Wall Ovens

Wall ovens are becoming more and more popular in new home construction and kitchen remodeling projects. The options and features can be very confusing if you are not familiar with the basics.

Basic Features

Some basic features that are included in all wall ovens are self cleaning features, child locks and digital electronic displays.

Optional Features

These are features that will cost you more but can be very convenient to have and may add to the aesthetics of your home. These include delayed cooking, automatic shut-off, keep warm, several different timer options, a drawer for storage, and a meat thermometer that is built in. The meat thermometer is a nice option as you will be able to tell if your meat is thoroughly cooked. Other options include the ability to choose a custom color. A stainless face for the oven is the most popular color currently being ordered, but it is also the most expensive.

One or Two Ovens

Most manufacturers will now offer you the choice of a single or a double oven. Double wall ovens are wonderful around the holidays when you need to cook or bake several items at one time.

Specifications

Specifications that you should be looking for are the inside size of the oven itself. If you regularly cook for four or more people, then you should choose a wall oven with a much larger inside dimension. Accompanying the inside dimensions should be the number of racks available. Again, if you need to cook multiple items on a regular basis or use large pots for cooking, then you will need increased space and more racks and rack positions.

One specification that many people fail to look at is the size of the window on the front of the wall oven. The window should allow you to see all of the items in the oven with no interference. This will allow you to monitor the cooking of your food without having to open the oven and risk heat loss and energy waste.

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens are wall ovens that have the ability to bake and cook foods much faster than conventional ovens can. This is because they circulate the hot air inside of the oven, aiding in more consistent and thorough heating of the food inside. The only downside to the purchase of a convection oven is the fact that the fan needed for convection will most likely take up space inside the oven, reducing the amount of space available for cooking.

If you choose to purchase a convection oven, you should be sure that the manufacturer includes a guide for converting your recipes cooking times to comply with that of a convection oven.