The Space-Saving Wolf Countertop Oven Is Trending - Is It Worth It?

Those who keep up with appliance trends are likely familiar with the Wolf countertop oven. This luxury appliance has gained widespread popularity for offering gourmet performance in a compact form. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, this countertop oven is said to be an all-in-one solution for your everyday baking needs. It is celebrated for having all of the same functions as a regular oven, only without the bulk. While the online reviews of this trendy appliance are overwhelmingly positive, some unsatisfied customers say it is a popular appliance splurge that may not be the best use of funds.  Compact yet multifunctional appliances are one of the best ways to optimize a small kitchen, and this small-but-mighty countertop oven could replace a traditional oven altogether.

After reviewing the evidence, it's safe to say that the Wolf countertop oven is not an overrated kitchen appliance trend. Unlike a deep fryer or a panini press, this is no one-trick pony. It is well-equipped to toast, broil, bake, and roast to perfection. However, that's not to say that there are no potential downsides, in addition to the high price. Several customers report that some of its features are inconvenient, confusing, and even dangerous. There are certain considerations to be mindful of before deciding if this trendy kitchen must-have is right for you. 

As far as high-end appliances go, Wolf is among the best in the category, so it's no surprise that the countertop oven has received many rave reviews online. This appliance has a few features that make it a coveted staple in the kitchen. This isn't just your regular toaster oven, after all. It has most of the same features as a traditional oven, if not more, including a high-performance temperature control, an integrated temperature probe to get your dishes baked just right, and seven cooking modes that range from simple toasting to broiling and roasting. Plus, it is spacious enough for a large casserole dish and comes with two removable racks.

Several customer reviews say this countertop oven has become an essential part of their everyday meal prep, even more so than their regular oven. "Why heat up the big oven when this heats up in less than ten minutes? You can roast a chicken or bake a cake because it is exactly the quality of the large ranges," says one review on Crate & Barrel's website. The oven also has hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon.

The major caveat of this popular kitchen appliance is that it costs a small fortune. The regular retail price on Wolf's website is $599.99, but you may be able to snag a deal at a different retailer, if you're lucky. Many of the positive reviews that mention the high price tag say that it was worth it.

Now that we've gone over the positives, there are a few potential downsides to be mindful of if you plan to buy this product. Several reviews mention that while the countertop oven is efficient in many ways, the toast function is slower than a traditional toaster. So, if you plan to use the countertop oven for preparing a quick breakfast, you may be disappointed if you expect the same speed and efficiency as a regular toaster.

Several online reviews mention that their Wolf countertop oven tripped their electrical outlet while attempting to use it, causing the oven's power supply to be cut off. According to Wolf's customer assistance page, the product may not function properly if it is connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), and to contact an electrician if the problem persists.

Another word of caution is that the countertop oven will remain on even after the baking timer reaches zero, unless you press stop. This means that you have to turn off the oven manually after baking, which seems to be confusing for some. One review points out that this could even be a fire hazard for those who are unaware of this key step. Others are disappointed that it does not have an air-fryer option, unlike the competing Breville countertop oven.