skip to main content

Wall Oven Heat vs. Range Oven Heat

11 years ago

Will a wall oven heat the house as much as a range oven does?

We've made serious energy improvements in our 845 s.f. cottage and are getting roasted by our GE range oven. It was humorous in the dead of New England winter to have to open windows to cool down after cooking -- the Broan exhaust fan needed help -- but now that the warm weather is here we are worrying we will be air conditioning just to cook.

The plan is to replace the range with a cooktop and a Miele Combi Steam/Convection oven (once they get the kinks out) but don't know if it will help. Anyone know?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

jadeite
11 years ago
How old is your GE range? In our last home we placed the older range with a new, energy-efficient model and found a huge difference in the amount of heat produced. The old range added a lot of heat, enough that we could turn the thermostat down a little in winter when I was doing a lot of baking. The new range was slightly warm to the touch, but that was it.

In our new home, we have a wall oven which is even more efficient than the new range. It blows warmed air into the kitchen, but it's never made the kitchen feel hot, even in the middle of summer. It's not a Miele, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Cheryl
gtadross_gw
11 years ago
I would say it depends on the brands. For instance, I have a Viking wall oven and a bluestar range. The Viking, even on 500, stays cool to the touch. The bluestar, on the other hand, gets relatively warm. Not enough to burn anyone but still warm nonetheless. Of course once you open either oven, you'll feel the heat woosh out, but that goes for any brand.
Related Discussions
Double oven range vs. single oven range & convection microwave
Q
Comments (5)
This is very interesting as I was thinking of a single wall oven plus a convection microwave as a second oven. We have a regular microwave as well. I really want the second oven for pies, keeping things warm etc but don't need 2 full size ovens as in a double wall oven. Consumer reports didn't seem to think much of the convection microwaves so that put me off. The microwave ovens would be on opposite sides of the kitchen which has some advantage. Any comments?
...See More
Opinions - Wall Oven vs. range vs. cooktop & single oven...
Q
Comments (21)
I currently have double Viking wall ovens and cooktop and I love them. However, I do love the look of the commercial ranges. I find that both of my double ovens are not really at good heights for me though. I'm 5'4". The bottom oven is a little low and the top one (the one I use the most) is a little high and I usually have to get my son or husband to help me with getting heavy items out. So, while planning a kitchen renovation on a new house, I chose the Thermador 48" range with the steam oven and warming drawer. I realize I might not like going back to bending to get things out of the oven, but I know I can reach them myself. I also was able to free up a lot of wall cabinet space so I can put in a nice pantry cabinet which I need in the design. My kitchen design is all on one long wall really with a 16' island in front of it. I am getting a Miele speed oven and putting that in the island and it functions as a convection oven/microwave. I'm guessing it will be the oven I use most when cooking only for my husband and myself. I've agonized over this for months now (range vs. cooktop and wall ovens) but in the end cabinet space and "the look" of a commercial range won out! And, honestly, the only time I use both my wall ovens now is at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a big waste of cabinet space 363 days out of the year :) I hope this helps and good luck!!
...See More
Double oven range vs wall ovens
Q
Comments (7)
4amblues, I did consider option 4, thanks, but eliminated it because my space is SO limited, I was trying to keep things grouped together. The range would also have to be positioned near the dishwasher, and I'm not as crazy about that idea as I'd like to keep a more unbroken line of cabinetry there. It is a good thought though, that I actually have a design drawn up for. Rocketmomkd, thanks for the input. I know the walkway is a less convenient spot for it; not at all idea. So hard without knocking down walls and claiming other space that folks are actively using, to make this all work in a tiny spot. I'm glad to hear how well you like the double range - I was concerned about how much the upper oven can hold. I also wonder how hot it gets, compared to cooking on a cooktop while your double ovens bake away at a distance. Hags00, thanks for chiming in on that too; I have wondered about the lower oven issue and what it's like to get a turkey or large dish out of there so low down! It still sounds like a viable option and I'm glad to hear it works well for both of you. Ginny20, I haven't even looked at conduction cooktops, I'll have a look. I wish I had a space to claim in the garage, what a great idea to set the ovens in like that! I'll spend a little time thinking on that one... Microwave: with plan 1, would go to the right of cooktop, undercounter. Plan 2, would go undercounter in the spot I've considered for the double wall ovens, if they don't go there. Plan 3, under counter as well in that other spot. It was suggested to me that I get a combination microwave conduction oven, but it's not uncommon to have the micro, both ovens and cooktops going here, so I think I will use them all. Thank you for the input!
...See More
30 inch range vs. cooktop/wall oven vs. 36 inch range
Q
Comments (1)
I can answer the BS oven door question. My 36" BS RCS was installed two days ago (haven't used it yet, hopefully this weekend). During the burn off of the oven (high temp is 450 F for an hour) I checked how hot the oven door got, as that has been a big issue noted on these boards. On my range, the SS part of the oven door did not get hot, just a bit warm. The glass on the oven door got hotter but not that hot. What did get quite hot were the sides/edges of the oven door. I could touch the side but not for long. Definitely quite hot. Not instant burn/scald though. There are vents (or look like vents) right there so it makes sense that those areas heat up a lot. Your kids would have to press their hands up against the 2" side of the door for several seconds for it to affect them negatively. More likely a kid running around will touch the front of the door and that is not a problem, on my range at least.
...See More
deeageaux
11 years ago
Depends on the range and it depends on the wall oven.

