The Buyer’s Guide to Ranges, Ovens and Cooktops
Get expert advice on the pros and cons of different ranges, ovens and cooktops to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, choosing the right range, oven and cooktop is an essential decision that affects your kitchen’s functionality and overall performance.
The wide variety of options available span from tried-and-true classics to cutting-edge machines with the latest in technology and convenience. With so many choices, we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your household.
We’ll go over product sizing, different styles and how to find the best deals when you’re in the market to buy.
Let’s dive in!
Selecting the Right Products for Your Space
Standard Range, Oven and Cooktop Measurements
Before you start shopping, it's essential to ensure that your new range, oven or cooktop will fit where you want it to go. Measuring your space is critical, especially if you're replacing an existing range or cooktop.
Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfect fit:
- Measure the width of the space where you plan to install the range or cooktop. Most standard ranges measure 30 inches wide, while cooktops range from 30-36 inches wide. If you're unsure, measure the existing range or cooktop or consult a professional for guidance.
- Measure the depth of the space where you plan to install the range or cooktop. Most standard ranges and cooktops measure 24 inches deep, but some models can go up to 30 inches deep. Again, if you're unsure, consult a professional.
- Measure the height of the space where you plan to install the range or oven. Make sure to take note of any cabinets or overhangs that may limit your options.
Note: While these are good benchmarks for the average product size, be sure to check your specific washer and dryer’s dimensions online or in-store.
Types of Ranges, Ovens and Cooktops
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to explore the different types of ranges, ovens and cooktops available on the market.
Below are some of the most popular options.
Electric vs. Gas Ranges: Pros and Cons to Consider
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a range is an appliance that combines both oven and stovetop.
One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make when choosing a range is whether to go with an electric or gas model. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each below.
Electric Ranges
Powered by electricity, electric ranges are a popular choice for their ease of use, consistent heat and simple cleaning. They come in both coil and smooth-top models, and some include additional features like a warming zone or a fifth burner.
Electric Range Pros:
- Easy to clean: The smooth glass cooktop of an electric range is easy to wipe clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products.
- Precise temperature control: Electric ranges typically offer more precise temperature control than gas ranges. This makes them a good choice if you like to make complex recipes.
- Even heating: Electric ovens tend to have dry, even heat that's ideal for baking and roasting.
- No open flame: With no open flame, electric ranges are generally considered safer than gas ranges.
Electric Range Considerations:
- Slower heating: Electric ranges can take longer to heat up than gas ranges.
- Increased energy costs: If you cook frequently, an electric range can be more expensive to operate than a gas range. This is due to higher energy costs.
- Glass cooktop can scratch: While easy to clean, the glass cooktop of an electric range is prone to scratches if not maintained properly.
Gas Ranges
Gas ranges are powered by natural gas or propane and feature an open flame cooktop. Gas ranges typically offer more powerful heating than electric ranges, making them a good choice for high-heat cooking techniques like searing.
Gas Range Pros:
- Fast heating: Gas ranges offer quick preheating.
- Energy-efficient: If you cook frequently, a gas range can be more cost-effective than an electric range due to lower energy costs.
- Cooking versatility: You can char and grill with a gas stovetop’s open flame.
- More durable: Gas ranges are generally considered more durable and longer-lasting than electric ranges. This varies by model and brand.
Gas Range Considerations:
- More difficult to clean: The open flame cooktop of a gas range can be more difficult to clean than an electric range's smooth glass cooktop.
- Less precise temperature control: Gas range stovetops are more difficult to control than electric range stovetops, which could be an issue for delicate dishes.High-efficiency detergent required
- Requires a gas line: To use a gas range, you'll need a natural gas or propane line installed in your home. This can be a significant upfront expense.
Single vs. Double Ovens: Which One is Right for You?
When choosing between a single and double oven, consider your household size, cooking habits and budget.
Single ovens are ideal for small to medium-sized households and can fit most cooking needs. They come in both gas and electric models, and some include additional features like a broil or a self-cleaning option.
Double ovens are ideal for larger households and frequent entertainers who need the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. They come in both gas and electric models, and often include additional features like a convection oven or a warming drawer.
Convection vs. Conventional Ovens: What’s the Difference?
Convection Ovens
A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring even heat distribution and faster cooking. It is ideal for achieving browning and crispness in dishes.
