Freestanding Double Oven Cookers: How to Choose the Right One

What Is a Freestanding Double Oven Cooker?

A freestanding cooker is an all-in-one appliance with the oven or ovens and the hob together in a single unit that stands on the kitchen floor, rather than being built into your units. A freestanding double oven has a main oven plus a smaller top oven (often with the grill), so you can cook two dishes at different temperatures at the same time.

You'll also see twin cavity cookers, single cavity cookers with one oven, and eye level cookers where the grill sits at chest height. Always check the specification to see whether the top cavity is a full oven, an oven and grill, or a grill only.

Electric, Gas or Dual Fuel?

Your first decision is the fuel type, and it's usually decided by what's already connected in your kitchen:

Browse by fuel type: gas double oven cookers, dual fuel cookers, ceramic electric cookers and induction cookers.

Induction vs Ceramic Hobs

If you're buying an electric cooker, the next choice is the hob. Both are smooth and easy to wipe clean, but they work very differently:

A quick way to check your existing pans: if a fridge magnet sticks firmly to the base, the pan will work on an induction cooker. If you're not ready to replace your pans, a ceramic hob is the simpler, lower-cost option.

What Size Cooker Do You Need?

• 50cm — the choice for smaller kitchens, flats and compact spaces
• 60cm — the standard width, and the right fit for most kitchens
• 90cm and above — larger, range-style cookers for bigger kitchens. Take a look at our range cookers, including induction, dual fuel and gas models

Measure the width, height and depth of the space, and allow room in front for the oven doors to open. Cookers are typically around 90cm high including the hob, so check this against your worktops, and follow the manufacturer's installation guidance on clearances, particularly above the hob. Don't forget about ventilation: a good cooker hood, such as a chimney hood, keeps steam and cooking smells under control.

Oven Features Worth Looking For

• Fan oven — circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking, which is ideal when you're using several shelves at once
• Conventional heat — heat from the top and bottom, which many people prefer for traditional roasting and baking
• Separate grill — check whether it's in the top cavity or at eye level, depending on how you cook
• Easy-clean interior — makes the job of keeping your oven spotless far quicker
• Timer and clock — handy for keeping track of two ovens at once
• Storage drawer — somewhere to keep baking trays and oven gloves

If baking is your passion, our guide to choosing the perfect oven for baking enthusiasts goes into more detail on fan settings and cavity size.

What About Running Costs?

Energy prices change, so it's always worth checking current gas and electricity tariffs before you decide. As a general rule, you can keep costs down by using the smaller top oven for small meals rather than heating the large main oven, switching off the oven a little early and using the remaining heat, and choosing an induction hob, which loses less heat than other electric hobs. For more ideas, see our guides on lowering your energy bills and choosing an energy-efficient appliance.

Examples From Our Range

Here are a few popular styles from our freestanding double oven range. Availability changes, so ask in store or get in touch for what's currently in stock:

• Beko EDC6731S — 60cm double oven electric cooker with a ceramic hob
• Hotpoint HDE6VDC2B1 — 60cm double oven electric cooker in black
• AEG CCX6530ACM — 60cm double oven electric cooker with a ceramic hob in stainless steel
• Blomberg GGRN655W — 60cm freestanding gas double oven
• Beko EDG507W — compact 50cm twin cavity gas cooker
• Montpellier MDOC50FW — compact 50cm double oven electric cooker with a ceramic hob

You'll also find cookers from Hotpoint, Belling, Stoves, Leisure, Rangemaster and others, so there's a style and price to suit most kitchens.

Delivery, Installation and Removing Your Old Cooker

Cookers are heavy and need to be connected correctly, so installation is worth planning from the start. We offer local delivery and installation and removal of your old appliance, so ask us about the right option when you order. If you're replacing a gas cooker with an electric one (or the other way round), it's worth having the connections checked before delivery day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a double oven and a twin cavity cooker?
Both give you two oven spaces in one cooker. The exact layout varies by model, with some having a full second oven and others combining a smaller oven with the grill, so check the specification for the model you're considering.

Is a gas or electric double oven cheaper to run?
It depends on current tariffs, which change. Gas has traditionally cost less per unit of energy than electricity, but induction hobs and fan ovens are efficient too. The best approach is to compare current rates and choose the fuel your kitchen is already set up for.

Do I need a Gas Safe engineer to fit a gas cooker?
Yes. Gas appliances should only be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one on the Gas Safe Register, and always ask to see their ID card.

Do electric cookers need a special electrical supply?
Many electric cookers need a dedicated cooker connection rather than a standard plug socket. Have your supply checked, and the cooker fitted, by an electrician registered with an approved scheme.

Can I use my existing pans on an induction hob?
Only if they have a magnetic base. Hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan: if it sticks firmly, the pan will work on induction.

What size double oven cooker do I need?
A 60cm cooker fits most kitchens. Choose 50cm if space is tight, or look at a 90cm range cooker if you have a bigger kitchen and like to cook for a crowd.

Is the top oven big enough to cook a roast?
The top oven is smaller than the main oven, so it's best for side dishes, small joints and reheating, while the main oven takes the roast. Check the capacity in litres on the specification before you buy.

Can you take away my old cooker?
Yes, we offer removal of your old appliance when we deliver your new one. Ask in store or get in touch for details, and see our guide to disposing of old electrical appliances too.

Find the Right Cooker at Barlows

Not sure which cooker suits your kitchen? Our teams at our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores are happy to talk you through the options. Browse our full range of freestanding cookers online, or if you'd rather have a separate oven and hob, see our built-in ovens and hobs.

We deliver across Shropshire and the surrounding area, including Oswestry, Wem, Market Drayton, Nantwich and Chester, and our price match guarantee means you can buy with confidence. Planning a new kitchen? Our dishwasher buying guide and fridge freezer buying guide will help you with the rest of it.