Types of Cooking Appliances – Wall Ovens

Wall ovens also known as built-in ovens slide into kitchen cabinets or an opening in the wall. They are available in both gas and electric models but electric is more common and will offer many more choices.

source: Maytag Maytag, Model KGCU484VSS

source: Whirlpool Whirlpool, Model GBD309PVS

Oven Sizes

Wall ovens usually come either as a single or a double oven and are available in 24”, 27”, 30” and even 36” widths. The height of your oven(s) will depend on whether you choose a single model or a double model. Because heights can vary depending on the model, it’s extremely important to take careful measurements of your space if you are replacing an existing appliance.

Capacities usually range from 2.8 cubic feet to 5 cubic feet, but rather than judge the oven size by the cubic feet listed, it’s best to see the oven interior to really get a feel for the size. An oven might list a large cubic foot capacity but the interior layout of shelves and heating elements could affect the useable space. Consider the size of your baking pans, roasters and casseroles along with the ovens interior configuration when considering what size oven will work best for you.

Convection Ovens

When it comes to the cooking method of your oven, the most basic or conventional models rely on one or two heating elements to warm the chamber. Convection ovens offer faster and more even cooking than conventional models, making them the number one choice.

Convection works by using fans located at the back of the oven to circulate the hot air, keeping the oven at a more constant and even temperature. Because the fan continuously circulates hot air around the food, dishes cook more rapidly and at a lower temperature, helping to retain their flavor and moisture.

One thing to keep in mind is that the interior cavity of a convection oven may be smaller than a standard oven because the fan takes up some space.

Steam Ovens

Steam ovens are becoming more popular especially with more health conscious consumers. Steam cooking is a gentler, healthier way of cooking because it helps to retain more vitamins and minerals than any other cooking method. Steam ovens can cook less fatty meats without drying them out, or they can bake super moist bread. Steams ovens cook faster too. Really the only disadvantage to steam ovens is that they don’t brown well, so you may need to pre brown meats and pop your baked goods in a conventional oven to give them that golden color.

Microwave Convection Combination

Some double ovens are available with a combination microwave – convection oven as the top oven. This combination oven can be used as a microwave or a convection oven and is a great way to get the flexibility of two ovens and a microwave in one space.

Options and Special Features to Consider:

Digital Display/ Electronic Controls: Provides easier to read controls and allows for more-precise temperature settings.

Programmable / Smart controls: Programmable timing options such as delay and time-bake cycles allow you to preset your oven and start and stop whenever you want.

Culinary Guides: Some ovens with digital technology feature food specific guides that offer advice on cooking times, cooking temperatures, even pan and rack selections.

Convection Cooking: Often included in higher-priced models, both gas and electric, the convection oven will cook your food faster and more evenly.

Trivection/Speed Cook: A microwave feature in some electric ovens that speeds cooking. Trivection uses three technologies: thermal heating, convection, and microwaves to reduce cooking time.

Multiple Broil Settings: Allows you to broil different types of food at optimal temperatures.

Large Multi-Loop Bake Element: A longer multi-loop element, in the bottom of the oven, releases heat more evenly for better baking results in convection ovens.

Hidden Bake Element: Hidden below the oven floor, so spills are easier to clean up.

Temperature Probe: Electronically tracks the progress and internal temperature of your food.

Automatic Hold Feature: Maintains food at a safe temperature for up to two hours.

12-hour Shutoff: Many ovens are equipped with an integrated twelve hour shut-off safety device. This feature automatically shuts the oven off after it has been left on for 12 hours.

Sabbath Mode: Allows override of the twelve hour shut-off, making it possible to keep cooked foods warm on the Sabbath or to use the range during religious holidays for cooking and warming food. This feature disengages tones, timer beeps and displays.

Child Lockout: Lets you lock the oven the control panel and is recommended for households with children.

Multiple Racks & Positions: Multiple racks that are adjustable offer more flexibility when baking and broiling. Look for smooth glide operation of racks as well.

Self-Cleaning: Uses high heat to clean your oven by burning off spills and splatters. Safety features include automatic door lock when the cycle is activated and then unlocked when it is done. Some models include a countdown timer which informs you how much time is left until the cycle is finished.

Continuous-Clean Oven: Oxidizes dirt during normal cooking. It doesn't clean as completely as a self clean mode, but it avoids the need for special high-temperature cleaning cycles.

Larger Oven Windows: Allows you to easily see the contents of the oven without opening the door.

Pricing Considerations for Wall Ovens:

You should plan on spending around $600 to $900 for the most basic single wall oven, with gas ovens being a little less expensive than electric. Single wall ovens with convection cooking can run anywhere from $1000 to $3500 and more.

Double wall ovens can start around $1200 for a basic model and as much as $4000 or more for double ovens with top of the line features.

Steam ovens are usually more expensive, starting around $2500 for a single wall oven with steam cooking.

The more special features and options you choose, the higher the price, so it’s important to evaluate which features you can’t live without and which you can.