Last Updated 01/01/2024
In This Article:
- Ratings
- Built-in Cooking 101
- Gas vs. Electric
- Configurations
- Sizes
- Door Styles
- Price
- Specialty Ovens
For many shoppers, the wall oven and cooktop combination is the new standard in the kitchen, replacing the freestanding range with a setup that is completely customizable to a buyer’s personal tastes and needs. But flexibility requires an understanding of considerations in order to ensure the setup you choose optimizes how you cook and the potential of your kitchen. In this article, we’re going in-depth into wall ovens, including the sizes, configurations, and prices, plus a spotlight on the latest wall oven additions that will add more function to your kitchen.
Ratings
One of the best ways to get a pulse on an appliance is by reading real reviews. Verified reviews help to clarify what’s good and what’s not so good about an appliance, further determining whether a particular model is a right fit for your needs.
The following links feature top-rated ovens from each category:
- Top Rated Electric Single Ovens
- Top Rated Electric Double Ovens
- Top Rated Electric Combo Ovens
- Top Rated Gas Ovens
Keep in mind, its best to go into buyer reviews with an open mind. Statistics show buyers are more likely to leave a review about a negative experience than a positive one, and even one bad review can skew a product that has only a few ratings overall. In both situations, using best judgement and relating reviews to your personal needs is the best practice.
Built-in Cooking 101
As mentioned, a wall oven is almost always purchased to match a cooktop or rangetop as an alternative to a range, which features both a cooking surface and an oven all in a single package.
While it might seem having two appliances in one is preferred, built-in cooking appliances offer a few incentives:
- Built-in cooking appliances provide a sophisticated, clean look that is indicative of luxury.
- Built-in cooking appliances offer buyers the opportunity to customize a kitchen by installing each appliance in optimal zones, while allowing the inclusion of extra appliances, such as a multi-oven or multi-surface cooktop.
Keep in mind, the tradeoff to this flexibility is professional installation and the sufficient cooking space to house both appliances. Additionally, the cost of two separate appliances means a wall oven and cooktop combination will cost more than an all-in-one range.
Gas vs. Electric
By far and large, electric wall ovens are the more popular choice on the market for their ability to produce even, safe heat. That being said, there are still gas wall oven models available on the market, just far less options to choose from. Ultimately, most of the decision when dealing with a gas wall oven comes down to what fits in your current space. Meanwhile, the catalog of electric wall ovens is far more diverse with a variety of sizes and configurations, all which we’ll explore more below.
Wall Oven Configurations
Regardless of gas or electric, all wall ovens come in three main configurations: Single, double, or a combo wall oven, like in the visual below.
Single Wall Oven: The traditional wall oven with a single chamber. Depending on the model, these can be installed side-by-side to another wall oven for a customized double wall oven setup (more below).
Double Wall Oven: Two fully operational ovens stacked onto a single unit. Keep in mind, double wall ovens often come with the power of convection, but it’s usually dedicated to a single oven.
Combo Wall Oven: The newest configuration of the three, this option comes with a fully functional oven below and a built-in microwave above. Combo ovens have gained popularity since they provide a place for a microwave off of the countertop, and the included microwave often comes with upgraded features that essentially double oven space.
Wall Oven Sizes
If you have the wall space between 20 inches and 36 inches, there’s a wall oven model for you, but typically, the most commonly sold wall oven sizes are 27 inches and 30 inches, with the latter of the two being the overall top-seller.
That being said, size will vary between each configuration. For instance, single wall ovens are available in every size category, while double wall ovens are limited to 24, 27, and 30-inch options, and combo ovens to 27 and 30-inch models.
Door Styles
Everyone is familiar with the drop-down door from traditional ovens, but the latest trend is wall ovens with French doors or side swing doors. Here a two great examples of each feature.
Upon first glance, the two styles offer an undeniably unique look, but there’s more to the design than aesthetics. Notably, a door that opens away rather than directly in front of a user provides better access to the oven, which is an improved experience for every user, but particularly those who are on the lower end of the height spectrum.
Another benefit of the design is the ability to access even more customizable opportunities — specifically, side-by-side installation of wall ovens with side swing doors. As an alternative to the stacked configuration, many designers are now installing these models next to each other with opposing side-swing doors. This option provides two ovens that both provide the benefit of chest-height access, plus a one-of-a-kind look that is sure to be distinct from the neighbor’s setup. Take a look!
Keep in mind, the examples shown are the most common models available, meaning while the Bosch double wall oven comes with two side-swing doors, the Café model only features French doors on the upper oven. Still, since it’s a bottom oven, access becomes less of an issue.
Pricing
Naturally, pricing for wall ovens will vary vastly depending on the size, configuration, and the brand. With that in mind
- Single wall ovens typically cost around $1,100 to $1,200
- Double wall ovens typically cost around $1,800 to $2,200
- Combo wall ovens typically begin just under $3,000
Of course, these quotes are before sales and limited-time discounts, and prices can go up even more with luxury wall ovens — some even exceed $10,000 depending on the configuration and features.
Specialty Ovens
One of the more exciting parts of adding a wall oven to a kitchen is the option to include a specialty oven. Here are the most popular options on the market and the perks they bring to the setup.
Speed Ovens
With the ability to function like a standard microwave, plus the power to brown, bake, and broil like an oven, speed ovens have become a common addition to the wall oven layout for their practicality and performance. Previously mentioned, this option also frees the need for a countertop microwave, giving back even more workspace.
Steam Ovens
While technically a sub-type of the speed oven, steam ovens deserve their own shoutout for their differences that set them apart from traditional speed ovens.
For starters, steam ovens have caught on with health-conscious cooks since they allow users to prepare vegetables and delicate proteins without the need for oil and with better nutritional retention than cooking with high-heat methods. Additionally, steam recreate the bread ovens found in professional bakeries, allowing home cooks to create artisanal bread at home. And since steam is great at breaking down messes, the surfaces inside a steam oven is relatively easier to clean than traditional oven interiors.
Related: Learn 5 Benefits of Steam Cooking
Microwave Drawers
Designers of aspirational kitchens are finding even more ways to unlock all the space in a kitchen, and the latest is with microwave drawers. Installed right into cabinetry, these models also free up countertop space, and with the ability to install virtually anywhere (including under a cooktop), this alternative is a creative solution to adding more cooking potential into a kitchen.
As an added bonus, the design means every member of the home has equal access to the appliance, including little ones, but with child lockout features on many models, you can still control who may use the appliance.
Warming Drawers
Designed to fit at the bottom of a wall oven, warming drawers are less common now, but still provide convenience some buyers will enjoy. Generally, the main purpose of a warming drawer is to keep dishes ready-to-serve without over-drying the meal or stripping it of fresh flavor. Upgraded warming drawers are capable of even more, including proofing doughs or slow-cooking items. Or simply use a warming drawer as a place to warm up dinner plates for an elegant party.
Pairing with Cooktops
If visual appeal and a functional workflow in the kitchen is important to you, then a cooktop and wall oven layout is the prime configuration to suit your needs. For inspiration, check out these Top 5 Recommended Cooktop Wall Oven Combinations suggested by our experts.
For a full Cooktop Guide, Click here: Cooktop Buying Guide
Shop Cooking at Grand Appliance and TV
For the best variety of Ranges, Wall Ovens and Cooktops for your dream kitchen, shop Grand Appliance and TV! Home of reliable appliances from brands you know and trust, our catalog includes options from Clearance to luxury, to in-stock items ready to ship or pick up at a location near you.
Explore our savings online, by phone at 888-396-8165, or at one of our 28 appliance showrooms near you, including locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and the Green Bay.