Appliance Spotlight: Wall Ovens

Buying a wall oven is a great space-saving appliance. A built-in wall oven, unlike a regular freestanding range, is surrounded by cabinets. The cabinets are usually built under and above the oven, providing ideal storage space for your cookware.

Available Sizes
Wall ovens are available in 24″, 27″ and 30″ widths. The height of the wall oven will depend upon whether it is a double or single oven. Nearly 50 percent of all built-in ovens sold are double oven models and 25 percent of all ovens sold are convection ovens. In new construction, most people choose a 30″ oven as the most popular size. Since your wall oven will be built-in, carefully measure your oven location.

Oven Features in General
Oven interior size – Check the oven cavity size when buying a wall oven to make sure you are getting the size that meets your needs. An oven with six or seven positions for the oven racks allows you to bake more than one dish at a time.

Large multi-loop bake element – The longer multi-loop element, in the bottom of the oven, releases heat more evenly for better baking results.

Hidden bake element – This element is below the oven floor. Spills and spatters or residue from the self-cleaning cycle are easier to wipe up.

Electronic touch controls – The digital display allows more accurate temperature and timer settings. Many electronic controls provide a control “lockout” feature to prevent unintended operation by other members of the household. The lockout feature is also helpful when cleaning the control panel.

High-low broil – This feature offers the ability to choose high or low broiling. Use high broiling for the majority of items. Use low broiling for thicker meats or chicken and fish to ensure that it is completely cooked without searing the outside of the food.

Large, clear-view window and oven light – The clear- view window and oven light allow you to check the cooking process without opening the door.

Convection Oven Information
Cook faster and more evenly with a convection oven. Convection ovens are preferred by professional cooks. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around food. In addition to a top and bottom element, true European convection models have a third element that surrounds the fan in the rear of the oven. Convection roasting cooks meats up to 25 percent faster. Convection baking is possible on two or even three racks at one time.

Cleaning Options
Self-cleaning ovens reduce spills to a gray ash that can be wiped off with a damp cloth. A self-cleaning oven eliminates the messy chore of hand-cleaning.

Standard-clean ovens require cleaning with soap and water or an oven cleaner. Look for rounded corners inside the oven and a removable oven door to make cleaning easier.

Gas Oven Features
For even baking, check to see that the bottom deflects burner heat.

Removable oven bottom that makes cleaning easier.

Electric Oven Features
Dual bake elements that work together for even cooking.

A tilt baking element that provides easy cleaning of spills on the oven bottom.

Information courtesy of Lowe’s.

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