Cooktop & Separate Oven | KraftMaid at The Home Depot

Cooktops and range tops are very similar, as both have only the top cooking surface, no oven. However, there is one distinct aesthetic difference: cooktops have their controls on the top surface while range tops have their controls on the front. Both are available in widths ranging from 30” to 60” and come with either gas or electric hookups. Both are installed into a cabinet designed to hold the appliance, which offers the bonus of additional storage space.​

With no attached oven, you will need to determine the type of oven you want, the location of it in your new kitchen and the type of cabinet that will surround it. By separating the cooking surface from the oven, you’re also improving the flow of traffic when multiple cooks are in the kitchen. No more running into each other when you’re cooking and baking!​

Cooktop, Microwave Hood & Double Wall Oven ​

Things to know about this layout option:​

• The cooktop is installed into a 3-drawer specialty cabinet designed to fit the appliance.  Depending on the appliance, you will have 2 or 3 working drawers under the appliance.​
• It not uncommon to see a microwave vent hood above a cooktop. It’s a good use of space, but does require planning for the cabinets above. ​
• A tall cabinet is used to house the double oven with storage above and below the appliance. ​
• Separate cooking and oven appliances give you the option for dual fuel cooking. For example, you could have an electric cooktop and a gas oven or visa versa.​
• Once your cabinet order is placed, you should not change your appliance selection. ​

The dollar signs are used to show a price comparison relative to the cost of the cabinetry and the appliances. Of course, depending on your final choices, cost will vary.

Range top, Chimney Hood, Wall Oven-Microwave-Warming Drawer Combo​

Things to know about this layout option:​

• The range top is installed in a 2-drawer cabinet designed to fit this appliance. ​
• A tall cabinet is used to house the built-in microwave, wall oven, and warming drawer.  There is space above the appliances to store trays, baking sheets, and platters. ​
• By moving the microwave from above the cooking surface to the adjacent wall, you have the option of a more decorative ventilation hood. A chimney hood can create a fantastic focal point.​
• Cooking appliances 36” or wider require additional ventilation. You’ll want to consider this in your planning.​
• Separate cooking and oven appliances give you the option for dual fuel cooking.  For example, you could have an electric cooktop and a gas oven or vice versa.​
• Once your cabinet order is placed, you should not change your appliance selection. ​

Cooktop, Under-counter Oven, Microwave Hood & Single Wall Oven ​

Things to know about this layout option:​

• This layout upgrades the cooking appliances while maintaining a traditional look in the cooking area. ​
• A specialty base cabinet is required to house the cooktop and under-counter oven.​
• It not uncommon to see a microwave vent hood above a cooktop.  It’s a good use of space, but does require planning for the cabinets above. ​
• A tall cabinet is used to house a second oven, with two deep drawers for storing all of your bakeware below and baking sheets, trays, and platters above.​
• Separate cooking and oven appliances give you the option for dual fuel cooking. For example, you could have an electric cooktop and a gas oven or visa versa.​
• Once your cabinet order is placed, you should not change your appliance selection.​

Cooktop, Under-counter Oven, Chimney Hood & Wall Oven-Microwave Combo​

Things to know about this layout option:​

• This layout upgrades the cooking appliances while maintaining a traditional look in the cooking area.  ​
• A specialty base cabinet is required to house the cooktop and under-counter oven.​
• A tall cabinet is used to house a built-in microwave and a second oven, with cabinet storage above and below the appliances.​
• Separate cooking and oven appliances give you the option for dual fuel cooking. For example, you could have an electric cooktop and a gas oven or visa versa.​
• Once your cabinet order is placed, you should not change your appliance selection. ​

The Best Locations for Placing Wall Ovens in your Kitchen Designs – VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Many consumers are requesting a wall oven and cooktop instead of a traditional range for their Dream Kitchen.

There can be many reasons for this.

They may have a large space and would like to spread the cooking activities around the room.

They may want an oven at a more ergonomic height.

There may want special features only available in a wall oven.

