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by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers
A wall oven or two can make a great addition to practically any kitchen, so don’t assume you have to stick to the basics when you design yours! Many people choose to pair a cooktop with their wall oven to cover everything a range offers, but those who regularly host or have large families may opt for a range to increase total cooking capacity. Whatever you have in mind, make sure to select the right appliance for your needs—here’s how different types of wall ovens compare!
Single Wall Ovens
They come in a wide range of sizes, so single wall ovens find themselves in everything from tiny studio apartments to grand luxury homes. Capacity is just one aspect, though—you’ll find they offer all sorts of features no matter their dimensions. Look for special modes that align with your needs—do you need a broiling element, convection for better baking, or a temperature probe to accurately monitor cooking without opening the door? How about app control that allows you to preheat remotely and give verbal directions through your virtual home assistant? When you start shopping, you will definitely see these things, and much more!
Owing to their smaller size compared to double and combination wall ovens, single wall ovens stand out as the most flexible choice when it comes to installation. You can put them in a wall or cabinetry, or under a countertop, if you prefer. This means you can decide where makes the most sense for your kitchen’s layout and your own accessibility needs. Many people have trouble bending down to move dishes in and out of a range or low oven, but you can install a single wall oven at your own perfect height.
Double Wall Ovens
You can always install two single wall ovens to increase your kitchen’s cooking capacity, but most people prefer having a two-in-one double wall oven instead. Not only does it look sleeker and take up less horizontal space, but it’s also more affordable overall. Most double wall ovens are 27 or 30 inches wide, stack two units of the same size, and offer the same wide range of features as single models, so they’re bigger and not necessarily better—unless you really need to crank up production or cook at different temperatures simultaneously.
If you decide to go with a double wall oven, pay attention to any top versus bottom specifics. Some models limit certain features to just one oven. For example, convection might only be available in the lower unit, which means you should use that oven for more even baking and let the top take less delicate tasks. Double wall ovens may also cost more to install in a wall/cabinetry due to their larger size, and you need to keep accessibility of both units in mind when deciding on the height. Most people place them well clear of the floor, so the lower oven is easier to reach down into than a range, but that could make the top oven hard to reach for shorter family members. Make sure to strike the right balance!
Combination Wall Ovens
Perhaps you’d like a two-in-one solution that includes microwave cooking? That’s what you’ll find in combination wall ovens—a smaller microwave oven on top of a conventional or convection oven. These models offer many of the same features as other wall ovens, but the top section can perform the work of a microwave or an oven as needed. Combination wall ovens have less capacity and take up less space than double wall ovens, and with their extra functionality, they also eliminate the need for a separate microwave. They cost the most to buy overall, but anybody who needs to consolidate appliances to get the most bang for their buck and kitchen space needn’t look any further.
If you’re in the market for a wall oven, explore all the options available from Whirlpool®, Maytag®, and KitchenAid®! These brands offer wonderful ovens for all budgets and kitchens. Are you looking for a standard model, or maybe one with smart capabilities? Conventional or convection cooking? Something programmed to give great results whether you’ve prepared dinner from scratch or need to cook from frozen? Browse the possibilities and you’re sure to find a wall oven that checks all your boxes!