Expertises: Cooking, Food, Kitchenware, Kitchen utensil, Kitchen
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Kitchen ranges are two-in-one appliances — a set of burners and an oven. As such, you'll want to get one that works hard regardless of what you're using it as.
Deciding you want a gas range already slashes down your options greatly.
However, to help you narrow your choices down more, we'll talk about factors to consider and features to watch out for when shopping for a gas range.
Things To Consider When Buying A Gas Range
Gas ranges come in different types and dimensions.
Below, we've listed a few things you should keep in mind while you're looking for one:
1. Freestanding vs Slide-In Ranges
A freestanding gas range is the most popular kind since it's the easiest to install. This is thanks to the finished sides that allow it to be placed anywhere in the kitchen.
It's also characterized by a backguard that holds the oven and burner controls.
Meanwhile, a slide-in range slips between appliances and cabinets to give your kitchen a seamless, built-in look.
The burner and oven controls are found up front. It doesn't have a backguard, so it doesn't block your backsplash.
Slide-in ranges also have bottom or warming drawers.
In terms of output and features, it's normally similar to freestanding gas ranges. However, slide-ins can be self-cleaning and have more advanced features.
But, of course, this depends on whether your freestanding gas range is entry-level or not.
2. Range Width
Appliances should follow cabinet styles. For instance, if you have a standard 30-inch cabinet, then you should look for a range of the same dimensions.
Most gas ranges are 30 inches wide. However, dual-fuel and pro-style ranges can reach 36 or even 60 inches wide. Meanwhile, 20-inch gas ranges are the smallest.
20- and 24-inch gas ranges are the most basic since they're designed to fit into small apartments.
36-inch ranges are normally for high-end regular or pro-style ranges. 48- and 60-inch ranges are the more expensive pro-style ranges.
However, you'll likely only reach 48 or 60 inches if you custom-configure your pro-style range with things like extra burners, an extra oven, or an integrated grill or wok burner.
There are also rare 27-inch drop-in ranges suited for 1950s homes.
3. Oven Capacity
To make sure that your oven's cavity size is big enough for your household, here are some important pointers to remember:
- 2 to 3 cubic feet for one or two people
- 3 to 4 cubic feet for three or four people
- at least four cubic feet for four or more people
It's ideal for measuring only the usable oven space — and it would be a good idea to assess it yourself.
That's because some manufacturers include the lowest rack position in their advertisement of dimensions.
4. Single-Oven vs. Double-Oven Ranges
Double-oven ranges typically have a smaller oven on top and a larger oven below.
They're very convenient if you need to bake or roast two different dishes at two different temperatures.
You can even use the smaller upper oven to preheat small items, like leftover pizza. However, the lower oven is closer to the floor compared to conventional ovens.
However, double ovens don't have a storage drawer.
5. Gas vs. Dual-Fuel Ranges
Dual-fuel ranges have a gas cooktop and electric oven.
You get the precise burner control from an open flame that a gas cooktop gives. At the same time, electric convection ovens are typically drier and have a more even heat distribution.
Dual-fuel ranges have one or two convection ovens. They're also more expensive, with a price tag of $2,000 to $7,500.
Because a dual-fuel range uses both gas and electric power, you'll need gas and a 240-volt power hookup.
If you don't want the hassle of using two systems, then go for a gas range.
6. Finish
This depends highly on your preferences.
Stainless steel is a popular finish since it looks classy and makes for a seamless kitchen.
However, stay away from black stainless steel. That's because the oxide coating is easily scratched, which will reveal the shiny undercoating.
More than that, manufacturers do not guarantee scratches, so you'll have to live with it.
Aside from stainless steel, you can get white, black, and other colors that will fit any kitchen.
What Are the Common Kitchen Range Features?
The more features and oven settings a kitchen range has, the more expensive it normally is. After all, they help boost convenience during meal preparation.
Below are some features that we believe are worth paying for in a kitchen range:
1. Air Fryer
The air fry setting is the newest feature in ranges. In fact, most major range brands have at least one model that has it.
This feature uses high heat convection. Admittedly, it may not work as well as an actual air fryer, but it's certainly convenient for those who don't own an air fryer.
2. Convection
Convection ovens are typically found in mid and higher-priced ranges. They let you choose between conventional baking and roasting or convection baking and roasting.
