A single wall oven gives you one cooking space, good for everyday meals and smaller households. A double wall oven has two separate ovens stacked together, so you can cook multiple dishes at different temperatures at the same time; this is helpful for big families or when you’re hosting.
In this guide, we are going tol cover the pros and cons of each type, compare space, cost, and features, and help you decide which one fits your kitchen and cooking style best.
What Is A Single Wall Oven?
A single wall oven is a built-in oven with one cooking compartment. It’s commonly installed in cabinets or under countertops and is perfect for basic baking, roasting, and everyday meals. It’s compact and usually costs less, making it a popular choice for smaller kitchens or households that don’t need a lot of oven space.
Single ovens are easy to install and often come with features like self-cleaning, convection settings, and broiling. Most models offer a storage drawer underneath, which can be handy for keeping baking trays or pans nearby. They’re also simpler to use since you only have one temperature and timer to manage at a time.
Pros Of Single Wall Ovens
- Takes Up Less Space: Great for smaller kitchens or apartments where every inch matters.
- Lower Cost: Usually cheaper to buy and install compared to double ovens.
- Easy To Use: With only one cooking area, there’s less to keep track of.
- Flexible Installation Options: Can be placed under countertops or in cabinets, depending on your layout.
- Less Energy Use: If you usually cook small meals, it won’t waste energy heating an extra oven.
Cons Of Single Wall Ovens
- Limited Cooking SpaceYou can only cook one dish at a time, or a few if they fit together.
- Not Ideal For EntertainingHarder to bake and roast multiple items at once, especially during holidays.
- Bending May Be RequiredDepending on where it’s installed, you might have to crouch to check your food.
What Is A Double Wall Oven?
A double wall oven includes two separate ovens stacked on top of each other. Each has its own controls, so you can bake cookies in one and roast a chicken in the other, all at the same time. It’s perfect for large families, people who host often, or anyone who likes to cook more than one dish without juggling trays.
These ovens are usually installed at eye or waist level, which can make it easier to load and unload food without bending too much. Some models even offer advanced features like convection in both ovens, smart timers, or steam-clean options.
Pros Of Double Wall Ovens
- Cook Two Dishes At Once: Use different temperatures and settings in each oven at the same time.
- Great For Big Families Or Entertaining: More room to cook meals with lots of parts, like Thanksgiving dinner.
- Less Waiting: If you’re baking several batches, one can go in while the other finishes.
- Ergonomic Height: Often placed higher, so you don’t have to crouch to check or pull out food.
Cons Of Double Wall Ovens
- Takes Up More Space: You’ll need taller cabinet space or custom fitting during kitchen renovations.
- Higher Price: Costs more to buy and install, and may increase your energy use if both ovens run often.
- May Be Overkill For Small Meals: If you’re just heating a pizza or baking a single tray, the second oven may go unused.
Single vs Double Wall Oven: Side-by-Side Comparison
A single wall oven has one cooking compartment and works well for everyday use, especially if you cook small or simple meals. A double wall oven gives you two compartments, which means you can bake, roast, or warm dishes at different temperatures at the same time. It’s ideal for big families or anyone who hosts a lot.
If you’re torn between the two, this detailed breakdown will help you figure out which oven matches your lifestyle, space, and budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Single Wall Oven | Double Wall Oven |
| Oven Cavities | One | Two |
| Cooking Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Ideal For | 1–3 people, basic cooking needs | 4+ people, hosting, baking, large meal prep |
| Cost (Appliance) | $900–$2,500 | $2,200–$5,000+ |
| Installation Cost | $200–$500 | $400–$1,000+ |
| Total Cost (Average) | $1,100–$3,000 | $2,600–$6,000+ |
| Energy Use/Hour | 2.4–3.2 kWh | 4.8–6.4 kWh if both ovens are running |
| Cost Per Hour (at $0.15/kWh) | $0.36–$0.48 | $0.72–$0.96 if both used |
| Space Requirement | 24–30 inches wide | 27–30 inches wide, taller cabinet cutout needed |
Cooking Space And Flexibility
Single ovens give you one compartment. This is usually around 4.3 to 5.1 cubic feet, enough for a full roast or a couple of trays. If you only cook one dish at a time, this is enough.
Double ovens give you two separate compartments, usually 4.3 cu. ft. on top and 4.3–5.1 cu. ft. on bottom, depending on the model. That’s up to 10.2 cubic feet of usable cooking space.
This matters if you’re baking bread in one oven and roasting vegetables in the other, or if you’re preparing dishes that need different temperatures. You won’t have to adjust cooking times or juggle trays.
Ideal Use Case Based on Household Size
- Single Oven: Good for couples, small families, or those who cook one dish at a time. Think baked chicken with sides on the stove.
- Double Oven: Helps when cooking meals with many parts or when entertaining. You can make a turkey in the lower oven and pies or casseroles in the upper one — all without waiting.
Quick Tip: If your regular cooking looks like “one dish plus reheat” a single oven will cover you. But if you’ve ever run out of oven space during the holidays, you’ll appreciate the double.
