Range Buying Guide
Buying a new stove? Here's everything you need to know.
A range (also called a stove) combines an oven and cooktop in one appliance. For the budget-conscious, this is the most common and economic option. Range hoods provide proper ventilation and eliminate lingering odors. Some kitchen layouts allow for the popular and stylish option of pairing a cooktop with one or more wall ovens. Wall ovens come in various sizes and combinations of single or double ovens, and you can even add a convenient warming drawer.
If you are replacing an existing range or oven, you have options to choose from. Simply measure the appliance for size and check your existing hook-up. Ovens and ranges are available in either electric or gas-fueled models to work with the power source available.
Fuel Types
Select the Fuel Types That's Best For You
Gas Ranges
Electric Ranges
Dual Fuel Ranges
Installation Types
Makes Sure It Fits
The standard kitchen range measures 30” wide, 26” – 28” deep, and 47” – 48” in height including the backsplash. It has 4 burners and a 3 – 4 cu. ft. oven cavity that is perfect for a family of four. Don;t worry if this wasn’t the kind of range you had in mind, there’s a range for everyone. Ranges come 20” wide for smaller spaces and up to 60” wide for trendy designer kitchens. Larger professional style cooking ranges offer hot stuff like a second oven, a grill, a griddle, up to 6 burners or some combination of these special features for your cooking ease and pleasure.
Freestanding Ranges
They can stand alone anywhere in the kitchen. Finished panels on the front and both sides give them a complete look from any angle. Most models feature a backsplash that can include touch controls, knobs and/or a clock. Electric ranges usually have a storage drawer and gas ranges usually have a broiler drawer.
Freestanding Ranges
Drop-In Ranges
These ranges are “dropped in” to rest on the edges of adjacent countertops. A cabinet front panel is generally installed on the bottom. Customized cabinetry is required, providing a built-in tailored look. They do not have a bottom storage drawer.
Double Oven Ranges
These models offer two onboard ovens with self-contained cooking compartments that can be set at different temperatures for cooking flexibility. You can cook in two separate ovens set at different temperatures; great for entertaining.
Double Oven Ranges
Slide-In Ranges
They sit flush with the countertop for a more built-in look. The sides and back are unfinished since they are designed to slide in between two cabinets. The oven and burner controls are located on the front of the range just above the oven door. A bottom storage drawer is typically found in this style, but there are models with a warming drawer.
Slide-In Ranges
Colors and Finishes
Get The Right Look For Your Kitchen
Although many consumers prefer the classic Stainless Steel look, there’s a wide spectrum of color options available when selecting a range. Some manufacturers offer dozens of color options for the same range. If the modern range style doesn’t suit your tastes, there are also ranges available with a more vintage aesthetic.
Available Oven Features
Understanding Popular Oven Features
Certain features simplify the way you use and maintain your oven. There are several features you should look out for depending on your cooking preferences, aesthetic tastes, capacity needs and demand for easy maintenance.
Infrared Grill Systems
This system broils using the same technology as outdoor grills; preparing food more quickly than with traditional thermal cooking and with juicier results.
Ranges with Infrared Grill Systems
Self-Cleaning
When placed on a high-temperature setting, it burns messes away without the need for scrubbing and harsh cleaners.
Self-Cleaning Ranges
Flexible Rack Systems
This system varies; consider roll-out extension racks, slide-out racks for easy loading, adjustable racks to accommodate multiple dishes at once, or a removable half rack to make space for tall dishes.
Ranges with Flexible Rack Systems
Wide Window
Easily view the progress of your meal.
Wide Window Ranges
Temperature Probes
This device reads the internal cooking temperature; some let you set the desired temperature and alert you when it’s been reached.
Ranges with Temperature Probes
Delayed/Timed Start
This allows you to set a time for the oven to start and stop cooking. It can also be useful if you want to program the oven to be preheated and ready for use by the time you get home from work.
Ranges with Delayed Start
Speed Ovens
Combines the speed of a microwave and the delicious results you’d expect from a conventional oven.
Speed Ovens
Steam Ovens
Injects steam into the oven cavity at the perfect times and in the right amounts for delicious meals, eliminating the need for excess oil and sauces.
