What Are The Pros And Cons Of Double Ovens?
The epitome of luxury in the kitchen is a double oven, especially if you love to cook. If you host a lot of holidays or dinner parties, double ovens certainly make entertaining easier.
Double ovens can add value to your home and allow multi-meal cooking regardless of temperature and cooking time. They also can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to prepare a large meal. However, price, installation and space needs, and energy consumption can be potential drawbacks.
If you’re planning a new kitchen or a remodel, purchasing a double oven can be a great addition to the space. But, with so many options and things to think about, it can get a bit overwhelming. So, check out these tips, pros, and cons of double ovens so you can choose what’s best for you.
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What Are the Types of Double Ovens?
Double ovens vary significantly across a broad range of categories. There are many different sizes, models, and designs available, all allowing for more flexible cooking experiences.
Some feature two ovens the same size, while others have a large oven on the bottom.
Primarily, you can classify double ovens into two main categories:
- Double Oven Ranges
- Double Wall Ovens
Double Oven Ranges
Typically, double oven ranges let you squeeze a double oven into an area designed for a standard 30-inch stove. Therefore, these ovens aren’t as spacious as double wall ovens, but still give you some extra convenience.
Basically, a double oven range consists of an almost full-size oven with a smaller oven on top. To allow for the two ovens, you lose the storage door you usually get with a standard range.
The bottom oven can accommodate some larger dishes but is normally still shorter than a standard oven. For example, it can handle a 15 to 20-pound turkey.
However, the top is best for things like baking sheets, a small roast or chicken, or frozen pizzas. Still, although not overly spacious, these ovens still allow you to cook at different settings simultaneously.
But, it’s worthwhile to remember, a double oven range will require you to bend low to the ground. Also, you might need to adjust the temperature of the upper oven when using the lower oven.
Double Wall Ovens
If you do a lot of cooking, baking, or host lots of dinner gatherings, consider a double wall oven. A built-in double oven requires more physical space and possibly professional installation but gives you lots of cooking space.
Unlike double oven ranges, double wall ovens feature two ovens closer to standard size. While the widths are comparable, the height of wall ovens is taller than double oven ranges.
Therefore, you have much more flexibility regarding the dishes you cook. You can usually find these ovens side-by-side or stacked vertically.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Double Ovens?
Although double ovens have many good features, there are some drawbacks as well. It’s up to you to decide if you cook and entertain enough to warrant getting a double wall oven.
If you just want to cook simple, smaller meals in less time, then a double oven range might do the trick. Either way, before deciding if a double oven is right for you, check out the pros and cons.
Pros of Double Ovens
- They can add value. A double oven can add value to your property, providing a more modern design. Plus, renovated kitchens are one of the most significant home projects, typically offering a good ROI (return on investment).
- Double ovens are time-saving. Using double ovens makes it easier to prepare meals for big groups in less time. Whether you entertain often or cook for a large family, a double oven can get things done in record time.Â
- They can save energy (in some cases). Double ovens can use less energy over time than a large, single oven. But this is usually because the oven will use fewer resources when you only use one of the chambers.
- You can keep things warm while cooking. You can use the upper oven to keep dishes warm while you finish cooking and baking in the lower oven.Â
- Double ovens allow for simultaneous cooking. You can prepare many meals simultaneously, regardless of the temperature or cooking time.
- You can cook comfortably with double wall ovens. Thanks to their height and placement in the wall, you don’t have to stoop to access the oven. This quality is beneficial when dealing with large, heavy dishes and pans.
Cons of Double Ovens
- Double ovens typically cost more. The dual oven setup is significantly more expensive than a single oven. Although, double oven ranges are less costly than double wall ovens.
- A double range oven can limit what you cook. The bottom oven is smaller than the one in a single-oven range. So, you may have to plan your cooking strategy a bit more (and get a smaller Thanksgiving turkey).
