While stoves are a popular choice in many kitchens, high-end homes are frequently opting for separate cooktops and built-in convection wall ovens that blend seamlessly with the kitchen and give a more custom look to your home.
In the world of appliances we call convection ovens simply as "wall ovens" although they are installed in kitchen cabinets rather than in a cavity carved in your wall. These ovens typically measure 24-inch, 27-inch, or 30-inch in width. You can get them as a single or double-oven configurations. Most convection ovens feature a drop down door. However, recently the french-door and side-swing door options have become popular.
But how do you choose the right convection wall oven for your existing kitchen, remodel, or new home? The key is to do your research, not only into the brands and models available but also into the features, design elements, and cooking capabilities that matter most. You also want to ensure that your oven is going to stand the test of time and withstand all of the tough tasks you throw at it.
That's why we've put together this ranked list of single convection wall ovens and the guide to help identify the most important factors when oven shopping. Below you will find the best models and brands currently available on the market.
Convection Oven Design StylesTop Picks Table What does convection mean anyways?
A standard oven cavity comes with a heating element in the bottom for baking and a broiler element on the top. Both elements activate on an as needed basis to maintain the set temperature inside the oven. Air does not move much inside the standard oven cavity.
A convection oven comes with a fan on the backwall which helps move the air, so you get even results. You can turn on or off the convection fan in a modern oven to accommodate your recipe.
Over the years, manufacturers added many features to enhance convection cooking. As an example, when you come accross terms such as "European" or "True" convection it means that the fan has its own dedicated heating element. This removes the possibility of any cold air pockets remaining in the oven.
Manufacturers such as Wolf with it Dual VertiCross convection or Miele's Dual Convection fans are designed so you can cook on multiple racks and still get even results. More advanced convection ovens also have the ability to adjust the speed of the fan automatically based on the selected program. As an example, if you are baking pastries you will notice a faster convection fan speed. If you are cooking meat or poultry you can fine-tune for crisp and seared results.
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Picking the Right Single Wall Oven for You
More than any other factor, personal preference should be the deciding element of your search for the right single wall oven for you. But there are factors that are universally beneficial that you'll want to keep in mind when you're on the hunt for a great appliance, especially a wall oven that can be such a critical part of your cooking experience.
Here are the top five most important elements to factor in when making your choice of single wall oven.
1) Cooking Power & Features
Despite all of the bells and whistles that now accompany ovens and appliances of all kinds, we consider the cooking capabilities as our most important criteria.
This is not just about maximum temperature— most ovens now are capable of topping out at 500F or above— you need to determine whether the oven has a range of cooking abilities that will suit all of the tasks you can throw at it.
Preheating time is usually a consideration for many home cooks. It does not help to wait half hour for an oven to preheat when hungry kids are circling the kitchen. Many manufacturers have now solutions to shorten preheating. Want to preheat your oven from the garage through your smart phone, or see exactly how much time is left to cook a dish? You have that ability. Want to know the internal temperature of whatever food you're cooking to get that exact level of doneness you want without overcooking? Built-in temperature probes now give you the power.
Aside from convection baking to an effective broiling setting, high-end ovens now offer a number of capabilities—like the power to cook two different dishes at different settings in the same oven. So when it's time to purchase, don't forget about the reason you need an oven in the first place— to cook food fast, effectively, and deliciously.
Everyone loves an appliance that has the power to surprise them—in a good way. The best wall ovens now come packed with all kinds of amazing, unexpected features.
Most high-end ovens now come with preset recipes that can cook a delicious meal precisely. As an example, an M-touch Miele oven feels like having a personal chef in your kitchen - simply follow the steps on the menu.
Features including wifi connectivity don't always make or break an oven, but they can go a long way in making your cooking experience more enjoyable, convenient, and efficient.
2) Size
Size is another consideration to always keep in mind for your wall oven. If you're replacing an existing wall oven, you'll likely be limited to the space that's leftover after removing it. Fortunately, wall oven sizes don't have an enormous range of size options available, and many adhere to standard size guidelines.
That said, an incompatible wall oven for your space isn't something you want to find out after you've purchased it and had it delivered to your home. Measure for yourself and check the specs of any oven you're considering.
If you have some wiggle room, you can consider larger single wall ovens that give you even greater flexibility and cooking capacity.
While 24-inch wide ovens can handle a smaller size Turkey, you can be rest assured that your family will not go hungry when you cook multiple dishes or a extra large bird in a 30-inch full size oven.
