Wall ovens.(RATINGS)(Buyers guide)

In electric wall ovens, as in many other appliances, price may have little to do with performance. The top-scoring Thermador is pricey, but several models cooked nearly as well for hundreds of dollars less. Most wall ovens are available with stainless-steel trim (usually $100 to $300 extra).

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. (Self-cleaning ability is not shown. All were good or better.) Oven capacity is our measurement of usable space. Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks were evenly browned. The broiling score is based on even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing ability. Width indicates the width of the front of the oven in inches. It does not indicate the necessary size of the cabinet cutout, which depends on the model. A wall oven will usually fit into the same size or wider cabinet. Covered element indicates a smooth cover or floor over the bottom baking element makes for easier cleanup of drips and spills. Convection mode uses a fan or two to circulate heated air, and sometimes an extra heating element. The convection mode can be turned off if you prefer conventional cooking. A temperature probe is an electronic thermometer that can be inserted into cuts of meat. It allows the internal temperature of the food to be displayed on the control panel and for users to control the oven.

Quick Picks

Best for most; fine overall: