Installing an Under Counter Wall Oven: The Complete Guide for Your Kitchen Remodel
If you‘re renovating your kitchen, installing an under counter wall oven is a great way to save space while still getting powerful cooking performance. As a home improvement professional with over 10 years of experience, I‘ve helped dozens of homeowners successfully install under counter ovens.
In this complete guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to integrate an under counter wall oven into your new kitchen design. We‘ll cover:
- How Under Counter Ovens Work
- Benefits of Under Counter Ovens
- Size and Placement Considerations
- Clearance and Ventilation Requirements
- Installation Costs and Process
- Safety Tips and Maintenance
Let‘s get started!
How Do Under Counter Wall Ovens Work?
Under counter wall ovens are full-sized ovens designed to fit in the space below your kitchen counters. The oven takes up about the same footprint as a typical base cabinet – between 24 and 30 inches wide.
They operate just like regular ovens, using either gas or electric power to bake, broil, roast and more. The under counter installation helps maximize kitchen space by moving the oven off the floor.
Many homeowners opt for under counter ovens when renovating kitchens in older homes with limited square footage. They provide a great cooking solution without requiring a full kitchen reconfiguration.
Benefits of Installing an Under Counter Wall Oven
Here are some of the biggest benefits that under counter wall ovens offer:
- Space Saving – Gain a full oven without losing floor space
- Versatile Performance – Bake, broil, roast, pizza, cookies – you name it!
- Custom Look – Integrate seamlessly into cabinetry for a built-in look
- Improved Ergonomics – Door is higher up for easier access
- Added Resale Value – Under counter ovens are popular with home buyers
In my experience, the space saving ability of under counter ovens is the number one selling point for most homeowners. You can install a 30-inch double wall oven unit while only giving up the space of one base cabinet. That‘s a big upgrade in cooking performance for a relatively small footprint!
What Size Under Counter Oven Should You Choose?
Under counter ovens come in a range of widths, with 24-inch, 27-inch, and 30-inch being the most common. In general, I recommend choosing the largest size that can reasonably fit in your kitchen layout.
The extra capacity and oven door size of a 30-inch model is useful when cooking large dishes or batches of cookies and pizzas. Here are some sizing considerations:
- 24-inch – Best for tighter kitchens. Can fit in a single base cabinet.
- 27-inch – Versatile mid-size option. Works with some standard cabinet sizes.
- 30-inch – Extra capacity. Flexible if space allows.
If your kitchen is tight on space, downsizing from a 30-inch to 24-inch under counter oven can be a lifesaver. Just be aware that the capacity will be more limited.
Where Should You Place an Under Counter Wall Oven?
When it comes to placement, the optimal location for your under counter oven depends on your kitchen layout and personal preferences. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Near cooktop – Places oven conveniently by the stovetop for multi-tasking
- Accessible location – Easy to access, not blocked by traffic patterns
- Away from windows – Prevents temperature fluctuations from outside air
- Near electricity – Simplifies installation of electrical hookups
Ideally, you‘ll want to position the oven in a base cabinet about 15 inches off the floor. This places the control panel at a comfortable height without too much bending down.
Be sure to check the oven‘s manual for any special placement requirements too. Some models specify being installed a certain distance from corners or combustibles.
Under Counter Oven Clearance Requirements
Proper clearances are crucial when installing under counter ovens. This ensures good airflow, easy access, and safe operation. Here are the standard recommendations:
- Side clearances – 3 inches minimum each side
- Rear clearance – 3 inches minimum
- Vertical clearance – 6 inches minimum below, 30 inches above
- Bottom clearance – 6 inches minimum below oven
These clearances allow hot air to properly dissipate from the oven, preventing overheating issues. They also make sure you have room to fully open the door and access the oven without burns.
I like to allow even more vertical clearance above the oven if possible – up to 36 inches. This provides extra overhead when removing large dishes from the upper racks.
Ventilation Needs for Under Counter Wall Ovens
All under counter ovens need proper ventilation to remove grease, smoke particles, and other cooking byproducts. Most standard models require an external vent hood.
Ductless ventilation fans can also work in some cases, provided they recirculate enough air volume. Always check your oven manual for the CFM ventilation rate needed.
If possible, a ducted vent hood that vents outside is ideal. This removes grease from the home and provides the greatest ventilation. Just make sure the hood is powerful enough – some require 600+ CFM for an under counter oven.
Installation Cost for an Under Counter Oven
Expect to spend $1,500 to $3,500 on average for installation of an under counter wall oven. This includes:
- Under counter oven unit – $1,000 to $2,500
- Electrical and gas hookup – $200 to $500
- Cabinet modifications – $100 to $300
- Countertop alterations – $100 to $200
- Professional installation fees – $100 to $500
Double ovens will be more expensive, with installation costs from $3,000 to $5,000 on average.
Always get multiple installation quotes to find the best rate. And look for any rebates from energy companies or appliance manufacturers that can help offset the cost.
Step-by-Step Under Counter Oven Installation Process
Installing an under counter oven is best left to professionals in most cases. But here‘s an overview of what‘s involved:
- Turn off electricity/gas and disconnect old oven
- Remove adjacent cabinets and countertop section
- Cut cabinet face frame for oven dimensions
- Build out oven support frame
- Run electrical and gas lines to opening
- Slide oven into cabinet and secure in place
- Reinstall cabinet doors and altered countertop
- Perform testing to confirm oven is operating safely
- Seal any gaps and touch up cabinetry as needed
The whole process takes around 2 to 3 hours for experienced installers. Make sure to get the required permits from your local building department before starting.
Safety Tips for Your Under Counter Oven
Follow these tips to keep your under counter oven safe and prevent issues:
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of grease fires
- Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire
- Keep flammable items away from oven exterior
- Monitor young children closely when oven is in use
- Keep oven exterior and interior clean to minimize risk
I always recommend installing a safety shut-off device as an extra precaution too. This automatically cuts power if it detects a gas leak.
Maintaining Your Under Counter Wall Oven
To keep your under counter oven running smoothly:
- Self-clean the interior regularly to remove grease buildup
- Replace oven light bulbs when they burn out
- Check gaskets and seals, replacing any worn out parts
- Monitor for slow preheating or uneven cooking as signs repairs are needed
- Clean ventilation filters monthly to maintain air flow
Call a technician right away if you ever smell gas or the oven is smoking. It‘s also smart to have a technician inspect your oven annually to catch any problems early.
The Takeaway
Under counter ovens provide awesome versatility, letting you install a full-sized oven in a smaller kitchen footprint. By following proper clearance, ventilation, and placement guidelines, you can integrate an under counter oven seamlessly into your cabinets. Just be sure to leave enough room for safe access and airflow.
I hope this guide gives you all the details needed to successfully add an under counter wall oven during your upcoming kitchen remodel. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you plan your oven installation. I‘m always happy to help fellow DIYers master their under counter oven projects!
