Guide to Buying a Stove, Oven or Cooktop
Kitchen stoves, also known as a ranges, feature both a cooktop and an oven combined in one appliance. Most kitchens are designed for ranges, but if you'd prefer to customize your cooking arrangement, you may be able to install an oven and cooktop separately. Cooktops are set into your counter, while ovens (known as wall or built-in ovens) tend to be set into a cabinet or wall.
Types of Stoves and Ranges
There are stoves and ranges to suit every kitchen. First, you'll want to decide which fuel your new stove will use. Stoves are available in all-gas, all-electric or dual-fuel, which combines the high heat capabilities of a gas cooktop with the consistent temperature control of an electric oven. Next, choose your style of range.
Freestanding
Freestanding ranges have finished sides and a backsplash where the controls are located. They are an affordable option and can be placed between cabinets or on their own (although they may not be the best fit for kitchen islands).
Slide-in
With no backsplash, unfinished sides and controls located at the front, these ranges are designed to fit between cabinets. Slide-in ranges overlap the countertop by a couple of inches, making it easy to clean crumbs and spills.
Types of Cooktops
Electric Coil
These cooktops feature traditional coil burners, which are durable and inexpensive to replace. Compared to other cooktop styles, they can be less efficient and provide less temperature control.
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Smooth-Top (or Ceran-Top)
These cooktops have burners hidden beneath a glass or ceramic surface. The flat design looks sleek, is easy to clean and features multi-sized burners.
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Induction
A subset of smooth-top cooktops, these appliances use electromagnetic energy to deliver fast, controlled heat. They provide performance similar to a gas cooktop, and are very easy to clean.
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Types of Ovens
Convection
These popular ovens feature fans that circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity. The result is evenly cooked food, and faster cooking times, than traditional ovens.
Steam
Typically a built-in wall oven, these appliances include a water tank to generate steam within the oven cavity. The steam adds moisture, helping create moist cakes and juicy vegetables and meat.
Features and Technology
Many modern ranges and ovens offer features designed to save you time, effort and money.
Here are some to look out for.
Smart Technology
Some cooking appliances now offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control time and temperature settings from your smartphone. Get dinner started while you're on your way home, or check that the burners are switched off after you've left the house.
Self-Cleaning
Hit the self-cleaning button on these models and let the oven do the hard work for you. Ovens with steam capabilities can perform the same function even more cleanly and quickly.
Extra Features
Avid cooks may opt for a double oven, warming drawer, temperature conversion technology or integrated temperature probes.
Good to Know
Choosing a Gas Cooktop
The heat output of gas burners are measured using BTUs, or British Thermal Units. If you tend to cook using high heat, for instance wok dishes and stir fries, look for a stove with at least one power burner and a heat output of around 15,000 BTUs. For cooking soups or sauces, a simmer burner can provide low, consistent heat.
Measure Your Space
Standard stoves and ranges tend to be 30" wide, however some models can range from as narrow as 24" to as wide as 60".
Need Some More Help?
Speak with one of our Product Experts – we'll help you choose the right stove, oven or cooktop for you.