Once it is determined that your client would like to include a wall oven or two in their new Kitchen, it will be up to you to find the perfect solution for locating them in their design.

Read on to discover some great ideas for placing wall ovens in your Kitchen Designs.

Traditional Placement

• Wall Oven in Brick Column
• Wall Oven in Plaster Wall

Wall ovens were traditionally inserted directly into wall cavities

When manufactures began splitting the range into a separate cooktop and wall oven, many ovens were placed within a wall cavity, hence the word “wall oven”.

It was popular to build ovens into brick walls with many of them being placed on the back side of the living room fireplace that faced into the kitchen.

If there was no brick wall in the vicinity, the wall oven would often be recessed into a plastered wall.

Soon cabinet manufactures saw an opportunity to build cabinets that could house wall ovens.

• Wall oven and built-in microwave in a tall kitchen cabinet
• Microwave, wall oven and warming drawer in tall cabinet

Wall ovens evolved into being installed into cabinetry

The most popular configuration was to stack the microwave above the wall oven and in some cases add a warming drawer below.

This setup works well in many designs because it puts all of the ovens together and concentrates all of the electrical hookups into one place for easy rough-in.

Once the decision is made to stack the wall ovens, the next decision is to decide where to place them in the design.

In the Cooking Zone

• Oven stack in Cooking Zone
• Microwave & wall oven in Cooking Zone

Placing the wall oven at the end of a run adjacent to the cooktop makes for a compact Cooking Zone

Many homeowners like to have their oven stack near the cooktop for a complete Cooking Zone.

By placing the ovens at the end of a run adjacent to the cooktop, it will define this zone and also provide drop off counter space beside the oven.

To learn more about drop off spaces you should be providing in your Kitchen Designs, check out “A Beginners Guide to Kitchen Design”.

Within a Run of Tall Pantry Units

• Wall ovens beside an equal sized pantry
• Pullout pantries flanking a double oven

Wall ovens placed within a wall of pantries

To balance the depth of an oven stack consider placing them beside pantry cabinets.

For a custom look ensure you line up the upper doors above the wall ovens and the upper doors on the pantry.

Also plan the width of the upper cabinets across the top to all be the same size. These small details make a world of difference in the finished design.

Beside the Refrigerator

• Stainless steel ovens beside pair of stainless steel refrigerators
• Flush mounted ovens beside an integrated paneled refrigerator

Wall ovens paired with refrigeration

The refrigerator is also a deep appliances that can balance the size of a double oven.

Todays wall ovens and refrigerators are much better insulated than those in the past so placing them side by side is an option.

Do check the specifications on the refrigerator door swing to ensure there is not a conflict with the wall oven handles before specifying these two appliances side by side.

Check out “Tips, Tricks and Traps for Reading Appliance Specifications” for more info on refrigerator swings.

In A Corner

• Full sized double ovens in a corner
• Microwave & convection oven in a corner

Corner oven installations providing a unique solution

Corners are often overlooked areas for placing a set of wall ovens, but it can be a great spot to consider.

If you choose this location for the ovens recess them back into the corner.

This extra 6″ or so will make the tall unit feel less bulky and adds a nice detail in the corner.

Perpendicular to a Counter Top

• Double ovens beside drop off counter
• Specialty ovens perpendicular to drop off counter

L-Shaped Designs with tall oven cabinets on one wall and drop off counter on the other

Having a landing counter near a wall oven should always be top of mind for the Kitchen Designer.

A solution to ensure this is to place the ovens perpendicular to a counter top run.

This type of installation allows the oven door to be opened with counter surface directly beside it.

Your design can still have all your tall units lined up with the safety of a counter top close by.

In Mid-Height Cabinets

• Stacked ovens in mid-height cabinet
• Side by side ovens in mid-height cabinets

Mid-height cabinets are perfect for housing wall ovens

Mid-height cabinets are often overlooked in Kitchen Design but they can be the perfect units to house wall ovens.

In most cases they will accommodate a double oven and they are perfect for placing ovens side by side.

