Kitchen Ranges
A range is one of the most important items in your kitchen (besides the refrigerator). To clarify: a range, also known as a freestanding range, refers to a cooktop with an oven underneath that comes as a single unit. You can also purchase separate
cooktops and
wall ovens. Here are some top picks to get your started.
Major Considerations
Since a range is a large appliance, it is a rare and relatively pricey purchase. There is no reason to overspend on a range, although not getting the best range you can afford may be a mistake. So how do you strike a happy medium?
# '''Choose your price range.''' Honestly consider how much you can afford.
Or more?
# '''Ask yourself, "How much do I ''really'' cook?"''' Most basic users don't need a model that costs upwards of $1000. Serious cooking every day and/or cooking for large crowds warrants a better model with more features than the basic mainstream model. More expensive models also offer sleeker designs so that they blend more with the most modern kitchen.
# '''Think about what you cook most.''' Are you an avid baker? Stir-fry and paella lover? Remember to pick the right size oven and stove top for your needs.
# '''Pro? Who's a pro?''' Unless you are needing a very highrange models less than $1500. They offer just as good performance at a lower price and often have all the functions that a cooking enthusiast could want.
Features
* '''Racks''': They should be durable and slide in and out of the oven easily. There should also be about six-plus height settings.
* '''Warming Drawer''': Most models offer this feature. It's useful for storage and warming.
* '''Top''': Look for smooth, raised edges without lots of seams so that you can clean it as easily as possible and so that nothing spills over the sides of the range while cooking. Look for models that have a seamless slope from the top to the back guard to make cleaning even easier.
* '''Controls''': Digital touch pad adjustments are more precise than dials. Consider their placement: if they are on the front, they can be bumped into accidently or turned on by children.
* '''Self-Cleaning Function''': For improved lifespan and oven cleanliness, this is a nice feature to have.
* '''Oven Window''': If you use the oven a lot, don't get a range that features a dark, decorative oven window because it makes it harder to see what you are cooking. On the other hand, if you like hiding items in the stove while it is not in use, an opaque or semi-opaque window is best.
* '''Other Features''' (Important for any range, no matter what fuel you use.)
** '''Safety switches''' that prevent toddlers from turning on the stove.
** '''Porcelain drip pans''' are easy to clean and retain their luster.
** '''Easyuse''' controls (either digital or knobs).
** '''Easy-cleaning features''', such as removable grill and sealed burners.
** '''Heavy, porcelain grates'''. Or as an alternative, continuous grates that span the whole cooktop (they can be harder to clean though).
** '''Multiple burner sizes''' for different sizes of pots and pans.
Types of Ranges
The first step in choosing a range is to determine what kind of cooktop you want to have. There are three major options out there for you, so keep scrolling to learn more.
Gas Ranges
Electric Ranges
Dual-Fuel Ranges
Related Guides
*
Wall Ovens: If you'd rather have a wall oven in order to save space, check out this useful guide.
*
Pots and Pans: Once you have a range, you'll need some pots and pans in order to cook up those meals.
*
Refrigerators: You'll need a refrigerator to save all those leftovers. Plus, it's better to buy matching appliances now rather than have a rag-tag kitchen set later.
*
Kitchen Appliances: For all your kitchen appliance needs, this guide will walk you through the purchasing process.
*
Kitchen Utensils: Cooking and eating utensils make it possible to enjoy your meal.
Potential Products
* Our guide to
GE Appliances could be useful in helping you find the product you want.
