Single or Double Cavity

When purchasing a new cooker, one of the major decisions to make is the amount of cavities you want for it.

A cavity refers to the numbers of oven compartments, as pictured below,

 Single Cavity Cooker

 Double / Twin Cavity Cooker

Out of the two options, the twin cavity cooker is manufactured more. In fact, when it comes to freestanding cookers, the vast majority, at least 75% are double cavity.

A twin cavity cooker can come in two configurations. The lower cavity is always the larger, and is always the main over. The higher cavity, which is always the smaller, functions either as a grill or as a grill/oven.

The advantage, therefore, of a double cavity cooker is it's increased functionality. With two ovens, it is possible to oven cook food at varying speed and temperature. Which is not an option with a single cavity cooker. Likewise, if the main oven malfunctions, there is also the possibility you can use the smaller oven in an emergency.

However, there is an advantage to a single cavity cooker. Which is, the size of the single oven. It can allow for cooking larger pots, roasts, which may not fit within the smaller double cavity configuration. The secondary grill/oven on a double cavity oven can also be a poor substitute. They can be slow to heat and lack performance. Whereas the primary oven on a single cavity cooker performs at a peak level for all it's square inches.

As pictured below, a single cavity cooker still contains a grill, but it is usually placed above the cooker hobs. It is a matter of taste as to whether this is a desirable appearance, many consumers may view this cooker configuration as old fashioned.