The shorter height of mid-height cabinets could be the unique feature your kitchen design needs.

In an Elevated Base Cabinet

• Oven in elevated base cabinet against a wall
• Oven in elevated base cabinet in an island

Elevated base cabinets provide an ergonomic height for wall oven placement

Another underutilized cabinet in Kitchen Design is the elevated base cabinet.

This unit is usually between 42″ and 48″ high and allows the oven to be elevated slightly above standard countertop height.

It is a great solution for placing the oven at an ergonomic height for the baker in the household.

Under a Cooktop

• Wall oven under gas cooktop
• Wall oven under induction cooktop

Wall ovens installed under cooktops provides a streamline look

Installing a wall oven under a cooktop produces a streamline look.

Designers will choose this option to allow a continuous countertop line on that elevation.

It does take more planning on the part of the kitchen designer because you need to calculate clearances between the bottom of the cooktop and the top of the oven.

This set up is a great alternative to a free standing range.

Under Counter

• Wall oven under counter with shallow drawer below
• Specialty oven under counter with deep drawer below

Wall ovens can be placed anywhere in a kitchen design under counter

Specifying a wall oven under a countertop will allow it to be tucked up tight to the counter.

This also allows a drawer to be placed under the oven for added functionality.

With consumers investing in multiple ovens for their Dream Kitchens, Designers will need to find unique places to install them.

There is never a one-size-fits-all solution for wall oven locations.

Hopefully the above examples will inspire you to develop some unique wall oven placements in your future Kitchen Designs.

I would love to see your wall oven installations. Please comment and drop in a pic below.

If you would like to receive the VESTA Blog in your inbox every week please subscribe here:

Type your email…

Jan Rutgers has been designing kitchens and products for over 25 years and is a recipient of Kitchen & Bath Design News’ Top Innovators in 2020 for the Kitchen & Bath Industry. She has designed more than 1000 kitchens learning valuable skills with each one! Her experience in Kitchen Design, Millwork Manufacturing and Product Development has led her to create VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN where she educates and mentors people passionate about the Kitchen Design Industry.

Like this:

Like Loading…

Photos of built-in ovens in a kitchen interior

By dividing the familiar stove into two elements in the form of a hob and a built-in oven, there are more options for creating a slightly more ergonomic and stylish kitchen. The oven can now be positioned as it is convenient for you! Now there are a lot of options for embedding the oven: above the countertop, under the countertop, in a special cabinet-pencil case and even in a kitchen island. You can also consider the location of the device in the corner of the headset or in a tall drawer, combining the location with a microwave oven.

In addition to variations on the theme of placement, the modern market offers completely unique design solutions. Now you can stop being content with the same type of equipment, giving preference to exactly those models that visually satisfy you. There are, of course, classic colors: black or stainless steel. But you can always pay attention to models in white, brown, beige, burgundy, red and other colors.

Many well-known brands are no longer limited to the production of unusual color models. They create full-fledged thematic collections in the style of retro, Hi-tech, classic, also adding elements of rococo, baroque, colonial and Victorian style to the design. This is especially successful if the design of your kitchen is created taking into account certain fashion trends and trends. For example, one of the most popular at the moment, styles in the interior is “Scandi”. And choosing a light oven with a concise design is not difficult.

We have created this material for you to inspire and show you the possibilities that open up innovative technologies, cutting-edge design and competent setting of kitchen areas. And also how to combine visual appeal for better perception with convenience and practicality of operation. Indeed, in our time there are amazing opportunities for self-expression in the place that is home.

If your kitchen is at least 8 sq.m. and looks quite spacious, you can place the oven in a pencil case. This is a great solution, but only if there are enough work surfaces. When installing the oven above the usual level, the cooking process becomes much more comfortable. You can embed the device at the level of the tabletop and additionally place spacious drawers and shelves that will be closed by the facade.