Cost Breakdown: Appliance + Installation
Single Wall Oven
- Average Unit Price: $900–$2,500
- Standard Installation: $200–$500
- Total Estimate: $1,100 to $3,000
Double Wall Oven
- Average Unit Price: $2,200–$5,000+
- Professional Installation: $400–$1,000+ (may include cabinet modification)
Total Estimate: $2,600 to $6,000+
Note: Prices vary based on brand, features (like smart controls or convection), and how much cabinetry work is needed.
Energy Use And Electricity Cost (With Example Formula)
Single Wall Oven (Avg 3 kWh per hour):
Cost/hour = Power (kWh) × Cost per kWh
= 3 × $0.15 = $0.45/hour
Double Wall Oven (Both compartments at once: Avg 6 kWh/hour):
= 6 × $0.15 = $0.90/hour
If you cook dinner 1 hour a day, 5 days a week:
Single Oven Yearly Cost: 3 × 0.15 × 5 × 52 = $117/year
Double Oven Yearly Cost (both on): 6 × 0.15 × 5 × 52 = $234/year
You can save energy on a double oven by using only one compartment for small meals.
Kitchen Space And Cabinet Fit
- Single ovens typically need a 24 to 30-inch wide space and fit into most standard cabinet cutouts. Some can also be installed under a cooktop.
- Double wall ovens require the same width, but need taller cabinets (about 50 to 53 inches high) and may take away extra storage space.
If you have a small kitchen or limited vertical space, installing a double oven might mean losing a cabinet or two.
A single wall oven is more affordable and practical if your cooking is light and space is tight. A double oven is a time-saver and stress-reducer when cooking big meals, especially if your kitchen has room and you love to entertain.
How To Choose Between Single And Double Wall Oven
To choose between a single and double wall oven, think about how often you cook, how many people you feed, and how much space you have. A single oven is great for everyday meals and smaller kitchens, while a double oven gives you more cooking flexibility when preparing large or multiple dishes.
- Cooking habits: If you usually make one dish at a time, a single oven will do the job. If you often bake and roast together, a double oven saves time.
- Family size and entertaining: Single ovens are great for 1–3 people. Double ovens work better for big families or frequent hosts.
- Kitchen space: Single ovens take up less vertical cabinet space. Double ovens need a taller cutout and may replace some storage.
- Budget: Single ovens cost less to buy and install. Double ovens come with higher upfront and possible cabinet modification costs.
- Energy use: A single oven uses less power per meal. A double oven may use more energy, especially when both ovens run together.
Alternative Setups: Two Single Ovens vs One Double Oven
Two single wall ovens placed separately offer the same flexibility as a double oven, but with more control over layout and design. This setup works well in large kitchens or for households with unique cooking needs.
- Custom layout flexibility: You can install one oven at counter height and the other at eye level, spreading out your work zones.
- For kosher kitchens or strict dietary needs: Keeping ovens fully separate helps prevent cross-contamination.
- Multiple users: Two cooks can work without bumping into each other if ovens are in separate spots.
- Modular upgrades: Install one oven now and add the second later if needed.
- Higher cost and space use: Two singles cost more overall and take up more cabinet room than one stacked double oven.
Use Cases: When To Pick Which Oven Type
Pick a single oven if you need something compact and affordable. Choose a double oven if you need the flexibility to cook big meals more efficiently.
Go with a single wall oven if:
- You live alone or have a small family.
- You typically cook one dish at a time.
- Your kitchen is tight on space.
- You’re on a budget or want to reduce power bills.
- You don’t bake or host gatherings very often.
Go with a double wall oven if:
- You prepare full meals with multiple components.
- You regularly cook for four or more people.
- You want to bake and roast at the same time.
- You love entertaining and need extra oven space.
- You want to keep dishes warm while cooking others.
Conclusion
Choosing between a single and double wall oven comes down to your cooking habits, kitchen size, and how often you prepare large meals. If you live in a smaller home or cook simple dishes most days, a single wall oven offers everything you need without taking up much space or stretching your budget.
A double wall oven is ideal if you love to entertain or need to cook multiple dishes at once. The ability to bake, roast, or keep food warm in separate compartments makes a big difference when prepping for holidays or dinner parties. You’ll save time and reduce the stress of juggling trays and timers.
Before buying, measure your available space, think about how many people you typically cook for, and consider your long-term needs. Whether you go with a compact single oven or a roomy double oven, the right choice will make your daily cooking routine much easier and more enjoyable.
Related FAQs
Can I cook a turkey in a double oven?
Yes, most double wall ovens can fit an average-sized turkey, especially in the larger bottom compartment.
Do double ovens use more electricity?
Yes, running both ovens at the same time uses more energy than a single oven. Use one cavity for small meals to save power.
Will a double wall oven fit where my single oven was?
Usually not. Double ovens are taller and need a bigger cabinet cutout. Modifications may be required.
Are single ovens easier to clean than double ovens?
Yes. With only one compartment to manage, single ovens are quicker and easier to clean compared to two separate cavities.
Can I install a wall oven under a cooktop?
Yes, single wall ovens are often designed to be installed under a cooktop. Just make sure the models are compatible in size and venting.
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