Wall Ovens

Wall Oven Buying Guide

Wall ovens offer lots of flexibility that you won’t find in a range. They can be installed on just about any wall in your kitchen, and at any height, so you don’t have to bend over to place a roast into the cavity. 

The majority of wall ovens are electric, and that’s what we test. In our evaluations of ranges, we generally find that electric ovens perform slightly better than gas, particularly at broiling. Plus, you don’t need gas or propane service at your house to install one—an electrician can run an electric line to anywhere in your kitchen, typically for a few hundred dollars. 

What You Need to Know

Available wall oven widths are 24, 27, 30, and 36 inches. The most common are 30 inches wide, so that’s what we test. If you’re replacing a wall oven, it’s crucial that you measure the wall oven and the cabinet cutout before you shop.

Fuel
Electric wall ovens are overwhelmingly the most popular type.  

Capacity
Of the single wall ovens we tested, usable capacity scores (which differ from the figure supplied by the manufacturer) range from Fair to Excellent. The smallest in our tests is about 2 cubic feet, and the largest is more than 3 cubic feet.

Wall Oven Ratings

Wall Oven Types

Most sold are 30-inch-wide electric models, and that’s what we test. They come with single or double ovens. With a model in mind, check the manufacturer’s online manual to find exact cutout dimensions for the wall oven.

A single wall oven

Single Wall Oven

Make sure that the controls are easy to see and reach, and that the door is at a height that prevents unnecessary bending. 

Wall Oven Ratings
A double wall oven

Double Wall Oven

Having two ovens lets you simultaneously prepare different foods at different temperatures. 

Wall Oven Ratings

Wall Oven Features

The more features on a wall oven the higher the price. However, some of these features boost safety and convenience. 

A lockout control for a cooktop.

Control Lockout

Lets you disable the oven controls. Recommended for households with children.

Photo: KitchenAid
A cook time/delay feature.

Cook Time/Delay

It lets you select times for the oven to start and stop cooking, but there are very few foods you'd want to put in a cold oven and let sit until the delayed start. 

An oven with French doors.

Side-Swing and French Doors

The first is a single door with hinges on one side. French-door models (shown) have two doors that separate in the middle and open outward. Both types prevent you from having to reach over an open door to retrieve that 30-pound turkey.

Photo: GE
A convection fan in an oven.

Convection

Many midpriced and higher-priced wall ovens have one or more convection fans that circulate hot air, which can reduce cooking time for some foods.

A variable broil feature.

Variable Broil

Most electric and some gas ovens have it. This feature offers adjustable settings for broiled foods that need slower or faster cooking, instead of only "on" (typically 500° F) and "off."

Photo: Kenmore

Wall Oven Brands

Bosch GE Jenn-Air KitchenAid Miele Thermador Viking Whirlpool Wolf Other Brands
This higher-end brand offers a full selection of German-engineered kitchen appliances.
This midlevel, mass-market brand sells a variety of appliances. The line includes wall ovens priced from $1,000. The appliances are sold through Sears, home centers, and independent appliance retailers. GE Profile: This midlevel, mass-market line includes wall ovens priced from $1,000. GE Monogram: This higher-end line offers electric wall ovens priced from $1,500. Monogram appliances are usually sold through independent appliance retailers.
The cooking line from this higher-end brand includes electric wall ovens starting at $1,500. The appliances are sold through Sears, home centers, and independent appliance retailers.
This high-end brand sells electric wall ovens priced from $1,500. KitchenAid appliances are sold through Sears, home centers, and independent appliance retailers.
This luxury appliance maker sells electric wall ovens priced from $1,500. The appliances are sold through independent appliance retailers.
This luxury brand sells electric wall ovens priced from $1,500. The appliances are sold through independent appliance retailers.
This luxury brand sells electric wall ovens priced from $1,500. Viking is considered the original pro-style brand. The company adds premium features to its ovens and cooktops, and offers the Professional and Designer series, both sold through independent appliance retailers.
This midlevel, mass-market brand sells wall ovens that cost $1,000 to $1,500. The appliances are sold through home centers and independent appliance retailers.
This luxury brand sells electric wall ovens priced from $2,000. Wolf targets consumers who want a pro look and high performance. These appliances are sold through independent appliance retailers.
Other brands to consider include Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Maytag.
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