Electric Wall Ovens vs. Microwave: What Should You Buy?

Shopping for appliances can be both fun and exciting, whether it’s for upgrading, building or just replacing appliances with newer models. When shopping for kitchen appliances, consumers are often filled with questions and concerns. How much room they have, what is the better buy and - how room the appliances take up are just a few of the concerns faced by the consumers when buying ovens, ranges or microwaves.

Trying to decide between an electric wall oven which is also known as "built in electric ovens" and a microwave can be a big decision. Whatever is decided, it’s generally something the consumer and the family have to live with for a few years. Below are some facts or tips that may help consumers make an informed decision whether they should buy an electric wall oven or a microwave.

• Initial Cost – Cost is usually a consumer’s first consideration when making large household purchases. When people buy electric wall ovens, they generally end up also buying a cook top, which has a combined total of $1,000 or more. Since ranges combine the cook top and the oven, and are less expensive, shoppers generally go with ranges. Microwaves, on the other hand, are very inexpensive. Shoppers can easily find microwaves for under $100.

• Energy Efficiency – The cost of running a microwave is substantially less than running an electric oven. According to the Consumer Energy Center, the cost of operating a microwave oven is one-third the cost of operating an electric oven. Additionally, microwave ovens do not heat up the home as electric ovens do, which can save energy during air conditioning season. Each year that brings out new microwaves also brings out more features that improve their energy efficiency even more. 

• Space – Space is always a big consideration when choosing appliances. Electric wall ovens take up less floor space than ranges do, but microwave ovens take up even less space. Many microwave owners use microwave carts that can be easily moved from the kitchen to the dining room. 

• Flexibility – Wherever electric wall ovens are installed is where they stay permanently or until the next remodeling takes place. Microwave ovens are smaller, lightweight and can be easily moved to different locations. 

• Cooking Lifestyle – Another consideration when debating electric wall ovens versus microwaves is use. Large families who enjoy cooking large meals may prefer the electric wall oven, whereas a single individual may enjoy the efficiency and speed of a microwave. 

Choosing between an electric wall oven and microwave may also come down to a matter of personal preference. Many consumers who can’t decide on which one to buy consider how inexpensive microwaves are or they purchase both.