3) Reliability
When it comes to appliances of all kinds, brand matters. It's not just about the name that appears on the front of the oven, but rather the reputation for long-lasting and reliable appliances that will get the job done even after 5, 10, or 15 years. If you're considering making an oven purchase from a brand you don't recognize, do some digging first to find out whether actual customers have been satisfied with their choices. Your safest bet is to choose from brands that have an established reputation developed over years or even decades, as they'll be more likely to offer long-lasting reliability and customer satisfaction ratings that you'll appreciate.
4) Effective Self Clean
Cooking can be messy. Over time you will naturally encounter grime and leftover grease in your oven. It is not unusual to see evidence of cooking in an oven but at one point it is nice to get a good clean. Especially in a wall oven where the interior of the oven is at the line of sight (as opposed to a range stove which is tucked away below the counter) it makes sense to have a tidy look in the kitchen. Besides the leftover grease and grime might exudes unwanted smells everytime you cook.
A self cleaning oven is godsend considering that it is really hard to clean an oven by hand. All heating elements combine their powers to produce a 900F inferno. After a few hours and a wipe away of leftover ash, you will have a shiny new oven.
There are, however, different types of self-cleaning available in ovens. So, please make sure you know which one is available on the oven you are targeting.
Most high-end ovens have an end-to-end process where you can press a button and leave all racks inside. Some manufacturers use low-end steel with their racks and would prefer that you take out the racks when self cleaning. Other manufacturers add the steam into the mix to loosen soiled oven walls. Mind you that steam clean is not as effective as taking the oven temperature to 900 degrees.
5) Design
A wall oven that's not visually pleasing is just a tool. A well-designed oven that's beautiful to look at can be a centerpiece of your kitchen or cooking space.
Design elements like fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, heavy-duty and stylish control knobs, and visually pleasing touchscreen displays can all take your oven from 'good' to 'great.' You should also consider any need to match your oven's finish to other appliances, as the easiest way to do that is by choosing the same brand and finish as your existing models.
As for the manufacturers Miele and Wolf are the most particular brands that pay the most attention to the design of their wall ovens. On both of these brands you will notice a ton of options for different handle types, handless push-to-open doors.
Many ovens are designed to be stacked with one another. You can easily stack convection oven with a specialty oven such as a steam or a speed oven. Manufacturers even make special trim kits to ensure design continuity when matching 2 different size ovens. As an example a 30-inch convection oven can be stacked with a 24-inch steam oven using a trim that will visually align the two.
There are specialty single convection ovens such as the "Speed Ovens" that combine convection cooking with microwave technology; as well as the "Steam Ovens" that give you the ability to cook healthy recipes. Since each one of these oven types come with a myriad of features, we thought that it might be the best to review separately:
Speed Ovens which combine convection cooking with microwave technology. Steam Ovens give you best of both worlds - steam cooking and convection. Our Top 5 Convection Wall Oven Picks
Ready for our rundown of the best convection wall ovens available on the market for 2019? Here are the freshest, most powerful, and most beautifully designed single oven picks you can get.
1) Most Reliable: Cafe CTS70DP2NS1
Width: 29 3/4" | Height: 28 5/8" | Cutout: W 28 5/8" H 27 5/16" No flush install | Convection: Yes | Cleaning: Self Clean with Steam Clean Option | Wi-Fi: Yes | Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
The Only Oven in the Market Where You Can Customize the HandleProduct Place Holder
Why we like it:
Custom look - Unique to Cafe, you can now customize the handle to match your style. Matches with other professional appliances in your kitchen. Precision Cooking - Cafe's preset recipes will guide you and adjust the temperature, and cook time for consistently perfect results. Hot Air Fry - Eliminate clutter on your counters, use less oil and get fried taste and crisp feel. Wifi - The cafe app preheats your oven, assists with helpful recipes, will update your oven with additional recipes. Fit guarantee - Replacing an ond wall oven can get tricky. Cafe runs a strong promotion where you can get $300 to cover your installation costs.
Cafe is GE's specialized high-end brand, and this single wall oven from their lineup is a real winner. The first thing you'll likely notice is the full-color touch display, which goes well beyond digital number readouts to show full images, a wide range of cooking options, and even disappears completely when not in use.
You'll also love the striking hardware finishes that include stainless steel, black stainless steel, brushed copper, and brushed bronze accents on the handle.
As for the cooking power, you'll love the built-in recipe guides and temperature recommendations for specific dishes. The oven even lets you know the ideal internal temperature for a wide range of foods to ensure they're done, tender, and not overcooked.
