Picking the Perfect Wall Oven: Microwave Combo with Air Fryer

picking the Perfect Wall Oven

If you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new home, one major decision is what cooking appliances to include. Ovens, microwaves, and air fryers are popular kitchen must-haves. But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect combo?

This ultimate guide covers what to look for in selecting a wall oven microwave pairing. We’ll also explore how adding an air fryer can be the cherry on top for appliances that have it all!

Picking Your Wall Oven

Wall ovens are standard in most kitchens today. They free up counter space and provide even baking results. Here’s what to consider for your oven:

Size Matters: The most common oven sizes are 27” or 30” wide and anywhere from 20” to 30” tall. Think about your family size, cooking habits, and space. If you love to host big holiday meals, go larger. For smaller spaces or apartments, compact 24″ ovens are available. 

Get Your Fuel: Most modern ovens are electric. But gas ovens are also available for more precise temperature control. Electric costs less upfront while gas may save on energy bills down the road. Think about your utility access and cooking preferences.

Functionality is Key: Must-have oven functions include bake, broil, and convection modes. Convection uses a fan to circulate heat and cook foods faster. Other handy modes are proofing, dehydrating, air frying, slow cook, and self-cleaning. 

Go for Glass: Tempered glass oven doors making it easy to monitor food without losing heat. Choose a model with cool-touch glass that remains safe to touch when hot. Opt for double oven models to get glass doors up top and bottom.

Microwave the Essentials

Having a microwave built into your wall oven combo maximizes efficiency. When choosing a microwave, consider

• Size:  Needs to fit above your oven. Typical over-the-range sizes are 1.6 to 2.2 cubic feet.
• Power: Look for at least 1000 watts for fast efficient heating. Higher watt microwave will cook faster. 
• Functions: Options like sensor cooking, keeping warm, and defrosting can optimize convenience.
• Style: Match the look of your oven below, usually stainless, black, or white. 

Get That Perfect Fit 

When shopping for a wall oven and microwave pair, be sure to measure your kitchen space first. Wall ovens need an alcove or cabinet space of your desired width and at least 24” depth. The oven combo unit should fit your cabinets both width and height-wise. 

Air Fryers – The Hottest Addition

Air fryers are the latest must-have appliance. Their ability to crisp up “fried” foods using little to no oil makes them appeal to health-conscious cooks. When shopping for an air fryer, look for:

• Size:  Choose a model that will fit on your counter without crowding. Larger models allow you to cook bigger portions.
• Temperature Range: Look for at least 400°F ability to properly imitate frying. 
• Settings: Digital controls that are preset for foods like fries, chicken, steak, fish, etc. make air frying easy.
• Capacity:  Consider the servings you typically cook and buy accordingly. Anywhere from 2-7 quarts is standard.
• Accessories: Many come with racks, skewers, pans, and traps for more cooking options.

Now for the exciting part – there are several wall oven and microwave combos on the market that come with built-in air fryers! Choose one of these all-in-one appliances, and you’ll have the holy trinity of must-have kitchen tools.

Benefits of a Wall Oven-Microwave-Air Fryer Combo 

Having your wall oven, microwave, and air fryer seamlessly combined into one unified machine comes with some great perks:

• Convenience:  All your cooking functions in one appliance saves space and outlets.
• Streamlined look:  Combined units have a sleek, built-in look rather than countertop clutter.
•  Matching suite:  Everything pairs together with similar finishes like stainless steel.
• Cost savings: All-in-one units are cheaper than buying three separate appliances.
• Focused heat: The air fryer feature uses concentrated heat for crispy results.

FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing your ideal wall oven-microwave-air fryer combo comes down to prioritizing the features most important for your kitchen. Do you want top-of-the-line smart tech and connectivity? Or are extra cooking modes like sous vide critical? Pro-style combos target aspiring home chefs. 

With luxury models reaching over $5,000, be sure to set a budget first. Basic combos start around $2,000. Carefully measure your space to ensure proper fit before purchasing. 

Adding built-in air frying takes your combo to the next level in healthy convenience cooking. With the right research on your needs and space, you can find the perfect cooking appliance dream team for joyful family meals for years to come!