The Average Cubic Feet of an Oven

Ranges

• Ranges consist of both a cooktop and an oven. They are either freestanding, slide-in or drop-in. Double ovens are also available as ranges. The standard sizes for ranges are 24-, 30-, 36- or the larger 48- or 60-inch models. This exterior dimension represents the width, but not the cubic feet or cooking space. Ranges with a 24-inch width typically have an interior of 2.0 to 3.0 cubic feet. Ranges with 30-inch widths typically have approximately 4.0 cubic feet or more. Larger ranges vary much more, sometimes having less than 4.0 cubic feet or more.

Wall Ovens

• Wall ovens sit up inside the wall at a comfortable level. There is no cooktop, only single or double oven cooking compartments. Like ranges, ovens come in varying widths to fit in to different kitchens and style choices. The 24-inch oven is typically about 2.7 cubic feet. A 27-inch wall oven typically offers around 3.6 or 3.7 cubic feet, although some models offer less than 2.0 cubic feet. A 30- or 36-inch oven on average offers 4.0 cubic feet and sometimes more.

Exterior Size

• The most obvious factor when choosing a new oven is how much room you have. If you're building a new home or completely remodeling your kitchen, you have a more freedom, as you can choose the size you want and model your kitchen around it. The choice is all but made up for you when you're replacing a range or oven. Purchase the size of the previous range.

Space

• The cubic feet is another important factor, although not always as much as a deal-maker or -breaker as the exterior size. For a single person or couple, 2.0 to 3.0 cubic feet is sufficient for cooking smaller meals. For a small family of up to four people, three to 3.0 to 4.0 cubic feet will do the trick. A larger family requires 4.0 or more cubic feet. If you get an oven too large, the oven won't be as efficient.