They're also great for dehydrating.
These types of ovens can reduce cooking time since they have fewer hot and cold spots — letting you cook foods evenly on all racks. They use less heat too.
This is possible since a convection fan circulates the hot air inside the oven.
Some convection ovens (typically electric ovens) have an extra convection heating element to ensure the fan circulates the hottest air possible. The fan can be turned on or off.
3. Convertible Oven Space
Some double ovens let you remove the divider between the upper and lower oven.
This flexibility lets you move between a baking space large enough for a huge holiday roast and a smaller space for baking a pan of cookies.
4. Expandable Elements, Bridge, and Oval Burner
Gas cooktops have an oval burner that can accommodate griddles and elongated pans.
Aside from that, they have a fifth burner in the middle for a griddle too.
5. Variable Broil
All gas and electric ovens (except entry-level models) have a variable broil feature.
This lets you adjust high and low settings for foods that need slower or faster cooking.
6. Wi-Fi Connectivity
Most ranges already have Wi-Fi connectivity, letting you be in control via an app on your smartphone or tablet.
The app lets you set a timer, check the oven temperature and even check the internal temperature of what you're cooking (if you have a temperature probe).
Some might even have a tie-in to other apps, such as Yummly and SideChef.
7. Self-Cleaning
The self-cleaning feature makes it easier to clean your oven.
Basically, the oven walls release dirt once activated by steam and low heat. It also incinerates drippings, grease, and spillovers in the oven. Then, you'll just need to wipe them away.
This method cleans your oven in an hour, doesn't produce fumes, and is less invasive than the old method.
That's because the previous method of self-cleaning used very high temperatures for hours to turn food particles into ash.
8. Power Burner
A power burner has a higher heat output — specifically at least 15,000 British Thermal Units (BTU).
These can quickly sear and heat up large quantities of food.
Regular ranges typically have at least two power burners in front, each with an output of 15,000 to 21,000 BTU. They also have a simmer burner with 5,000 BTU.
9. Warming Drawers
A warming drawer is a low-temperature drawer that keeps your food warm and moist for up to three hours. But you can use it to slow cook some foods too.
You can also use this as a storage drawer for pans, heat towels, serving bowls, and plates.
10. Grates
Yes, the grates you get depend on the price of the range.
Entry-level ranges will have only thin, lightweight grates that will normally cover only the burners. Then, the more the range, the heavier the grates.
Most grates are made of heavy cast iron or cast iron coated with porcelain. Pro ranges have even heavier cast iron grates.
Better-quality grates tend to cover the whole cooktop, making it easier to slide pots on and off the burners.
11. Air Sous Vide
This is essentially precision boiling in a bag. The process lasts two hours, and you'll still need to fix the food for a good texture.
But what's great about this process is that it lets you cook food to an even doneness all the way through. That means you won't have to worry about dry edges and rare centers.
What Are Some Kitchen Range Brands
There are a lot of kitchen range brands on the market. But below are some of the more well-known brands:
1. LG
LG is a mid-level brand that sells gas, electric, and induction ranges.
Perhaps its best freestanding gas range, the LRGL5823S, has five burners with a griddle. The max burner output is 20,000 BTU.
It has smart functionality too.
2. Frigidaire
Frigidaire is a mid-level-mass-market appliance that offers some of the least induction ranges.
The gas and electric ranges have classic designs. But they have time-saving and high-performance features.
3. Samsung
Samsung's not only known for its flagship smartphones and Galaxy Tabs. The Korea-based brand also sells gas, electric, and induction ranges.
Its selling point is that its newer models are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi.
4. Café
Café has the only 6-burner range — the CGS750P2MS1. The two burners under the griddle allow for a more consistent temperature.
The two power burners are found up front and have an output of 21,000 BTU AND 17,000 BTU.
5. Thermador
Thermador is a high-end brand that offers premium ranges. In fact, they can simmer at up to 100° by turning them on and off intermittently.
The brand also has a new range with better designs and Wi-Fi so that you can connect with it through the HomeConnect app.
6. Wolf
Wolf offers dual-stacked burners. Despite having only a single convection oven, it has a powerful infrared broiler at 1800°.
Their dual-fuel range is impressive — with higher output, VertiCross blower convection, and Wolf Gourmet.
The Wolf Gourmet feature lets you cook the food exactly how you want it.
