5 Essential Questions to Consider Before Buying a Range

So you are rebuilding, renovating or building your new dream kitchen. You know you need a range — but you have no idea where to start. 

Here are the 5 questions to ask yourself (or your contractor) before you purchase a range:

1. Freestanding or slide-in?

The most common types are freestanding or slide-in.

Freestanding ranges are the most popular and typical option. These types of kitchen ranges  require no additional cabinetry work, the sides are finished and the range can fit between two cabinets or on its own. Whether you choose a freestanding gas or freestanding electric range, this is the simplest option for getting that built-in look without any unnecessary work.

Slide-in ranges are the second most popular. The sides are unfinished, making these types of ranges designed to be placed between two cabinets. Slide-in gas ranges and electric ranges usually have overhanging sides that sit on top of the cabinet, which prevents food/liquids from spilling into the gaps between the cooktop and the counter.

2. What size range fits your kitchen: 30", 36", 40", or 48"?

This one is easy. The most common sizes are 30 / 36 / 40 / 48 inches, and it depends on the size of your kitchen and the cut-out dimensions.

3. What fuel type do you prefer: natural gas, propane, dual fuel, or electric?

This one is very important, as it is usually dependent on what was previously installed in the kitchen. The oven has two key areas where fuel needs to be distributed: the oven and the stove.

Here are the different types:

Each type has their pros and cons, though most home cooks like either freestanding gas ranges or induction ranges. One thing to note is that not all pieces of cookware will work with induction options. 

While gas ranges and electric coil will accomodate any kind of pan, only certain cookware will be compatible with an induction cooktop. Heftier pans like cast-iron tend to be fine no matter what, but certain nonstick pans aren’t induction-safe.

For home cooks often using high heat, an induction setup has a higher maximum temperature than a gas stove. For example, higher heat means an easier time getting a good sear on your steak without over-cooking the middle. While that may not matter to everyone, serious home cooks will want to consider the two choices carefully.

Don't know the difference between an electric and gas oven? Read my in-depth buying guide article on the pros and cons of both types (LINK).

4. What electrical requirements does your kitchen have: 220V or 110V?

All ranges that are powered by electricity require at least a 220 voltage. Even if you purchase a dual fuel range, where only the oven is powered by electricity, it will require you to have 220V. 

Most homes will have 110V electrical outlets (the common 3-prong outlet), which is perfect for any gas range. 

5. What additional features do you want: convection fans, induction cooktop, or specific brand features?

Not all ranges are built equally. While all good ranges will preheat quickly and offer you plenty of control on the cooktop, there’s a wide variety of options beyond that. Here are some additional features that are specific to each brand and series.

Convection Fans: Do you find that items you put in your oven aren’t cooking evenly? The answer to this is a convection fan. Convection fans are fans built into the oven and produce even heat distribution in the oven. A convection range is the best way to ensure you get an even cooking process while also providing plenty of extras you’ll love. 

Note that convection and broiling are not the same thing. Though similar, broiling only uses the top broiler, while convection uses the broiler and fans to distribute heat more evenly while cooking. Though both have their uses, they aren’t the same.

This is a must-have!

Self-Cleaning: Self-cleaning is an oven setting that turns the oven to an extremely high temperature, which incinerates all the drippings/greases/leftover food inside your oven that get stuck to the walls and grates.

This is a nice feature to have.

Storage Drawer: A storage drawer located on the bottom of the range can be a useful storage space for pots/pans that aren’t being used. This is useful when you are living in tight and snug quarters (think a NYC apartment!). 

This is a nice extra space to have.

6. What color fits your kitchen?

All professional style ranges will be made with stainless steel. If your refrigerator or other appliances are already stainless steel, this is the perfect time to upgrade to a stainless steel range for a cohesive look among all your storage and cooking appliances. Plus, it just looks great alongside modern countertop styles.

However, there is an assortment of colors that can fit your kitchen! From stainless steel to black stainless steel, to red matte, here are all the colors that Appliance Spot offers:

• Stainless Steel – This is my favorite: RA36
• Black Stainless Steel
• Black Matte
• Glossy Black
• Matte Graphite
• Red Matte
• Red Gloss
• Blue Matte
• Blue Gloss
• Blue
• White Matte
• Green
• Emerald Green
• Burgundy
• White
• Antique White

Hopefully, this has helped you find the best range for your kitchen’s needs! Further questions? Send an email to sales@appliancespot.com or call in and get free, expert advice!