Looking for a powerful solution to meet your countertop cooking needs, but one that can accommodate full-size baking beyond the confines of the usual toaster oven tray?
Wolf Gourmet is relatively new to the appliance world, established in 2000 by the Sub-Zero company. And like Sub-Zero, they manufacture top-end and highly specialized products.
A recent addition to their line is this handsome convection countertop oven.
Wolf Stainless Steel Convection Countertop Oven with Red Knobs, available on Wayfair
Attention to detail is one of the hallmarks of Wolf Gourmet, and this countertop model doesn’t disappoint.
The use of advanced perimeter convection provides powerful airflow through high-volume vents to thoroughly circulate heated air, which results in even roasting and baking with no hot or cold spots. The convection setting can be used with either the roast or bake mode, and will reduce cooking time by up to twenty-five percent.
An integrated temperature probe quickly attaches to the internal jack for precise control of roasting temperatures without ever opening the oven door – and both the probe temperature and set temperature display on the LCD screen.
Five incoloy heating elements deliver precision heating for outstanding baking, broiling, and roasting performance.
The incoloy elements are made of nickel based, extra high-grade stainless steel that extends the life of the element, and resists both corrosion and burnout.
The six cooking modes include proof (for raising breads and rolls), warm, toast, bake, roast, and broil. Straightforward, intuitive controls make selections for cooking mode, time, and temperature a simple task.
The LCD control panel is backlit in blue, and displays oven temperature, timer settings, probe temperature settings, toast shade selection, and cooking mode icons.
The probe function is activated with the push of a button, and accurately cooks by temperature in bake and roast settings – which takes the guesswork out of knowing when food is properly cooked. And convection air circulation is engaged with another press of a button.
There are two large dials on the control panel, and behind the top button is a selection bezel to set the desired cooking mode.
The top dial is used to set temperatures in warm, roast, bake, and broil settings, and to select the shade of toast. The lower dial is used to set the timer (which runs for up to four hours), or to select the number of slices of toast.
A start/stop button powers the unit on and off, and illuminates with a red LED light when the power is on.
The Wolf Gourmet cleans up easily with a nonstick interior, and the removable crumb tray is constructed of sturdy stainless steel, which can go in the dishwasher.
An easy-glide rack moves smoothly in and out of the oven to safely access food, and will accommodate a 9-by-13-inch baking sheet (or a chicken up to 5.5 pounds).
The Wolf Gourmet comes with a stainless steel baking pan, broil rack, temperature probe, technique and recipe book, and a user’s guide.
It measures approximately 22.5 x 12.5 x 17.75 inches, weighs 36.5 pounds, and runs on 1800 watts of power. Please note that these measurements come from the Wolf Gourmet website, and vary a bit from the numbers given on Amazon.com.
Wolf Gourmet warrants appliances to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of five years from the date of original purchase.
Our Findings
The Wolf Gourmet convection oven receives top marks for its high-quality construction, efficient performance, and simple operation.
We were impressed with the solid construction and quality components that make up the oven; it has a well built, sturdy look and feel to it as you would expect from Wolf.
The convection and roast settings deliver outstanding results for a variety of foods like pork chops, roast chicken, and pizza, and baked goods turn out equally well. Plus, the convection setting on this unit truly provides a significant reduction in cooking times.
The controls are laid out with the user in mind, simple and easy to use for quick, efficient operation.
This model is large, and it takes up a fair bit of counter space. But the trade-off is that it will accommodate larger pans for baking and roasting than many other models do.
The nonstick interior makes cleanup an easy task, as it washes up quickly with just a damp, soapy cloth.
Making toast takes some time, 6 to 7 minutes is needed to brown a couple of slices of bread. But making toast isn’t the primary use for this unit – baking and roasting are the main tasks, where it performs admirably.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have an interior light.
Foodal’s Rating
- Baking Performance
- Broiling Performance
- Toasting Performance
- Features
- Construction
- Warranty
Summary
Besides the lack of an interior light, the only complaint that can be made about this unit, is the price.
Where to buy? It's available from:
The Wolf Gourmet convection oven proves to be an outstanding countertop model for baking, roasting, and broiling. The high-end heating elements and powerful convection system operate beautifully, making it very efficient at reducing cooking time and energy use.
Authentic in its baking and roasting capabilities, this model is the real deal at any time of the year, not just on hot summer days when you want to keep the kitchen cool. It shines at producing fast and delicious meals on busy weeknights, and for small batch cooking for one or two people.
Check prices and customer reviews on Wayfair now
The five-year guarantee is the best in the market for countertop ovens, and shows the confidence of Wolf Gourmet in the high quality of their product.
For more information on toaster ovens, check out our buying guide that’s chalk full of information to assist you in your purchase.
Uncredited photos courtesy of Sub-Zero Group.
About Lorna Kring
Recently retired as a costume specialist in the TV and film industry, Lorna now enjoys blogging on contemporary lifestyle themes. A bit daft about the garden, she’s particularly obsessed with organic tomatoes and herbs, and delights in breaking bread with family and friends.
The lack of an interior light is not a minor inconvenience, it’s a major inconvenience. I was about to order one since my Breville convection ovens fan started sounding like a milk wagon… That is, until I found out about the lack of a light, which we use on a regular basis.
I have had mine about a week and has nice interior light. I’m in love – this is NOT a toaster oven
I just bought one (early 2022) and they have an interior light now. Button on bottom right corner.
The lack of an interior light is a deal-breaker for many folks Frank, thanks for your thoughts.
Mine has a light. It’s awesome
Also, the timer does not shut the oven off!
Is the interior of this oven stainless steel? I pray that the latest models has an interior light.