A kitchen’s purpose is to act as a homebase for cooking and preparing meals.
All of that centers on the right oven. A quality oven not only helps you broil, bake, and roast your favorite meals to perfection, but it also acts as a stylish focal point in the kitchen. Select the right special features for a customized cooking experience that’s tailored just for you.
Here’s everything you need to know to find the best oven for your kitchen remodel.
Main Types of Ovens
The biggest and most important decision you need to make is what type of oven you want in your kitchen.Though all ovens accomplish the same basic task, they come in a variety of types that suit different needs and preferences as well as interior design styles.
Here are the five most popular types of ovens for your kitchen remodel.
Freestanding Oven
The most classic option, freestanding ovens are traditionally the most popular choice for kitchens.
As their name implies, these ovens come in a single all-in-one package that can be placed anywhere in your kitchen. They come with a built-in cooktop and usually with storage drawers at the bottom. They are often placed between cabinetry, although their finished sides mean that they look just as good with one or both sides exposed.
Freestanding ovens come with a built-in backsplash that includes the oven controls.
Wall Oven
The main alternative to freestanding all-in-one ovens, wall ovens are quickly becoming one of the most popular trends in kitchen design.
Created to be used with a separate cooktop, homeowners love wall ovens not just for their stylish good looks, but also for their versatility. They give you much more flexibility in terms of appliance location and also help maximize space.
Another benefit of wall ovens is their sleek and streamlined contemporary style that looks great in a large variety of kitchens.
Slide-In Oven
Very similar to freestanding ovens, slide-in ovens are also considered ranges (combination of an oven and cooktop).
The difference with slide-in ovens is that they feature their control panel on the front of the oven rather than the back. They also require you to slide them into another appliance or between cabinetry and use your own backsplash.
The main benefit of a slide-in oven over a freestanding oven is simply style. Many people prefer their more modern, custom look.
Drop-In Oven
Another all-in-one range, a drop-in oven looks very similar to a slide-in oven, except that it rests on top of a low cabinet.
Like a slide-in oven, it features controls on the front. You must use it in conjunction with your own cabinetry and backsplash for a cohesive kitchen look.
Drop-in ovens are usually smaller than other all-in-one types. They don’t come with lower drawers.
Double Oven
Another hot new trend in the world of kitchen design is the double oven.These have become increasingly more common over the years thanks to their versatility and stylish appeal. Double ovens, as their name implies, come with two cooking areas. One is usually a standard oven while the other is for roasting.
The chief benefit of a double oven is that they give you the ability to cook two meals at once or cook twice the amount of one meal.
Other Factors to Consider
In selecting the right oven for your kitchen remodel, there are quite a few additional factors you should consider.
Here are five important factors to ask your kitchen remodeler about.
Fuel Type
The vast majority of ovens are powered by either gas or electric fuel. Each has its own set of pros and cons.
Gas Oven
Gas ovens are inexpensive and heat quickly. However, heat distribution is an issue and they can be more difficult to clean.
Electric Oven
Electric ovens are easy to ignite and distribute heat evenly. Those with a built-in cooktop have a smooth stove surface that’s easy to clean. The downside is that they take longer to heat and don’t work during power outages.
Size
Ovens come in a variety of sizes. The standard sizes include 24, 27, 30, and 36-inch widths to work well with normal cabinetry. You can also customize the size of your oven.
Capacity
Capacity relates to the amount of space inside the oven cavity. Most traditional all-in-one ovens have about 5 cubic feet of cooking space. Wall ovens have around 3 cubic feet.
Color and Style
Ovens are available to match all kitchen decorating preferences. Select an oven that matches the color and style of the rest of the room.
Additional Features
The best ovens come with a whole host of additional features to choose from. These include convection, steaming, and dehydration settings as well as auto off timers and self-cleaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying and installing an oven is relatively straightforward. However, there are still a handful of common mistakes you must take care to avoid.
Wrong Type
Don’t buy a wall oven if your kitchen isn’t equipped to handle it. Likewise, don’t buy a gas oven if your home doesn’t yet have a gas line.
Improper Installation
Your new oven won’t work properly, and could be downright dangerous, if improperly installed. If you are unsure how to install yours, seek the help of kitchen remodeling services.
Poor Overall Design
Make sure that your oven looks good with the rest of your kitchen appliances and interior design so that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Kitchen Crowding
Most ovens are relatively unobtrusive. However, you still want to make sure that it’s located somewhere accessible yet out of the way so it doesn’t cause kitchen crowding.
Failure to Meet Code Requirements
Your oven installation most likely has to meet local building codes, depending on the city, county, and state you live in. Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of your kitchen remodel.
Final Thoughts
Hire a professional kitchen remodeler for more help selecting and installing a new oven into your kitchen.
Honey-Doers is a great choice. Please call us at (952) 985-5383 or use our online contact form for more information.
