Gas Ranges
Buyer's Guide
Top Ranges for Your Kitchen
A range is a centerpiece of any kitchen, combining both a stovetop and oven in one unit. With a variety of options available, you can find ranges to fit your preferred fuel type, size, cooking style, and more. Whether you're in the market for a gas, electric, or dual-fuel model, this guide will help you make the right choice for your home and cooking needs.
Fuel Types & Cooking Styles
Ranges are powered by electricity, gas (natural or propane), or both, as seen in dual-fuel options. Understanding the benefits of each fuel type is crucial to selecting the perfect model for your kitchen.
Pro Tip: If you’re using propane, most gas ranges include conversion kits to switch from natural gas to propane as needed.Stovetop Heating Options
Gas Ranges:Gas-powered ranges provide quick, responsive heat and easy temperature control. They do require a natural gas hookup, though most models come with a conversion kit for propane.
Electric Ranges:These are easy to install and come in three primary varieties—coil, radiant (smooth-top), and induction.
Dual Fuel Ranges:These feature a gas cooktop for superior stovetop cooking, paired with an electric oven for precise baking.
Stovetop Options Breakdown:
Coil-Top Electric Range:- Traditional style
- Affordable option
- Slower to heat and cool down
- Heat directly applied to cookware
- Sleek, flat ceramic glass surface
- Uses radiant heating elements
- Some models include a warming zone
- Easier to clean than coil models
- Similar ceramic glass surface
- Utilizes electromagnetic technology for fast heating
- Highly energy-efficient
- Works exclusively with magnetic cookware
- Typically more expensive
Conduction vs. Induction Heating:
Conduction heating (used in gas and electric ranges): Heat is transferred from the burner to the part of the cookware directly in contact with the heat, requiring food to be rotated for even cooking.
Induction heating: The pot or pan itself becomes the heating element, providing more precise temperature control by directly heating the cookware using electromagnetic energy.
Oven Heating Options
Conventional Ovens:Heat is provided from top and bottom elements.
True Convection Ovens:Include a third heating element and fan that circulates hot air, ensuring more even cooking results.
Fan Convection Ovens:Utilize only a fan to distribute air from the top and bottom heating elements, providing more even cooking without the extra element.
Installation Options
Your kitchen’s design will influence whether you need a freestanding, slide-in, or drop-in range. Each type comes in a variety of finishes and styles, including the ever-popular stainless steel.
Before purchasing, keep in mind:
3-Prong Plugs:Standard for homes built before 2000.
4-Prong Plugs:Used in homes built after 2000.
Range Sizes & Cooking Capacity
Range Widths:
- Standard ranges are typically 30 inches wide.
- Professional models, or dual-fuel options, may be larger, up to 48 inches.
Whether you're looking for a space-saving single oven or a larger double oven, there are options to fit any cooking style. Double ovens, available in gas and electric models, provide extra cooking space for preparing multiple dishes at once.
Cooking Capacity:
A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 1 cubic foot of oven space per person in your household. For example, a 4-cubic-foot oven should suffice for families of four or more.
Choosing the Right Range for Your Home
With so many range options available, selecting the best one for your kitchen can feel overwhelming. At US Appliance Center, we make it easy by offering a variety of styles—whether you're looking for a sleek modern design or a more classic look. Our user-friendly online store lets you browse and compare features to find the perfect range for your space.
