Wall ovens are simple to understand. Just imagine cutting the oven part and placing it in a wall.
Over time, wall ovens have been simple to purchase. They had similar features throughout all the brands.
Wall Ovens 1940-2013
Originally, wall ovens fit 24 inch cabinets. Then they were improved to fit 27 inch and in 1990 30 inch wall ovens became the standard.
As with size, features were deployed and then copied. Jenn-Air was first with convection. Dacor was first with a 30 inch convection. Wolf changed cooking in 2000 adding a second fan and allowing you to cook different foods by automatically changing the speed of the fans.
Twin convection is now in Miele and Jenn-Air as well.
Wall Ovens 2013 to Now
With the widespread adoption of technology to simplify our lives (we never forget our phones, do we?). Wall ovens have started to solve cooking problems by adding slick interfaces and intuitive cooking modes.
Two of the earliest adopters are Dacor and Miele. We will look at the companies, the products and compare at the end. If you are considering a wall oven, then this will be informative. I have included videos of both as well.
Miele
Miele is a family-owned, family-run German company, founded in 1899. They’re recognized as the largest family owned appliance manufacturer in the world. Their slogan, “Forever Better”, was inscribed on the first products that the Miele founders produced.
Miele outsources very little. In fact, they still produce the components for their products, which contributes to their reputation for reliability.
Miele H6780BP2 ContourLine M Touch Double Convection Electric Wall Oven.
Price: $7,999.00
Miele has added to their already robust MasterChef controls. It allows you to select the appropriate program for the type of food you are cooking and the step by step instructions in the control panel display. In their respective Gourmet Center, the MasterChef programs allow for the preparation of cakes, pies, meats, fish dishes and desserts.
The MasterChef Plus lists programs for the preparation of bread with Moisture. This program also allows for saving your favorite meals to cook on the MasterChef panel. This is also known as My Miele.
Each step you need to take before beginning the program will appear in the display. Depending on the program selected, the following information or instructions will appear in the display: type of cookware, shelf level, using the wireless roast probe and duration.
The easy to use control features:
- ContourLine ComfortSwivel Handle - Moves with the motion of your wrist, creating a more ergonomic feel when opening and closing the oven door
- M-Touch Controls. M-Touch Controls are both easy to operate and navigate.
- An intuitive swipe of the screen will quickly lead you to your desired selection.
- CleanGlass Door. The flush inner door panel of this convection oven is completely smooth without nooks or crannies and therefore easy to clean. It also provides a safe surface to rest items on.
- 19 Operating Modes. Includes Moisture Plus (plumbed only) which increases the humidity in the oven optimizing the cooking of a variety of foods.
- MasterChef Plus - Fully functional automatic programs to create 15 different types of bread at home.
- MasterChef Menu offers over 100 food types to cook to perfection.
- Accessories Included: 1 Grilling and Roasting insert, 1 Wireless roast probe, 2 PerfectClean universal trays, 2 Self-clean ready PerfectClean FlexiClips rack, 1 PerfectClean perforated baking tray, 6 Self-clean ready PerfectClean wire racks
- More Features
- Sabbath Program
- Favorites - up to 20 recipes
- Soft Open and Soft Close for easier handling
- TwinPower Fans provide optimum and even distribution of hot air
Dacor
Dacor is another family owned company and based in California. They have introduced many product firsts including the 30" PureConvection, self-cleaning built-in wall Oven, released in 1987. Other industry firsts included the first cooktop with continuous grates and the first professional range with sealed burners. Today, Dacor continues to lead with advanced product engineering, setting product design and technology.
Dacor has adapted to the “smart world” and the calling for “information at a touch”, with their control panel interface. With another industry first, Dacor’s Discovery iQ, blends technology and performance to deliver a unique cooking experience. The integrated and intuitive Android interface provides home chefs with access to the Dacor iQ Cooking App.
Dacor DYO230FS Double Wall Oven
Price: $7,499.00
The easy to use control features:
- Exclusive Built-In Electronic Control Panel powered by Google's intuitive Android™ OS is elegantly designed to include a glass touch panel and a 7" LCD multi touch-screen for enhanced graphics display and simple navigation with the swipe of a finger.
- Dacor's Proprietary Discovery iQ™ Cooking Application is easy to use and is pre-programmed with a variety of cooking options such as:
- Guided Cooking - A pre-programmed guide of popular dishes preset to eliminate the guesswork associated with cooking times.
- Quick Start - Adjusts the temperature and cook time of each oven manually.
- My Modes - Allows the user to program and store custom cooking presets.
- Dehydrate Mode - An easy and efficient way to dehydrate raw whole fresh foods, preserving the natural nutritional value and taste without using artificial preservatives.
- Integrated WiFi Connectivity offers a convenient way to update the iQ application and access the internet including other third party applications available through the Google® Play Store.
- Bluetooth® Technology allows for a wireless connection between Bluetooth enabled devices.
- Exclusive Four-Part Pure Convection™ System (in each oven cell) with fan, convection heating element (2200W), air baffle and convection filter, reduces cooking time, provides superior heat distribution, and eliminates flavor transfer.
- 4.8 Cubic Feet Oven Cell Capacity to accommodate large dishes and meals.
- GreenClean™ steam cleaning technology cleans light built-up in 30 minutes without the use of high heat or harsh chemicals.
- Hidden Bake Element for easy clean up.
- RapidHeat™ Broil Element (3500W) uses an 8-pass radiant ribbon element to broil food quickly and evenly with an almost infinite range of temperatures.
- 10 Cooking Modes (in each oven): Pure Convection™, Pure Convection Sear, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Convection Roast, Surround Bake, Bake, Broil, MAX Broil and Roast.
- Digital Temperature Probe connects to controls and switches oven into Automatic Hold when desired internal food temperature is reached.
- Jet Black Porcelain Oven Cell won't discolor.
- 7 Rack Positions in each oven for multi-rack cooking.
- 4 GlideRacks™ fully extend out of the oven using a smooth gliding ball bearing system. Equipped with a convenient handle in front for moving heavier dishes in and out of the oven easily.
- Control Features: Delay Timed Cooking, Timed Cooking, Automatic Hold, 10-Key Pad, Clock, Two Timers
- Dehydrate and Proof settings for more advanced culinary enthusiasts.
- Automatic Hold switches oven into a keep warm mode when desired cook time is complete so you won't overcook your food.
- Reverse Air Flow Cooling System keeps oven door temperature comfortable to touch.
- Designed and Manufactured in California
Let's look at their control panel functionality
Dacor vs. Miele Wall Ovens
Along with Wolf, both are considered the most technology forward products. I would consider both, but for different reasons.
Dacor has the App. It is the only wall oven to alert you when the cycle is complete. If you are out of the house, it is also valuable to be able to control the oven remotely. Surfing the internet for recipes is of limited value, because you can do the same on your phone. Playing Pandora on your oven is cool, but you probably do that already on another device.
Miele does not have the wireless technology like Dacor yet. However, I like their controls a tad better, because they are so easy and intuitive. The steam assist is also a great feature. You can bake 16 different types of bread automatically, because steam is important for hardening crusts.
I also like Miele's reliability, and Dacor is improving. Their new President (also a family member) seems to understand the importance of customer satisfaction in a social media world.
Which is Better?
Question is: Which is better, for you? I think both have merits. Miele will allow you to do more with better results. Dacor may be better for a busier lifestyle.
Recommended Reads
Additional Resources
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