Is a Double Oven in an Electric Range Worth It? The Ultimate Guide for Home Chefs

As an expert in home renovations and kitchen upgrades, I‘m often asked if installing a double oven in an electric range is really worth the investment. With over 15 years of experience helping homeowners design their dream kitchens, I‘ve learned the pros and cons of this major appliance decision. My goal is to provide a comprehensive look at double ovens so you can determine if one is right for your needs and budget.

How Double Ovens Boost Cooking Power

The main appeal of a double oven range is the expanded cooking capacity. With two ovens, you gain more versatility to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures. Let‘s look at the key advantages:

Greater Multitasking

A double oven allows you to cook more items simultaneously. For example, you can roast a pork loin in one oven set at 350°F while baking a casserole in the other oven at 325°F. This level of multitasking streamlines meal preparation.

Larger Batch Cooking

Double the ovens means you can cook larger batches for big families, parties, holidays, and other events. Roasting pans and multiple baking sheets fit with ease.

More Control Over Cooking

With two separate ovens, you have greater precision over cooking temperatures. Many ovens offer convection cooking for faster, more even heating. Having two ovens with different temperature settings gives you more control over the results.

Enhanced Flexibility

The larger oven can be used for main courses, while the smaller one handles sides, appetizers, and desserts. Or keep one oven for meat and the other for dairy and vegetarian dishes. The options are endless!

According to Yale Appliance, 72% of customers opted for double oven ranges in 2020, up from 67% in 2019. This aligns with a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association finding that over two-thirds of homeowners are looking for more capacity and versatility from their major appliances.

Key Factors to Weigh Before Buying

While the benefits are compelling, double oven ranges also come with downsides. Here are some important considerations as you evaluate your options:

Price

Double oven ranges start around $2,500 and can cost over $10,000 for high-end models. That‘s roughly twice the price of quality single oven ranges. Be sure to account for the higher purchase price and installation costs in your kitchen remodeling budget.

Energy Use

With two ovens to power, double ranges consume more electricity. The exact increase depends on the model, but you can expect your energy bill to go up by 15-30%. Over 10 years, that can mean paying several hundred dollars more in energy costs.

Cleaning Needs

More ovens means more surfaces to keep spotless. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes more per week cleaning to keep both ovens looking their best. For those who dislike cleaning, this extra work may make a double oven less appealing.

Space Requirements

Double ranges need extra width and depth to accommodate the ovens. Refer to the manufacturer specs to ensure your cabinet cutout provides adequate room. Removing a wall oven gains you space for a double range.

Learning Curve

It takes practice to orchestrate cooking multiple dishes in two ovens. Expect a period of learning to use the ovens seamlessly together. Refer to cooking guides to help match dishes to the right oven.

Take time to weigh how these factors apply to your kitchen and cooking style before deciding. Only invest in a double oven range if the benefits clearly outweigh the downsides for your needs.

Double Oven Ranges: Reviews of the Top Brands

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen remodeling business, I‘ve had the opportunity to see double oven ranges from all the major brands in action. Here‘s an overview of the top models:

Wolf Double Oven Ranges

The Wolf brand is renowned for their dual fuel and induction ranges. Their double oven models offer exceptional performance and innovative features like infrared broilers and convection baking. Expect to pay $4,000 – $13,000+ for their double ranges.

Thermador Double Oven Ranges

Thermador is owned by Bosch and offers luxury appliances that are both high-performing and sleek. Their double oven ranges boast features like adjustable cooking modes and self-cleaning ovens. Prices range from $4,000 – $10,000.

Miele Double Oven Ranges

Known for superb engineering, Miele‘s double oven ranges provide great heat distribution and temperature control. Their ranges integrate seamlessly with cabinetry for a built-in look. Expect prices from $4,700 – $10,000+.

GE Double Oven Ranges

For reliable quality at lower price points, GE is a great option. Their double oven ranges start around $2,500 and offer conveniences like self-cleaning and convection modes. Their budget-friendly prices make them popular choices.

LG Double Oven Ranges

LG makes very affordable double oven ranges without sacrificing features. Their EasyClean® ovens make cleaning simple. Wi-Fi enabled models let you control your oven remotely. Expect to pay $1,500 – $2,500 for most models.

I always recommend reading reviews and comparing ratings on sites like Consumer Reports to identify the best options within your budget. Pay close attention to the reliability ratings over time.

Design Tips for Integrating Double Ovens

Once you decide to install double ovens, careful planning is needed for a seamless look:

• For a built-in style, opt for a slide-in range over a freestanding model. This gives a sleek, integrated aesthetic.

• Select countertop and cabinet finishes that coordinate with the range for visual harmony. Materials like quartz or solid surface paired with stained wood cabinets work well.

• Use solid cabinet doors rather than glass so the ovens don‘t stand out. This gives a subtle, clean appearance.

• Ensure adequate room around the units for opening doors completely and safely removing hot dishes. At least 15 inches of clearance is ideal.

• Include sturdy countertops on both sides for prepping, along with ample lighting for the cooking surface.

With careful planning, double ovens can blend beautifully into your new kitchen design and provide an elegant focal point.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, deciding between a double oven range or a single oven comes down to your cooking habits, entertaining needs, and budget.

If you regularly cook large meals and love to multitask recipes, a double oven provides invaluable extra capacity. The flexibility and enhanced features can be well worth the higher price.

However, casual cooks who focus on simpler meals may not benefit enough to justify the cost and extra energy use. Think critically about how two ovens would enhance the way you cook before making this major investment.

With the information provided above, you now have a detailed understanding of how double ovens work and what to consider before purchasing. Let me know if you need any guidance selecting the perfect range option to match your cooking style! I‘m always happy to help clients make appliance decisions they‘ll be delighted with for years to come.