Stainless steel wall ovens are immensely popular these days. These units are space savers, built into a bank of cupboards or recessed into walls. Electric and gas powered units are available. Microwaves may be added and sizes include double, single-double or just a single unit. In extensive kitchens, two sets of double ovens are sometimes set side by side.
The one factor to keep in mind, when deciding on ovens that mount into the walls, is the need also to have a cook surface. Standard ranges have the cooktop over the baking area while wall-mounted units, as they are recessed into the walls, do not have this. The cost of this method of cooking is more expensive than a regular range. The upside is the position of the baking area.
As the unit is installed into walls, it can be installed at a level, which does not require much bending. Generally, these units come in 30 inch wide versions. It is possible to find smaller units in 24 and 27 inch widths. These units are called compact and do tend to cost less. The 30 inch models are the best for general family cooking and baking.
Cooks and Chiefs argue over what it the best medium for cooking. Most feel that for cook tops gas is best but for backing, electric is best. Wall-cooking units come in both gas and electric, and they can also be found in convection ovens as well. Installing a wall cooking unit, allows the chief to have both facilities, gas for the separate cook top and electric for the cooker itself.
There are also convection models available in the wall-positioned market. These can come by themselves or in combination with a regular electric model. This leads to the next decision, which is whether to purchase a single, single-double or double model. The single model is straightforward. One single oven mounted in the walls. The single-double and the double models are similar but with one major difference.
Single-double units are the same size as a general single unit, but they are split into two separate ovens. One part may be larger than the other. Both have their own doors, and their own temperature controls. This is an excellent option for the busy family home. A true double unit is two completely separate units, in full size. You can see that it will take up more room than the other unit. These can be installed one of the other, or side by side.
Adding a microwave to the bank of ovens can be a real space saver in your kitchen design. Microwaves may appear small from the front, but they take up considerable space on a counter. Moreover, it can be an excellent idea to combine all your cooking facilities into one space, leaving plenty of room for a cook top and counter work space.
In summary, stainless steel wall ovens are an excellent alternative to a kitchen design. They are available in gas and electric, come as single, single-double, or double models, and can even be combined with a Microwave. Their space saving and cook area condensing, make them excellent for smaller kitchen designs.
Angela Price is a caterer and interior design consultant. For more information on finding the best 30" induction range for your home, visit www.dacor.com.