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Double ovens vs. single ovens: Compare & choose
A double oven range or double wall oven can give you more capacity and flexibility to cook the meals your family loves. This guide compares double wall ovens, double oven ranges and single ovens to help you find the right fit for your cooking routine and kitchen space.
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What is a double oven?
A double oven has two separate cooking compartments that can be set or preheated to different temperatures, times and other settings like convection cooking. In day-to-day use, this means you can cook two dishes at different temperatures, or using two different techniques, at the same time. For example, you can broil in one cavity while toasting or baking in the other. Double wall ovens usually feature two equally-sized ovens while double oven ranges combine a stovetop with two ovens: usually a smaller oven on top and a larger oven below.
Single ovens, by contrast, rely on a single compartment to bake, roast, broil and cook.
Whirlpool brand offers a variety of double wall ovens and double oven ranges to help you cook multiple dishes at once with features to help you further streamline meal prep.
Benefits of a double oven
Double ovens offer distinct advantages, including separate settings, added capacity on some models and flexibility for larger meals.
Consider the following benefits of a double oven to decide if it is the right option for you.
1. Use multiple oven functions at once
When preparing multi-dish meals, having two separate oven compartments can be useful when it comes to timing, temperature control and cooking techniques. Each compartment can be set to its own temperature, time and cooking mode, so recipes with conflicting requirements don’t have to share one oven setting. Note that functions may vary by model. Flexibility between compartments may let you:
Cook two dishes with different temperature settings at the same time.
Cook multiple dishes with different techniques such as broiling in the top oven and toasting in the bottom oven.
Bake bread in one compartment while using convection settings to roast meats in the other or broil, toast and more.
Keep food warm in the top oven while finishing baking dishes in the bottom oven.
2. More capacity on some models
Capacity can vary by model and configuration, so it's worth comparing your options before buying.
Double wall ovens can provide more overall oven capacity with two equally-sized compartments compared to single ovens. They typically come with two cavities of roughly the same size, providing about twice the cooking space of a single oven, depending on the model. The size of a double wall oven can typically range from 24 to 30 inches in width with between 5 to 10 cubic feet of cooking space, depending on the model.
Double oven ranges sometimes skip the usual bottom storage drawer in favor of a larger bottom oven.
Shop Whirlpool® Double Oven Ranges and Double Wall Ovens
Benefits of a single oven
A single oven may be a better fit for some homes thanks to easy installation and a generally lower price point compared to double oven configurations. Explore the benefits of single ovens below to help you get started on your shopping journey.
1. Installation
Single ovens can usually be installed easily without major modifications to your kitchen. Since many kitchens are already equipped for single ovens, there may be slightly lower installation costs as you may not need to reconfigure your kitchen or create a larger cutout.
These ovens commonly have a smaller footprint, making them work for smaller spaces.
If you need extra cupboard space for storage, a single wall oven will occupy roughly half the amount of space as a double oven.
2. Features and setup
Many single ovens offer a storage drawer below the oven cavity, which can be used to store cookware and other accessories. This storage drawer can hold items like baking sheets, muffin tins and cast-iron pans, a feature that some double oven ranges may lack in favor of a larger bottom oven cavity.
Some ovens feature a separate broiler compartment that is ideal for quickly cooking or browning items. In some ovens, the broiler is a separate compartment underneath the main oven cavity that uses the oven’s bottom heating element, while in others it is located near the top of the oven cavity. Check your owner’s manual to confirm where your broiler is located.
Single ovens may also be slightly easier to open and load, as they usually sit higher off the ground than double oven models. Single wall ovens allow for waist-height installation options, which limit the need to bend down to load or unload food.
3. Appliance and installation cost
Single ovens are typically on the lower end of the price point compared to double ovens.
Since many kitchens are equipped for single ovens, there may be slightly lower installation costs as you may not need to reconfigure your kitchen or create a larger cutout. But keep in mind that cabinet or cutout changes and installation labor can affect total cost. To avoid unexpected installation costs, it’s recommended to hire a professional contractor if you’re not familiar or trained to work with electrical wiring when installing a wall oven.
Shop Whirlpool® Single Wall Ovens and Single Oven Ranges
What are the main differences between double ovens vs. single ovens?
Double ovens vs. single ovens can give you more overall oven capacity as well as more flexibility to prepare multiple dishes at once that require different settings. Heating just one of the oven compartments for smaller meals lets you use just the right size oven to match your cooking needs.
However, it’s worth noting that overall capacity and per-compartment size are different things. Double oven ranges can feature shorter compartments than single ovens. Still, double wall ovens typically provide two equally-sized cavities for greater total overall capacity than single ovens.
While a double oven can add extra flexibility to meal prep, it might not be the right setup for every family. Consider your cooking routines and kitchen space when comparing a double oven range, double wall oven or a more traditional single oven.
