Types of Ovens | Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Oven for your Kitchen

Types of Ovens - Trends in Oven Styles

How to Choose an Oven for your North Carolina New Home

With so many options (wall ovens, ranges, gas powered, electricity powered, convection, conventional), how do you choose the type of oven that best suits your needs (and fits perfectly into the personality of your home)?

Here are answers to some of the most important questions you should ask before choosing an oven for your custom home kitchen in 2012.

Single Wall Ovens

Why choose a single wall oven?

A single wall oven is separated from the cooktop and installed within the kitchen cabinets, typically below the microwave.

This separation of oven and cooktop give you two distinct work stations - making it easier for multiple cooks to move around the kitchen.

What are other benefits of a wall oven?

A higher wall mounting can also eliminate the need to bend over the oven - requiring less physical strain.

How large are wall ovens?

Wall ovens are generally electric rather than gas, and come in a width of 24, 27, or 30 inches.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Linda, features a single wall convection oven powered by electricity (not gas).

Double Wall Ovens

Why choose a double wall oven?

A double wall oven gives you just that - double the capacity.

Double wall ovens are very popular in 2012 design trends, as homebuyers are looking for space maximization in the kitchen.

Have a large family? Host special occasions with multiple dishes? You can have twice the baking, roasting, and prep space to accommodate your lifestyle.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Terrell, features a double wall convection oven powered by electricity.

Read more about choosing between a wall oven and kitchen range.

Convection Ovens versus Conventional Ovens

What is the difference between a convection oven and a conventional oven?

 - A conventional oven is a traditional oven that relies of radiant heat - drawing heat from the bottom to the top of the oven.

 - A convection oven (more commonly used today) uses a fan to evenly circulate heat throughout the oven. Convection ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Carwile, features a convection oven with gas cooktop - designed specifically to compliment this "All American" farmhouse style kitchen.

Oven and Cooktop Combination - Cooking Ranges

What is a kitchen range? Why choose an oven and cooktop combination?

Another common selection for new homes is a kitchen range - with the oven and cooktop as a single appliance (and, typically, microwave placed directly above).

This option can be less expensive than a wall oven/cooktop combination, and can be a better choice for families with one main cook or fewer large gatherings to cater for.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Almodovar, features an electric range (oven and cooktop) - designed specifically to suit this green-qualified kitchen design. 

Gas Ovens

Why choose a gas powered oven over an electric powered oven?

Many professional cooks swear by the power of a gas oven. Faster heat-up and cool-down time provides flexibility - especially when following complicated recipes that call for constant temperature adjustments.

More gas cooktops also use an overhead ventilation system, which can be more visually appealing.

BUT, depending on the size, style, and complexity of your cooktop, a gas range is could cost more up-front.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Brogan, features a gas range (oven and cooktop) - designed for professional-grade cooking.

Read more about the benefits (and costs) of gas versus electric cooktops.

Electric Ovens

Why choose an electric oven?

Have kids? Electric ovens don't have open flame cooktops to worry about.

Electric cooktops generally cost less up-front than gas cooktops.

Flat electric cooktops are easy to install and easy to clean. There is no need of an additional fuel source.

How much space do ovens take?

Typical ovens are between 4 and 9 square feet - and can be designed to take center stage of your kitchen, or tucked away under a counter.

The custom home pictured to the left, a version of the Willow, features an electric range (oven and cooktop) - designed to emphasize the custom tile backsplash and espresso cabinetry. 

Read about other custom home kitchen design trends in 2012:

Choosing between a wall oven and kitchen range - why the trend is moving towards wall ovens

Why choose a gas cooktop? Top reasons homebuyers think gas powered ranges are better

Kitchen Tile Backsplash - Today's Top 5 Designs

What Kind of Kitchen Countertop is Best?

2012 Kitchen Design Trends - Is Stainless Steel on its Way Out?

 

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $200s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.