture, and quality. Steam ovens are also fantastic for reheating everyday leftovers as well.
Speed Ovens
Speed ovens are another growing trend in many kitchens. Since they are a microwave and a wall oven all in one appliance, they provide that versatility many home cooks need. A microwave to reheat coffee and lunch most days – but around the holidays, the speed oven is a go-to assistant for baking sides and extra dishes. Many families love speed convection ovens for their versatility and built-in cooking modes designed to walk you through easy dinners the whole family will love.
Hearth Ovens
Hearth ovens are more popular than ever. If you're looking for a different oven out of the ordinary, consider a hearth oven to deliver that wood fire baking experience. Whether you're looking to make artisan pizzas at your next gathering or brick chicken in your indoor hearth oven – the culinary options are endless.
Oven Fuel Types
Ovens come in two fuel-types: electric and gas. 99% of the wall ovens sold today are electrically powered. Electric ovens are known for accurate temperature and even baking. Gas ovens are traditionally known for moisture in the oven cavity for roasting and broiling. Most consumers looking for a gas oven opt for an all-gas range instead of a wall oven. However, there are gas wall ovens out there. There's a small selection offered by appliance brands with commercial roots.
If you're looking for both gas and electric ovens in your kitchen – consider going with an all-gas range equipped with an infrared broiler and separate true convection electric wall ovens. This way, you will get the best of all worlds in the same kitchen!
Wall Oven Brands
Nearly every appliance brand makes wall ovens. It's hard to see online, but there is a clear difference in quality between the differently priced wall ovens. Our best advice is to see your desired wall oven in person, feel the handle, and take a good look at the controls to ensure this oven will work for your needs. Check out our top wall ovens like Wolf, Thermador, Bosch, Miele, and Monogram.
Wall Oven Modes
Guided Cooking
Appliances are getting smarter. Smart appliances connect to your home Wi-fi network. You can use a smart wall oven through your phone, tablet, smart speaker, or smart home automation system.Â
There are many benefits to smart wall ovens. Browse recipes and get step-by-step instructions for flawless results every time. Some wall ovens have geofencing, meaning that they will send you a notification if your oven is running and you're not home. Smart ovens have been around for about five years now, and the features are getting better and better. Guided cooking is an excellent smart oven feature. Not only will the oven cook your food at the right temperature for the right amount of time, but some smart ovens can be your sous chef, walking you through step-by-step instructions from prep to finish. Additionally, many smart ovens have partner recipe apps that allow you to choose recipes that appeal to your family size, dietary preferences, and even ingredients available in your house.
Convection
Convection is a fan-forced heat that evenly distributes air throughout the oven for even cooking on all oven racks. Convection cooking modes are about 15% faster than traditional thermal cooking modes, so it's necessary to check your food a little sooner than you otherwise would.
Broil
Broil is a top heat. Historically, you could find a broiler in the drawer underneath older ovens. Today wall ovens have the broiling element located at the top of the oven cavity right above the top oven rack position. Today's ovens are built for closed-door broiling. So make sure you shut the oven door when you use the broil mode.
Self-Cleaning
There are two kinds of self-cleaning modes: traditional high-heat self-clean and steam cleaning. While most ovens have traditional self-cleaning, some manufacturers offer a steam cleaning feature as a gentler alternative. Most ovens with steam clean will also have traditional self-cleaning.
Traditional Self-Clean
Traditional self-clean is a long oven cycle where the oven is heated to a very high temperature to bake off hard-to-remove spills, stains, and drips. Most wall ovens offer a traditional self-cleaning cycle. Before running a high heat self-cleaning cycle, it's necessary to read your product manual thoroughly. Most brands require that you remove all oven racks before you begin the cycle.
If you are designing a Kosher kitchen, you will want to make sure your oven has a traditional self-clean mode. If you need a traditional high heat self-clean mode for religious reasons, make sure to discuss specific requirements with your Rabbi and your appliance expert.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a gentler alternative to high-heat self-cleaning. Although traditional self-cleaning is effective, running a high heat cycle too often can hurt your oven's electronic parts over time. Steam cleaning runs at a much lower temperature and relies on steam to loosen lite spills and drips. It's best to run a steam-cleaning cycle soon after you spill for the best cleaning results. Every steam cleaning oven is different. Most brands offer a reservoir or carve out at the bottom of the oven where you are supposed to add water before running the cycle. Always reference the manual for best practices before trying any self-cleaning cycle.
Steam Assist Ovens
Steam cooking has tremendous benefits. It adds moisture to the oven, is excellent for preserving nutrients, and is also beneficial for adding a crispy crust to loaves of bread and casseroles. In addition to convection steam ovens, several full-size wall ovens are now offering a steam cooking feature. Many of these larger ovens are called steam-assist ovens. Many steam assist ovens come equipped with guided cooking to take the guesswork out of cooking great meals with this fantastic new feature. Most steam assist ovens have a water reservoir that you fill with tap water before the cycle, while other steam assist ovens connect to home plumbing.
Sabbath Mode
If you plan a Kosher kitchen, it is vital to find an oven with a Sabbath Mode (and perhaps Star K Certification). Ovens with a Sabbath Mode maintain a low temperature for long periods to keep food warm or slow cooking without adjusting any controls or oven lights.
As a pro tip, if you're planning for a kosher kitchen with a touch-to-open oven model, make sure you can still open the oven with your hands without the electronic touch feature. Although handle-free cabinets and appliances are trending, I usually recommend getting an oven with a handle for meals on the Sabbath and holidays for Kosher kitchens. Â
Microwaves
Microwave ovens have been popular in all homes for the last five decades. Almost every kitchen package sold today includes a microwave. There are options out there for every kitchen as they come in many shapes and sizes.Â
Built-In Microwaves
A built-in microwave is any microwave that gets installed into a dedicated opening in your cabinetry. Traditionally, built-in microwaves are side-swinging microwaves surrounded by a trim kit. The trim kit covers the gap between the microwave and the cabinet opening. Trim kits are especially important because they direct any excess hot air forward and away from your cabinetry.
