November 3rd, 2023 | 6 min. read
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You can install a cooktop over a wall oven most of the time.
However, you will have limitations.
In this article, you will learn if and how to place a cooktop over a wall oven.
But the first question is why?
Disclaimer: This article is set for standard cabinets. Shorter ADA installations will change the recommendations. Also, you can do more in a custom kitchen, such as raising the countertop height, especially if you are a taller individual.
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The Pros and Cons of Choosing a Cooktop and Wall Oven Over a Traditional Range
Pros
Aesthetics
I don't normally talk about style because looks are your call. That said, wall ovens and cooktops allow you to run your countertop and toe kicks uninterrupted, like in the photos above.
Cleanability
With wall ovens and cooktops, you don't have that seam on either side to trap food, especially liquids.
Wall oven Features
Wall ovens and cooktops typically have better functionality than ranges, with better controls and guided cooking programs than ranges.
Small Sizes
You can't buy a small 24-inch range with decent features. European brands like Miele and Gaggenau manufacture stellar 24-inch appliances.
Cons
Price
Cooktops and wall ovens are more expensive than a range. The difference can be substantial.
30" Induction Cooktop ($3,499)
Miele 30" Black Induction Cooktop
30-Inch Wall Oven ($6,499)
Miele 30" Clean Touch Steel Convection Oven
Miele 30-Inch Range ($8,599)
Miele 30" Clean Touch Steel Freestanding Dual Fuel Natural Gas Range
Installation
You may want to think again if you have an existing range and want to swap to a cooktop and wall oven.
The whole area will need to be rebuilt. The countertop needs to be redesigned in the front to accommodate a cooktop. Then, you will need a new toe kick at the bottom to support the wall oven.
Electrical and plumbing could also be different, depending on the existing range versus the new cooktop and wall oven.
Now, let's look at each type of cooktop: Rangetops, then electric, induction, and gas.
Overview of Wall Oven and Rangetop Combinations
Can You Place a Wall Oven Under a Rangetop?
Rangetops are high-performance cooktops that feature professional-grade burners. Think of rangetops as the top half of a professional range, while cooktops are the top of a regular stove.
Understanding Cooktops and Rangetops
Cooktops vs. Rangetops
Grills, griddles, and French tops are not available in a cooktop but can be found in a rangetop.
Cooktops have only one or two power burners with no grill, griddle, or French top functionality.
How Cooktops and Rangetops Are Installed
The cabinet also supports rangetops, while the cooktop is cut into the countertop.
Cooktops typically have a height of 3-4 inches, while rangetops are over 8 inches tall.
You can always install a warming drawer underneath most rangetops.
Compatibility and Installation Guides
Compatibility of Placing Cooktops Over Wall Ovens by Brand
This is a good starting place. This chart is based on models and specifications.
Compatibility Chart
|
30'' Gas |
36'' Gas |
30'' Electric |
36'' Electric |
30'' Induction |
36'' Induction |
|
|
Bosch |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
yes |
|
Dacor |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Electrolux |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Frigidaire |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Gaggenau |
yes |
yes |
n/a |
n/a |
yes |
yes |
|
GE |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Jenn-Air |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
KitchenAid |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Miele |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Thermador |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
yes |
|
Viking |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Wolf |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Yes, you can place a cooktop over a wall oven (except in limited instances).
Specifics of Cooktop and Wall Oven Pairing
Electric Cooktops
Can You Place an Electric Cooktop Over a Wall Oven?
An electric cooktop is the easiest to place over a wall oven. Typically, electric cooktops are the shortest, so you have more room between the wall oven and the cooktop.
The cable (power source) has multiple locations for an outlet. It's harder when mixing brands.
Induction Cooktops
Can You Place an Induction Cooktop Over a Wall Oven?
This is curious. Induction cooktops are not much taller than an electric one.
However, the Bosch, Thermador, and Bosch brands do not allow their induction cooktops to be placed over a wall oven.
In the old days, you couldn't because induction cooktops required extra ventilation below the unit.
Not every induction cooktop fits, so be careful when installing an induction cooktop over-wall ovens from different manufacturers.
Gas Cooktops
Can You Place a Gas Cooktop Over a Wall Oven?
Gas cooktops are a bit taller than electric or induction cooktops. They don't have a power cord; instead, it's a gas pipe.
The gas pipe can limit your options because the location differs by brand. We recommend staying with the same manufacturer, especially in gas.
Usually, a manufacturer will fit a cut-out in the wall oven to accommodate the gas piping for their particular cooktop, like the GE gas cooktop featured above in the second slide.
However, this is not a guarantee.
In one of the comments below, a homeowner is having issues with a BlueStar cooktop and another company's wall oven.
When you mix brands, the gas valve does not line up with the wall oven most of the time, so installation will be compromised.
Advanced Installation Considerations
Cooktop, Downdraft, and Wall Oven Combinations
Can You Fit a Cooktop, Downdraft, And Wall Oven in the Same Cabinet?
Yes, but I would not attempt the combination without looking at a technical drawing and installation manual.
The specs call for deeper cabinets, especially when installing a range. You may have to install the motor remotely or in a separate cabinet.
There are three reasons why downdrafts are not a good choice for ventilation:
- No Capture Area - Effective kitchen ventilation needs a large capture area to contain and expel the substantial heat, grease, and odors produced by cooking. While restaurant hoods provide this expansive space, a downdraft system typically offers only a narrow two-inch slot at the unit's top. That’s not enough.
- Longer Venting Requirements - Downdraft ventilation systems, which require longer venting paths, are less efficient for stovetops as they struggle against the natural rise of heat and smoke.
- Restrictive Transitions - The design of downdraft systems often includes bends in the ductwork, such as elbows, which impede the static flow and diminish the exhaust's effectiveness. This makes them less reliable in maintaining a clear, smoke-free kitchen environment.
Final Advice for Cooktop and Wall Oven Installations
Can You Place a Cooktop Over a Wall Oven?
In many cases, a cooktop can be installed above a wall oven within the typical 34–35-inch cabinetry.
However, it is essential to take precise measurements rather than make assumptions, particularly when combining appliances from different brands, as highlighted by the comments below.
It may look better than a conventional range, but it's important to review the specifications carefully before proceeding.
Additionally, when replacing an existing range, consider the costs and the challenge of securing skilled professionals for installation.
Lastly, you must check reviews of any installation services before renovating your kitchen.
FAQS
Additional Resources
Read our Induction Cooking Buying Guide for features, buying tips, and ratings of every available induction cooking product in the market. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide. Induction is our most popular.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
