Wall Oven Size Guide: How to Pick the Right Fit
Free up valuable floor space in your kitchen and get cooking
Highlights
The standard wall oven size is around 28 to 30 inches wide.
Double wall ovens and microwave oven combos are popular in larger households.
Manufacturers will provide cutout dimensions for every model.
Wall ovens have internal ventilation systems.
Whether you’re upgrading from an old appliance, starting a remodel, or looking to add some extra cooking convenience to your kitchen, a wall oven can offer the perfect versatile solution. Before swiping your credit card, though, it’s important that you know the size of wall oven you need—so you get the right fit for your kitchen.
Standard Wall Oven Size
The standard size for most wall ovens is between 24 and 30 inches wide by 27 to 29 inches high. This size seems just about perfect for the average home. An oven this size has a capacity of between 3 to 5 cubic feet of cooking space.
The benefits of using a standard oven size are many. Parts are easy to come by, maintenance and oven repair costs are usually less expensive and straightforward, and there is no shortage of replacement options. This size was designed to be ergonomic. The best installation placement will be at a height between your chest and your chin.
Double Wall Oven
If you have a large household, own a small catering or baking business, or want to cook at two different temperatures simultaneously, then a double wall oven is right for you. These wall ovens tend to share the same cutout dimensions as standard single ovens, with the exception of an allowance for a control board that controls both units, usually installed on the top unit.
Wall Oven Microwave Combo
For those who want the convenience of having their oven and microwave stacked together, they will opt for this combo. Some consider it more aesthetically pleasing than having a microwave sitting on their countertop or mounted separately. The oven dimensions can be customized, but are usually the standard sizes listed above. The one exception is that the control board is usually combined with the microwave, not the oven, so from top to bottom, it goes: control board, microwave, wall oven. The microwave is usually half of the height of the wall oven.
How to Measure for a Wall Oven
If you are building out your kitchen, you will need to measure the space for your oven. If you have already selected your oven, and are building your kitchen around its dimensions, you can contact the manufacturer and ask about the dimensions required. If you’re still deciding which oven you’ll choose, but need to measure and choose cabinetry, here are some general guidelines you can follow:
30-inch-wide model: Cutout height of 28 inches, width of 28 5/8 inches, and depth of 24 inches.
27-inch-wide model: Cutout height of 28 inches, width of 25 ½ inches, and depth of 24 inches.
24-inch-wide model: Cutout height around 27 inches, width of 22 5/8 inches, and depth of 23 ½ inches.
These measurements are for example only. Each oven manufacturer requires a different cutout size, so even if you don’t know the exact oven you’ll choose, try to narrow it down before cutting an opening for your wall oven. This could save you a significant amount of time and money later.
Different Types of Ovens
You might not have the kitchen space or cabinet space for a wall oven. The good news is that there are many other options that work just as well.
Microwave Oven
A microwave is a small, convenient, and energy-efficient way to cook and heat your food. They are low-cost and quick, with the only downside being that they heat the water molecules in your food. This can create a steamy environment, so you can’t caramelize your food, and normally crispy food often comes out moist.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is essentially just a tiny oven. It can sit on your countertop and be used to cook smaller portions. A toaster oven uses small heating elements and can heat up quite quickly, but the size is limiting. You can use it to reheat and cook smaller foods, like empanadas, but you can’t roast a turkey inside one.
Steam Oven
A steam oven uses steam to heat food. It can sit on your countertop or be installed in your kitchen like a wall oven. Steam ovens are typically used to preserve the maximum nutritional value of food since steam doesn’t break down nutrients like cooking at a high, dry heat does. Using a steam oven is a great way to cook vegetables, fish, and many Asian dishes.
Pizza Oven
A pizza oven can be a luxurious outdoor oven or a small countertop oven that circulates heat over a thick base. It is great for cooking items that require high heat on top and a really hot stone underneath. You can roast proteins, vegetables, and salt-crusted fish in a pizza oven.
Countertop Oven
A countertop oven is a nice middle ground between a toaster oven and an in-wall unit. It’s perfect for small households as it uses less energy than a larger oven, can easily be put away when not in use, and heats up much faster than a traditional oven. It can also handle larger items than a toaster oven. So, while you may be unable to roast a turkey in one, you can easily make enough food for up to four people.
Dutch Oven
While technically not an oven, a Dutch oven uses the same principle of heating as conventional ovens. You take the iron pot, place your food inside, and then put it over the heating element. The thickness of the oven helps to distribute the heat and is great for searing and braising.
Other Considerations When Selecting a Wall Oven
Before choosing a wall oven, review all the features and finishes that suit your cooking style and preferences.
Convection Capability
Some ovens have a convection feature that allows a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven. This helps cook foods more quickly and evenly by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the oven cavity.
Smart Features
Want to check on your casserole from your phone while watching Ted Lasso reruns? Some ovens feature smart technology features such as remote monitoring, voice control, and more.
Fit Guarantees
Some manufacturers will guarantee a perfect fit inside your cabinetry, which can offer peace of mind.
Special Finishes
Most wall ovens are available in white, black, and stainless steel, but you can spend more and upgrade to fingerprint-resistant exterior finishes for a sleek, smudge-free look.
DIY Wall Oven Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
You might be tempted to save money and try installing your new wall oven on your own, but we recommend seeking the help of a nearby appliance installation company. Some built-in oven installations will require cutting into cabinets, counters, and drywall. The installation process might also require running a new gas line or working with your home’s electrical system. These processes are highly technical and best done by a professional. The average cost to install a wall oven ranges between $800 and $3,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular size of wall oven is around 28 inches wide. Ovens are mostly constructed as cubes, and they are described by their width. This size provides a nice balance between cooking space, energy efficiency, and cutout size. This popular size can handle food for up to six people.
The short answer is no, wall ovens do not need exterior venting. This is because ovens have internal vents which help dissipate the air and control the heat and fumes. Safety is important, which is why built-in ovens have systems inside of them that slowly purge heat and fumes. It is rare for a built-in oven to have a range hood with external ventilation, but this is common for stovetop/oven combination units as they don’t possess the same internal venting technology as wall units.
There are both electric and gas ovens. Gas ovens last slightly longer than electric ovens at around 15 years, whereas electric ovens last around 13 years. While keeping your oven clean does help, an oven’s overall life span is primarily determined by the number of cooking hours and the temperature fluctuations. An oven is where you want to make a larger financial investment, as a more expensive oven will last longer, as the longevity of the appliance is largely determined by its build quality.
You can usually use an oven until it stops working. As oven technology continues to develop, the stress of heat will affect the oven less, and it will last longer than older models. At around the 8—to 10-year mark, if you see no signs of damage, it’s probably wise to hire a local appliance professional to check your oven.
An oven is its own appliance without a cooktop, while a range combines an oven and a cooktop. Each type of oven has pros and cons, but your choice will depend on your cooking habits, your space, and your budget.