Cooktop Vs. Range: What Should You Get?
When choosing between ranges and cooktops, many factors should be considered. Our guide is designed to help you get started.
Cooktops vs. Ranges: What’s the Difference?
Renovation of your kitchen starts with determining which appliances you need. When choosing cooking appliances, there are multiple options, and a question homeowners often ask is: “What’s the difference between a range or cooktop and why would I choose one vs. the other?"
There are considerable differences between each that should be considered before selecting which is right for you.
Using this article, you can learn what their specific advantages and differences are, in order to determine which works best for you.
What is a Range?
Ranges are also called ovens. These cooking appliances offer a stovetop or cooktop and an oven all incorporated into one streamlined unit. They typically measure 30” in width but models can range in size between 24 and 48 inches.
What is a Cooktop?
Cooktops are installed on the countertop and are usually paired with a separate oven to create a seamless and integrated appearance. Cooktops are also available in a range of sizes, fuel types, and configurations.
Which is Best For My Kitchen Size?
With limited cabinets and wall space, a range is at times preferred over a cooktop and wall oven combination. However, for those who prefer built-in appliances, wall ovens and cooktops can still work in smaller spaces as many manufacturers offer appliances that are 24” in width designed specifically for small spaces.
Ranges are available in 24, 30, 36, and 48 inch widths. The most typical width is 30" making it a practical choice for many kitchens as the range will fit into the standard cabinet opening.
Cooktops are available in similar widths to ranges - 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches. They can either be paired with a range to gain an oven or more commonly are paired with wall ovens. Single wall ovens are available 24, 27, or 30 inches wide. If you choose a double or combination wall oven, they take up more vertical cabinet space.
The area underneath the cooktop can be used for storage. Some brands of wall ovens can be installed directly underneath a cooktop. Always check the installation instructions before purchasing your appliances to be sure.
Do I Need One or Two Ovens?
If you've been questioning, "Do I need one or two ovens?", the answer is: a lot depends on how you cook.
Consider these questions when making your decision:
- Do you find that one oven sometimes doesn’t provide you with enough capacity?
- Do you often cook multiple dishes at once?
- Is your kitchen large enough to accommodate 2 ovens?
If you love ranges, the good thing to know is that some brands offer double oven ranges, however, if you need two full-sized ovens, a wall oven may be a better choice for you than a range, since the second oven in the range is usually smaller than a regular full size oven.
How Can I Choose the One That Suits My Cooking Habits?
Your individual cooking habits are an important factor to consider when deciding between a range and cooktop and wall oven combination. Before you decide, consider the following:
- If you're going to cook on the cooktop and then finish cooking your meal in the oven, you should consider the distance between the cooktop and oven.
- A range oven can make lifting heavy pots difficult, so a wall oven may be a better ergonomic option, as you can install them at the height that works for you.
- How important is flexibility in burner configurations and fuel type to you? Cooktops can offer more options for style, size, and features.
Do you spend a lot of time cooking in your kitchen? The benefits of cooking solo are that solo cooks don't have to compete for appliances. When you have two or more chefs in your kitchen, it's wise to design your workspaces so you don't get in each other's way. It is possible to have separate cooking and baking zones with a cooktop and wall oven.
My Kitchen Style: Which Design is Best?
Is a commercial setup or style of cooking important to you? Some brands offer this look with their commercial-style ranges. These ranges come in a variety of sizes, typically offering more cooking capacity. Rangetops are a type of cooktop that can also provide a commercial-style look. KitchenAid offers rangetops in 30, 36, and 48 inch widths.
Summary
We have summarized the benefits of range vs cooktop for your convenience.
Advantages of Ranges:
- Choosing a standard range can be more affordable.
- A space-saving solution for small kitchens.
- Easy to install.
- A standard range will usually fit into an existing cut-out.
Advantages of Cooktop/Wall Oven Combinations:
- Wall ovens are offered in multiple configurations: single, double, and combination.
- Can work better in a kitchen where there are multiple cooks at once
- A cooktop/wall oven is ergonomically ideal. When installed at waist level, you will not have to bend down to handle cookware.
- Separate cooking and baking zones provide adaptability to kitchen configurations.
- You can choose from different oven and stovetop styles and types of fuel.
Get Started
Now that you have a better understanding of cooktops and ranges, you may be interested in purchasing one of these appliances for your kitchen. Explore the KitchenAid collection of Wall Ovens, Cooktops, and Ranges.
