If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen appliances any time soon, it’s a good idea to learn everything you can about your options. While cooktops and ranges are similar in many ways, there are some key differences you should consider. Exploring these distinctions and comparing a cooktop versus range will help ensure you find the best option for your space and cooking needs.
Read on, as we cover:
- What is the Difference Between Range vs. Cooktop?
- Pros & Cons of Cooktops
- Pros and Cons of Ranges
- Range vs. Cooktop – Which is Right for You?
- Cooktop vs. Range FAQs
What is the Difference Between Range vs. Cooktop?
A range is an all-in-one appliance that includes a stovetop and a built-in oven. Most ranges are designed to slide in between cabinets or sit at the end of a cabinet run, making them easy to install. You’ll typically find controls located alongside the front of a range, just above the oven door.
Cooktops are designed to be installed on top of your counter. Since these appliances only include a stovetop, you’ll have to purchase a separate wall oven if you go this route. The controls for a cooktop are built directly into the cooking surface, giving the appliance a sleek and streamlined look.
Pros & Cons of Cooktops
Opting for a cooktop will give you more control over the layout of your kitchen. Not only can you choose locations for both your cooktop and your wall oven, but you can even install double wall ovens if you need extra oven space. Since you’ll have multiple work areas, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of the space in your kitchen.
There are some downsides to cooktops you should be aware of, though. The combined price of a cooktop and a wall oven will usually be more expensive than just a range, especially when you include the cost of installation. Your cooktop will also take up counter space, which could be a problem if your kitchen is already cramped.
Pros and Cons of Ranges
Choosing a range for a kitchen means you’ll only need to install a single appliance, which can save you time, money and hassle. Ranges are popular options for many kitchens, as you’ll have a very diverse selection of appliances to choose from. Depending on your kitchen layout, opting for a range might potentially save you valuable counter space.
While ranges are an enticing choice for many people, they do have some notable drawbacks. For one thing, it's necessary to bend over to use the oven, which may not be ideal for some people. Since ranges are often the focal point of kitchens, you’ll want to consider the design of your appliance in addition to its functionality.
Range vs. Cooktop – Which is Right for You?
Finding the best cooking appliance for your kitchen means looking closely at range vs cooktop differences. There are a number of elements that should be taken into the equation, including:
- Your kitchen space
- Cooking preferences
- Budget
- Design look
- Features offered
Consider the following factors and compare all your options before making a decision.
Size of Kitchen
Cooktops and wall ovens can work well in spacious kitchens, but they may not be the best option if you’re dealing with limited space. With a range, you’ll only need to install a single appliance. A cooktop can also take up counter space, leaving you with less room to cook.
Number of Cooks in the Kitchen
While cooktops and ranges both work well for solo cooks, cooktops can be ideal when you have multiple cooks in the kitchen. When you have a cooktop and a wall oven, two people can focus on separate tasks simultaneously. In this case, a cooktop-wall oven combo could save valuable time.
Cooking Habits
Think carefully about how you usually use your kitchen. Would you benefit from having double wall ovens? Do you use a lot of counter space when you cook? Think about what it would be like to use a range vs a cooktop – would one option offer a better solution for you over the other?
Budget
Not only are there a wide variety of ranges on the market, but they’re available at many different price points. If you’re working with a limited budget, it might be easier to find a cost-effective option if you stick with a range. However, if you’re willing to, can or want to spend more, you’ll be able to find an amazing selection of cooktops and wall ovens to choose from.
Oven Space
Even though there are larger ranges available, you’ll have far more oven space if you choose a cooktop and a double wall oven. In fact, double wall ovens almost always offer more oven room, even over double oven ranges.
Number of Ovens
A single oven is sufficient for most kitchens, but there are many advantages to having multiple ovens. With dual ovens, you can cook multiple dishes at two different temperatures. You can also keep food warm in one oven while still cooking in the other. If you want more than one oven, a cooktop and double wall oven combo will usually be the best option.
Both cooktops and ranges offer a number of advantages. Thankfully, Coast Appliances has a massive selection of products to choose from, ranging from induction ranges to downdraft cooktops.
Browse our full selection of ranges & cooktops to find some of the best options for your home kitchen.
Cooktop vs. Range FAQs
Is a cooktop better than a range?
Cooktops aren’t necessarily better than ranges, but they do offer some notable advantages. With a cooktop, you can separate stovetop and oven tasks and use your kitchen space more efficiently. However, if you have a cramped kitchen or a smaller budget, a range may be better suited to address all your needs.
Why is a cooktop called a range?
Stoves have been called ranges for hundreds of years. These appliances are called ranges because they offer a stove and multiple spots to cook. When you use a stove, you’ll have a range of cooking options!
What part of the stove is the range?
The term “range” is used to describe an appliance that includes both a stovetop and an oven. A stovetop is sometimes called a range top. The key difference between a range top vs cooktop is that the range top is located on top of the oven.
