A Complete Guide on How to Choose a Cooking Range

With all the different styles and brands of ranges available today, you might be confused about which is the best brand and style. We’re breaking all that and more down here, so you know what to look for when you’re choosing the best cooking range in 2024.

You probably have a lot of questions…like: what’s the difference between cooking ranges and cooktops? And: What about a stove vs oven? After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to shop our large selection of ranges with confidence you’re going to get the one that best meets your needs.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Types and Styles of Cooking Ranges
• What Size Cooking Range Should You Buy?
• What Finishes and Colours do Cooking Ranges Come in?
• Other Features to Consider
• What Are 2024’s Top Cooking Range Brands?
• Cooking Range FAQs

There are various types of cooking ranges with many optional features – all of which you want to learn beforehand For example, you want to know the difference between a freestanding vs slide-in range, or Induction vs cooking.  On top of all the options to choose from, it can also be hard to figure out what the average price of a quality cooking range is today. Consumer Reports states that the best-performing ranges with the most modern options and features can cost, on average, anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000.

Of course, depending on your budget and your needs you can spend much more than that, to the tune of $5,000 and up. It’s also important to keep in mind that there can be extra expenses if your kitchen needs to be modified to accommodate a larger range, or if you need to install a gas line. Let’s look at the different ranges to help you find your perfect fit.

Electric cooking ranges are stoves with integrated electrical healing elements. Traditional electric stoves have visible electric coils, while more modern, smooth-top stoves have radiant elements that sit below the flat, easy-to-clean cooking surface. Electric ranges cost less to purchase and install, but remember that they cook food slower than gas stoves. They also can’t be used during a power outage.  

One of the most expensive stove types are also pet- and kid-safe and eco-friendly – induction cooking ranges use an electrical current to heat via magnetic induction. The process heats cooking vessels almost instantly and can boil water up to 50% faster than either electric or gas ranges. The only real drawbacks are that you’ll need special cookware for an induction range and they also emit noise when operated.

Does a gas stove need electricity? Actually, contrary to popular belief, yes, a gas stove does need electricity. Although usually at a higher price than electric stoves, gas cooking ranges can cook food evenly, quickly and with near-instant heat. They also come with different burner styles and continue to work during power outages (as you can manually light them). However, you need to have a gas line installed, and you have to be careful about not leaving a gas burner on without a flame.

Dual fuel cooking ranges feature an electric oven coupled with gas burners to maximize versatility. They heat up quickly and maintain temperature well. They may offer the best of both worlds, but the ovens can take a bit longer to heat up, this versatility comes with a cost as these ranges can be on the pricey side.

Pyrolytic (self-cleaning) ovens use high heat to incinerate food particles without the use of the caustic chemicals needed for manual cleaning. Gas and electric versions are available.

Traditional freestanding ranges are what we all remember as children and still see many homes nowadays They’re finished on both sides and typically sit in between cabinetry, but can also conveniently be installed anywhere without cabinetry being a concern. Traditionally they have backsplash with controls, but newer models can have a front controll pannel. Freestanding Ranges can be both electric and gas.

Slide-in ranges are mounted flush with the tops of counters and have no backsplashes, because of this they don’t have fully finished sides. The switches and knobs are positioned on the front of the units. A benefit is that it will prevent spills between the appliance and the countertops.

Cooktop is a built-in stove, because of that, it traditionally goes with wall ovens to complete the cooking needs. The advantages of using a Cooktop and wall over separately is creating multi-cooking zones so one doesn’t interfere with the other. Other advantages are design and ergonomics.

Understanding the standard stove width and the amount of space you have to work with is an important step when purchasing a new range. Cabinetry openings should be able to accommodate a range with the following standard dimensions:

• 36 inches in height
• 25 - 27 inches in depth
• 30 inches in width

Never just assume that a new range you’re considering will fit where your existing stove is. Take careful measurements to ensure that you don’t end up needing to do major renovations to your kitchen to install your range.

