Wall oven buying guide: How to find the best appliance for you

Why should I consider a wall oven?

Wall ovens can bake, grill, roast and more. They slot into designated wall space and can appear seamless alongside fridges, cabinets and other joinery. There are alternatives to wall ovens, such as freestanding ovens, microwave ovens and toaster ovens. The advantages of selecting a wall oven are:

• Accessibility. The main drawcard of wall ovens is that they tend to be at eye-level and are easily accessible. You won't need to bend down or arch your back every time you need to check your dish. It will also decongest your kitchen if your oven and cooktop aren't combined.
• Cooking capacity. Double wall ovens give you double the cooking space. Wall ovens can also offer the full range of cooking functions that a feature microwave and toaster oven tend not to supply.

If you're not sure whether a wall oven is for you, be sure to check:

• How much space you have. If your kitchen doesn't already have a space for a wall oven, it can be tricky trying to find one. Having a wall oven also means you need a separate area for a cooktop. If your kitchen is small, it might be better to opt for an all-in-one cooktop and freestanding oven.
• The total cost. If you need to make space for a wall oven, you'll have to pay for to redesign your kitchen before you even purchase the oven. You'll also need to pay for your cooktop to be fitted into cabinetry. This all adds up which is why freestanding ovens tend to be a more affordable option.

What types are available?

There are three standard oven sizes: regular, extra-wide and double.

• Regular (60cm): These are the most commonly found oven size and should fit comfortably within most existing wall spaces. They are great if your kitchen is tight on space and can be purchased across all price ranges.
• Extra-wide (70-90cm): Slightly more uncommon, extra-wide ovens are typically purchased by those who are designing kitchens from scratch. If you want an extra-wide oven, be sure it fits in the designated wall space. Extra-wide ovens can be used for batch baking and larger dishes such as whole fish. Extra-wide ovens often have a control panel in the side, so be sure to measure the internal space of the oven, as you may not be getting as much usable width as you think you are.
• Double. Double ovens are a subsection of wall ovens and come in a variety of configurations. The primary advantage of double ovens is that you can cook on two different settings at the same time. Double ovens can be two, full-sized wall ovens, or they can be one full-sized oven with a smaller model nestled on top.

How to compare wall ovens

Oven features to look for

Some settings to look out for include:

• Fan-forced

  This is very common in modern models and uses a fan to push heat around. This should ensure that your food cooks evenly and at a faster pace. Fan-forced settings can be used for a variety of purposes, including reheating leftovers and evenly cooking a roast.

• Conventional

  Also known as "traditional", the conventional function uses heat from the top and bottom elements without relying on a fan. If you're unsure what setting to use on a certain dish, conventional is generally the safest bet. Just remember that the top element is often a little stronger. If you don't want the tops of your dishes to be too brown, place them on the lowest shelf possible.

• Grill

  Modern ovens should have a grill at the top, which are best suited for portions of meat.

• Baking

  Baking settings can vary and some ovens offer specific settings for cakes or biscuits. Most baking settings deal with moisture, to ensure that dishes stay dry and crunchy, or moist and gooey, as desired.

Steam

Steam settings work on moderating the humidity levels within the oven to ensure that food doesn't lose moisture (juiciness).

Bottom heat

Some brands will label this setting as "pizza" or "pie". It means that the top heating element is turned off, or down, with the majority of heat coming from the bottom. It's suitable for dishes such as pizza, where it is the base of the dish that needs to be browned. This setting is often used in conjunction with fan-force.

Defrost

Ideal for frozen leftovers or frozen meals.

Slow cook

This is a pre-programmed function that cooks dishes for a long period of time at a low temperature. It is commonly used on meats and stews.

Rotisserie

Some ovens have a rotisserie setting and include spit roast attachments. The spit will spin, allowing the dish to be cooked evenly on all sides. Look for this feature if you're a big meat eater.

Manufacturers use countless names for oven settings and functions. When you're choosing an oven, be sure it offers the settings you know you will actually use.

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How to install a wall oven

The best way to install a wall oven is to get a professional to do it. Many oven purchases include installation, but always be sure to double check. Installing an oven is something you want to be done right the first time. When thinking about installation be sure to check:

• Connections. Some wall ovens connect via a powerpoint and some are hardwired. Be sure that the oven you're buying aligns with the fittings available in your kitchen.
• Your space. Measure your space. The worst outcome would be to buy an extra wide oven thinking you have a slot for it, only to find that it doesn't fit. Measure once, double check, then measure again.
• Power ratings. Check with the supplier or manufacturer about the power needed to run your oven. If you're replacing an old oven with a similar model, you should be ok. Again, double check. If you're upgrading or selecting a larger model you may need to get an electrician to upgrade your electrical circuit.