The kitchen range is one of the most important fixtures in the kitchen. It provides
a cooktop and an oven in a single unit, making optimum use of space.
A prospective buyer can evaluate a kitchen range based on its type,
functions, capacity, and features.
The two basic styles of kitchen ranges are electric and
gas. Both types are equally popular and come with similar capacities
and features. Opting for either a gas range or an electric range comes down
to a matter of personal preference. The combination
kitchen range offers a third option that comes equipped
with both types of burners, facilitating a switch between gas and electricity as
desired.
Electric Kitchen Ranges
Electricity is more widely available than gas, and electric kitchen
ranges tend to be less expensive than gas kitchen ranges. Electric kitchen
ranges are classified on the type of heating element used. These may be
radiant coil elements, solid hotplates, induction elements, halogen elements or
ceramic radiant coils. Most electric stovetops take a long time to get heated because the heating
element has to get heated first and then create a flame. Controlling and varying
the heat of electric burners is a challenge during cooking.
|
|
Traditional electric stovetops have exposed coils. Easily accessible drip pans are provided to catch any
spills. Newer electric kitchen ranges sport smooth cooktops. Such cooktops use ceramic
radiant elements that get heated evenly and quickly.
Electric kitchen ranges with coil burners are generally less expensive than those
with radiant burners.
Gas Kitchen
Ranges
The most favorable feature of gas kitchen ranges is that they allow the user to
regulate heat easily. Experienced cooks will testify that the right
amount of heat given at the right time can make all the difference to the quality
of the food being cooked. Gas kitchen ranges come fitted with burners of different sizes
to suit different cooking processes.
|
|
Gas kitchen ranges cost more to operate than their electric counterparts, and require accessibility to a gas supply. A 120V electric
circuit is also required if your gas range has features like electronic ignition and lights.
Combination Kitchen Ranges
Combination kitchen ranges typically
have four or more burner surfaces. They tend to be more expensive when compared to electric or gas ranges of similar size
and capacity. Some manufacturers feature burners that run on gas, while the oven is electricity-powered. Electric ovens ensure accurate temperature settings for precision baking.
|
|
When considering your budget, factor in installation
costs to the cost of a kitchen range. Installation of gas kitchen ranges
generally costs more than installation of electric kitchen ranges. If you are having
a gas range installed, you may still need the services of an electrician if it has features that require an electric supply.
Decide the amount of space your kitchen
can spare for a range. Freestanding ranges require proper
floor space. Slide-in or drop-in ranges are usually fitted between two cabinets.
These can be accommodated in a cooking island also.
Freestanding models are slightly more popular than slide-ins, while drop-in models are produced in limited numbers.
Kitchen range conveniences
Your kitchen range's oven will turn out excellent baked goods
if the heating system inside the oven ensures even distribution. Ovens
equipped with sensors help ensure consistency.
Convection ovens may be part of newer kitchen ranges. They are fitted with a fan that aids heat distribution.
In convection ovens, food gets gets baked properly regardless of where it is placed inside.Convection ovens are
estimated to be at least 25-30% faster than conventional ovens.
Some people prefer conventional ovens to convection ovens as they believe
that even distribution of heat interferes with the delicate process of dough/batter
rising, which should happen slowly. So, choice of conventional or convection is
based on personal preference.
Burners with different capacities are a must in multi-burner
stovetops. Simmer settings with gentle heat, medium settings with a little more
heat and high-output burners- all these find a place in multi-burner cooktops. Simmer
burners generally give a 550 BTU output and the high output burners may put out up to 13,500 BTU.
Warming drawers allow food to stay warm before it reaches the table. This feature is similar to a ‘keep
warm’ mode in an oven. Some kitchen ranges come with 'keep warm' modes on the cooktop
itself. This is easily done in electric ranges by providing a low wattage burner
for this purpose.
Control panels that are placed at convenient heights and have an easy-to-read display
make a kitchen range very user-friendly. Features like hot-surface-indicator lights
on the control panel add safety. Analyze your cooking style and decide upon where you
would like the range controls to be for easier access. Your options for control panel placement
will range from on the front panel or the center of the cooktop, to being placed
on a back panel.
Consider safety features like child-safe controls if you have small children at
home. This will ensure that a kitchen range is not accidentally switched on, or
an oven door opened by a child.
Self-cleaning modes use a high temperature setting to burn out
food spills and stains. Ovens equipped with self-cleaning systems have a lock-in mode where
the oven cannot be opened when it is at a very high temperature.
Kitchen Range Maintenance
Look for sturdy construction and read the warranty to learn which parts of the range are covered. Most
manufacturers offer a one year warranty on kitchen ranges.
Check oven racks for durability - they should be able to support the weight of large
and heavy dishes. Broiler pans and dishes should be dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
If you are buying an electric kitchen range, evaluate the burners for coil replacement
frequency.
Cleaning can also be an issue, so be sure to choose ceramic glass cooktops
that are easy to clean. Use recommended, good quality cleaning solutions to keep
your kitchen range clean and stain-free.
Price ranges for kitchen ranges
Basic free-standing kitchen ranges with four-burner cooktops
will cost about $300-$650. This price range will net a gas/electric range with one
convection oven with broil mode and will meet basic cooking needs. Manufacturers
like Hotpoint, Avanti, Maytag, GE and Frigidaire make models to fit the basic category.
Options will include smooth top, sealed burners and coil burners, with capacities ranging from 4 cubic feet to
5 cubic feet.
$650 - $950 will get you 4-5 burner cooktops with additional
features like storage drawers, oven lights, oven door window, pilot-less ignition
and a choice of exterior colors. GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, LG, Frigidaire
and Premier offer models in this range.
In the $1000-$2000 price bracket you get a choice of both gas and electric
kitchen ranges with a wide array of features like double ovens that can bake, roast, and broil, simmer burners, smooth cooktops, warming drawers, oven lights and a self-cleaning modes.
Manufacturers like DeLonghi, Jenn-Air, Wolf-Range, KitchenAid, American Range, Comstock-Castle
and others make sleek kitchen ranges priced between $2000-$3000. Most models will have a capacity
ranging from 3 to 5 cubic feet.
Top-of-the-line kitchen range manufacturers have features like
warm and cold food storage, 'smart' controls that allow programmable settings, custom broil settings, sleek finishes, multi-burner capacities, double ovens, warmer drawers,
sealed burners, dual fuel options, and many more. Some manufacturers equip the ranges with two
ovens that perform different functions! One convection for baking, and
another oven to roast and broil. Most of the kitchen ranges in this price bracket
are heavy duty, with a 300,000-400,000 BTU rating. Expect to pay $3000 and up.
Top Manufacturers