3 Min. Read
Are you thinking about a wall oven for your kitchen remodel? It seems like every Instagram dream kitchen has a wall oven or oven-microwave combo. Even industry sales confirm that using separate appliances is a growing trend. So, should you include a wall oven in your new kitchen? Before making that decision, start by evaluating your kitchen layout, the way you use it, and your budget.
Does Your Kitchen Have Space for a Wall Oven?
Take into account whether or not your kitchen has enough space for a wall oven. Standard kitchen ranges are typically around 30" wide, but a cabinet for a wall oven is 33" wide. It's possible to get smaller wall ovens, but this could also impact your ability to cook larger dishes.
Make sure you have enough space to accommodate a larger cabinet and flexibility to work it into the floor plan where it would make the most sense. Smaller kitchen floor plans like one-wall layouts and galley-style kitchens are less likely to have the ample space needed. Upgrading your oven will also be more unlikely in small ranch or cape cod-style homes as well.
Can You Afford to Lose Counter Space?
The tall wall oven cabinet can be overbearing in small kitchens and will limit countertop space. If your kitchen is still spacious and you're not lacking in countertop, go for it! However, a small kitchen with a wall oven might make your workspace tighter than ever. Forcing wall ovens into smaller kitchens can be a big mistake that makes it crowded and less functional.
This is the main reason why smaller kitchens typically have a slide-in range. The 2-in-1 feature saves space and allows for more countertop space, cabinet storage and an over-the-range microwave. When you design a double wall oven in your plans, the microwave must be relocated or built-in, taking up even more storage space. Take stock of your existing floor plan and how this change will impact your workspace before making any final decisions.
Do You Have Landing Space for Hot Food?
Some kitchen designs fill an entire wall with an oven cabinet, refrigerator and tall pantry. If your oven is not next to a counter, be sure to identify a safe place ahead of time to set hot foods. You don’t want to carry a heavy roaster 4 - 5 feet across the kitchen to an island or cross a high-traffic walkway with a hot tray of cookies.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, your oven needs 15 inches of recommended landing space on one or both sides for safety. It’s not against building codes to have tall pantry cabinets next to a cabinet for a wall oven, however, it’s best for safety and overall function to have countertop landing space near any major cooking areas.
Is a Wall Oven Worth the Extra Money?
Separate cooktops and wall ovens will cost more than a range that combines both functions. Upgrade to a double wall oven or wall oven and microwave combo, and the price rises again. Depending on your cooking style and other remodeling goals, the extra money may be well worth it. If your budget is tight, but you want a second oven, a double oven range may provide the extra function you really need.
Pro Tip: If you are interested in purchasing a wall oven, buy separate units. Over time, it’s not uncommon for one of the ovens to stop working before the other. In that case, you can replace that unit independently rather than having to pay for a new, more expensive double oven. Save yourself the frustration of replacing both too soon by buying individual wall ovens.
Why Do You Want a Double Oven?
If you enjoy entertaining, have multiple cooks in the kitchen, or need several ovens for your gourmet explorations, it may be a near requirement. Is it primarily for holiday meals twice a year? Are you trying to get teens (who will move on in a few years) out of your cooking space? If it will be a challenge to incorporate the wall oven into your plan, your designer may suggest another way to handle occasional or short-term needs.
Who Is Installing the Cabinets and Appliances?
Do you know how to install a wall oven? Wall oven additions will involve on-site customization. It can be one of the trickiest installations in your kitchen and it’s not for the average do-it-yourselfer. The cabinet opening will have to be custom cut to fit the appliance, and the cabinet reinforced inside to support the appliance.
Our wall oven cabinet has that reinforcement built in. There are also gas and electrical hook-ups to think about (and pay for). Learning how to install a wall oven for the first time can be tricky. This may be one place in your project to hire skilled help rather than risk ruining a cabinet.
Talk to multiple professionals before making a decision and gather estimates. A great way to vet professionals is by looking on pro websites like Angi or Google reviews. Other customers will post about their experiences, whether good or bad, so it will be easier to gain insight into their services.
When to Discuss Wall Ovens With Your Designer?
Since the first requirement for a wall oven is space, you need to discuss it with an experienced professional at the very beginning of your remodel planning. Not only will the designer help you determine whether your layout will handle a wall oven, but whether it's the best option for your situation. As we have previously discussed, price, kitchen size and functional needs are all important considerations.
CliqStudios kitchen designers have a combined average of 100 years of experience in the field. They are true kitchen experts with knowledge of trends, codes and kitchen planning guidelines. If that weren’t enough, there is no charge and no obligation for their services. Having an experienced designer on your side will save you time, money and many remodeling headaches.
Ready to get started? Schedule your Complimentary Design Consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wall ovens gas or electric?
Wall ovens are offered in both gas and electric so you can choose based on your needs. If you would like to switch over to gas, you will need to have a contractor come and install a gas line hookup prior to installation. Most homeowners choose electric wall ovens due to their ability to cook more evenly.
Where do you install a wall oven?
Wall ovens can be installed almost anywhere in the kitchen. It’s best to keep the kitchen work triangle in mind, however. Technically, the work triangle includes the sink, cooktop and refrigerator, but ovens are another very important feature that should be easily accessible. Try to keep your wall ovens near your food prep and cooking areas with minimal foot traffic. This will help your kitchen better meet your needs and be more efficient.
What is a standard wall oven size?
The most common wall oven size is 30 inches wide. An appliance this size will need to be installed in a 33-inch-wide wall oven cabinet. Make sure your kitchen remodel can accommodate the wall oven cabinet size before making a permanent decision.
Small kitchens with a wall oven don’t typically work well. Large cabinets like this can take away valuable countertop space, cabinet storage and even feel overbearing in small kitchens. Talk to a CliqStudios designer for free design assistance now!
