Gaggenau vs. Wolf Wall Ovens
February 18th, 2014 | 8 min. read
Gaggenau and Wolf are the two best wall ovens you can buy.
But which is better?
If there were an easy answer, we would not display both brands.
Both are excellent.
In this article, you will learn the features and possible issues. Ultimately, you can decide which wall oven is best for you and how you cook.
Let's dive in.
Gaggenau
Gaggenau is the premium brand of the BSH Corporation.
I sold Gaggenau in the 1980s when they were a German brand selling small 24-inch ovens and larger 36-inch pizza ovens.
That changed when BSH bought Gaggenau.
Their styling differs in a sea of wall ovens; Gaggenau is distinct.
Their controls are different; even the way the door opens from the side is different.
Gaggenau is a German brand made in France.
Both have steam and microwaves, but this article focuses on wall ovens.
Gaggenau Wall Oven Models
Gaggenau has several wall ovens in their 400 and 200 Series.
They have two 30-inch wall ovens with different hinges and two 24-inch hinges. Then, you have two double ovens with one hinge left and one hinge right.
Gaggenau 400 Series Wall Ovens
Gaggenau 200 Series Wall Ovens
BX280611
Gaggenau 200 series double oven
Stainless steel-backed full glass door
Width 30"
BX281611
Gaggenau 200 series double oven
Stainless steel-backed full glass door
Width 30"
The 200 Series is just 24-inch style wall ovens with fewer features and modes at 13 versus 17 for the 400 series.
Gaggenau 36-Inch Wall Oven
The EB333 is Gaggenau's signature wall oven in a 36-inch size. The door weighs 44 pounds, yet it is simple: open and close.
You have the same options as the 400 Series in a larger oven.
Features of Gaggenau Wall Ovens:
- Side opening: Side-opening doors allow you to access your food more effectively. You are in the oven in a side opening versus a fold-down door. You don't have to lift that heavy roast or bird over a fold-down door.
- TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Controls: It is easy once you understand that one dial is mode, and the other is for precise temperature
- Cooking Modes: Gaggenau has 17 cooking modes. 17. I didn't know there were more than 10, but I am not a chef
- Catalytic System: Filters grease and odors
- Temperature Probe: Measures the temperature to one degree
- Smart Functionality: You can control the oven and access recipes through Bosch's HomeConnect App
Oven Modes:
- Convection: This mode circulates hot air around the oven for cooking. It's great for baking and roasting.
- Top and Bottom Heat: This mode uses upper and lower heating elements, ideal for traditional baking and roasting.
- Bottom Heat: This mode uses only the lower heating element, perfect for recipes that need more heat from the bottom, like pizzas. You have an optional pizza accessory as well.
- Top Heat: This mode uses only the upper heating element suitable for browning or finishing dishes.
- Broil: This mode uses the broil element for quick cooking and browning the tops of dishes.
- Convection + Bottom Heat: This combines convection with bottom heat, ensuring a crispy base while the food is cooked evenly.
- Convection + 1/3 Bottom Heat: This mode combines convection with reduced bottom heat for gentle baking.
- Convection Broil: This mode combines convection and broiling, perfect for cooking through and browning simultaneously.
- Pizza Setting: This mode ensures a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
- Bread Baking: This mode creates the perfect environment for baking bread, ensuring a crispy crust and soft inside. Note: You can't add Steam like Miele
- Slow Cooking: This mode cooks food at a low temperature over a long period, which is great for tenderizing meats.
- Keep Warm: This mode keeps food warm without continuing to cook it.
- Proofing: This mode creates the ideal environment for yeast doughs to rise.
- Defrost: This mode gently defrosts food.
- Rotisserie: This mode allows for rotisserie cooking, perfect for evenly roasted meats.
- Grilling: This mode uses meats, vegetables, or other dishes.
- Drying: This mode is perfect for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, or meats.
Wolf
Wolf Appliance Inc. is Sub-Zero's corporate companion and is the largest American family-owned appliance company (second overall to Miele).