Convection Oven Pros:
- Faster cooking: The circulating hot air in convection ovens cooks food faster than conventional ovens, reducing overall cooking time.
- Even heat distribution: The fan ensures even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and providing consistent cooking results.
- Superior browning and crispness: The constant movement of hot air in convection ovens creates a beautifully golden and crispy exterior while retaining moisture inside.
- Multi-dish cooking: With convection ovens, you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously without flavor transfer, thanks to the circulating air.
Convection Oven Considerations:
- Recipe adaptation: Not all recipes are suitable for convection cooking. Delicate items like soufflés or custards may not perform well due to the circulating air causing them to deflate.
- Higher cost: Convection ovens often come with additional features and technology, making them slightly more expensive than conventional ovens.
- Learning curve: Adjusting to convection cooking may require some experimentation and adaptation of cooking times and temperatures.
Conventional Ovens
A conventional oven relies on radiant heat from gas or electric elements, rising to the top and spreading throughout the oven. Conventional ovens are great for traditional baking and roasting.
Conventional Oven Pros:
- Traditional baking and roasting: Conventional ovens excel in traditional baking and roasting methods, providing reliable and consistent results.
- Versatility: Conventional ovens can handle a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques, making them suitable for various culinary endeavors.
- Cost-effective: Conventional ovens are generally more budget-friendly compared to their convection counterparts.
Conventional Oven Considerations:
- Uneven heat distribution: Conventional ovens may have hot spots and temperature variations, leading to uneven cooking results.
- Longer cooking times: Without the circulating air of convection ovens, cooking in conventional ovens may take longer, especially for large or thick items.
- Flavor transfer: Cooking multiple dishes simultaneously in a conventional oven can result in flavor transfer between them.
Cooktops: Types and Considerations
Cooktops are standalone cooking surfaces featuring burners, but no oven. Since they install directly on countertops, cooktops provide greater flexibility in your kitchen layout. There are four types of cooktops: gas, electric, induction and downdraft.
Since we already went over the basics of gas and electric, this section will focus on induction and downdraft cooktops.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to heat your pots and pans directly, rather than heating the cooktop surface itself. This makes them a more energy-efficient option than gas or electric cooktops.
Induction Cooktop Pros:
- Fast heating: Induction cooktops heat up quickly and offer powerful heating, making them a good choice for recipes that require high heat.
- Maximum energy-efficiency: Induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient type of cooktop, leading to lower energy costs
- Precise temperature control: Like electric range cooktops, induction cooktops offer precise temperature control.
Induction Cooktop Considerations:
- Requires magnetic cookware: Induction cooktops require magnetic cookware to work, which can be an additional expense.
- Higher upfront cost: Induction cooktops can be more expensive than other types of cooktops due to the technology involved.
- May require a learning curve: Induction cooktops can take some time to get used to, as the heating process is different from gas or electric cooktops.
Downdraft Cooktops
Downdraft cooktops are designed to pull smoke, steam and cooking odors downward through a vent system that’s built into the cooktop, rather than requiring a separate hood. They can be electric or gas and are often used in kitchen islands or other spaces where installing a separate hood may be difficult.
Downdraft Cooktop Pros:
- Space-saving design: Since downdraft cooktops don’t require a separate hood, they can be a good option for kitchens where space is at a premium.
- Easier cleaning: Without a hood, there’s one less thing to clean in your kitchen.
- Unobstructed view: Without a hood blocking your view, downdraft cooktops can provide an unobstructed view of your kitchen.
Downdraft Cooktop Considerations:
- Limited venting options: Since downdraft cooktops require venting downward, you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate space underneath your cooktop for venting.
- Cost: Downdraft cooktops can be more expensive than traditional cooktops due to their specialized design and installation requirements.
Finding the Best Products at the Lowest Prices
Brothers Main offers the largest selection of in-stock ranges, ovens, and cooktops in Southern Wisconsin, at the lowest prices guaranteed.
For further guidance, visit our Madison or Janesville showrooms today and let our experts help you through the selection process. We will consider factors such as your cooking needs, available space and budget to find the perfect range, oven, or cooktop for your home. With Brothers Main, you can trust that you'll find the best products and customer service in the industry.
