We report on YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin-film preparation by a new laser deposition geometry, the so-called off-axis laser deposition. Combined with radiation-based substrate heating, this results in c-axis oriented, epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films with critical current densities above 10(6) A/cm2 at 77 K and zero field and an exceptionally good surface quality, with complete absence of the otherwise observed laser droplets. As proved by atomic force microscopy, the surface roughness is < 80 angstrom over an area of at least 10 X 10 mum2. Using this off-axis geometry it is possible to coat both sides of a substrate simultaneously, providing a one-step process in double-sided thin-film deposition. Both YBa2Cu3O7-delta films on the substrate show identical superconducting properties.