Ranges, or stoves, come in a variety of designs. Freestanding ranges or stoves are finished on both sides and usually provide an integral backguard for spatter. Slide-in ranges have unfinished sides and are designed to fit between cabinets for a built-in look. They lack a backguard, so a tiled backsplash is recommended for easy cleaning. Drop-in ranges are similar to slide-ins but don't rest on the floor or offer a storage drawer. They work especially well in an island installation. A high/low refers to a range with a built-in microwave or second oven installed at eye-level.
Once you determine which design works for your kitchen, consider the configuration, size, and power you want. Professional-style gas ranges bring the industrial appearance and features of restaurant cooking into the home kitchen. Built to a higher standard, they feature larger ovens and at least six burners and are designed to last longer. If you don't need anything quite so heavy duty, there are still many options available for the standard 30" range, including an extra oven or warming drawer. The best of both worlds is the dual-fuel range, which offers an electric, or combination electric/convection oven with a gas cooktop.
Thinking about a range? Here are some things to consider:
- Available in widths from 24" to 60"
- Larger models provide extra burners and optional cooking accessories like griddles, grills, and stay-warm areas
- Optional energy-efficient pilotless ignition systems use an electric spark to light a gas pilot
- Some electric ranges offer sealed cast-iron disc burners that prevent spills from seeping under the cooktop
- Look for features like integrated downdraft venting, child-proof control locks, self-cleaning ovens, delay and time-bake cycles, and oven windows
- Look for accessible and well-designed controls. Rotary push-and-turn knobs make ovens difficult to open accidentally. Push-button and smooth electronic touchpad controls are easy to use and offer programming options
- An upswept cooktop feature offers an upward sloped edge to contain spills
- Accessory side panels are available for slide-in models
- High-power, professional-style 13,000 --18,000 BTUs burners require high-output ventilation and heavy-duty cookware
- A 30" electric range starts at about $700.00
- A 30" gas range starts at about $900.00
- A 30" dual-fuel range starts at about $1,700.00
- A 36" professional-style range starts at about $4,000.00
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