All you have to do is input the food and how you want it cooked. Then, the system will automatically set up the time, temperature, and even recommended rack position.
7. BlueStar
BlueStar is another brand that offers professional ranges that come in 750 custom color and trim options — for an extra cost.
Its platinum ranges have heat outputs as high as 25,000 BTU on the highest burner. The grates can also be modified to accommodate a round-bottomed wok.
They also have an interchangeable "Charbroiler" and are gridded to give you more flexibility while cooking.
Below are some questions about gas ranges that can help you understand them more. They can also better help you narrow your options down. How much you spend on a gas range depends on your desired size and style. A simple 20-inch range will cost about just $500. Meanwhile, a freestanding range starts at $900. But a 60-inch pro-style range can cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000. If you’re shopping for multiple appliances, buying an appliance package helps you maximize rebates. Of course, gas ranges also differ in price according to their features. So if you want a range with more and better features, then you can expect to pay more. Depending on your preferences, a gas range can be better than an electric range. For instance, electric ranges are normally cheaper to buy. But gas ranges are usually cheaper over time to operate — assuming natural gas rates are lower than electricity costs. Chefs and other cooking enthusiasts will also likely choose gas stoves since the burner flame acts as a visual temperature gauge. It can heat things up quickly too. Meanwhile, bakers prefer electric ovens since they have better heat transfer and circulation. If you don’t have a gas supply at home, then electric ranges might be easier to install. However, electric ranges need more power than what standard outlets can give. They’ll need a 220v power supply to operate properly. Meanwhile, gas ranges require a gas line hookup. It will also need 110v of electricity to power heating elements that create the spark that ignites the gas. If you want an electric range, you’ll have to choose between smooth-top and induction ranges. Smoothtop ranges have heating elements hidden beneath a layer of flat glass. But these types of electric ranges have residual heat from the heating element, so it takes some time to settle them at a lower setting. Meanwhile, induction burners will require magnetic cookware. This electric range has its heating element under a ceramic glass surface. This also depends on your preference. Unsealed burners, also known as open burners, have exposed heating elements. Thanks to that, it gives direct heat to whatever’s on the range. This also means it’s more exposed to oxygen and burns more readily. You can also control the flame better. Unfortunately, unsealed burners need more frequent cleaning. Meanwhile, sealed or closed burners don’t have exposed heating elements. This makes them easier to clean while still maintaining good heat. A front control range is a mix of a slide-in and freestanding range. It has finished sides, so you can replace both the front control and freestanding ranges without needing to modify the cabinet. But unlike freestanding ranges, front controls don’t have backguards. As the name implies, the control panel is at the front of the range. Meanwhile, slide-in ranges have unfinished sides. So, you can only place them between cabinets. A good rule of thumb to go by is to choose slide-ins for new constructions and get front controls for replacements. As two-in-one appliances, ranges centralize your cooking. Pro range cooktops also give you more options than standard ranges, thanks to more features. Meanwhile, a wall oven and cooktop are two separate appliances, which can be more expensive. However, you wouldn’t need to bend over too much with wall ovens, making handling hot food much easier. A wall oven and cooktop combo is good for those with larger kitchens. But a range is better for those living in smaller spaces. Yes, you should vent a gas range. That’s because a vent removes the heat, grease, and gasses that cooking produces. On top of that, compared to cooking on an electric range, a gas range creates unhealthy gasses such as: This improves the air quality in the kitchen, so you can continue your meal preparation without simmering in the heat and grease. When finding a good vent for your range, some factors to consider are:Buy A Gas Range FAQs
How Much Should You Spend on a Gas Range?Are Gas Ranges Better Than Electric Ranges?Are Unsealed or Sealed Burners Better?What's the Difference Between a Slide-in Range and Front Control Range?What's the Difference Between a Range and a Wall Oven and Cooktop?Should You Vent a Gas Range?
Conclusion
Even after deciding you prefer gas ranges over electric ranges, there's still much to consider.
This includes whether you want just a gas range or a dual-fuel range for the electric convection oven.
Then, there's the question of a freestanding unit over a slide-in or front control.
Finally, would you like your range to have features like self-cleaning or Wi-Fi connectivity?
Having a checklist of what you want can help you more easily find the best gas range for your needs when you enter the appliance store.
