Go for built under double oven or single oven?

sec79

Hi all

I was hoping people could help me decide whether to go for a single built in oven or a double built under oven? It would have to go under my hob in the base unit under the worktop.

My concerns about the double one is that if I wanted to user the lower oven, you'd be very close to floor level when using it. Would it be a better alternative to go for a single oven, but then buy a microwave oven aswell, for the rare occasions when I would need two ovens.

I can get a Neff single oven for a good price, but if it is better to buy a microwave oven too, does anyone know how much a decent one costs please?

misskool

I had a thread yesterday
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1850155

with the gist being that manufacturers concentrate on making good single ovens and built under double ovens are just an after thought.

So, in the end, I've decided on a Neff series 3 with pyrolytic function (that's a self cleaning function)

jackieb

Definitely a double oven. I often use my grill at the same time as using my oven. I made sure it was a double oven when we put in a new kitchen last year.

The top oven also keeps stuff warm if it's finished cooking in the main oven. You don't even need to put it on as the heat rises up. It's also good for heating plates.

We didn't have room for a built in, which would have been nice to have one at eye-level, so we had to go for built under. I'm not the fittest of people but I manage to bend and take out stuff no problem. Also, I cook for 6 people and haven't found the size to be a problem either.

missile

I guess it depends on your requirements. As jakieb said double ovens have their advantages, but if you rarely use them then they are of little use to you. Single ovens are larger, easier to access and usually cheaper.

You could get a combi micro wave which does everything i.e. a grill, oven and microwave all in one! They are very neat particularly in a small kitchen where space is at a premium - clever, compact but expensive.

Meepster

It's a much better idea to go for a good single oven and then a seperate microwave for the times you do need to cook more.

In a built-under double oven, the sizes of both ovens are considerably smaller than what you will get in a single oven, and even what you get in a built in double oven.

I try not to sell built-in double ovens, I just think they are overpriced for what you are actually getting and far less functional than a standard oven...

becs

I'm with Jackieb on this one. We redid the kitchen last year and went for a built in double oven. Previous to this I have always had freestanding double ovens. Many years ago I had an ex who had a single oven and I personally found it a nightmare! Like Jackieb says if you grill alot then you can use the grill and the oven seperately which I find invaluable. I definately use my grill/top oven ALOT more than I use my microwave/grill. It is great when doing big dinners for Christmas or special occasions where you can use it to keep things warm etc. I still struggle for oven space now and wish we had gone to the extravagence of having another built in single oven, but on the rare occaions we would need 3 ovens we didn't justify it. If you have a single oven now and are used to it then fine but if you have a double oven now think hard about how much you use the top oven or grill at the same time as main oven. I would never have a single oven because it doesn't suit my cooking style.

jackieb

I've always had freestanding double ovens before too. My children are fussy when it comes to food and I sometimes have to make 2 different meals, which need to be cooked at 2 different temperatures.

It's horses for courses, but I know I couldn't manage with a single.

Here are some other people's views. http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Question502900.html

rosekitten

I will be going for a double built under
oven as well as at times you can be
grilling and have stuff in the oven
at the same time.

The top oven is handy for smaller items
ie tray of fairy cakes or cooking
pizzas.Although we have cooked joints and
chickens in it.My current double oven here its
the top oven we use the most.It would be a
step back for us to only have a single oven.

Also the smaller top oven is much cheaper on
the electric than using the big main oven all
the time.

cattie

My choice was a Neff single fan oven with a built in combination microwave/fan oven. I feel this gives me the best of all options. I have 2 ovens/grills if I need them, can use the smaller oven in the microwave to save on energy costs wherever necessary & all in a neat & tidy package.

sec79

Thanks to everyone for their replies. The issue is it would have to be a built under double oven, as it has to go in the base kitchen unit and the decent ones seem to be about £500+.Plus they don't seem to make many models - the popular option seems to be built in. Are built in combination microwave/ fan ovens as good as using an oven? How much should you spend for a decent one? I just can't make my mind up. I can get a Smeg double oevn built under for £530, but I've read they're over rated and you pay for the price.

Can anyone recommend a built under double oven stainless steel in colour please?

It now transpires my boiler needs looking at, car needs servicing and mot (all taking place in next 2 weeks) so I may put off making a decision until then. Money may be the deciding factor.

jackieb

This is the one I have. I had a Hotpoint freestanding one before and it cost me £650 (I moved house and left that one - really missed it!)

This is the cheapest I can find it online. http://www.froogle.hughesdirect.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=HOT-UY46X

The only thing I don't like is, with my last one I could just slide the inside glass out of the door to clean - with this one I have to unscrew it to remove the glass.