Is your kitchen in need of an upgrade? Do you find yourself wishing for more oven capacity and better functionality? Installing a wall oven could be the perfect solution. Wall ovens free up precious counter space, provide superior baking and roasting capabilities, and allow for more flexible kitchen layouts. With the right design and planning, wall ovens can completely transform your cooking experience. Read on to learn how to make your kitchen sizzle with the addition of a stylish and functional wall oven.
Benefits of Having a Wall Oven
Wall ovens offer several advantages over traditional range ovens. By choosing to install your oven separately into a custom wall space, you gain:
- More cooking capacity – Many wall ovens are double the size of range ovens, giving you extra space for large dishes and batches of cookies or casseroles.
- Ability to cook at multiple temperatures – With double wall ovens, you can roast meats at high heat in one oven while slowly simmering side dishes in the other.
- Great for entertaining – The extra capacity makes whipping up dishes for a whole dinner party easy.
- Removes range to free up counter space – By separating your cooktop and oven, you can maximize your counter space for meal prep.
- Easier access – Wall ovens are installed at a convenient height so you don’t have to bend down to use them.
With features like convection cooking, warming drawers, and self-cleaning modes, it’s easy to see why more and more homeowners are choosing to install wall ovens over traditional ranges.
Wall Oven Design Options
If you’ve decided a wall oven is right for your kitchen, it’s time to explore the design possibilities. Wall ovens come in a range of styles, sizes, and installation configurations to suit your needs.
Built-In Wall Ovens
Fully integrated, built-in wall ovens are installed so they are flush with your cabinetry for a streamlined look. The oven’s faceplate aligns perfectly with the surrounding cabinet surfaces, creating a unified appearance. Built-ins require some carpentry work to construct the proper housing and support structures within your wall.
Single vs Double Wall Ovens
The most basic decision is whether you want a single oven or double oven configuration. Here are some factors to consider:
- Single ovens work well for most households and take up less space. They can be installed in as little as 27 inches of wall space.
- Double ovens give you extra capacity and the ability to cook different dishes at varying temperatures simultaneously. However, they require extensive cabinet modifications and take up more real estate.
- If you regularly cook large meals or love to bake, double ovens could be ideal. For those with smaller families who mainly need a basic oven, a single oven will suffice.
Aesthetic Options
Today’s wall ovens allow you to select finishes that coordinate with your overall kitchen design:
- Stainless steel for a sleek, modern look
- Matte and glossy black for a bold, sophisticated style
- White/bisque for a classic, clean appearance
- Custom cabinet paneling to match existing cabinets
You can also choose between a solid or glass oven door. Glass doors allow you to monitor cooking progress without opening the oven and letting heat escape. For safety, opt for a cool-touch glass door that remains safe to touch during operation.
Additionally, select a handle design that aligns with your kitchen’s aesthetics, from minimalist to more ornate and traditional.
Oven Functions
Look for a wall oven loaded with features and settings that let you cook with precise control:
- Convection modes – Circulating hot air cooks food fast and evenly. Many ovens offer convection bake and roast settings.
- Convection conversion – Automatically converts standard cook times to convection settings.
- Proofing mode – Creates the warm, draft-free environment needed for dough to rise.
- Self-cleaning – Uses high heat to incinerate spills and grease inside the oven so you don’t have to scrub.
- Probe thermometers – Inserted into meat for monitoring exact internal temperatures.
- Smart oven WiFi – Remotely monitor oven via smartphone and receive alerts when food is ready.
Planning Your Wall Oven Installation
To ensure your wall oven works safely and effectively, careful planning is required for the installation. Here are the key factors to address:
Electrical and Gas Considerations
Verify that your electrical or gas supply can support your new oven:
- Electrical ovens require a 240-volt circuit protected by a 40 or 50 amp breaker.
- Dual fuel ovens need a 240v electrical hookup and a gas line that meets BTU requirements.
- Permits may be required for electrical and gas work. Have a qualified technician assess needs.
Cabinet Design and Prep
Cabinets must be designed to properly integrate your new built-in oven:
- Wall ovens are typically 27-30 inches wide and stand at a standard height of 84 inches.
- Integrated models require precise cutout dimensions for a flush fit.
- Shelves, support platforms, or brackets may be needed to safely hold the oven’s weight.
- Proper ventilation around oven is critical.
Cost Breakdown
Be sure to budget for all aspects of your oven installation project:
- Wall oven appliance: $2,000 – $5,000+ depending on features and double vs. single configuration
- Cabinet modifications: $500 – $2,000+ for cutouts, structural work
- Electrical/gas work: $200 – $500 per required upgrade
- Installation fees: $200+ for connection and wiring of oven
Some homeowners choose to install their wall oven themselves to save on labor. However, unless you have experience with both carpentry and electrical work, professional installation is strongly recommended for proper function and safety.
Tips for Cooking with Your Wall Oven
Once your stylish new wall oven is installed, it’s time to start cooking! Use these tips to get the most out of your appliance:
- Refer to manufacturer guidelines for recommended racks to use for baking or broiling.
- Take advantage of your double ovens by assigning different dishes to each oven.
- Monitor cooking progress by using the internal light rather than opening the door.
- For double ovens, avoid opening both doors simultaneously, which can lead to electronics failure over time.
- Use aluminum foil to help disperse hot air and speed up cooking for baked goods.
- Invest in pans sized to maximize oven capacity.
By incorporating a wall oven into your kitchen design, you gain premium cooking capabilities, expanded capacity, and an elegant, integrated look. Take time to review the many oven options available and choose professional installers. With strategic planning and placement, your new wall oven will deliver convenience, versatility, and years of culinary creativity. Give fresh life to your meals and home cooking by letting a wall oven help you sizzle up feasts with ease.
