Over or Under: Where Should You Put Your Oven?
Where you place your oven can have a big impact on how you use your kitchen, so it's important to make the right choice
If you’re renovating a kitchen or even building one from scratch, there are two practical places for the oven to go – under the bench or on the wall at waist height. It’s important that you weigh up the pros and cons to help you decide where to put it, based on the space you have and how much bench space and storage you need. Both options work just as well with any style of kitchen, but putting the right oven in the right place can open up a world of possibilities for your kitchen design.
If you’ve always had a kitchen with a wall oven, it can be hard to imagine using anything else. Likewise, if you’re used to an under-bench oven, that’s likely to be your go-to choice. But several factors should come into play before you make your final decision:
- The size and shape of the floor space available.
- The amount of wall space you have.
- The amount of bench space you need.
- The style you want to achieve.
- The other appliances in the kitchen.
Under-bench ovens
The best thing about an under-bench oven is that it can give you more bench space – a big plus if your kitchen is on the smaller side.
The best thing about an under-bench oven is that it can give you more bench space – a big plus if your kitchen is on the smaller side.
Under-bench ovens adapt well to any style of kitchen, and maintain clean lines by not interrupting a solid vertical joinery element.
See more of this kitchen
See more of this kitchen
Now for the cons. The big compromise with an under-bench oven is the height. Constantly having to bend over to remove large, heavy baking dishes can put a strain on your back. And when it comes to cleaning, you’re going to have to get down on your hands and knees for a good scrub.
Although you might gain on bench space, choosing an under-bench oven means the potential loss of drawer space too.
Although you might gain on bench space, choosing an under-bench oven means the potential loss of drawer space too.
Wall ovens
Fans of wall ovens love how easy they are to access. Older people and those mindful of ergonomics tend to prefer the convenience of waist-height oven, and appreciate that they can be stacked with other appliances such as microwaves, steam ovens and warming drawers.
Entertainers often choose to have two wall ovens stacked on top of each other, to cook multiple dishes at once or to keep food warm while guests enjoy an apertif.
Fans of wall ovens love how easy they are to access. Older people and those mindful of ergonomics tend to prefer the convenience of waist-height oven, and appreciate that they can be stacked with other appliances such as microwaves, steam ovens and warming drawers.
Entertainers often choose to have two wall ovens stacked on top of each other, to cook multiple dishes at once or to keep food warm while guests enjoy an apertif.
Side-by-side configurations are also possible with wall ovens – a set-up like this incorporates a microwave and coffee maker, too. Stacked or side-by-side wall ovens work well within floor-to-ceiling joinery, which may also include a pantry and the fridge.
Another plus for wall ovens is the convenience of having space for drawers underneath, where you can keep utensils, pots and pans.
14 great kitchen storage solutions
Another plus for wall ovens is the convenience of having space for drawers underneath, where you can keep utensils, pots and pans.
14 great kitchen storage solutions
They might be ergonomically friendly, but the compromise with wall ovens is that they obviously take up more of your wall space. Wall ovens are best suited to kitchens that have a large amount of unbroken wall space available, and plenty of room for food prep, too.
If space is at a premium in your kitchen, this could be the deciding factor – wall ovens take up room that could otherwise be used to create more bench space.
If space is at a premium in your kitchen, this could be the deciding factor – wall ovens take up room that could otherwise be used to create more bench space.
Still can’t decide? If you like the look of an under-bench oven, but want the convenience of a steamer, microwave and warming drawer too, why not have it all? This kitchen manages to fit in two under-bench ovens and stacks the other appliances in the wall joinery.
TELL US
What kind of oven configuration works for you and your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments.
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TELL US
What kind of oven configuration works for you and your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments.
MORE
9 Easy Steps to Planning a Dream Kitchen
How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
9 Kitchen Colours You Won’t Tire Of