In terms of preheating, you can use the Cafe app to get and early start on preheat. Also, many "precision cooking" programs will allow no preheating to save you time.
The hot air fryer replaces oil by a powerful fan that blows hot air on the food. As a results you will get healthier cooking with crunchy and crisp results. All without the mess of deep-frying. Cafe is able to accomplish "hot air fry" by using the convection fan on a special cycle to target the air to blow from the top. It uses the heating element at the convection fan along with the occasional burst of the broiler.
The Cafe wall oven combines style and substance for a great cooking experience every time, and has one of the most impressive touch displays of any appliance currently on the market. It's a winning model from Cafe overall.
Cafe is working on the dehydration mode for this oven. We expect the programming to be available in early 2020. Thanks to the smart connectivity your oven will get this update automatically.
You can find the rest of Cafe's wall oven selection here. 2) Most Sylish: Bosch 800 Series HBL8451UC
Width: 29 3/4" | Height: 29" | Cutout: W 27-28 5/8" H 27" | Convection: Yes | Cleaning: Self Clean | Wi-Fi: No | Capacity: 4.6 cu. ft.
Roast with Bosch 800 Series Wall Oven Using the Meat ProbeProduct Place Holder
Why we like it:
The looks - Install flush with your cabinets for a luxurious look. Bosch tops the design with a soft-close door. Easy-to-use menu - Straightforward menu selection makes life easy. European convection - Give you the ability to use it for single dish or multi-rack cooking.
Bosch consistently delivers high-quality appliances that are stylish and powerful at the same time. This Bosch 800 Series wall oven is a top seller thanks to its modern, clean front facade and its ability to handle a wide range of cooking tasks. It's also reasonably priced for its class and features a QuietClose door, full-extension telescopic racks for easy access, touch controls and SteelTouch buttons for easy operation, and flush installation to perfectly blend with the surrounding cabinets.
The HBL8451UC covers all cooking modes whether you are baking, broiling, roasting or simply keeping your food warm until you serve. Comes with a meat probe and specialized programming for making a delicious pizza or proofing dough.
Overall, this is yet another world-class product from Bosch.
The upgraded version of this the Bosch 800 Series HBL8453UC which comes with HomeConnect wifi. This feature is designed to save you time to preheat ahead of time. Gives you the ability to monitor cooking time.
You can find the rest of Bosch's wall oven selection here. 3) GE Profile PTS7000SNSS
Width: 29 3/4" | Height: 28 5/8" | Cutout: W 28 5/8" H 27 5/16" No flush install | Convection: Yes | Cleaning: Self Clean with Steam Clean Option | Wi-Fi: Yes | Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
GE Profile Single Convection Wall OvenProduct Place Holder
Why we like it:
Precision Cooking - GE Profile's preset recipes will guide you and adjust the temperature, and cook time for consistently perfect results Hot Air Fry - Eliminate clutter on your counters, use less oil and get fried taste and crisp feel Wifi - The GE app preheats your oven, assists with helpful recipes, will update your oven with additional recipes Fit guarantee - Replacing an ond wall oven can get tricky. GE Profile runs a strong promotion where you can get $300 to cover your installation costs.
Profile, another brand from GE, is also known for its stylish and functional appliances. This convection single wall oven certainly fits the bill, with powerful full-convection cooking, three distinct finishes, a precision touchscreen similar to its Cafe cousin, and the ability to skip preheating for a variety of dishes. You can even try out hot air frying, which gives food a crispy, fried-food finish without grease or oil.
Plus, you'll love the WiFi connectivity and remote controls from your smartphone, plus all the standard features like smooth glide roller racks, self-cleaning capabilities, and more.
4) Thermador MED301WS
Width: 29 3/4" | Height: 29" | Cutout: W 28 1/2" H 27-28 5/8" See Specs for Flush Installation | Convection: Yes | Cleaning: Self Clean | Wi-Fi: Yes | Capacity: 4.6 cu. ft.
Product Place Holder
Why we like it:
Fast Self-Clean - Save time and wrap up your cleaning in 2-hours. Warranty - Two year parts and labor warranty stands out among other manufaturers. Rich Accessories - Thermador does not skimp on details. 3 Telescopic racks, rotiesserie, large size broil pan, and a multi-point probe is included. Completes a Thermador kitchen - Fit, finish and form completes the high-end look of a Thermador kitchen. You can even pair this oven in a stacked format with other Thermador products such as the steam oven or the coffee maker.
