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Advice on Double/Single Wall Oven

2 years ago

Hi,

I recently purchased a condo with a pretty small kitchen space and am in the process of figuring out a renovation for it.


As space is limited I'm hoping to get a cooktop w/ OTR Microwave and a wall oven.


I plan to use the space for at least 5 years before eventually upgrading but keeping the property and renting it out. It's in a pretty good area so I'd expect future tenants to take good care of the space (though I am still opting for safer flooring/countertop options).


My main dilemma is deciding on a wall oven - for myself, a single wall oven would suffice - either 27" or 30", though I do think a double would be nice when I have a friend living with me cooking different things. My realtor also mentioned that people do seem to love when units have a double oven.


I was debating between a single 27", single 30", or double 27". Main reason for considering 27" is due to it giving me just a bit more counterspace which is sorely needed in the small kitchen, while still fitting any standard tray (baking sheet for example).


But I can't seem to make up my mind on these 3 options. Wondering if anyone might have advice on which to go with looking at it from the future perspective (e.g. once I'd be renting the space out). I don't mind spending the extra money now, especially as with a wall oven if I ever wanted to change it I would need to redo cabinets which would be quite troublesome.


Thanks!

Comments (21)

  • 2 years ago

    In a condo I would put a range. You can get a range that was 2 ovens. The upper smaller oven heats up quickly and is very convenient.

  • 2 years ago

    Photos would help us help you.

  • 2 years ago

    So many factors... The space is vital to know if either options would work. Post a photo and we can give you loads of advice and ideas on how to tackle this.


    Meanwhile here are some apartment kitchens


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  • 2 years ago

    Agree with Cookie Montgomery above. When space is limited, a 30" range will be a more efficient use of space. Key to consider in lieu of an OTR microwave is ventilation.

    Pros will weigh in with suggestions if you post a measured layout.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    When space is tight no wall oven just a good quality range 30" probably and maybe a double oven with the range . Post a to scale plan here and you will get a ton of free advice. Use graph paper it makes scaled drawings easier. Show every measurement clearly all windows, doorways where those lead. All posted here in jpeg format.Post in a comment DO NOT start another post . Usually in condos proper venting is an issue so check that out and also wall ovens need a dedicated circuit too.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    What everyone said about using a range in a small kitchen--it will save space and free up space for other tasks, like a counter top MW. OTR microwaves are very unwise--it's difficult for two people to use both the range and the MW at the same time, and the hot food being taken out of a MW at that height is dangerous. Ask me how I know :(

  • 2 years ago

    I have one of these & love it.
    https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-30-Smart-Built-In-Twin-Flex-Convection-Wall-Oven-PTS9200SNSS

    The shallow doors make it good for a tight space. You get double oven versatility, plenty of capacity, & it bakes & roasts really well.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I have an older version of awm's, a smaller combo convection microwave on top, and a convection conventional oven on the bottom. No wifi. It's something that I probably wouldn't have picked on my own but it came with the house and I really like it.

    Since it is just DH and I at home, I appreciate having a smaller oven because it takes so much less time to heat up.

  • 2 years ago

    Get a 30" range. It's much easier (and cheaper) to install and you'll be sure you'll be able to easily replace it if or when and if fails. That's particularly important when you have a tenant whose going to be calling to tell you he can't cook dinner. Cooktops and wall ovens do not have standard sizes. In a small kitchen, counter space that would be lost to wall ovens is important. OTR 30" microwave ovens are also standard in size, don't take counter space, and are easy to replace, particularly if the replacement is the same brand as the broken one.

    These were recommended in CR's tests:

    • Frigidaire Gallery GCFI3060BF (induction with touch controls)
    • LG LSIL6336FE (induction with knobs)
    • Cafe CHS950P2MS1 (induction double oven, not tested)
    • LG MVEL2033F (OTR microwave)
  • 2 years ago

    Have included floorplan and some renderings, though I am fairly against ranges -- would sooner put a wall oven under a cooktop just for the sleek look.