A pencil case is a really great solution for a large kitchen. So, in addition to the oven, you can also install a microwave oven nearby. An oven with a microwave function is an indispensable assistant in the house, because reduces the cooking time of many dishes. It also allows you to quickly reheat or defrost workpieces. And it is quite reasonable to place both devices nearby. As practice shows, installation can be carried out not only in a horizontal line nearby. Positioning one behind the other vertically is also a practical option.

Corner installation is a somewhat unusual and non-standard solution. Indeed, in most cases, the so-called sanitary area is located in the corner zone: a sink and a faucet. Therefore, you have to look for another place under the oven. This is most often due to the fact that in apartment buildings the so-called “wet zone” is located the same in all rooms along the riser.

But if your apartment allows free zoning or you live in a private house where you need to supply all the amenities and communications yourself, then be sure to consider this embedding option. In this case, it is best to move the sink towards the window: there is more light and space. The vacated corner can be used for any purpose, thereby expanding the possibilities of the working surface.

How else can you position the oven in an unconventional way? For example, in a particularly large kitchen (these are often found not only in detached houses, but also in “+” format apartments, where the kitchen and living room are combined), you can equip the so-called “island”. And directly the oven can be built into it. This option is suitable for those families where the oven is rarely used and where there are no kids.

Somewhat unusual, but interesting, the location of the oven is not built under the countertop, and not above, but somewhat in the middle. An example can be seen in the photo. Yes, it would seem that it could be placed under the countertop next to the hob, but in this case, several practical storage boxes would be lost. If the kitchen is small, then the pencil case definitely cannot be a good example. Therefore, such placement saves space, expands the border of the working area and, being above the usual level, reserves the right to convenient use.

Classics will always be considered exemplary taste. Therefore, the usual placement under the countertop next to the hob and hood will be a win-win option if you don’t want to go for experiments. In addition, by complementing this with a laconic design that is pleasing to the eye, you will create a wonderful kitchen. She will delight guests and, believe me, you will never get bored. After all, the classic is eternal.

Basic color combinations are all shades of white and beige, black, brown, as well as a harmonious symbiosis of materials such as glass, stone, wood and metal. And if in the previous photo the kitchen set and dark household appliances are located on a light wall, then what about the option with a dark wall and a light kitchen set? In contrast with black built-in appliances, it looks great! And a little advice: the “apron” of the kitchen is its main final decoration. Give him special attention.

If you are rather conservative, but still want to add some “zest” – be sure to take a closer look at a plain, but bright kitchen set. And choose the technique not in tone, but as a successful color accent. In no case should the appearance of household appliances match if other color solutions are not provided. Accents should not draw all the attention to themselves, they only emphasize the idea and general appearance of the room.

But if you are drawn to something more modern, then take a closer look at such a direction as hi-tech. These are strict lines and designs. There are also muted colors, mostly dark shades: black, gray, metal. Here, there is a large use of glass, plastic, mirror surfaces, most often non-centered lighting. The main thing in hi-tech is space, a minimum of furniture, hidden walls to the maximum and household appliances of the most innovative advanced technologies.

The direction “modern” is most often confused with high-tech. But in the latter, it is unlikely that you will be able to see bright saturated shades. Modern is such a modern direction and the use of advanced technologies and modern solutions. Lines are also present here, but smoothness is much more acceptable. And most importantly, color, color and again color! Bold, full and deep color.

Scandinavian style is extremely popular lately. Scandinavian-style furniture looks especially good in the kitchen: strict and concise design, straight and clear forms, maximum functionality and practicality. The same applies to household appliances. Scandi-style ovens are usually chosen in plain colors, made in the style of “minimalism”. Such models most successfully fit into the design.

And, of course, you can’t go past such a direction as “retro”. It is still in high demand, and not only in its pure form. Echoes of retro style are often found in such directions as vintage, fusion, shabby chic and others. Usually, artificially aged furniture acts as a kitchen set. There is an abundance of natural materials, such as glass, wood, ceramics. A large number of dishes, textiles and other decor are also welcome. Well, and specially stylized “antique” modern technology.

