What Is a Speed Oven, and Is It Worth It?
What is a speed oven? It's a compact built-in oven that combines a microwave with convection heat, and usually a broil element, in one cavity. You can use it as a plain microwave, as a small convection oven, or in combination modes that use both at once to cook faster than a regular oven while still browning the outside.
The quick answer: a speed oven is worth it if your kitchen has room for only one full-size wall oven and you want a second oven that also replaces the microwave. It's not worth it if you only reheat leftovers; a microwave drawer does that for less. The three speed ovens in our data list from about $3,700 (Wolf E Series 30-inch) to about $5,199 (Miele PureLine 24-inch), with the Monogram Advantium at about $4,840.
Below we explain how speed ovens work, compare a speed oven vs microwave and steam oven, and help you decide where one fits. Specs come from manufacturer and retailer listings, not hands-on testing.
How a speed oven works
A speed oven has three kinds of heat in one box:
- Microwave energy heats food from within, fast.
- Convection uses a fan and heating element to circulate hot air, which browns and crisps like a regular oven.
- Broil uses a top element for direct, high heat.
The trick is combination cooking. In a combination mode, the microwave speeds up cooking inside the food while convection or broil handles the outside. That's how a speed oven can roast a chicken or bake a casserole faster than convection alone and still give it color.
You can also run each heat source on its own. Use microwave only for popcorn and reheating, convection only for cookies, or broil only to finish a gratin.
The speed ovens worth knowing
Wolf E Series Transitional 30-inch
The Wolf E Series speed oven lists 1.6 cu ft, a 900 W microwave with 10 power levels, a 1,500 W broil element and 13 cooking modes, including Micro Bake and Micro Roast. It has an 8-inch color touchscreen and can be installed standard or flush-inset. At about $3,700, it's the least expensive of the three and the natural choice for a Wolf oven wall.
Monogram Statement 30-inch Advantium
The Monogram Advantium speed oven is the feature leader. Monogram calls it a five-in-one oven: speedcook, convection, toaster, warming and proofing, and microwave. It lists 1.7 cu ft, a 925 W microwave, 175+ preprogrammed menu items, an in-oven camera and Wi-Fi, at about $4,840. It needs a 240/208 V, 30 A circuit.
Miele PureLine 24-inch
The Miele PureLine speed oven is a 24-inch unit built to line up with Miele's 24-inch ovens and coffee machines. It lists 1.52 cu ft, 14 operating modes, a temperature range of 85 to 475°F, a wired roast probe and Wi-Fi, for about $5,199. Miele doesn't publish US microwave wattage for this model. It also calls for a 240/208 V, 30 A circuit.
Cross-shopping two of them? Read Wolf vs Miele speed oven.
Speed oven vs microwave
A speed oven is a microwave that can also bake, roast and brown. A microwave can't.
| Speed oven | Microwave drawer | |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Yes | Yes |
| Convection and broil | Yes | No |
| Capacity on our list | 1.52-1.7 cu ft | 1.2 cu ft |
| Installs | In the wall | Under the counter |
| List price on our list | about $3,700-$5,199 | about $2,000-$2,595 |
If you only reheat, defrost and make popcorn, a microwave drawer is the better buy. The Sharp microwave drawer lists about $1,999.99, and Sharp, Wolf and Bosch all rate their 30-inch drawers at 950 W. You'll also free up a spot in the oven wall.
If you want a second oven, or you're replacing a wall microwave above your main oven, the speed oven earns its premium. It handles weeknight roasting in a smaller, quicker-to-heat cavity, and leaves the big oven for holidays.
Speed oven vs steam oven
These get confused because both are compact, 24- or 30-inch wall units that pair with a full-size oven. They do different jobs.
A speed oven adds microwave power for speed. A steam oven adds moisture for gentle cooking and reheating that doesn't dry food out; combi-steam models add convection too. The Wolf 24-inch convection steam oven lists about $6,385.
Pick a speed oven if you want speed and a microwave replacement. Pick a steam oven if you cook a lot of vegetables, fish and bread, or reheat leftovers often and hate rubbery results. Some luxury kitchens have both. See the best wall ovens and steam ovens.
Is a speed oven worth it?
It's worth it if:
- You have room for one full-size wall oven and want a second oven.
- You'd otherwise install a wall microwave and want more from that space.
- You cook weeknight meals for two to four and don't want to heat a large oven.
Skip it if:
- You only reheat. A microwave drawer costs less.
- You already have a double oven and a microwave you like.
- Your electrical panel can't easily add a 240 V circuit; the Miele and Monogram both call for one.
Planning the installation
Speed ovens usually stack above a full-size wall oven, or beside a coffee machine and warming drawer in a column. Match widths: the Wolf and Monogram are 30-inch units, while the Miele is 24-inch. Keep the speed oven at a height where you can lift a hot dish out comfortably. Get the electrical requirements to your electrician early.
For more options, see the best speed ovens or browse the speed ovens and microwave drawers hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is a speed oven used for?
A speed oven is used as a microwave, a compact convection oven, or both at once. Combination modes use microwave energy to cook food quickly inside while convection or broil browns the outside. That makes it useful for weeknight roasting, baking small batches, reheating and defrosting, often in place of a separate wall microwave.
Can a speed oven replace a microwave?
Yes. Every speed oven we cover includes a microwave mode, and Wolf and Miele both list a popcorn function. The Wolf lists a 900 W microwave with 10 power levels, and the Monogram a 925 W microwave. If you install a speed oven, you won't need a separate microwave unless you want one for the kids under the counter.
Can a speed oven replace a wall oven?
For small households, it can handle most daily cooking. But at 1.52 to 1.7 cu ft, a speed oven is much smaller than a full-size wall oven, so big roasts and several sheet pans at once are a squeeze. Most designers pair one speed oven with one full-size oven or a range.
How much does a speed oven cost?
The speed ovens we cover list from about $3,700 for the Wolf E Series 30-inch to about $5,199 for the Miele PureLine 24-inch, with the Monogram Advantium at about $4,840. Add installation and any electrical work for a 240 V circuit. Luxury brands enforce minimum advertised prices, so dealer packages are where you'll save.
Do speed ovens need special wiring?
Some do. The Miele PureLine and Monogram Advantium both call for a 240/208 V, 30 A circuit. The Wolf's listing in our data doesn't state its electrical requirement, so check the installation guide. Confirm the circuit with your electrician before cabinets and walls are closed, because adding one later is harder.