- Double oven ranges make you bend down low. Using a double oven range can be a pain, literally. The lower oven especially makes you stoop low to the ground to get things in and out.Â
- You lose storage for oversized pots and pans. A double oven range usually lacks a storage drawer for large cookware to maximize the lower oven’s size. Of course, you can combat this issue by installing a pot rack or other type of hanging storage.
- Typically, double ovens require more energy. Double ovens require more energy than a single oven when you use them concurrently. Yes, this sort of negates one of the pros; but you need to look at the big picture.Â
Tips for Choosing the Best Double Oven for You
When shopping for a double oven, first decide whether you’ll get a double oven range or double wall ovens. Then, you can start to peruse the different models and brands out there for some of your top choices.
When comparing double ovens, consider these several factors to help you find the best fit for you and your kitchen.
Shopping for Double Ovens: Factors to Consider
- Cooking Needs: How often do you prepare large meals? Carefully consider your family size and entertaining needs to determine the best size and style of the oven for you.
- Consider Physical Space: You must have appropriate wall space for a double-wall oven. If possible, choose an oven that matches the available space if you’re replacing an existing wall oven. Otherwise, plan to pay more for installation.
- Cooking Power: When looking at an oven’s various cooking options, most ovens will have a similar high temperature of roughly 500-degrees Fahrenheit. Double ovens have all kinds of functionality, such as convection ovens, broilers, and dual temperature functions.
- Reliability and Warranty Options: The additional oven space and extra bells and whistles always allow for a greater potential of defects. Therefore, consider keeping warranty and review choices in mind while purchasing your double oven.Â
- Brand Choice: Many sophisticated and respected brands offer double ovens with an array of features.Â
- Cost: Prices for double ovens can vary significantly based on features. So just make sure you don’t choose an oven with a bunch of extras you don’t need or won’t use.
What Are Some of the Best Brands of Double Ovens?
There are numerous brands of double ovens, but the following manufacturers pride themselves on having some of the best.
- LG’s twin oven ranges
- Samsung’s twin oven ranges with touch screen control features
- GE Profile’s double-wall ovens with Wi-Fi, making it easy to manage your oven from your smartphoneÂ
Is a Double-Oven Right for You?
A double oven is an excellent idea for many people. It’s especially great for big families who detest frequently eating away from home or if you host large dinners.
But, if you don’t often cook or usually prepare basic meals, a double oven could be overkill. Ask yourself the following questions to see if a double oven is right for you.
- Do you love to cook large meals but don’t want to slave away for hours in the kitchen?
- Are you a big baker; baking multiple cookies, cakes, etc., at once?
- Do you often cook a variety of dishes that require different cooking settings? For example, do you need to broil fish while baking a casserole?
- Are you the usual host for large family holidays? Do you like to throw big parties and entertain?
- Do you own a home-based business that involves cooking or baking?
A double oven is definitely worth considering if you answered yes to even a couple of these questions.
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Related Questions
How long does a double oven typically last?
These days, you can anticipate electric double ovens to last an average of 13 years. Gas double ovens last roughly 15 years. Of course, a lot depends on the frequency of use and how well you take care of the appliance.Keeping your oven clean can increase its lifespan. Although many ovens come with self-cleaning features, many professionals recommend cleaning the oven by hand. This is because self-cleaning modes use extremely high heat for an extended period to clean the oven. Over time, this can potentially wear certain parts of your oven down faster.Depending on the age of your oven and the cost of the repair, it might make sense to just replace the oven. For example, if the repair will cost $500, but your oven is ten years old, consider buying a new one. However, if your oven is only five years old, it could have another ten years of life in it. In this case, it’s probably worth repairing, especially if your oven is on the more expensive side.
How much do double ovens cost, and who are some of the most reliable manufacturers?
The price for a double oven varies between $1,100 and $3,000 regardless of whether you choose a wall or standing unit. Commercial-grade and high-end twin ovens can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. However, it all depends on brands, features, and installation needs.These are the most popular and often-used manufacturers of double ovens: Samsung, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, GE, Maytag, Thermador, Amana, Bosch, Electrolux, and Frigidaire.
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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