Worth Investing in a Double Oven?

Cooking can feel like a juggling act, especially around holidays or when cooking for a crowd. You're trying to roast a turkey while also preparing side dishes that need baked or kept warm. Dishes come out at different times and temperatures are tricky to manage. This is where a double oven can make the process smoother. With two separate ovens, you gain flexibility to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously. No more oven space compromises or dishes coming out overcooked or undercooked. You can truly multitask your cooking.

Double ovens provide extra oven space compared to just having one. This makes them handy when cooking large quantities. Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is less stressful when you can roast veggies in one oven while the turkey cooks in the other. Both ovens can be utilized at once to get everything done on time. For larger families or frequent entertainers, the extra capacity is invaluable.

Accommodate Multiple Dishes

It's frustrating trying to cram too many dishes in one oven. Casserole cooking time might be off because you had to stick it near the back. Cookies on the top rack end up overbrowned while the bottom tray barely bakes. With a double oven, you can spread dishes out with plenty of room. You have more racks and wiggle room to place items exactly where you want. Both ovens can be used in tandem to accommodate whatever you're cooking.

Customize Temperatures

Ever try roasting a pork loin only to have the veggies burn around it? Or keep having to rotate dishes for even cooking? Preparing foods with different ideal temperatures is easier with two ovens. You can set each one to the optimal temperature for what you're making. The main oven roasts the meat while the second oven bakes sides at a lower temp. No more guessing games trying to find a middle ground temperature.

Efficiency and Speed

A double oven saves time and energy when cooking large meals. Rather than cooking dishes sequentially, everything cooks simultaneously across the two ovens. You avoid having to wait for the first items to finish before starting the next batch. The ovens work in tandem to get all the cooking done faster. This greater efficiency means you also use less energy than repeatedly reheating a single oven.

Key Considerations Before Investing

Double ovens provide some great advantages but also require careful planning. First off, expect to pay more upfront. Double oven ranges or built-in wall ovens cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars more than a single unit. You're essentially buying two ovens in one. Installation may also be more complex, likely requiring professional help. This means added costs on top of the purchase price.

Kitchen Space Needs

A double oven range takes up more kitchen real estate. You need enough counter and cabinet space to accommodate the larger footprint. This can be tricky for compact kitchens. A separate double wall oven takes up more wall space too. Side-by-side units need two cut-outs while stacked ovens have a taller combined cut-out. Measure your kitchen carefully to ensure enough room.

Energy Usage

Using two ovens inherently means more energy consumption over time. While you may save some energy by cooking multiple items at once, keep in mind both ovens still utilize electricity and gas. If you don't cook large meals frequently, the energy costs could outweigh the convenience. However, modern double ovens often boast improved insulation and efficiency.

Overkill Concerns

For small families who don't entertain much, a double oven may feel excessive. The extra features and capacity could go underutilized. Regularly heating and cleaning two whole ovens uses more resources too. Consider how often you would take advantage of both ovens. For light cooking needs, two ovens could be overkill.

Types of Double Ovens

If you decide a double oven aligns with your cooking needs, there are some options to consider. The main choices are between range ovens and built-in wall ovens. Range ovens combine a stovetop and oven(s) into one freestanding unit. Wall ovens are strictly ovens installed separately from the cooktop into cabinet cut-outs. Within these categories, you'll also find different oven configurations.

Side-by-Side Built-In Ovens

As the name suggests, side-by-side built-in ovens feature two oven cavities sitting next to each other. Controls are divided between each oven. They require two separate cut-outs spaced according to each oven's width. Side-by-side ovens let you access each oven independently. Just a single oven can be used for lighter cooking.

Stacked Built-In Ovens

Stacked or double wall ovens have one oven sitting over the other. The ovens and controls are stacked vertically, requiring a standard width but taller cut-out. The main advantage is a smaller footprint using less floor space. Just be sure to measure carefully as the lower oven could end up too low. You may need to crouch down each time to access it.

Double Oven Ranges

These combine two oven cavities with a stovetop range into one unit. Some have side-by-side ovens while others stack one oven over the other. Double oven ranges provide a streamlined appliance combination for the kitchen. However, they do require ample counter space for the wider footprint.

Other Considerations

Beyond configuration, double ovens can vary in fuel type, convection abilities, and extra modes. Convection ovens utilize fans to circulate hot air for faster, more even cooking. Extra modes like air fry, dehydrate and proofing provide versatility. Just like a single oven, take stock of the settings and options that could enhance how you use it.

Selecting the Ideal Double Oven

With an array of double oven options on the market, it helps to have selection criteria in mind. Key considerations for your double oven investment include:

Dimensions

First and foremost, measure your kitchen space carefully. Not just width for the cut-out or countertop, but height as well. Double ovens need ample room to open smoothly. Ensure measurements match up with oven dimensions before purchasing.

Capacity and Racks

Consider the interior oven capacity you need to handle the dishes you typically cook. More cubic feet gives you more space for roasting pans and multiple racks. Also look at how many racks are included. More racks equals more cooking flexibility. Standard double ovens come with at least two racks per oven.

Temperature Range

A wider temperature range allows more precision cooking everything from breads to meats. Look for a range from at least 170degF on the low end for proofing and 500-550degF for searing. Convection oven modes may reach even higher for enhanced roasting.

Self-Cleaning Options

Look for labor-saving self-clean modes to make oven maintenance easier. High heat helps burn off spatters and grease build-up. While not a must-have, the convenience is worth considering.

Affordability

Of course, price plays a role too. Set a realistic budget and look for units providing solid performance and durability. Brand, fuel type, special modes and smart features affect pricing too. Make sure enhanced perks actually fit your cooking needs.

Operating and Maintaining Your Double Oven

Investing in a quality double oven sets you up for cooking success. But like any appliance, some care and know-how helps keep it performing its best over time. Follow these tips once your new double oven is installed:

Learn the Settings

Take time to get familiar with each oven's modes and functions. Test out convection, broiling, self-cleaning and any other specialty settings so you know how to best utilize them. Refer back to manuals as needed until the modes become second nature.

Don't let grease and food drippings accumulate, especially on the oven bottom. Use a gentle cleaner and soft cloth to wipe down surfaces.