The Retrofit Protocol: Installing the Empava 24" Wall Oven

Installing a built-in wall oven is a commitment. Unlike a slide-in range, the Empava 24” Electric Single Wall Oven becomes a permanent fixture of your home’s architecture. Success lies in the preparation. This guide outlines the critical measurements and electrical protocols required to integrate this appliance seamlessly into your kitchen renovation or retrofit project.

Protocol 1: The Dimensional Audit

The most common failure point in wall oven installation is the cutout. “24-inch” is a class, not an exact measurement of the box. You must measure your cabinetry opening with millimeter precision.

The Empava Geometry * Unit Dimensions: The oven itself is typically slightly narrower than the faceplate to slide into the hole. The faceplate (what you see) will be approximately 23.4” wide. * The Cutout Target: You generally need an opening that is 22.24” Wide x 22.64” Deep x 23.42” High (Always verify with the specific manual included in the box as manufacturing tolerances vary). * The Overlap: The oven’s frame must overlap the cabinet cutout by at least 1/2 inch on all sides to anchor securely and hide the raw saw cuts. If your existing cutout is too large (from an older, bulkier unit), you may need to install filler strips (cabinet trim) to narrow the opening before installation.

Protocol 2: The Electrical Hardwire

Critical Warning: The Empava 24” Oven is a 240V appliance intended for hardwiring. It does NOT come with a standard 3-prong plug to stick into a wall socket. * The Circuit: You need a dedicated 240-volt circuit. While specific wattage varies by exact sub-model, a 20-Amp or 30-Amp double-pole breaker is standard for ovens in this class. Check your breaker panel. * The Junction Box: The connection happens inside a metal junction box in the cabinet above or below the oven. You will be connecting the oven’s flexible conduit whip (containing Red, Black, White, and Green/Copper wires) to your home’s supply wires using UL-listed wire nuts. * The Electrician’s Rule: If you are not comfortable testing voltage and stripping high-gauge wire, hire a professional. A loose connection here creates a high-resistance fire hazard behind your walls.

Protocol 3: The Structural Support

Wall ovens do not hang from their front screws; they rest on a platform. * The Shelf: Ensure the plywood shelf inside your cabinet is sturdy, level, and capable of supporting 100+ lbs (the oven plus a 20lb turkey). * Airflow Gap: Do not seal the oven tightly against the back wall. Electronic control boards need to breathe. Ensure there is a few inches of void space behind the unit for the cooling fan to exhaust heat.

Protocol 4: The “Burn-Off” Ceremony

Once installed and powered on, do not cook immediately. New heating elements and insulation often have residual manufacturing oils and binders.
1. Ventilate: Open all windows and turn on the range hood.
2. The Bake: Set the oven to 400°F (Convection Bake).
3. The Duration: Run it empty for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. The Result: You will likely see light smoke and smell a chemical odor. This is normal and necessary. Once the smoke clears, the oven is cured and ready for food.

Protocol 5: Touch Control Calibration

The glass touch controls are sensitive. * Lock Mode: Familiarize yourself with the “Child Lock” function immediately. It is easy to accidentally brush against the panel and turn the oven off (or on). Learning to engage/disengage the lock is key to a frustration-free experience.

By respecting the dimensions and power requirements, the Empava oven transforms from a heavy metal box into a high-performance integrated tool, adding value and capability to your compact kitchen.