With the increase in tech advancements over the years, cooking in the kitchen has gotten a lot easier. A range is a kitchen appliance that offers a versatile cooking area. It combines two of the most important tools for cooking: a stove and an oven.
With so many range options available, making a confident purchase decision can be quite intimidating. This is why we have put together a buying guide that will help narrow your search for the best ranges.
What should you consider before buying a range?
Size
The wider the width of a range, the larger its size. The most common range size is 30 inches wide, but some brands also have 20", 24", 36", 48", and even 60-inch selections. For a more seamless purchase process, ensure you check the space available in your kitchen and also the range installation type before buying one.
Installation Type
- Free-standing ranges - Free-standing ranges are the easiest to install and the most common range type. They have finished sides and can stand alone in your kitchen. They can also stay between cabinets or at the end of a cabinet run. Free-standing ranges have a backsplash where you can most often find the controls and the oven clock.
- Slide-in ranges - These ranges must be placed between two cabinets. They give your kitchen a seamless, built-in look, with controls mostly located in front of their burner. This means you never have to reach over a hot surface to adjust the knob.
- Drop-in ranges - These are similar to slide-ins in the location of their controls. A slight difference is drop-in ranges require customized cabinets for a tight fit. They can be easily identified by a strip of cabinetry under their oven.
Operation Type
Before buying a range, it is important to know the mode of operation to decide if it's right for you. There are three types of ranges:
- Electric ranges - These come in the coil-top, smooth-top, and induction-top models. The coil-top model is the least expensive and uses exposed heating elements directly on the cookware. It tends to distribute heat unevenly and is hard to clean. Smooth-top models are more common with a solid disk beneath a ceramic glass cooktop. The ones made of stainless steel are durable, easy to clean, and not prone to damage. Induction-tops have the fastest stovetop for boiling water or cooking as they use magnetic coils to turn magnetic-based cookware into a heat source.
- Gas ranges - When cooking, response time is particularly fast. The cookware and food experience a change almost immediately after the knob is turned. Gas is much easier to control than electric and allows you to have more control over what you cook. With gas, there is less risk of burning your food too. Be sure to have a supply of gas hooked in your kitchen before purchasing a gas range.
- The dual-fuel range - This range utilizes both the electric and gas— it has a gas cooking surface and an electric oven. The range is built with features like electric convection ovens, glass touch screens, and sometimes Wi-Fi. Although a bit pricey, the dual-fuel range can give you the best of both worlds and leave you feeling empowered in the kitchen.
Oven Capacity
A spacious oven can come in handy when you have guests or lots of people to cook for. Double oven ranges have two separate ovens that are capable of being set at different temperatures. Double oven ranges are very useful for carrying out tasks like baking or roasting simultaneously. Some other roomy features to look out for include rack space and a bottom storage drawer.
Number of Burners
Ranges typically have four burners on their stovetop, but some models now have five burners or even more. This also allows for simultaneous cooking and is beneficial for those who cook for a large number of people.
Budget
Your budget is an important factor to consider before purchasing a range. Electric ranges are usually less expensive than their gas counterparts. To know the more affordable pick, in the long run, you should compare the rates of your natural gas and electricity bills.
Safety
An electric range is considered safer when compared to a gas range, especially if you have young children. This is because there will be no chance of a gas leak.
Color
Ranges are mostly available in some sort of finished steel. However, in addition to regular stainless steel, you can also find black or white finishes. Colors such as red or green are mostly found in high-end dual-fuel ranges. Be sure to select the color that suits your kitchen's design and other appliances.
It is advisable to select ranges with a transparent window on their oven doors. This helps you keep track of food without opening the oven door and losing heat in the process.
What are features to look out for in the best range?
Control lockout
This feature is very beneficial, especially if you have young children in the house. It allows you to disable the controls on the range so kids can't accidentally turn on the gas flame or electric elements.
Multiple ovens
Some ranges have two built-in ovens for more flexibility. If you want to cook multiple things in the oven at different temperatures, a dual-oven range would be ideal.
Warning lights
This feature lets you know when the stovetop is still hot. It is particularly useful for electric smooth-tops as you can't see the heat.
Warming drawers
This keeps your food warm before serving so you don't have to meticulously plan out the timing of your meal.
Self-clean feature
Although a range with a self-clean feature may be high in price, it is certainly a good investment to make. A more budget-friendly option may be to purchase ranges with sealed burners. This prevents food from spilling over, thereby making your cleaning process a breeze.
What are some of the benefits of ranges?
Money-saving - Cooking ranges use less energy to do more tasks, ultimately saving you money.
Speed - They are quick to heat up, resulting in less time to prepare and cook whatever you need.
Durability - Quality ranges last for a good number of years.
Style - Cooking ranges fit into your cabinets perfectly to give your kitchen an overall modern look.
Best Ranges FAQs
Q: Can I use any cookware for induction-tops?
A: No. Aluminum, copper, or glass cookware cannot be used for induction tops. The cookware needs to be made of a magnetic-based material.
Q: Does my gas range need electricity to function?
A: Gas ranges only require a 110v outlet to function. But when the power is out, you can strike a match on the gas burner.
Q: What is a backsplash?
A: It is the panel in front or at the back of your range that holds the controls.