I think you're right. The range and the 24" stack. People say that low ovens are better with easy glide racks. A range is generally the best way to get the highest under counter oven. Just choose carefully.

I'm 5'8". I have a small oven over a big oven (Gaggenau combi-steam over convection), and insisted that the large oven be put in at a usable level. I would have much preferred them next to each other, at optimal height, but there was no way to make it work in my kitchen. The big oven is lower than I'd like, but I don't have to bend a lot to tend it. The high oven is a bit too high, but, because it has a side opening door, it works. There's no way it could work for someone your height, or with a drop down door. In order for you to actually be able to reach in you'd need the bottom of the top oven well below your shoulder height with a drop down door, which means the bottom oven is going to be knee level, no matter what.

Yep, Jo Ann, I think you've convinced yourself in the right direction.

I went through a similar thought process. I'm 5'2" and realized that wall ovens would mean one a little too high and one too low. As I worked the layout I saw that the integrated range would yield more open counter area and permit a more open and symmetrical layout. I started out not even considering a range and wound up deciding the range would be best.

I'm 5'6" and used to have wall double ovens. The high oven seemed convenient, but I was constantly burning my arms on the racks going in and out of it. The lower oven was better, but was always broken. I was concerned about an undercounter oven I planned in my new kitchen being too low. I went with it because of the design of a more open kitchen with more counter space. I did get the gliding rack, which is great. I don't have back or leg problems and am surprised at how easy it was to get used to. I don't bake everyday, though, just a few times a week and then the marathon sessions at holidays. I don't miss the second oven most of the time, since it never worked, but it would be nice at holiday time. If I had the space for it, I would have the MW over the oven. That would be ideal for me. We rarely use the MW, though, so it's in the laundry room next to the kitchen, mostly for the kids use.

Thanks for the inputs. When I started to talk "range" over the weekend, DH went off onto "too much bending over, ..." Then I got out the measuring tape & showed him what double ovens would be like vis a vis our current setup & he was convinced. Later in the day I got, "Jeez, it sure is a good thing you thought about that and measured."

Jo Ann

I'm just under 5'4". I have back problems now and then (mostly "then" these days for which I'm very grateful!). Double ovens were on my kitchen wish list until I saw a set in a display. And then it was, uh, oh, the lower one is lower than I'd like and the upper one is higher than might be safe for me, just as you did. But I've also balked at going with a range because the oven also feels low. It never occurred to me to use the range oven as a secondary oven with a wall oven set at the perfect height as my go-to oven for regular use. Great idea, thanks! I'll add this to my mix of options along with oven with speed oven/MW combo.

Hi JoAnn, I'm about the same height as you, and discovered wall ovens would be terrible for me. However, I need to have two ovens sometimes. Not all the time, but frequently enough to want one.

I am going to put two standard size gas ranges in my new home. It's unconventional, but I don't care what anyone else thinks. I had the top end GE Profile gas/convection range in my last house and absolutely loved it. Their ratings are still excellent and I am thrilled they still make it. I can buy two of those for under $5,000. It's much cheaper than the double oven and cooktop scenario, and I'll have 10 burners between the two of them, as well as the two ovens. It is also available with a bottom (but small) second electric oven under the regular oven, and serves as a warming drawyer as well. The extra savings means I can use the cash for something else...like better countertops or custom cabinetry.

Measuring things and rehersing how you want to cook is most important, even if it delays things a little.

Sandy