Insights on Choosing a Range

Nov 23, 2015

When it comes to replacing your kitchen stove, there are literally hundreds of styles and types available, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed, or too easily impressed, by those bright, shiny objects in the appliance showroom.

“Homeowners need to understand what their options are to determine what is best for them,” said Steve Erb of Appliance Gallery, Wisconsin’s premiere appliance store. “The first is what the space will accommodate, or what would they like to incorporate in a remodel. With ranges, there are three types for specific applications – a slide-in, drop-in, or free-standing.”

Slide-in ranges rest on all three sides of the countertop, so there is no gap for spills. Typically found on islands, they also can be used along a wall. Side panels are not finished, so there must be cabinets on both sides. Controls are at the front of the range, eliminating the raised back panel. “This is an ideal style if you have a statement backsplash,” Erb said.

Drop-in ranges fit into customized cabinetry and sit above the custom cabinetry or matching woodwork. Usually selected for kitchen islands, they are very sleek and streamlined, with controls located at the front of the range.

Freestanding ranges can be located on their own, because they have finished panels on both sides, or they can be placed between cabinets; the back of the range is always against a wall. Generally the rear control panel or back console stands five inches from the cook top. Burner controls are located either on the back console or on the front of the range, depending on the model.

Stove sizes

The standard stove is 30 inches wide, a size that easily accommodates four burners, although smooth-top stoves may have a fifth burner or a tri-ring element. Some gas ranges position the burners at the corner with one, long, narrow burner in the center to accommodate a griddle or similar pan.
Commercial-style stoves are from 36 to 60 inches wide and offer six or more burners, downdraft or restaurant-style hood venting, high-performance Btu burners, and continuous grates, along with built-in grill or griddle and double-convection oven options

“Increasingly popular in kitchen renovations is the 48-inch range, which offers the cook configuration options,” Erb said. These ranges can be had as a standard four burners, plus a 12-inch griddle and 12-inch grill; six burners and either a griddle or grill; or eight burners. Side-by-side double ovens are standard.

Gas, electric, and duel fuel

Fuel types include gas, electric, and duel fuel (gas stove top and electric oven). “It’s really about personal preference,” Erb said, noting that some prefer the electric oven because it produces a dryer heat.

Many gas and electric models also come with convection cooking mode. Convection ovens, which use a fan placed in the oven cavity to spread heat evenly and quickly while baking, can also be used in standard baking mode, where heat spreads in a natural way. Both gas and electric ranges are available with convection fans.

There are also induction heat cooktops, which use an electromagnetic field to directly heat pans. Burners remain cool to the touch and only transfer heat directly to pots and pans; however specialized cookware is required to react to the magnetic elements. Induction cooktops also offer a variety of controls, from speed boil, to melting butter, to simmer and warm, and up to six heating elements for a 36-inch model.

A word about burners

Gas burners will either be unsealed or sealed (the igniters are covered). Sealed burners are easier to clean, because food and dirt cannot fall into the ignition area.

“Exposed coil burners have largely gone away in electric ranges, replaced with radiant heat or halogen heat as a heat source under a smooth cooktop surface,” Erb said. “While these surfaces are attractive and easy to clean, you do have to be careful about boil-overs that contain sugar, and scratching.”

Bells and whistles

“You can always expect innovations and technology in kitchen appliances to make cooking cleaner and easier,” Erb said. “It’s always best to speak with a knowledgeable professional to understand what different brands offer so you can make the best choice for your kitchen appliance needs.”

A sampling of what some high-end ranges are offering:

• Steam Assist Technology – Eliminates the need for basting and spritzing, and generates even cooking on all racks with no burned edges or undercooked centers.
• Cooktop Grilling Accessory – Ceramic briquettes and grill plates that fully cover the heating elements offer exceptional grilling performance and genuine smoky flavor while minimizing flare-ups.
• Professional-Grade Options in a Standard Range – Finally a professional choice for where the range opening is only 30-inches. Models offer zero clearance in the back, Btus compatible with a recirculating vent fan, and even a duct-free downdraft.
• Voice Activation – An app that lets you turn the oven on or off, switch settings, and set timers, all with a voice command.

With more than 25 name-brand manufacturers, Appliance Gallery’s spacious Milwaukee showroom at 4550 W. Wisconsin Ave. features a knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced sales staff offering competitive pricing and service after the sale.