Have you ever wanted to bake two different dishes at two different cooking temperatures at the same time? Then it sounds like you need to pick up a double oven. But the first thing you should check when shopping for a double oven is the price tag.
Double ovens typically cost around $1,000 on the lower end and upwards of $4,000 for high-end models. Installing a double oven generally costs anywhere from $100 to $250.
In this guide, I’ll explain what a double oven is, how much it costs to buy and install, and whether or not it’s the right investment for your kitchen.
What Is a Double Oven?
There are several types of ovens out there. Some of the most well-known types are conventional, convection, microwave, toaster, gas or electric, and wall-mounted. However, there’s another type of oven that many people don’t know about, which is called the double oven.
A double oven is simply an oven with two separate chambers. Most double ovens have a smaller top chamber with a single rack and a larger bottom chamber with two racks, though you can also find double ovens models that have identically sized baking chambers (usually two racks each).
Each chamber is heated by independent sets of burners, thereby allowing users to set different temperatures for each oven. So, if you want to bake a pie at 425°F while slow-roasting slabs of meat at 225°F, you don’t have to wait for one dish to complete baking. A double oven can bake them both at their required temperatures separately!
The upside of a double oven is versatility. You can set each chamber to cook your food using different techniques (e.g., broiling on the top chamber and roasting on the bottom). However, it’s considerably more expensive than the standard single oven.
How Much Is a Double Oven?
The price tag of a double oven varies from model to model and brand to brand. In general, “entry-level” double ovens will cost around $1,000 to purchase, while higher-end models can cost upwards of $4,000. Here’s a brief summary of some of the most popular double ovens you can buy online.
| Double Oven Model | Estimated Price |
| LG Electronics 30-inch Double Oven Range | $1,100 |
| Samsung Freestanding Double Oven | $1,400 |
| GE Freestanding Double Oven | $1,350 |
| LG 30-inch Built-in Double Oven | $2,600 |
| Samsung 4-Burner Induction Double Oven | $3,400 |
| Café Smart Induction Double Oven | $4,050 |
| Café 30-inch Built-In Convection Double Oven | $6,500 |
How Much to Install a Double Oven?
In general, you should expect to spend between $100 and $250 to install a double oven. However, the precise costs depend on the oven type (freestanding vs. wall-mounted), and fuel type (gas vs. electric).
Wall-mounted double ovens will usually require breaking down walls and relocating cabinetry, which can increase overall installation costs. Some have estimated that installing a wall-mounted double oven can cost 3 or even 4 times as much as a freestanding double oven.
The type of fuel it uses will also determine the total cost of installation. You may need to install a new gas line to supply gas to both burners. Electric ovens don’t usually have this problem unless you don’t have the right receptacle (110V vs. 220V).
How Do Double Ovens Differ from Single Ovens?
A single oven is basically an oven with a singular cooking chamber—i.e., the type of oven most of us are accustomed to using. Inside, you’ll find 2 or 3 racks where you can place different cooking vessels.
Everything you place inside the oven will be cooked at the same temperature. So, you will need to wait for one dish to complete before adjusting the cooking temperature and baking another dish.
Another huge point of difference between single and double ovens is the upfront and installation costs. On average, a single oven will cost around $600, with high-end models costing upwards of $1,000. Installing a single oven is usually less costly, assuming your kitchen has gas supply line or an empty wall receptacle.
Double Oven vs. 2 Single Ovens
The next natural question you may ask yourself is whether or not a double oven is more efficient than running 2 single ovens.
As explained in an earlier section, double ovens typically come with a smaller cooking chamber on top and a larger one below. The larger cooking chamber is used for cooking at lower temperatures for longer periods of time, while the upper chamber is used for anything from slow cooking to broiling.
As such, a double oven can be more cost-efficient than a single oven if you want to use the lower chamber for everyday baking purposes. However, the exact operating cost calculations will vary from model to model based on how much power it uses.
Now, if you were to run both cooking chambers on a double oven at their highest capacities and compare them to the costs of running 2 single ovens simultaneously, you’d still end up spending less money.
Not only that, but double ovens can save a ton of space. Remember that in most double oven models, the top cooking chamber contains only a single rack, whereas single chambers contain 2 or 3 racks. In addition, you’d have to allocate enough floor space for two single large ovens.
Are Double Ovens Worth the Cost?
After looking at the costs of double ovens and comparing them to the costs of single ovens, we should ask ourselves this one important question: are double ovens worth the cost? In certain scenarios, they can be.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should seriously consider investing in a double oven.
- Do you have trouble keeping track of different cooking times and temperatures?
- Do you want to cook dishes on low heat and high heat simultaneously?
- Do you entertain large groups of guests regularly?
- Do you want to increase the value of your home?
- Can you get by without a storage drawer on the bottom of your oven?
- Are you willing to spend at least $1,000 on a new oven and at least $100 on installing it?
Do Double Ovens Cook Faster?
Yes and no.
The top cooking chamber is smaller than the lower one, so it preheats more quickly. When an oven spends less time preheating, you can spend more time actually baking your food. In the end, your oven will spend less time cooking food to perfection.
However, if you rely on the larger bottom oven chamber, the cooking times will be no different from standard single ovens. This chamber is where you may do the majority of your cooking, especially if you’re preparing a large feast for large groups.
How Long Do Double Ovens Last?
On average, you can expect to get at least 15 years of regular baking from a double oven. If you take care of it regularly, you can probably squeeze an additional 5 to 10 more years of baking from the appliance.
Ovens usually last much longer than other kitchen appliances due since they contain fewer moving parts. The only real headaches associated with maintaining an oven is checking on the burners, preventing moisture from penetrating the control board’s overlay, and inspecting the electrical workings every year or so.
Should I Get a Gas or Electric Double Oven?
The answer to this question depends on which fuel source is available in your home. It’s also worth noting that gas is generally cheaper than electricity.
There are other differences between gas and electric ovens, such as heating times, cooldown times, and moisture production, just to name a few. Take a look at my guide on How to Tell if Oven Is Gas or Electric to see the differences between gas and electric ovens in more detail.
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