This higher-end option from Thermador features a built-in commercial style rotisserie with 12-pound capacity. How would you like to cook your very own full rotisserie chicken from home, anytime you want? Thermador lets you do exactly that with the MED301WS.
If you want to feel like a master chef in your own kitchen, this oven is a great choice with all the programming it comes with (Bake, Broil, Max Broil, Roast, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Max Convection Broil, Convection Roast, Dehydrate, Proof, Warm, Pizza, True Convection, Speed Convection, Rotisserie, Slow Roast). You'll love the HomeConnect wifi will allow you to preheat remotely to get you off to the races in no time. HomeConnect app includes many tips and recipes so you can get the most out of your oven.
SoftClose door hinges, easy access 3 telescopic racks provide convenience. Halogen lighting fully illuminates the cooking area.
Quick note on the multi-point temperature probe. Most probes in the market (except for Miele ovens and ranges) come with the ability to take the measurement from a single point at the tip. The new Thermador meat probe takes multiple measurements from 3 different locations which comes in handy on hard to probe types of meat such as poultry.
Thermador also receives high marks for its reliability ratings, excellent customer service, and robust warranty plans that will have you covered in the event that anything goes wrong with your wall oven. You can't go wrong with Thermador, and this single wall oven is a great example of why.
You can find the rest of Thermador's wall oven selection here. 5) Overall the Best: Wolf M-Series SO30PMSPH
Width: 29 7/8" | Height: 28 1/2" | Cutout: W 28 1/2" H 27" See Specs for Flush Installation | Convection: Yes | Cleaning: Self Clean | Wi-Fi: Yes | Capacity: 5.1 cu. ft.
Wolf Dual VertiCross Convection Gets You Even Results on Multiple DishesProduct Place Holder
Why we like it:
Large Capacity - This is Wolf's biggest wall oven. Still you have the option to flushmount to your cabinets for a seamless look. Most effective convection - Dual VertiCross convection not only helps with even cooking results but assists in pre-heating for time savings. Gourmet mode - Will cook with a touch of a button 50+ preset recipes. Best Support and Service - Sub-Zero/Wolf company is known for its outstanding customer care. You can trust Wolf with any questions from getting the best out of your oven to field support issues.
You might recognize Wolf for its signature red knobs, which make an impression on this M Series professional built-in single wall oven. While it handles all of the standard cooking tasks with ease, its the extra features that really make an impact in this model.
Those include Dual VertiCross convection cooking, which ensures faster preheats, more consistent cooking on any rack, and the perfect doneness every time. You'll also love the built-in modes like Convection Roast, Proof, and Dehydrate.
The Gourmet feature automatically adjusts cook times and temperatures for specific dishes, allowing you to prepare over 50 popular meals with the push of a button. And at 13% larger than any other Wolf oven, there's plenty of space for any dish you can throw at it.
Wolf certainly earns the final spot on this list thanks to its striking design, signature reliability and build quality, and highly customizable cooking functions that make prepping for dinnertime an absolute breeze.
Conclusion
Like we mentioned at the top of this guide, no one can tell you exactly which wall oven model is the perfect fit for you. Only you can determine which brand and model brings the perfect blend of cooking power, features, size, design elements, and reliability that will make cooking in your home a pleasure rather than a pain. But if you don't know where to start your search, the six models listed above are the perfect place to begin the process of picking the perfect single wall oven that will become a central part of your kitchen and home for years to come.
FAQs
Should I choose an electric or gas wall oven?
Electric ovens have become more common in recent years thanks to their flexibility and the fact that gas ovens don't offer many specific advantages over their electric counterparts. You'll also need to have a gas cooktop in the place where you want to install a gas oven, but if your previous wall oven was a gas model then this shouldn't be an issue.
As far as overall performance, are wall ovens better than range ovens?
While wall ovens and ovens that are part of a range set are comparable in cooking capability and features (depending on the model), wall ovens tend to give a more built-in, custom look than ranges. But again, this comes down to personal preference, the arrangement of your kitchen, and your budget. One is not necessarily better than the other.
How often should I run the self-clean feature on my wall oven?
While there's no hard and fast rule for how often to self-clean, we generally advise that you stick to less than 4 or 5 times per year, or simply when you feel that your oven is particularly soiled. Running your self-clean once a month or more isn't necessary, and can often put more wear on your oven than it needs.
Air blowing to you from the oven?
Miele has the catalytic converter to reduce unwanted smells
Have more questions about single wall ovens? Reach out directly to one of our Designer Appliances experts to have all of your questions answered.
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