Double oven vs. single oven comparison chart
If you’re deciding between types of wall ovens, this chart may help clarify some of the considerations.*
| Single Wall Oven | Double Wall Oven | Double Oven Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven capacity | In general, less overall capacity than a double wall oven | More overall capacity with two equally-sized compartments | Two compartments; Often with one being smaller than the other |
| Cooking flexibility | Single cooking environment; cooking multiple dishes at once may require juggling temperatures and timing | Can cook two dishes at different temperatures, times and settings | Can cook two dishes at different temperatures, times and settings |
| Installation & space | Can usually be installed without major kitchen modifications | Will not fit in a single wall oven space | Generally fits in a standard single oven range space |
| Oven dimensions | Generally 24-36 inches wide | Generally 24-36 inches wide | Fits in a single oven range space; compartments can be shorter than a single oven’s cavity |
| Cost | Typically lower in price than double ovens | Generally higher priced than a single oven | Generally higher priced than a single oven |
| Storage/setup | A single wall oven’s smaller footprint can free up valuable cabinet space | Occupies roughly twice the cabinet space of a single wall oven | Sometimes skips the bottom storage drawer for a larger bottom oven |
| Ideal for | Families with simpler cooking routines or smaller kitchen spaces | Families who frequently cook large amounts or entertain | Those who want double-oven flexibility in a standard range space; ideal for busy nights when only the smaller compartment is needed |
* Models may vary. Be sure to always consult the owner’s manual for specific details.
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Double oven vs. single oven FAQs
For help making your decision, explore the frequently asked questions about single and double ovens below.
Is it better to have a double oven or two single ovens?
Whether you should opt for a double oven or two single ovens depends on your kitchen layout and budget. Double ovens offer the cooking power of two single ovens in one appliance, making them a great choice for smaller kitchens that cook large amounts of food.
Additionally, most double wall ovens are double the size of a single wall oven anyway. And the cost of purchasing and installing two single ovens vs. one double oven may be on the higher end as you will be purchasing two large appliances. Installation costs may also be higher for two single ovens. However, two single ovens give you the flexibility to create multiple cooking zones in your kitchen. This can be ideal for kosher kitchens or gourmet setups.
How do you use a double oven to maximize its benefits?
To get the most from a double oven, you may want to separate dishes by temperature and match the compartment to the dish. Take full advantage of the ability to cook multiple dishes at once with a double oven. While a single oven also has the capacity to hold multiple dishes, it sometimes becomes a juggling act to make sure each recipe is given its ideal temperature, timing and settings.
With a double oven, you can roast meats at 450℉ with the convection setting activated to get that perfectly browned finish—while also cooking a delicate custard for dessert in the other compartment at a much lower temperature without convection.
A double oven also helps when cooking multiple batches of the same recipe, like enough cookies for a bake sale. It allows you to continuously cycle through batches from oven to oven. Load and unload batches from each oven at the right time without disturbing the temperature in the other compartment.
Will a double wall oven or double oven range fit in a single oven space?
Double oven ranges can fit in single oven range spaces since they are available in standard range sizes. This means you can easily replace your single oven range with a double oven model. Double wall ovens, however, will not fit in the same space as a single wall oven as they are generally twice the size and have quite different dimensions. Before replacing an existing single oven, compare product specifications, cutout dimensions and installation requirements for the model you’re considering to ensure a proper fit.
Learn more about wall oven sizes to find the right fit for your space.
Can you fit a turkey in a double oven?
Most double ovens will fit an average-sized turkey of around 15-20 lbs. Unless you have a prize-winning heavyweight champ on your hands, you should not be concerned about cooking up Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the fixings, in your double oven range or wall oven.
Double ovens are available in the same widths as single oven models, generally 24–36 inches wide. You will usually be able to fit the same wide trays, pans and other dishes you would use in your single oven. Double oven ranges can feature shorter compartments than single ovens—usually on the top oven, which is often smaller—but most dishes cooked at home will still fit in either compartment, with tall items better suited for larger bottom ovens. That said, fit can vary—always check the specific model’s oven cavity dimensions in the user guide and consider your pan size and the height of what you’re cooking before assuming a dish will clear.
Is a double oven worth it?
If your family looks forward to meals with all the sides plus dessert, a double oven can help you manage. Use the separate compartments to juggle dishes with different cooking requirements, and keep completed dishes warm while you finish cooking the rest. If cooking a simple one-pan dinner on busy nights, a double oven range lets you cook with just the smaller oven compartment.
For extra capacity, a double wall oven can often fit enough for school events, neighborhood gatherings and holiday get-togethers. Whether a double oven is worth it is up to you and your lifestyle. You can also learn about different types of ovens to help make the right choice for your family. Explore the best double wall oven options from Whirlpool brand to find a match for your cooking needs. Select Whirlpool® Double Wall Ovens offer Assisted Cooking, which has cycles that calculate and set the ideal cooking time and temperature for common foods like casseroles, meat, fish, vegetables, pizza and some baked goods.
Explore single and double wall ovens from Whirlpool brand
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