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Double Oven Buyers Guide 2025

Imagine baking a cake in one oven compartment while roasting a chicken in the other, all without compromising flavours or timing; we have an appliance that can do just that. Smeg double ovens feature two separate cooking compartments, enabling you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different temperatures, perfect for busy families or avid home cooks. 

Our double oven buyers guide will help you identify what double oven is best for you and your household, highlighting the benefits of this appliance and how it compares with a single oven, guiding you toward the ideal solution for your cooking needs.

What Is a Double Oven, and What Types Are Available?

A double oven is a kitchen appliance with two separate cooking compartments, designed to offer greater flexibility and efficiency. Unlike a single oven, which has only one cooking cavity, a double oven allows users to prepare multiple dishes at the same time at different temperatures, eliminating the need to juggle cooking times or adjust settings mid-meal.

Some models include a larger main oven for big meals and a smaller secondary oven, which can be used for quick tasks or smaller portions. This dual functionality makes double ovens ideal for households that regularly cook diverse dishes or host gatherings.

Double ovens come in various types to suit different kitchen layouts and cooking needs, including:

In-Column Double Ovens

Also known as “wall-mounted” double ovens, these built-in models are installed directly into a wall cupboard, often at  around eye level for convenience. They are a great choice for modern kitchens and provide easy access to both cooking compartments.

Under-Counter Double Ovens

This appliance is installed below your countertop to fit seamlessly in line with the rest of your cabinetry, helping you to save space in more compact kitchens. Under-counter ovens are also a popular choice for users who want to create a custom “cooker” by locating their perfect choice of hob above it. Finally, under-counter double ovens are a popular choice for users with mobility or wheelchair issues, providing easier and safer access than having to reach up to an oven higher up. 

Range Double Ovens

These combine a double oven with a hob cooktop in a single freestanding unit, making them a versatile choice for all-in-one cooking. Freestanding double ovens feature greater functionality but may need further planning to fit into your existing kitchen design since the top hobs need consideration.

The Benefits of a Double Oven

Double ovens are a beneficial addition to any kitchen, providing you with: 

  • The ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different temperatures.
  • An increased cooking capacity for large meals or gatherings.
  • Flexibility in timing for baking, roasting, and reheating.
  • Greater convenience for families wanting different meals. 
  • The ability to use the smaller oven for quick meals or reheating, thus saving energy.

Single Ovens vs Double Ovens

Double ovens and single ovens serve the same fundamental purpose but differ significantly in functionality, capacity, and convenience, which can affect how they’re used in your kitchen. To help you decide whether you’d prefer a double or single oven, let’s take a look at how they compare:
 

  

Single Oven

Double Oven

Cooking Capacity

One cavity, suitable for single or large meals. Two separate cavities for cooking multiple dishes at once.

Versatility

Limited to cooking at one temperature or mode setting at a time.

Allows cooking at different temperatures and settings simultaneously.

Energy Usage

Can be more energy-efficient as one cavity is heated as long as it is fully utilised.

May consume more energy if both ovens are used simultaneously.

However, double ovens which include a smaller oven may actually use less energy than a single oven.

Cost

Typically cost less than double ovens.

Generally cost more due to increased components required, technical complexities, additional features, etc.

Size Options

Takes up less space making them  ideal for smaller kitchens.

Usually requires more space than a single oven.

Ideal For

Smaller households with limited cooking needs, or kitchens with limited space.

Families or avid cooks who have greater need for added flexibility, increased cooking capacity, etc.

Preheat Time

Can take longer than may be necessary to preheat if the full space is not being utilised.

A double oven with a small oven cavity can heat up quicker than a standard single oven for smaller dishes.

Key Features of a Double Oven

There are several key features of a double oven that give your kitchen extra flexibility when it comes to mealtime, such as: 

  • Space-Saving Design: Combines two ovens into a single appliance, optimising your kitchen space while offering more cooking capacity.
  • Separate Temperature Controls: Double ovens feature independent controls for each oven chamber, enabling precise cooking for different dishes simultaneously. 
  • Multiple Cooking Functions: Double ovens often feature different cooking modes, such as convection, steam, grilling, defrosting, and even fan-assisted baking for versatility.
  • Easy-to-Clean Interiors: The most modern double ovens often come with self-cleaning functions or easy-clean enamel surfaces for hassle-free maintenance.
  • Energy-Efficiency: The smaller oven can be used for quick meals or snacks, saving energy compared to heating a single, larger oven cavity.

FAQs

Can a double oven fit in a single oven space?

As a general guide, in-column and under-counter double ovens will not fit in a single oven space, as although the width is often the same, the height is normally much larger.
Some articles online suggest that freestanding range cookers with a double oven will fit in a single oven space. Whilst technically that can be true, in reality, there are a range of sizes available, so it depends on if you’re replacing like-with-like.

For example, our single ovens typically come in 60cm, 70cm and 90cm widths.

Conversely, our double ovens come in 60cm, 90cm, 100cm, 120cm, and 150cm.

Do double ovens use convection or conventional heating?

Many double ovens let you switch between convection heating (fan circulation) and conventional heating (top and/or bottom elements without air circulation), giving you flexibility to suit your cooking needs. Most Smeg ovens include both heating types. To explore all the available cooking functions, visit the product page, click on the 'Features' tab, and scroll down to the 'Programs/Functions' section.

What features should you look for in a double oven?

There are several beneficial features and functions of a double oven that are present in certain models. One of the most useful is the Circulaire function, present across Smeg’s range, which cleans the air within the oven whilst in use, preventing cross-transference of flavours or smells. 

For those looking to save on energy bills, “Eco mode” is another useful cooking function, where only a negligible amount of energy is consumed during the cooking cycle. 

Some double ovens, such as Smeg’s Cucina Under-Counter, include a Vapour Clean feature that uses steam to lift spillages and burnt-on food residue within the oven cavity, making it easier to clean. 

Are double ovens available in different sizes or capacities?

Yes, under-counter double ovens are typically smaller appliances, featuring a 61-litre cooking capacity. In-column and range models have a slightly larger capacity of 70 litres, giving you slightly more room to cook different foods. 

Do double ovens use more energy than single ovens?

As you would expect, double ovens typically use more energy than a single oven when both compartments are in use. However, double ovens can also be more energy-efficient than a single oven due to the fact that some models come with a large oven and a smaller oven. This provides you with the ability to choose the smaller oven when necessary, thus reducing energy consumption, so ultimately this comes down to your typical cooking needs. 

Can you cook different meals at once in a double oven?

Yes, one of the biggest benefits of a double oven is the ability to use both oven chambers at once, especially for different types of cooking. Each chamber operates independently, allowing you to set different temperatures and cooking modes for each one; this makes it possible to roast, bake, or grill multiple dishes at the same time without flavour transfer or timing conflicts.

Are double ovens harder to clean?

Since there are two compartments to clean, it can take a little longer to wipe down chamber interiors for traditional double ovens. However, more innovative models, such as Smeg’s Dosp6390x double oven, feature a pyrolytic self-cleaning mode, which uses extreme heat to burn away all grease and dirt. Simply wipe away the ash; no detergent is needed. 

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