Steam Ovens
Convection Ranges
Uses a fan to circulate the air in order to keep the heat consistent, cooking food more quickly, evenly, and efficiently.
Convection Ranges
Warming/Baking/Broiling Drawers
Some range ovens offer a variety of warming or cooking drawers, allowing for simultaneous cooking.
Ranges with Broiler Drawers
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Remotely control your range from your smartphone, allowing you to easily preheat your oven, set timer alerts, and change the oven’s temperature from anywhere.
Ranges with Wi-Fi Connectivity
Proof Mode
Bake and broil elements are used in combination to maintain a gentle heat that allows bread dough to properly rise.
Ranges with Proof Mode
Available Cooktop Features
Understanding Popular Cooktop Features
Built-in cooktops and rangetops are becoming increasingly popular for the seamless, customized look they offer in modern kitchen designs. Most cooktops are 30” or 36” wide, but they can be as small as 12” wide. Designed for installation in a standard 24” deep counter, cooktop depths vary from 19” to 22”. They are available in either gas or electric with 1 to 10 burner options. Some also come with an integrated griddle, charbroil grill, or French top burner. Another innovative option is induction cooking, which offers all the benefits of cooking with gas through electric cooking. Whether you have a small space or have big dreams to cook like a pro, there are multiple options to suit your needs.
Gas Cooktops
Heat food with a flame. Chef’s choice for rapid heat and exceptional control. Features you’ll want when it’s turned on:
Gas Ranges with Power BurnersSupply high cooking heat instantly to quickly boil or sear foods. Approx. 15,000 BTUs.
Seamless or Continuous GratesAllows you to slide heavy pots between burners without any lifting.
Ranges with Downdraft Vents
Downdraft VentIntegrates the ventilation system into the cooktop so a separate hood is not needed.
Gas Ranges with Center Control Panels
Center Control PanelsThese panels are attractive (some are removable for cleaning).
Gas Ranges with Electronic Ignition
Electronic ignition is great for easily starting your burners.
Gas Ranges with Simmer Burners
Provides low heat for delicate cooking, like preparing soups and sauces. Approx. 500 – 5,000 BTUs.
Gas Ranges with Sealed Burners
Makes clean-up easier by preventing food from getting trapped underneath the burner.
Optional Accessories
Depending on how you like to cook you might want a Simmer Plate, Griddle, Wok Ring, Deep Fryer.
Gas Ranges with Flame Failure Features
If a flame goes out on a burner, the burner might still be emitting gas without you knowing. Flame failure features like automatic re-ignition and automatic shut-off prevent these potential gas leakage incidents.
More Range Features
Understanding General Range Features
There are a number of exciting features that can make your range more suited to satisfy your cooking needs. Recent developments in range technology such as Internet connectivity provide you with the ultimate cooking convenience.
Electronic Temperature Controls
Provides controls and digital displays for more accurate cooking temperatures; consider child lockout if appropriate.
Ranges with Electronic Temperature Controls
Storage Drawers
Found directly below the oven door to conveniently store pans and accessories. Often replaced with a Warming Drawer that keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat (Available only in single oven models).
Ranges with Storage Drawers
LED Knob Lights
LED illuminated knobs visually let you know if your cooktop is on from a distance while enhancing the design of your range.
Ranges with LED Knob Lights
Range Ventilation
What You Need to Know About Your Range Ventilation
A busy kitchen is often filled with the aromas of a home-cooked meal. While these smells are welcoming, the lingering odors, grease, steam, and smoke from cooking will need to be properly removed from the room. A range hood is required for proper ventilation but with all the range hood styles available it is also an important design choice in the kitchen too!
Your range (or cooktop) selection and kitchen layout can determine what ventilation options are available to you. If you aren’t sure what type of range hood you want, you can view our Ventilation Buying Guide. You may also want to look at one of our kitchen packages that include range hoods, making your decisions easier.
It is important to choose a ventilation system to match or exceed your range or cooktop’s requirements. Hoods come in standard widths of 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”, 48”, 54”, and 60”. Specialty hoods can span up to 66” and 70”. The width of the vent hood should be as wide as your range or cooktop for maximum performance. Hood depths vary from 12” for inserts and up to 25” for professional range hoods. Width and depth selection varies by type of cooking.
Range Hoods
Over-the-Range Microwaves
