Whether you're looking to save space in your Kitchen or complete a truly custom look, a built-in wall oven may be the answer. Electric models are available in 24", 27", or 30" widths while gas models are typically 24" wide. Pro-style ovens are available in 36" as well (gas or electric).
Pros
You can mount the oven at waist or eye level thereby eliminating the need to bend over to access the contents of the oven.
Flexibility:
Sizes - with different sizes to choose from you can select an oven that perfectly fits your space requirements
Styles - you may choose from single oven, double ovens, single oven with microwave, single oven with microwave and warming drawer, single oven with warming drawer, or single oven with broiler compartment.
Cons
A separate wall oven and cooktop will cost more than a free-standing range.
Features to Consider
Capacity - Even though two ovens share the same exterior width, their interior capacity varies from brand to brand. Make sure it's useable capacity you're comparing - many manufacturer's state larger oven size but you really can't use the space they're selling. Open the oven and look at the racking along with the different positions available for each rack to determine how much of the oven you'll actually be able to use.
Control Lockout (Child Lockout) - Allows the user to disable the control panel. Good as a child safety feature as well as for cleaning - you won't accidentally turn the oven on.
Convection - Utilizes a fan inside the oven cavity to circulate the heated air and decrease cooking time. Some models also incorporate an element around the fan to further speed cooking. Most convection ovens have automatic converters built into their controls so you only need to input you traditional time and temperature and the oven will convert it for convection use.
Cook Time / Delay Start - This will allow you to select the time the oven starts and stops cooking.
Electronic Oven Controls - Allow for easy and accurate operation.
Oven Window - A large window allows you to easily check the progress of your dish without opening the oven.
Self-Clean - A high heat cycle that burns spills and splatters off the oven interior. An automatic safety lock engages to prevent you from opening the door until the cycle has completed and the oven has cooled. Some models offer variable time settings as well as a countdown timer for the end of the cycle.
Variable Broil - Allows for adjustable temperature broiling. May may as simple as Hi, Med, Lo settings or an exact temperature range.
Make Sure It Will Fit!
Whether you are replacing an existing oven or installing one for the first time measure the height, width, and depth of the space you want the oven to fit into rather than the oven itself. Know the height, width, and depth before you shop.
