Which is Better, a Wall Oven or Range with Cooktop?

When looking at kitchen layout options, a common home buyer question is, should I choose a range or a separated oven/cooktop combination? 

What is a kitchen range?

A kitchen range refers to an oven and cooktop designed as a single appliance. 

Adding a range to your kitchen is generally less expensive than a wall oven/cooktop combination, making it appealing to many home buyers. 

A range combination can be a better choice for families with one main cook or fewer occasions requiring multiple dishes.

Typically, a microwave is placed directly above the range - see an example in this country style two story Raleigh home: 

More home buyers are requesting a microwave located in the island or lower, rather than upper, cabinets. See an example of a kitchen with oven/cook top combination, with the microwave in a lower cabinet: 

Wall Oven Ideas

What is a wall oven? A wall oven appliance is separated from the cooktop and installed within kitchen cabinets.

Wall ovens are very popular in Raleigh new home kitchens, where homebuyers are always looking for ways to maximize their kitchen spaces.

Single wall ovens offer a second workstation area - making it easier for one person to sauté  vegetables at the stove, while another bakes in the oven.  

Double wall ovens can be ideal for large dinner parties, holidays, or occasions that require several different dishes to be cooked at the same time.

Double wall ovens offer twice the twice the baking, roasting, and prep space, without taking up additional square footage in the kitchen.  

Wall ovens with higher mountings can also eliminate the need to bend over the oven. 

Wall ovens are generally electric rather than gas, and come in a width of 24, 27, or 30 inches.

Some home buyers opt for one regular oven, with a warming oven above. 

Accessible kitchen designs can incorporate a wheelchair-height wall oven and microwave combination. 

Separate wall ovens and cooktops also enable you to place one appliance in your island, and another on the main wall. 

 Houzz Ideabook of Kitchens with Single and Double Wall Ovens