In the late 1990s, Wolf Appliance became a residential line of appliances by Sub-Zero, acquiring some patent rights and a few products from the Wolf Commercial range company based out of California.
Wolf is now the top-selling luxury cooking brand in the US.
Like Gaggenau, Wolf is different, with a unique convection cooking system and user-friendly controls.
Wolf is made in the US.
Wolf Wall Oven Models
Wolf has two series, the M and E. Then, you have three styles: Professional, Transitional, and Contemporary.
You can buy both series in single and double wall ovens, as well.
The M Series
DO3050CM/S
Wolf 30" M Series Contemporary Stainless Steel Built-In Double Oven
Features of Wolf's M Series Wall Ovens:
Dual VertiCross System
- Even Heat Distribution: This system uses two corner column fans and high-intensity heating elements to provide consistent heat across all racks, ensuring even cooking and baking results.
- Faster Preheat: The oven preheats quickly, helping save time.
Multiple Cooking Modes
- Gourmet Mode: Automatically adjusts cooking settings based on the type of food. You input the type of food and weight; the oven calculates the time, temperature, and even the rack position.
- You have access to 50 different recipes through the Gourmet App.
- Convection Modes: Includes different convection modes for various cooking needs, such as baking, roasting, and broiling.
- Specialized Cooking Modes: Modes like dehydration and proofing are available for specific culinary tasks.
Advanced Controls
- Touchscreen Controls: Intuitive touchscreen interface for easy operation.
- Customizable Settings: You can adjust and save your preferred cooking settings.
- Remote Operation: Some models may offer remote operation capabilities through a mobile app.
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Provides precise temperature readings of your food, ensuring it is perfectly cooked.
- Wi-Fi functionality: You have smart functionality through your phone.
Quality Construction
- Stainless Steel Interior: Durable, easy-to-clean interior.
- Stylish Design: Available in different styles to match any kitchen design, including Professional, Transitional, and Contemporary.
- Soft-Open and Soft-Close Door: Ensures smooth and quiet operation.
E Series
Feature Differences of Wolf E Series Wall Ovens
- Twin Convection: Although not as advanced as the M series wall ovens, Wolf's twin convection differs from the other brands. The fans operate independently to maintain an even temperature throughout the oven.
Wolf vs. Gaggenau Wall Ovens
Gaggenau |
Wolf | |
Brand Origin |
German brand, made in France |
American family-owned, made in the US |
Product Lines |
400 and 200 Series |
M and E Series |
Oven Sizes |
24-inch, 30-inch, and 36-inch |
Various sizes with different series |
Door Style |
Side-opening doors |
Professional, Transitional, and Contemporary |
Controls |
TFT with one dial for mode and one for temperature |
Touchscreen and customizable settings |
Cooking Modes |
17 modes including specialized ones |
10 modes with Gourmet App for 50 recipes |
Unique Features |
Catalytic system, temperature probe, smart functionality through HomeConnect App |
Dual VertiCross™ system, advanced controls, specialized cooking modes |
Design Style |
Distinct, one style |
Three styles to match different kitchen designs |
Warranty and Service |
2-year warranty, excellent service in Boston area |
2-year warranty, 5-year limit on parts, exceptional service |
Special Functions |
Rotisserie, grilling, drying |
Dehydration, proofing, integrated temperature probe |
Temperature Precision |
Measures to one degree |
Measures in five-degree increments |
Smart Features |
HomeConnect App |
Remote operation via mobile app |
Construction |
Stainless steel interior, heavy-duty doors |
Stainless steel interior, soft-open and close door |
Accessibility |
Easier access to food with side-opening door |
Easy access with different door styles |
Cooking Technology |
Convection, top/bottom heat, broil, pizza setting |
Dual VertiCross™ system, convection modes, gourmet mode |
Now let's compare the Wolf M Series vs. Gaggenau 400 Series Wall Ovens.