    Reason for wall oven in my case is also that with this new layout I think I will have sufficient storage space which is also an issue currently, and counter top segments are longer - gap between wall to sink and sink to wall oven in the pictures is 25", gap between fridge and cooktop 30", gap between cooktop to end of counter 15".










  • 2 years ago

    Lovely space.

    I do think the look of a wall oven is very sleek and the cook top above could work nicely too. Beautiful apartment. I am not a big fan of mw over the cooktop but that's just me. If it works for you go for it.

  • 2 years ago

    That's a beautiful rendition. You must be eager to get started!


    I have a long kitchen, sort of a galley in many ways, with a cooktop centered on the long wall. I added pull out cutting boards on both sides of the cooktop. This is has been tremendously useful in that I can pull them out for extra landing space or to chop veggies at the cooking area, then push them back into their slots when I don't need them. It's like having extra counterspace that comes and goes as needed.



  • 2 years ago

    Just a caution about putting a wall oven under a cooktop -- if you are short, it's probably OK, but if you (or your future tenants) are on the high side of average or tall, it will more difficult to use than a range. Wall ovens mounted below a cooktop are usually much closer to the floor than ovens in a range. For me, it would be a deal-breaker if I saw an oven so low -- even as a longer-term rental.

    If you are really against a range (no idea way, but you don't seem to want to tell us), then how about a tall oven stack that has a wall oven and above it, an alcove for a MW, and additional storage above and below the ovens.

    OTR MWs are OK MWs with regards to cooking, but not so much with regards to safety, especially for short people. (Ask me how I know! as well) In addition, they're lousy range hoods.

    A better use of space, IMO, is what I described above.

  • 2 years ago

    @awm03 Could you share where you found pullout cutting boards? I've been looking for some but can't find any that actually reduce space, maybe I'm searching the wrong thing. And the oven you shared is a great option for what I was looking for!! I couldn't find anything like that that wasn't combi/double, but that is a perfect option.


    @Buehl It's mainly just preference in terms of how it looks - sleeker, more modern. But I also like the ability to replace the cooktop and oven independently if one were to break. I also like the idea of being able to have dedicated drawers under each e.g. utensils spatulas spoons and pots/pans all under the cooktop, baking sheets/oven mitts/etc under the wall oven.


    Which is why I'm really just trying to decide between what type of wall oven, not between a wall oven and range. Especially since with this change I should have sufficient counter/storage space to the point where I don't mind if the wall oven takes up some real estate.


  • 2 years ago

    I lived in a condo for 10 years with a galley kitchen. I would never have put in a range. My cooktop and wall oven were the way to go.

  • 2 years ago

    When I remodeled my kitchen in 2003, I told my kitchen designer that I wanted pull out cutting boards, & she worked out the details. That's not very informative for you, & I apologize. But if you're working with a kd, you can discuss the various options. Mine are maple boards that pull out of slots cut above drawers where I store utensils. There are some available that are on glider rails.

    I'll see if I can upload a picture. Excuse the mess, my son is home for a visit.




  • 2 years ago

    You might want to check, if you haven’t already, whether your connection is a 120v or a 240v before you decide on what type of oven. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure all double ovens require a 240v connection, but many single ovens don’t. It’s usually not cheap to run a 240v connection if it’s not been put in during construction.

  • 2 years ago

    If you’re worried about counter space you can put two wall ovens under the counter; you’ll have to bend down to reach them / its the not most ergonomic but it will maximize counter space

  • 2 years ago

    An oven and cooktop combination is a bonus in an apartment. If you can fit them and have decent countertop space, go for it.

  • 2 years ago

    I would do a slide in range. More modern looking than a regular range. You will get a standard width oven with a storage drawer beneath it. I would go with a microwave drawer to preserve cabinet space above and counter top space, too.

  • 2 years ago

    If this was for yourself, I would recommend a 24" Miele CSO XXL for the main oven and another 24" Miele oven as the second oven. They should be fine with decent renters, but might need to be shown the basic functions.


    I have a 36" Wolf Induction range, but use my 24" Miele CSO XXL all the time. Fits 95% of things most people tend to cook.