Many kitchens now feature a single 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. 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 wall ovens are generally sized for 27-inch and 30-inch cabinets,
while most gas wall 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. A built-in oven will often need to be specially ordered.
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.