The Basics: Ovens

Many kitchens now feature a wall oven in combination with a cooktop instead of a range, and some even have a wall oven in addition to a range. Available in standard and convection types, wall ovens can be built into the wall, a large cabinet or under the counter.

A standard electric wall oven operates with two radiant elements, one in the top and one in the bottom. The more costly convection ovens operate by utilizing a fan to circulate hot air. Convection ovens provide more even browning for baking and faster roasting, which seals in juices and prevents drying out of meats. Gas models are also available.

Wall ovens come in single or double configurations, or in combination with a microwave. Electric ovens are generally sized for 27-inch and 30-inch cabinets, while most gas ovens will fit 24-inch, 27-inch or 30-inch cabinets. In kitchens with limited space, 30-inch wall ovens are designed for placement directly under many cooktops. Be sure to shop with accurate cabinet measurements, as a proper fit is essential.

How to Shop

When shopping for a wall oven, look for convenience features that are important to you. Self-cleaning is the one of the most popular options, as it will clean the oven cavity without the need for scrubbing. Some models will even let you determine cleaning duration, which is much more convenient than having your oven unavailable for an extended cleaning period. Electronic touchpad controls are easy to use and provide for simple oven operation. Multiple rack positions allow you to best take advantage of the available oven capacity. A frameless glass oven door offers a stylish design that blends seamlessly into existing cabinetry.

Other popular features for wall ovens include large viewing windows, extra shelves, removable doors, timers, and various styles of lighting. Some versatile ovens will allow you to select a broil temperature other than 500 degrees. Many gas ovens also offer top broiling.

The selection of built-in ovens is usually better at an appliance store or design center. Other stores may display only a model or two, or they may offer catalogs to view. A built-in oven will often need to be specially ordered. At one popular retailer's website, a recent cost survey showed a staggering difference between the least expensive electric wall oven model and the most expensive one. With a 27-inch electric single wall oven, the most expensive model in a single manufacturer's lineup was 205 percent more expensive than the least expensive model. For all manufacturers, the most expensive 27-inch electric single wall oven was 601 percent the price of the least expensive model--six times as expensive for the same type of product.

Wall ovens with the correct feature set can add value and convenience to a kitchen. If numerous people enjoy working in the kitchen, especially if two or more people cook at the same time, a wall oven can save time and space while increasing cooking convenience. If you entertain often, a wall oven can be used for cooking or warming. In addition, a wall oven can be placed at a more accessible height than an oven in a range, making oven cooking a lot easier.