You might think buying a wall oven is easy; it's just an oven without burners, after all.
However, wall ovens are one of the most complicated appliance purchases, with more brands, feature possibilities, and combinations than any other appliance.
In this guide, you will learn how to buy the best wall oven for you, starting with the basics, like sizing and fuel types.
Then, I will guide you through the more complex decisions, such as considering steam ovens, speed ovens, and other combinations.
You will learn the best brands and features at every level, from basic to luxury.
By the end of this article, you will be confident in understanding your best options.
First, let's cover the basics.
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How to Buy a Wall Oven for Your Kitchen
Wall Oven Sizes
Wall ovens are available in 24, 27, 30, and 36-inch widths.
When you see these dimensions, it refers to the standard cabinet size, not the wall oven.
Wall ovens fit in that cabinet, so always measure the width to eliminate confusion.
When replacing your wall oven, the brands will fit the cabinet but differ in dimension.
So, you will need some minor cabinet work to cut or fill in the cabinet.
Don't worry, it's not that difficult.
24-Inch Wall Ovens
Twenty-four-inch wall ovens were becoming less common because they were modeled after older electric European styles from brands like Miele, AEG, and Gaggenau.
However, with the rise of tiny homes and buildings with smaller kitchens, 24-inch wall ovens have recently gained popularity.
These ovens could also be from older gas models, which usually had a drawer or broiler below.
Wall ovens of this size are typically used to replace existing ones rather than for new construction. The dimensions of these wall ovens are usually 38 inches tall by 22 inches wide.
27-Inch Wall Ovens
When I started in 1986, 27-inch wall ovens were the standard, but they're becoming less common as well. Again, they were for an older cabinet style.
Even though the capacity isn't that much different between a 27 and 30-inch wall oven, you just don't see 27-inch cabinets.
30-Inch Wall Ovens: The New Standard & Most Popular Size
For new construction, a 30-inch wall oven has been the standard for the last 20 years. Every brand will manufacture a 30-inch single or double wall oven.
36-Inch Wall Ovens
Gaggenau made the 36-inch oven famous years ago with its pizza oven look.
Only a few brands market a 36-inch oven, like Gaggenau, Wolf (discontinued), Viking, and Bluestar.
Gas or Electric Wall Ovens: Which Is Better?
Wall ovens are almost always electric, with a few exceptions in gas.
You can almost always identify a gas oven by the small broiler drawer underneath.
Many buy electric wall ovens almost by default because the best brands only offer electricity.
BlueStar offers the best gas wall ovens in a very limited selection.
Now that you know the different sizes and fuel types, let's look at the features.
French Door Wall Ovens & Side Swing Ovens
The typical wall oven has a door that pulls down like a regular oven.
However, French and side swing doors are popular because you don't have to lift anything over the door.
Lifting heavier items like a turkey into and out of your oven is easier.
French doors are also popular in kitchens with islands because shorter doors allow you more clearance.
Monogram, Café, BlueStar, and Viking offer a French door, while Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau offer a side swing door.
Read More: Best French Door & Side Swing Wall Ovens
Different Convection Systems in Wall Ovens
Wall ovens are also available with different convection systems depending on the brand and style.
The most basic option is standard radiant cooking, where the heat is generated at the bottom and radiates upward.
Basic Convection Ovens
Then you have convection, where a fan circulates the heated air, eliminating cold spots in the oven, so every cookie has a similar texture and color.
European Convection Ovens
The better brands use European convection, a third heating element behind the fan to blow heated air directly onto the food.
The air is pre-heated before it enters the oven cavity, creating a more precise temperature.
Twin Convection Ovens
The best convection system offers European convection with twin fans, like Miele and Wolf's overflow system of twin convection and larger elements.
Read More: What Is a Convection Oven? Benefits, Types, and Cooking Tips
Oven Controls and Smart Features
Most ovens will offer digital controls.
Even the knobs on Thermador and Viking wall ovens have digital readouts.
Some wall ovens offer even more advanced controls, improving your cooking ability precisely.
SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite), Miele, and Wolf offer guided cooking programs. These programs allow you to choose the food you want to cook and how you want it prepared, and the oven will set the correct time and temperature.