Separately, I would like to pay a little more attention to such a style as retro-futurism. The direction is not yet particularly in demand, but is gaining momentum. Soon it will break into all design trends and try on the popularity of the scandi style. Retro-futurism is distinguished by obvious motifs of the past interspersed with modern or completely fatalistic details. And if you want a vintage kitchen, but a gas oven with an analog clock does not suit you, then be sure to try to combine the past and the future in your kitchen here and now.

Back to list

How do I position the oven in the kitchen?

Where to attach?

The division of the traditional cooker into a hob and built-in oven has expanded the possibilities for creating the most convenient and ergonomic kitchen. We have a lot of options for the location of the oven. Mounting the oven above the level of the countertop has become widespread. However, this placement of the stove is controversial. Questions are asked about the need and feasibility of such a layout. There are statements that it is no longer fashionable and does not justify itself at all. Is it so?

Let’s start with the fact that this has nothing to do with fashion. When the first independent ovens appeared (and this happened more than half a century ago), manufacturers immediately began to recommend high placement. Because this position of the stove is really convenient.

From the magazines of the 60s

There are other advantages to the high position of the oven. Much easier to clean. It is less dangerous for children – a small child will not reach the door handle and will not be able to open it. Loading and removing heavy dishes (such as large poultry) in and out of the oven is much easier and, again, safer.

At what height should the oven be built in?

We are guided by control panel oven, located above the oven chamber. The most convenient ovens are built so that the control panel is above the waist of the person who will cook on it, but not above the level of his eyes.

The optimal height of the oven is in line with the “control panel above the waist, but not above the eyes” principle.

At what height should the oven be placed? Not above eye level

Undercounter Oven

Many people prefer the more familiar option by building the undercounter oven in the kitchen set. As a rule, the oven is placed under the hob, but this is not required. If the location of the stove in another place is more convenient, do not give up this idea.

The oven can be offset from the hob

An undermount oven is the best choice if there are few work surfaces in the kitchen. In a compact room, tall cabinets (or column cabinets) are impractical. After all, the smaller the kitchen set, the more acutely there is a shortage of space for work. It is better to build the oven not in a pencil case, but in a standard cabinet – this way an additional working area will appear in the kitchen.

In a small kitchen, it is better to build an oven under the countertop, without cluttering up the space with pencil cases and high cabinets

Where should I install the oven? In a very small kitchen, there are no other options – only under the worktop

The oven under the hob is built in classic, vintage and country kitchens. It is believed that this adds traditional character to the interior. In fact, is not as important as the height of the oven as its design . If the oven is made in a retro style, then wherever it is built in, it will be appropriate everywhere.

In a country-style kitchen, the oven can also be built higher

Where should the oven be built?

1. In the cabinet. This is a good solution, but only for a spacious kitchen.

If there are enough work surfaces, the oven can be built into a tall cabinet

Where to build the oven? In a large kitchen – in a pencil case

The kitchen is large, so the location of the oven in the pencil case justifies itself

Oven cabinet option

2. Island. In a large kitchen equipped with an island, the oven can be built directly into it. Suitable for those families where the oven is rarely used and where there are no small children.

Where should the oven be placed? For example, on the island

3. Into a tall pedestal. This scheme is quite popular in our country. The oven is built into a high cabinet located at the edge of the headset.

Why is this option better than a pencil case? The fact that there is an additional surface. Yes, it is inconvenient to use it as a working one, but it is ideal for placing various kitchen appliances, accessories, jars, sugar bowls, vases, etc. on it. This layout is most suitable for medium-sized kitchens without an acute shortage of work surfaces, but without an excess of them.

High or low oven cabinet

Cabinet with oven

In the photo above, we see a lack of work surfaces. The oven should have been built under the countertop, and the cabinet in which it is located now should be made at a standard height. It would be more rational

It is the same in this photo: the working surface is extremely small. It is not clear why it was necessary to pile up different levels

4. Into the corner structure. It is customary for us to mount a sink in a corner. However, if opportunities allow, it is better to move the sink closer to the window – there is more light and variety.