To measure the height of a range: Measure from the floor to the top of the cooking surface.

To measure the width of a range: Simply measure from the left edge to the right edge of the front of the range.

To measure the depth of a range: Measure from the widest part of the range back. Be sure to avoid knobs or handles. Your range should fit flush with cabinets and counters.

In addition to measuring a new range carefully, you also want to be sure you measure the amount of kitchen space you’re dealing with. Make sure you’ll have room to fully open the oven door. Also, you want to check that your space has adequate ventilation. Will you need a gas line installed? Will the new range fit through the doors and down the hallways?

Think about the ways that you use your range. Do you bake a lot of cakes and cookies? Are you a meat broiler who needs a second oven? Do you often prepare huge family meals and need some extra burners? Understanding your kitchen and meal prep habits and needs will make the selection process more straightforward.

Cooking ranges come in many different colours and finishes to help match other appliances, countertops and paint colours. With all the options out there, finding a range to complement your style and decor isn’t hard at all.

• Stainless: Stainless steel and Black stainless ranges are sleek and timeless.

• Black: Black ranges offer a modern and distinct look and blend with virtually every decor scheme.

• White: A white range is clean, classic and fresh in the kitchen.

• Others: Looking for a range that can serve as a statement piece? Choose from less common but fun, vibrant range colours like yellow,green,blue,orange or even red.

Now that we understand more about the gas oven vs electric ranges available today, let’s consider some of the various cool, optional features you can choose from. Whichever features attract you, Coast Appliances has a line of ranges to suit all of your cooking needs and wants.

• Convection: Uses magnetic heating coils and pans to produce instant heat.
• WiFi Connectivity: Start and control your oven with your smartphone from wherever.
• Hot Surface Lights: Lights that remain on until all heat dissipates from the stovetop.
• Warming Drawer: The drawer that slides out from under the oven door.
• Delayed-Start Feature: Set your range to begin cooking whenever you need it to.
• Child Lock: Keep the oven locked tight to avoid unfortunate accidents.
• Double Ovens: Perfect for those who bake and broil a lot.
• Warming Zone: An area on the back of the range top between the rear burners.

Coast Appliances carries quality ranges from leading manufacturers with excellent reputations. In our experience, Jennair, KitchenAid and LG produce some of the highest-performing, most energy-efficient cooking ranges on the market. Let’s look closer.

Jennair is a Michigan-based manufacturer of artistic, quality appliances. They offer more than 30 different range styles and configurations

Like Maytag, KitchenAid appliances are manufactured by Whirlpool. KitchenAid produces some of the finest, smart-featured ranges available today.

Life’s Good manufactures ranges loaded with innovative technology and stylish designs. They cook restaurant-quality foods and complement any decor.

Coast Appliances has a 40+-year tradition catering to the needs of our customers. Take some time to browse our full selection of cooking ranges, armed with all the info you learned today. Still have questions? Reach out to our friendly team now. We’re here to make you happy and strive to provide the best experience possible so you can find the right range for you!

Experts recommend cleaning your oven at least once quarterly. Of course, you may need to clean it more often if there are drips, spills or other issues. You might want to consider a self-cleaning oven if you’re looking for ways to keep things easy!

Different foods require different temperatures and cooking times for best results. Keep a stove top temperature chart nearby to get quick info on the spot and to determine when you should use low, medium and high temperatures.

You have three types of ranges to choose from – gas, electric or induction – and which you decide on depends on your needs and, of course, personal preference. Do you need a gas vs electric stove? Do you prefer a glass top oven, stove top oven or an electric gas stove?

You’ll find hundreds of options to suit your unique needs and wants from LG, Jennair, KitchenAid and other quality range brands at Coast Appliances!

The information on this article is not a promise of service. While we present the most accurate information we can, customers must check each brand and model for the manufacturers' information. Each model has their individual care and maintenance guidelines, normal expected use and lifespan with proper maintenance and care. Customers are responsible for checking information for their appliance, the user manual, manufacturer guidelines as well as using professional services.