Gaggenau and Wolf L series are the best insulated wall ovens with the Wolf E Series and Miele just a little behind.

Capital ranges are the best insulated ranges with Wolf just a little behind.
djdoggone
Original Author
11 years ago
The GE is probably 5 years old. Wouldn't expect big difference for newer model.

Are wall ovens more insulated than range ovens?
wekick
11 years ago
Posted by deeageaux

Gaggenau and Wolf L series are the best insulated wall ovens with the Wolf E Series and Miele just a little behind.

Capital ranges are the best insulated ranges with Wolf just a little behind.

Can you give a credible source for this supposition? Are you talking about Wolf gas or DF?
In general a gas oven has more ventilation and heat loss than an electric oven.

The amount of heat in your kitchen depends on a combination of
--how the oven is ventilated
--the size of the oven cavity that you are heating
--the insulation
It could also be influenced by where and how it is installed.
If there were some sort of energy use ratings, it might give a rough idea. I would think since you are heating a smaller space and a more sealed oven(steam), you would be better off. Insulation would be difficult to speak to.
djdoggone
Original Author
11 years ago
Sounds like Miele wall oven might be better than GE range. Here's hoping.

Thanks all for taking the time to share info.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Range and Oven

By Bonnie McCarthy

Experts serve up advice on caring for these kitchen appliances, which work extra hard during the holidays

FIREPLACES Heat Your Space in Style with Today's Wood-Burning Stoves

By Shawn Gauthier

Cleaner burning and streamlined, new wood-burning stoves warm up the room

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces

By Matt Clawson

Here’s what to know about surviving winter’s bite with an outdoor fireplace, fire pit or heat lamp

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Radiant Heat System

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Enjoy comfy, consistent temperatures and maybe even energy savings with hydronic heating and cooling

HOUSEKEEPING 5 Steps to Improve Your Heating System Now

By Buckminster Green LLC

Increase your heater's efficiency and safety for lower energy bills and greater peace of mind this winter

GREEN BUILDING Insulation Basics: Heat, R-Value and the Building Envelope

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn how heat moves through a home and the materials that can stop it, to make sure your insulation is as effective as you think

PATIOS A Modern Backyard Trumps the Texas Heat

By Annie Thornton

New shaded areas offer a respite in an outdoor Houston living room, while a fire pit re-creates fond memories

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Have all the options for ovens, with or without cooktops and drawers, left you steamed? This guide will help you simmer down

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Get a Pizza Oven for the Patio

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Light a fire under plans for an outdoor oven and claim the best pizza in town

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Luxuries: The Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

If you love homemade pizza and are (ahem) rolling in dough, a wood-burning oven may be just the right kitchen investment

Sponsored

More Discussions

Combi Steam Oven usable dimensions - Thermador, Wolf, Miele

3

Stove exhaust vent moving and closing an old one

15

Good quality countertop microwave ovens?

4

Any advice on a vent liner?

3

New 36" Gas range. Took a chance and love it

0