Range and Stove Buying Guide
Posted on May 29, 2019 By Alison P
Considering the average lifespan of a range can be 15 years or more, technology has likely come a long way since the last time you bought a new one! We're here to provide you with information on the types of stoves available to you, including the latest fuel types, burner styles, smart features, and more. Let's get started!
Range Fuel Types
Electric: With a simple installation and low upfront cost, an electric range is a popular choice. Electric also heats the interior oven more evenly and efficiently than any other fuel type.
Gas: Gas ranges are slightly more expensive than their electric counterparts and require a connection to a gas line, but they do have some advantages. Cooking with gas means superior control over the heat on the stovetop, with clear visualization of heat levels and instant adjustment with turns of the knob.
Dual Fuel: If you've got a gas connection and want to have the best of both cooking worlds within one range, consider a dual fuel range. These appliances offer the exceptional control of a gas cooktop with the efficient, uniform heating of an electric oven.
Induction: An induction range is built with an induction cooktop and an electric interior oven. While they do require specific cookware, induction cooktops are extremely energy-efficient and are much safer than electric or gas. Induction cooking uses electromagnetic current to turn the cookware itself into the heat source, cooling down the moment the burner is turned off. While its interior electric oven works with any type of cookware, the induction cooktop requires certain types. Test whether a pot or pan is induction-compatible by placing a magnet against its bottom. If the magnet sticks, you can use it on an induction cooktop!
Liquid Propane: If you're looking for the features of a gas stove but a natural gas connection isn't available in your neighborhood, a liquid propane range can bring you those features in a safe and environmentally-friendly way.
Surface Burner Styles
Electric Coils: Available on electric ranges, this burner offers the most economical surface type. If budget is a concern for you, choosing an electric coil cooktop can make a big difference in your upfront cost.
Smooth-Top Electric Burners: Smooth-top burners on an electric range offer a flat, even cooktop for steady heat contact and easy cleaning.
Standard Gas Burners: Otherwise known as open gas burners, this setup allows the gas flame to shoot straight upwards for better contact with pots and pans. Standard gas burners are capable of generating more heat than a sealed burner since there's plenty of room around it from which to pull in oxygen.
Sealed Gas Burners: These burners have their jets covered on the top, meaning the flames mostly stay around the perimeter of the cooking vessel. The design of sealed gas burners prevents any spills from going into the interior of the stove.
Induction Burners: Another type of smooth top range, induction is a big winner for efficiency as well as safety. Since induction turns the cookware itself into the heat source, this means maximum heat contact with foods, plus the absence of open flames greatly reduces the risk of burns.
Halogen Electric Burners: A halogen oven cooktop is made with halogen gas bulbs that sit below the ceramic glass surface. When the bulbs are powered on, food is cooked by the radiant heat as well as the conduction between the cooktop and the cooking vessel.
Types of Ranges
Freestanding Range: The most typical type of stove, a freestanding model offers the most versatility in terms of placement. Both sides are finished, so leaving either side exposed is not an issue. These styles usually have their controls on the backguard, but some models may have them in front.
Slide-In Range: If you want your stove to merge seamlessly with your countertop, a slide-in range may be the perfect choice. Slide in stoves feature a cooktop designed to overlap the countertop, and also feature all controls in front for an uninterrupted backsplash. Select models like front-control slide in stoves from GE fit into all standard 30" cutouts, making installation even easier.
Drop-In Ranges: If you're looking for something different than a freestanding or slide in range, a drop in stove delivers the look of a built-in range at a more affordable price. Made without a lower warming drawer, a drop-in range is built to sit inside of customized cabinetry on the bottom and the left and right sides for a fully-integrated look. Drop-in ranges have the cooking controls located on the front panel.
Range Features
Smart Ranges: It's not every day you buy a new stove, so why not seek out a model with the latest technology? Smart ranges bring a new world of convenience to your cooking projects with features like WiFi control, voice control, or connection to various virtual assistants and Smart Home systems. Use your smartphone to preheat the oven while you're still at work, double-check to make sure you turned it off in the morning, and know when the timer's going off from anywhere in the house. See for yourself how today's smart kitchen appliances make cooking more convenient than ever!
Air Fry: Air frying brings food a crispy fried texture without the heavy oils needed for traditional frying, and a range with a built-in oven air fryer offers the convenience of this fantastic cooking technique built right into your range. Many models don't even require any special equipment or preheating!
Griddle: If you're looking for greater cooking versatility on your range's cooktop, a range griddle top is a feature worth seeking out. These large, flat cooking surfaces offer exceptionally even heat distribution and are usually non-stick, making them perfect for foods like pancakes, stir fry, smash burgers, and beyond.
Convection Bake: Unlike traditional baking where heat simply radiates from heating elements, convection utilizes heating elements plus an interior fan. The fan is built into the oven's rear wall and circulates the hot air throughout the oven cavity, keeping it in constant motion for an even temperature throughout. Heating elements are located on the top and bottom of a convection oven, and a range with True Convection utilizes a third heating element that's around the fan for even more efficient heating.
Sabbath Mode: On days of religious observance when usage of technology is restricted, a sabbath mode range oven remains operational without the need for the user to activate any features. The automatic shutoff is disabled to keep the interior oven running for the entire day to heat up food as needed. In addition, the oven will not display the temperature or digital clock, nor make any beeps or operational sounds. These models are an excellent choice for anyone needing technological accommodation for religious reasons.
Oven Cleaning Method
Keeping maintenance in mind when shopping for a new appliance is important. How do you want to clean your stove once you've started using it?
Manual Clean: Are you looking to stick to the basics with your new range? If you prefer a hands-on approach to cleaning, just narrow your search to Manual Clean ranges.
Self-Clean: A range with a self cleaning oven utilizes high temperatures to disintegrate oven grime and buildup. If you're looking for the most hands-off cleaning option, whether it's due to mobility issues or just because you want fewer hands-on chores, self-cleaning ovens are an excellent choice.
Steam Clean Oven: This is an in-between option that facilitates light-duty cleaning without putting stress on your oven. Utilizing the power of steam is a nice compromise between manual- and self-cleaning.
EasyClean Technology: This system exclusive to LG ranges offers another in-between option for easy cleaning without having to worry about overtaxing your oven's heating element. With Easy Clean, a few simple and safe steps are all that stands between you and a sparkling clean oven.
Range Sizes
Under 25" Wide: Need an apartment size stove? If you're shopping for a smaller kitchen, look for a model under 25" wide.
25" - 30" Wide: The standard oven width is 30", so if you're looking to fit a new stove into an existing space, this is the size to search.
Wider Than 30": If high-volume cooking is a constant in your kitchen, you may be leaning toward a more professional style of range. You'll find plenty of options for more generously-sizes stoves.
ADA-Compliant Ranges: We want to make sure all of our customers can find exactly what they need, and that's why we offer a wide selection of different types of stoves that meet ADA standards. Every stove in this group sits at a compliant height, operates with an accessible forward reach, and has its controls located on the front for easy and safe contact.
Now that you know about your options, it's time to start
shopping for your new range. With all the myriad styles and features available,
we're sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Enjoy the journey, and have
fun cooking!