Wolf will even give you the rack position for the best results.
Miele wall ovens offers steam assistance, allowing you to add moisture to bake bread or flavor roasts and meats. We will talk about steam ovens later in the article.
Gaggenau wall ovens are the most advanced.
You can do the most in a Gaggenau wall oven with 17 modes designed precisely for specific foods.
You can also change the time, temperature, or mode at any time during the cooking process by turning a dial.
Fisher & Paykel is a less expensive option if you like the idea of a mode-driven wall oven for different foods.
Read More: The Best Wall Ovens
Single-Wall Ovens, Double Wall Ovens, and Other Options
Lastly, you have the option to buy a single-wall oven, a double-wall oven, or a single-wall oven with a more specialized oven, such as steam or speed, to pair with it.
Double Wall Ovens: Pros and Cons
First, a double wall oven is just that: two wall ovens stacked on each other.
You can get a convection double oven or save some money and have just one with convection or just standard.
We show mostly double wall ovens but have other combinations in the store. Every manufacturer will also manufacture a single oven as well.
Single Wall Oven & Specialty Oven
Then, there's the option to have a single wall oven paired with different cooking products to customize the way you cook.
Here are a few options:
Steam Ovens: The Healthy Cooking Choice
Steam ovens cook by injecting moisture into the oven, creating a tasty texture and flavor in your foods.
Miele, Wolf, and Thermador all have good steam oven options.
I discussed steam assist, which is cooking in convection with only a few bursts of steam.
That is good, but cooking with steam is even better for flavor and healthier because it doesn't bake out the nutrients.
Steam is an excellent method for cooking or reheating food, including crispy items.
For example, the new Wolf steam ovens feature a "reheat crispy" button. I used it to reheat my daughter's chicken tenders, and it worked perfectly.
Speed Ovens: Faster Cooking, No Compromise
Speed ovens can cook like regular ovens with convection and function as microwave ovens.
You can also combine both modes for faster cooking without losing the texture and quality of your food.
Microwave Options for Wall Ovens
Speaking of microwaves, you can get ones that fit over a single oven with a fold-down door.
Another option is a microwave drawer that goes below your single oven, saving space in your kitchen.
Warming Drawers: Keep Your Food Ready
You can also install a warming drawer to keep food warm for up to three hours if you cook at one time and your family eats at another.
Stacking different wall ovens with different capabilities is a good idea, but you don't want to stack too high, so you'll be reaching over your head for hot food.
How Much Does a Wall Oven Cost?
The more expensive wall ovens come with programmable features, advanced convection systems, and guided cooking.
Let's break them down into three categories: luxury, premium, and affordable models.
Luxury Wall Ovens: Top Features and Brands
Top brands include Wolf, Miele, and Gaggenau. Expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 for a double wall oven with advanced features or a single oven paired with a steam or speed oven.
Premium Wall Ovens: High Tech at a Moderate Price
Brands like SKS, Fisher & Paykel, and LG Studio offer excellent technology at more affordable prices.
Single convection ovens cost between $3,000 to $4,500, while double ovens with convection and steam assist range from $4,000 to $7,000.
Café, Bosch, LG, and GE Profile fall in the $3,000-$5,000 range.
Affordable Wall Ovens: Basic Functionality at a Lower Cost
For more budget-friendly options, GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire offer wall ovens with basic controls starting at $2,300.
Your choice depends on the size, functionality, technology, and budget.
How to Buy a Wall Oven: Key Takeaways
Buying a wall oven ultimately depends on what features and functions you value most.
Replacing an old wall oven? Make sure to check the measurements of your current cabinet first to determine what size wall oven will fit.
For new construction, you’ll likely be looking for a wall oven to fit a standard 30-inch cabinet.
Additional Resources
Transform your kitchen with confidence! Download our free Wall Oven Buying Guide and discover the best brands at all price levels, like Wolf, Miele, Thermador, Monogram, GE, and LG. Packed with expert specs, tutorials, and reliability reports based on over 37,000 service calls, this guide is trusted by over 1 million readers. Click here to get your free copy now!
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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.
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