Open Up New Culinary Possibilities With A Double Oven Kitchen
Is your cooking constrained by a single oven? Do you find yourself endlessly juggling dishes at different temperatures when making holiday meals or entertaining large groups? Upgrading to a double oven setup can open up exciting new possibilities in the kitchen.
With double the oven space, you can roast a turkey in one oven while baking sides and desserts in the other. Entertain with ease by cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. Explore new recipes knowing you have the capacity. And simply gain more flexibility and efficiency in everyday cooking.
In this guide, we'll explore how to thoughtfully incorporate double ovens into your kitchen remodel or new construction. From placement to cabinetry to accessories, we'll cover all the design factors to optimize your double oven kitchen.
Choosing Double Oven Placement in Your Kitchen Layout
One of the first decisions is where to situate the double oven setup within the overall kitchen floorplan. Considerations include oven visibility, access, and proximity to other work zones. Here are some typical placement options:
Wall Oven Placement
The most common spot for double ovens is on a kitchen wall, stacked or side-by-side. This allows for a more streamlined appearance, with the ovens nicely integrated into cabinetry and counters. Aim for a layout where the ovens are readily accessible from key work triangles between the sink, fridge, and cooktop. Visibility from multiple angles is also ideal.
In an L-shaped kitchen, position the ovens on the longer leg of the L to minimize steps between the ovens and other appliances. For galley kitchens, central placement along one wall works well. In U-shaped kitchens, an oven wall bisecting the U is convenient. Leave ample room around the ovens - about 15 inches of landing area on each side.
Island Oven Placement
While less common, adding one or both ovens to a kitchen island makes a bold statement. The ovens become a focal point. This works best in larger open concept kitchens. Allow at least a 4-foot clearance around an island oven for traffic flow. Venting requirements also increase with an island oven, which we'll cover later.
Regardless of wall or island placement, ensure the oven doors have space to fully open without hitting adjacent cabinets or walls. Now let's look at how cabinetry design factors into your double oven kitchen.
Cabinetry Design for Double Ovens
Cabinetry forms an integral part of the double oven equation - from materials to configuration to visual accents. Standard double oven dimensions are about 30" wide by 54" high. However, sizes can vary, so always confirm your oven specs.
Stacked vs Side-by-Side
The most common built-in oven configurations are stacked (one above the other) or positioned side-by-side. Stacked ovens have a smaller footprint, while side-by-side makes for easier access without bending down. You can also do a stacked/side-by-side hybrid, with a microwave or warmer drawer in the second space.
Frameless cabinetry with recessed handles complements the modern, streamlined look of stainless steel ovens. Traditional cabinetry with face frames and hardware leans more farmhouse or cottage. Painted cabinets keep things fresh and light around the ovens. Opt for durable cabinet materials like wood or thermofoil that withstand heat well.
Creative Accents
Don't be afraid to add unique accents around the ovens to spice up your design. Frame the ovens with thick corbels or trim molding. Add shelving above or open shelves beside to display cookbooks and decor. Glass cabinet fronts allow peeks at attractive oven colors like cobalt or mint.
Bring cohesion by repeating cabinetry finishes and hardware on nearby pantry cabinets and fridge surrounds. Contrasting island cabinetry also helps the oven zone stand out.
Creative Double Oven Backsplash Ideas
The backsplash provides eye-catching style behind the ovens. Splash some color, texture, and visual interest into the space. While protecting walls, it also defines the double oven cooking zone.
Material Options
Heat and stain resistant tile is a backsplash go-to, available in endless colors and patterns. Glass, metal, and stone like marble or granite also make dramatic statements. Bring in multiple materials like combining subway tile with a tile or stone accent strip.
Creative Designs
Frame the ovens with a full backsplash reaching all the way to the ceiling. This pillar effect grounds the ovens and draws the eye upward. Apply your backsplash tile in a unique lay, like a chevron, herringbone or basketweave pattern.
Incorporate texture with 3D tiles or mesh mosaic sheets. Try a contrasting tile color just behind the ovens to make them pop. Take the backsplash to the max by continuing it onto side walls or along the hood surround.
Choosing the Right Countertops
Countertops must stand up to high heat while complementing the double oven look. Granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, and solid surface materials like Corian are ideal choices. Avoid seams near the heat source.
Heat and Stain Resistance
Quartz is highly heat and stain resistant, available in patterns mimicking granite and marble. Marble looks ultra-luxurious but requires more sealing. Durable granite resists chips and scratches.
Edges and Surface Area
A sturdy squared edge profile prevents spills and crumbs from collecting right against the ovens. Allow at least 15-20 inches of countertop landing area on either side of the ovens. This gives you a food prep surface when the ovens are in use.
A raised bar countertop across from the ovens is handy for casual dining and entertaining. Coordinate your edges and finishes with the cabinets and backsplash for a cohesive look.
Achieving an Open Concept with Double Ovens
Double ovens are ideal for open concept kitchens where the kitchen flows into living and dining areas. With smart design choices, the ovens can anchor the space without dominating.
Island Placement
Placing one or both ovens on a kitchen island visually separates cooking space from gathering areas. The ovens become a focal point without encroaching on living zones. For smaller kitchens, a single island oven preserves more openness.
Transitional Elements
Define kitchen boundaries with flooring changes, ceiling details, or different cabinetry finishes in the living room. A transitional kitchen bar top or lower cabinetry on the living room side provides separation without totally closing the space off.
Ventilation Needs
With open concept's airy flow, effectively venting the ovens is crucial. A powerful external venting system like a chimney hood removes smoke, grease, heat, and odors. Strategic ceiling fan placement over the ovens also helps move air.
Carefully planned lighting like pendant lamps above the ovens enhance visibility and ambiance without glare into living areas. Position recessed lighting to spotlight key areas.
Additional Accessories and Design Details
Don't overlook the accessories and extras that take your double oven kitchen to the next level.
Storage and Organization
Pot racks mounted on nearby walls or ceilings keep essential cookware within reach. Shelving adds space for appliances, cookbooks, spices, and more. Warming drawers placed below the ovens complement their function.
Personalized Touches
Make the ovens a focal point with customized range hoods, carved accents, or framing panels. Contrasting oven colors like burgundy or slate blue enliven stainless steel. Consider paneled ovens that blend with cabinetry.
Coordinate backsplashes and countertops with oven finishes. Ensure accessible placement of outlets, switches, and task lighting. Make smart use of every inch in the oven zone.
By creatively incorporating double ovens into your kitchen, you gain space, flexibility, and expanded capabilities. Take time to think through placement, ergonomics, ventilation, and aesthetics to craft the perfect cooking environment tailored to your needs and style.
From sleek modern frames to ornate pro-style models, today’s ovens empower you to take your culinary pursuits to the next level. Add a professional flair to home cooking and entertaining with double the ovens.