Are Double Ovens Worth It?

When shopping for ovens, one question comes up again and again: is a double oven really worth it? For busy families, keen cooks, and anyone who likes to entertain, the idea of having double ovens can be appealing. But are the added flexibility and extra space worth the cost and kitchen real estate?

Let’s explore when a double oven makes sense—and when a well-chosen single oven might be enough.

What Is a Double Oven?

A double oven is a kitchen appliance with two separate cooking cavities. These can be configured in various ways:

• Built-in double ovens: Typically installed at eye level in a tall kitchen cabinet, these usually feature a full-sized main oven and a smaller second oven or grill.

• Freestanding cookers with double ovens: Combine a hob and two oven cavities in one standalone appliance, ideal for standard kitchen layouts.

• Range cookers: Often feature two full-sized ovens along with a grill and hob, providing exceptional cooking space for large households.

Double ovens usually offer a combined capacity of 90–110 litres or more, making them ideal for multitasking in the kitchen.

The Benefits of Double Ovens

1. Cook More at Once

The most obvious advantage is the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different temperatures. Roast vegetables in one cavity while baking a dessert in the other—no waiting, no flavour transfer.

2. Save Time and Stress

With two ovens running independently, you can prepare large meals more efficiently. This is especially useful during busy evenings or when hosting guests.

3. Greater Flexibility

Need to grill fish and bake a pie at the same time? Want to reheat leftovers while keeping the main oven free? A double oven gives you options that a single oven can’t.

4. Energy Smart Cooking

Smaller meals can be cooked in the top oven only, using less energy than heating a full-sized cavity. For households that vary their cooking intensity, this flexibility is a bonus.

5. Perfect for Meal Prepping and Batch Cooking

If you cook in advance for the week or freeze meals in batches, two ovens can streamline the process, cutting down cooking time and improving kitchen workflow.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

While double ovens offer lots of advantages, they won’t suit every kitchen or household. Here’s what to consider:

• Space Requirements: Built-in double ovens require a tall cabinet, while freestanding models need more vertical space. Not ideal for compact kitchens.

• Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than single ovens, both to purchase and install.

• Underused Second Cavity: For smaller households or those who rarely cook big meals, the second oven may go unused.

• Installation Constraints: May require more planning or adjustments in existing cabinetry.

Who Should Consider a Double Oven?

Double ovens aren’t just for big families. They’re ideal for:

• Large Households: Cook more food at once, at different settings.

• Home Bakers: Keep cakes and savoury items separate, or bake in batches.

• Entertainers: Perfect for hosting Sunday dinners, parties, or holiday meals.

• Meal Preppers: Save hours by preparing meals across two cavities simultaneously.

If this sounds like your lifestyle, the extra investment may be well worth it.

You can explore different ovens on Joyces.ie, including built-in, freestanding, and range-style double ovens that suit a variety of spaces.

Best Features to Look for in a Double Oven

To get the most out of your double oven, look for:

• Fan-assisted cooking in both cavities

• Programmable timers and user-friendly digital displays

• Grill option in the top oven

• Self-cleaning modes like pyrolytic or steam cleaning

• Removable shelves and flexible rack positions

• Smart controls (e.g. Siemens Home Connect)

The more cooking versatility you have, the more you'll benefit from the double oven format.

Recommended Double Oven Brands

Joyces.ie stocks a variety of double oven models from trusted brands known for energy efficiency, longevity, and smart design.

Bosch

Bosch offers reliable and stylish double ovens with features like 3D HotAir and EcoClean, making them a practical choice for busy families.

Neff

Neff's Slide&Hide® door design and CircoTherm® technology make their double ovens a top pick for passionate home chefs who value performance and innovation.

Siemens

With smart Home Connect integration and excellent energy ratings, Siemens double ovens suit tech-forward households that want flexibility and control.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool offers budget-friendly models that still include fan cooking, Eco settings, and intuitive controls—ideal for growing families.

Hotpoint

Great value and straightforward features make Hotpoint a strong option for everyday Irish households needing practical, dependable performance.

Fisher & Paykel

For premium kitchen design, Fisher & Paykel ovens offer sleek finishes, generous capacity, and high-end functionality that meets professional-grade expectations.

Final Thoughts

So, are double ovens worth it? For many Irish households—especially those that cook regularly, host guests, or juggle multiple dishes at once—the answer is a definite yes. They offer flexibility, time-saving convenience, and greater cooking efficiency.

However, if you mostly cook small meals or have a compact kitchen, a well-equipped single oven could be a better fit.