Single Oven vs Double Oven - Which to Buy

Choosing between a single oven and a double oven is one of the most common kitchen appliance decisions. Here's a clear comparison to help you decide which is right for your household.

What's the Difference?

• Single oven: One oven cavity, typically 60–70 litres (2.1–2.5 cu ft) for a standard built-in unit
• Double oven: Two separate oven cavities stacked vertically — a main oven (larger, usually 60–75L) and a secondary oven or grill (smaller, usually 30–40L)

Single Oven: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lower cost: Single ovens are significantly cheaper to buy — typically $300–$800 vs $600–$1,500+ for double ovens
• Larger single cavity: A single oven often has a larger usable cavity than the main oven in a double unit of the same external size
• Simpler to use: One set of controls, one cavity to manage
• Better for small kitchens: Takes up less vertical space in a cabinet
• Sufficient for most households: For everyday cooking for 1–4 people, a single oven handles everything

Cons

• Can only cook at one temperature at a time
• Juggling multiple dishes at different temperatures requires timing and compromise
• Less flexible for large-scale cooking and entertaining

Double Oven: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Cook two things at different temperatures simultaneously: The main advantage — roast in one cavity while baking in the other
• Secondary oven for grilling: The smaller top cavity is often used as a dedicated grill/broiler
• More flexible for entertaining: Significantly easier to cook a full multi-course meal
• Energy efficient for small dishes: Use the smaller cavity for small meals rather than heating the full main oven

Cons

• Higher cost: Typically $300–$700 more than an equivalent single oven
• Main cavity may be smaller: The main oven in a double unit is often smaller than a standalone single oven of the same external width
• More complex: Two sets of controls, two cavities to manage and clean
• Requires more cabinet height: Double ovens need a taller cabinet cutout

Who Should Buy a Single Oven?

• Households of 1–4 people with straightforward cooking needs
• Those on a tighter budget
• Small kitchens with limited cabinet height
• Anyone who rarely cooks multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously

Who Should Buy a Double Oven?

• Families of 5+ or frequent entertainers
• Those who regularly cook multi-course meals
• Serious bakers who need to run different temperatures simultaneously
• Anyone who wants a dedicated grill cavity separate from the main oven

The Verdict for Most Households

For the majority of households cooking everyday meals, a single oven with a large cavity (4.0+ cu ft) is the better value choice. The double oven premium is worth paying if you regularly cook for 5+ people or frequently need two different temperatures simultaneously.

Summary

Single ovens are better value, simpler, and have a larger single cavity. Double ovens offer simultaneous dual-temperature cooking and a dedicated grill — worth the premium for large families and frequent entertainers. For most households, a single oven is sufficient.