Microwave Drawers
Microwave drawers are trendy today. They are a popular solution for kitchen islands and areas. Microwave drawers install into base cabinets under the counter; however, some clients like to add a microwave drawer to a dedicated opening under a stacked combination wall oven. Microwave drawers come in 24-inch and 30-inch widths.
Drop Down Microwaves
Dropdown microwaves look like mini wall ovens. Instead of a traditional side-swinging microwave door, the microwave oven door drops down. Speed ovens fall into this category of dropdown microwaves. Dropdown microwaves are sold independently or as part of a combination oven.
Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves are side-swinging microwaves that live on your countertop. Countertop microwaves vary in size, power, and features. Some countertop microwaves have a convection mode that allows you to use your microwave as a mini secondary oven.
Over the Range Microwaves
Over the Range Microwaves are 30-inch wide microwaves installed above a range or cooktop. These microwaves are multifunctional as they serve as both the ventilation and a microwave. Some over the range microwaves also have convection capabilities for extra oven space. You can connect an over the range microwave to existing ductwork or simply recirculate filtered air back into the kitchen. Over the range microwaves are usually a lower cost alternative than buying a range hood and separate microwave; however, they are not suitable to vent all ranges. Make sure to reference your stove or cooktop's venting requirements to make sure an over the range microwave is suitable before buying. Â
Warming Drawers
A warming drawer is an appliance designed to keep food warm before you're ready to eat. Warming drawers are great for many households. Busy families like warming drawers because you can keep meals warm at a safe temperature for up to three hours after cooking. Non-cooks love warming drawers because you can keep your takeout at a warm temperature until you are ready to eat. If you love to cook, your warming drawer will be your new best friend, helping keep everything warm until you are ready to serve a meal. You can also incorporate a warming drawer into your outdoor kitchen, pool house, or master bathroom for heated robes and towels.
FAQ
At what height should I install my wall oven?
The great thing about wall ovens is you can install them at any height that is most comfortable for you. When selecting a wall oven height make sure to consider your height and any physical conditions that could impact access. Custom cabinetry will give you more flexibility to put your wall oven where you want. Sometimes stock cabinets have a dedicated wall oven height that you must go with. Just be careful about installing your wall oven too high up, as you need to be able to reach the controls and get items in and out of the top oven safely.
How many ovens do families usually get?
It's important to consider how many ovens you will need. To make this decision, you should think about your family's size, how much you cook, religious needs, holiday entertaining, and the size/ resale value of your home. Larger families will likely need more oven space. If you usually host large groups for the holidays, more oven space will undoubtedly make it easier. You will also want to think about a secondary oven or warming drawer to warm up sides and guests' contributions. Kosher kitchens typically require at least two ovens, one for meat and the other for dairy. Most homes will have 1 to 4 ovens depending on your needs. If you don't cook at all, you might be satisfied with one oven. From experience, it's better to overestimate oven space than underestimate, especially when it comes to the size, scale, and resale value of your home.
Fortunately, there are a plethora of ways to get more oven space. Convection microwaves, speed ovens, steam ovens, and warming drawers can take on reheating and warming tasks. You also might want to consider a full range and wall ovens for more versatility.
Is a convection steam oven worth it?
Convection steam ovens are a top choice item for many cooking enthusiasts. As you read above, there are many benefits. Steam ovens are typically more expensive than adding another wall oven. Your decision will likely come down to how much you value the versatility and high quality reheating capabilities that steam ovens provide. If you're unsure, it is beneficial to see a cooking demo or attend a steam cooking class. Ask your appliance expert for details about events near you.
How to add a microwave to your kitchen design?
Many kitchen remodelers struggle to find an attractive way to add a microwave to your design. Microwaves aren't always the most attractive appliances, but most people feel they are necessary. To an extent, all microwaves have pros and cons.
Microwave drawers are trending right now as they take up only 24-inches of space, and some can install flush with contemporary cabinetry. The only downside is microwave drawers don't have convection.
If you're looking for a microwave that can also bake – consider a speed oven. Speed ovens will give you that extra oven capacity when you need it. They also look like wall ovens, blending better with your overall design aesthetic.
How do you cook with a convection wall oven?
Cooking with a convection oven will take a little time to adjust. Make sure to check your meals earlier than you otherwise would. Many recipes are for traditional thermal bake ovens. The formula most chefs use when following older recipes is:
Reduce oven temperature by 25% and set your timer to check your food when the cooking time is 75%.Â
So, let's say you are supposed to bake a cake at 400 degrees for 1 hour. Then you would want to bake your cake with convection at 375 degrees for 1 hour – but set your timer to ping 45 minutes into the cooking process so you can check on the cake and prevent accidental burns.
How do you replace a wall oven in existing cabinets?
This is a tricky question and requires a great deal of explanation. To do this right, you should always hire an experienced installer. Depending on the project, you might also need to work with a carpenter, electrician, and plumber (for plumbed ovens) to make the cabinet cutout perfect to hold your new oven.
Wall ovens install into a dedicated cabinet opening. Unfortunately, there is no standard oven opening. When replacing a wall oven – it's always best to get the exact dimensions of your existing cabinet cutout as well as the opening requirements for your new oven. To figure out your existing cutout, you may need to have a professional uninstall your oven. Before shopping, it's also smart to look at your electrical box to make sure you have enough amps in the breaker to accommodate the new oven of your choice.
For more details about replacing an old wall oven in existing cabinets, make sure to consult with your appliance expert.