Which Do You Need? Single vs Double Ovens

Throughout the relatively short history of the modern kitchen, the single oven has been sufficient for most families. The ability to broil, roast and bake safely and efficiently at home is now a luxury that would be hard to live without. But, in recent years, some people have opted for a double oven for a number of reasons. Obviously this raises the prices of the oven, but is the extra functionality worth the additional investment? In this article, we will explore the differences between single and double ovens to help you make your purchasing decision.

A Brief Primer

Before we begin, it’s important to understand that both single and double ovens can be used with a variety of fuel sources. They also come in different sizes with all the usual features that you would expect from a modern oven. An oven can be a conventional freestanding range, it can be built-in or it could be an increasingly popular wall oven. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, single and double ovens offer specific pros and cons to consider. Once you understand the differences between them it should be easier to choose between them.

The Single Oven

A single oven is an oven with one cooking cavity that we’ve become accustomed to over the years. There have been innovations, certain ovens now have a broiler compartment for faster broiling. Some are designed with doors that are easier to access and they can now be wall ovens that are set at an ergonomic height to reduce bending. There are three benefits of a single oven to consider:

• The Cost: A single oven tends to be cheaper to buy than a double oven. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, obviously a high end single oven would probably cost less than a budget double oven. Another factor that raises the overall cost is the ease of installation. It’s easier to install a single oven and if cutout is required for a remodel it can be smaller which lowers the costs.
• Installation: Aside from the installation cost benefits, it is easier to install a single oven in a kitchen without making major modifications. These appliances tend to have a smaller footprint, they’re a great fit for smaller spaces. So, if space is at a premium a single wall oven will take up half the space as a double oven. As an added bonus this may give you some extra cupboard space.
• Setup and Features: The majority of single ovens have a storage drawer under the oven cavity to store accessories and cookware. There may be a broiler compartment for faster cooking and browning. The latest models could have smart and Scan-to-Cook technologies to assist in the cooking process.

The Double Oven

As the name suggests, a double oven has a pair of separate cooking cavities to cook different food items at the same time. Each oven is independent and yet they are housed in a single appliance. This is an extremely flexible option, the cooking compartments can be preheated to varying temperatures. This flexibility extends to other features, such as: convection cooking, warming and more. The configuration can vary a great deal, a double wall oven may have a pair of equally-sized ovens. Many double oven ranges feature a smaller and larger oven paired together with a stovetop. Let’s take a look at three key benefits that a double oven has to offer a busy cook:

• Flexibility: Because you have the capability to use the two ovens independently it’s easy to cook two dishes using different settings at the same time. So, you could be broiling in one oven and toasting in the other. Baking bread in an oven with convection settings and roasting meat at the same time is a revelation for most cooks.
• Easy Food Warming: It’s easier to keep food warm as the second oven finishes up with baking or some other cooking process. Some of the best models have true convection using a fan and third element to improve the hot air flow around the food.
• Higher Cooking Capacity: A typical configuration for a wall oven is two equally-sized ovens with the same feature set. But, when it comes to a double oven range the typical bottom storage drawer is replaced with a larger oven. Some wall ovens are combination models that pair a convention or convection oven with a microwave for even more flexibility.

Which is Best? Single vs. Double Ovens

Every cook will have their own preferences and needs, but it’s clear to see that a double oven adds a lot of flexibility. That said, no appliance is perfect and a double oven may not be the best choice for everyone. There are a three questions that you can ask yourself to help you reach the right decision:

Do I Have Sufficient Space?

A wall oven can be a real space saver if you have sufficient space to move the oven off the ground. This would be even better if you can accommodate a double wall oven. Although there isn’t much difference between a single and double range oven when it comes to the footprint there are other factors to consider. If you choose a double oven range you’re going to lose that extra cupboard space to fit the second oven into your kitchen. It’s also important to remember that you need some space around the oven and you need to be able to open the oven door up to the 90º angle. If you cannot open the oven door fully it can be dangerous to use and burn injuries are a significant risk. To get around this problem is a smaller kitchen, there are many door styles that can make access easier.

What is My Budget?

For many people with a medium to larger-size kitchen, this will be the primary determining factor. Let’s face it, if we have a larger budget to play with and sufficient space to house a double oven most of us would prefer that setup. It is true that a premium-grade single oven can cost a lot more than a standard double oven.

At that prosumer level, there’s a lot of choices to be made and this can increase the purchasing costs. But, it’s fair to say that a double oven tends to cost more than a single oven and this will be true for most buyers. So, if you really feel like you need that extra flexibility and you have the budget it’s likely that you will be interested in a double oven.

What are the Installation Costs?

There are multiple fuel types for both single and double ovens and they can both be gas-powered (natural or propane). If you don’t have an existing gas hookup or you plan to install your new oven in a different location, this will raise the installation costs. Even an electrical oven will need a dedicated circuit to supply sufficient power. If a cutout is needed for a wall oven this will cost more for a double oven. Generally speaking, a double oven will cost more to install than a single oven.

FAQs

Many people that are interested in the differences between single and double ovens may find the answer to these FAQs interesting:

Can a Double Wall Oven or Range Fit in a Single Oven Space?

There are numerous double oven sizes to consider and a double oven range will have the same footprint as a single oven standard range. So, it’s relatively simple to upgrade from a single oven range to a double oven model. Wall ovens are a little tricker to accommodate and a double oven won’t fit in a single oven space. There are many sizes and configurations to choose from, but a double wall oven tends to take up twice the space as a single oven.

Can a Double Oven Cook Larger Items?

Yes, most double ovens can accommodate an average 15-20 lbs turkey with no problems. The range of double oven sizes is the same as the single oven models but you just get two of them. The standard widths for both are 24-36” and they are designed to accommodate appropriate cookware that you may already own. The main difference with a double oven range is that the compartments may be slightly shorter than single oven models. Taller items tend to fit better in a larger bottom oven and vice versa.

How Can I Use a Double Oven to its Full Potential?

A double oven represents a significant investment over a similarly specced single oven model. So, it makes sense that you want to get the most out of your oven to justify the higher initial purchasing price and the installation costs. To take full advantage, try to cook multiple dishes at the same time which is challenging. Meat can be roasted at 450ºF on the convection setting to ensure that you’re getting that browned finish. At the same time, a more delicate custard can be cooked with no convection at a much lower setting in the second oven compartment. Another great way to use a double oven is to batch cook the same recipe with staggered start and finish times. This limits the temperature disturbances if you can master the unloading and loading times!

If you’re thinking about a new oven, you can explore your options with this online collection of single and double oven models. For further guidance and help, speak to one of our home appliance experts.