Pull Down vs. Side-Swing Doors
Side-swing doors are better, in my opinion, because you have easier access to your food. In an island configuration, you will also have more room with a swing door for multiple chefs.
Controls
Gaggenau is easy to understand once you understand. You can control the oven within 1 degree. With Wolf, it is 5 degrees.
However, the Wolf is simple. You just add the food item and the weight. The wall oven calculates time, temperature, and even rack position.
Modes
Modes are where these brands diverge.
Gaggenau is an oven with 17 modes. Wolf has ten modes.
However, Gaggenau is a model-driven oven. If you want to proof bread, you have a mode for that and several other advanced modes for specialized cooking.
Wolf has all the main modes but is also menu-driven. It figures out what you want by inputs, while Gaggenau cannot.
Style
Gaggenau has one unique style, while Wolf has three styles for different applications. Gaggenau is edgier, while Wolf is a bit safer.
Warranty and Service
Wolf has a two-year warranty and a five-year limit on parts, while Gaggenau has two years only.
Yale services both brands in the Boston area.
Gaggenau is excellent for service, at least in this area.
Wolf is possibly the best. Then again, Wolf is family-owned. Family-owned companies take it a bit more seriously.
Interesting Story: I don't go on many dealer trips, but I went to Sub-Zero in 2003. The company's owner started to read service complaints to all the dealers assembled on stage.
I have never seen anything like it in my career, but the message was clear. Service is important. Treat it as such.
You should treat it as such by finding the best service in your area.
Wolf vs. Gaggenau Wall Ovens: Key Takeaways
You cannot make a bad choice with either. It depends on how you cook.
For the experienced chef, Gaggenau will give you more specialized modes, different heat profiles, and temperatures to allow you to cook differently.
Wolf, however, has plenty of modes and can calculate proper settings based on what you want.
Both are sophisticated, so also look at service availability in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about wall ovens.
What is the best brand for wall ovens?
The best brands depend on individual priorities such as reliability, functionality, and budget.
Read More: Best Wall Ovens
Are wall ovens smaller than regular ovens?
The size can vary, and while wall ovens are designed to fit into cabinetry and can be narrower, they can also accommodate large items like a turkey.
Read More: How to Buy a Wall Oven
What is the largest oven?
The largest wall oven varies by manufacturer, with many premium brands offering capacities of 5.0 to 6.0 cubic feet or more.
What are the most reliable wall oven brands?
The most reliable wall oven brands for 2023, based on over 33,000 service calls logged last year, are Café Appliances (3.3%), Bosch (4.2%), Miele (5.7%), and Thermador (6%).
Read More: The Most Reliable Wall Ovens
How Much Do Double Ovens Cost?
Double ovens start at $2,399 for a GE 30-inch with dual convection to $11,399 for the Gaggenau 30-inch electric double wall oven with 17 cooking modes and a look you will not find from any other manufacturer.
Which Is Better, a Wall Oven, Cooktop, or Range?
This question starts with your kitchen project. It determines your ventilation and your overall kitchen layout as well.
First, we have an article about your kitchen layout but let me briefly answer.
Ranges centralize your cooking in one area, so you never have to move from oven to stove. It uses less space than a cooktop and wall oven as well.
You should spend less money on a range than on a wall oven and cooktop.
Wall ovens are more ergometric, meaning you don't have to bend like a stove. You also have more choices and options, like steam in a wall oven, than a range.
Although I am not a fan of downdrafts, you can downdraft a cooktop far easier than a range.
You have different layout choices for both. You can place a wall oven anywhere in your kitchen, whereas you would need to centralize your stove.
Read More: How to Choose Between a Wall Oven and Cooktop vs. a Range
Additional Resources
Confused about Wall Ovens? Get the Yale Wall Oven Buying Guide with updated features, specs, and detailed profiles of the best brands like Miele, Wolf, Viking, Bosch, Thermador, and more. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.
Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the
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Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.
Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.
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