Ranges are one of the most important and money-saving features in the kitchen. They combine the stove and oven cooking features, providing great flexibility. Buying or replacing a range can be an exciting but overwhelming decision. As a combined appliance, you will need double considerations to choose the perfect one for your kitchen.

This guide will help you understand the available options and what to consider during your search to ensure you buy the best range for your kitchen.

What to Look for in a Kitchen Range

Types of Ranges

When exploring the market for ranges, you will encounter three main types: gas, electric, and induction.

Gas Ranges

Gas ranges are favored by many homeowners due to their immediate heat build-up and ease of control. They require either natural gas or propane to operate.

Electric Ranges

Electric ranges may require a 240-volt electric line to power the heating element. They emit heat through a coil, ceramic, or glass top, which can be easily cleaned.

Induction Ranges

Unlike gas and electric ranges, induction ranges utilize an electromagnetic field below the glass cooktop surface to generate energy. This allows them to heat the cookware directly, delivering rapid cooktop heat and excellent simmering capabilities.

Popular Range Brands

While many brands have dominated the market for pro-style ranges over the years, there is fierce competition. Most pro-style ranges are either gas or dual-fuel, with the latter featuring a gas cooktop and an electric oven. These ranges come in standard widths of 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches, with larger widths offering more burners and oven space.

Factors to consider when choosing a range for your kitchen

Kitchen space

There is a range with perfect width for almost all kitchen sizes. Identify the space you would like the range installed, then measure it. For small kitchens, there are 20 to 24 inches ranges that will fit perfectly. Larger kitchens can take up to 60 inches range.

Aside from measuring the space to install the range, also take the measurement of the doorways and hallways leading to the kitchen. The new range should be able to fit for delivery and installation.

The height, however, varies by brand and model; therefore, if you are replacing an old range with a newer model, you may need to adjust the cabinetry.

Kitchen design

For optimal aesthetics, it is recommended that the installed range perfectly blends with your kitchen design and layout.

Regarding this, there are two main range types ― slide-in and freestanding.

• Slide-in ranges: They are designed to fit between your kitchen cabinets. The control is located at the front of the range for easy access and use. These ranges are suitable for most custom cabinets.
• Freestanding ranges: Offer more flexibility as they can be easily incorporated into most kitchen layouts. They can be installed within cabinets or as stand-alone.

You will likely find stand-alone ranges in various colors and finishes, hence more options that easily blend with the kitchen. However, your kitchen design and layout will decide which is the best for your home.

Fuel type

There are three major fuel types for ranges: gas, electric, and induction. Some models feature a dual-fuel range.

The best fuel type for your kitchen largely depends on the existing fuel hookups. For instance, installing a gas range instead of electric may require plumbing; switching from gas to electric might also require hiring an electrician. To enjoy both worlds, go for the dual-fuel range.

Different types of ranges are considered better for cooking different things. Many chefs prefer gas ranges for cooking, while bakers choose the ranges with electric ovens for baking.

However, this is mostly a matter of choice and not reality. A test conducted by Consumer Reports showed that gas narrowly outperforms electric ranges in baking.

Burner types

Ranges come with different burners to accommodate various cooking needs, depending on the fuel type. Gas ranges typically feature 4 to 5 burners ranging from small to extra-large. Electric range burners may have electric coils or smooth tops, with coils being more durable, while smooth tops tend to heat cookware more evenly.

Induction ranges are perfect for cooking at a wide range of temperatures and are considered safer than other types, as they do not get hot unless a pan is placed on them.

Budget

There are many range choices in the market. Determining how much you are willing to spend before shopping is important. Small ranges are quicker to heat up and cheaper. Larger ranges, on the other hand, will allow you to cook more food at once, but are usually more expensive.

By taking all these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose the best range for your kitchen that perfectly fits your needs and preferences.