Shopping for a Range? Learn About Ranges, Stoves & Ovens

A range, a combination of a cooktop stove and an oven, plays a distinct role in any kitchen. It is where many people learn to cook or where friends and family gather to make recipes that have been passed down for generations.

We want to help you make the right decision about which type of range/stove might best fit your styles and needs.

First, decide if you prefer a range over a stand-alone cooktop and built-in wall oven. This decision often depends on your budget, current kitchen layout, the scope of your renovation plans and your style preferences.

Want to learn more about how to buy a cooktop and built in wall oven? Check out our guides here:

FUEL TYPE (Gas, Electric or Dual)

Fuel type can impact cooking time and cooking results. Make sure you understand what to consider when making your decision.

Gas

Gas powered ranges are usually more energy efficient and less costly to power than electric ranges. This is because it takes less energy to provide gas to your range than electricity (instant heat when the range is turned on). Temperature is more controllable due to the flame on the gas top, allowing for immediate heat. Gas also generally allows for more precise cooking so you can make the most out of every recipe.

Installation is generally more challenging as a professional is required to connect it to the natural gas line. Certain ranges have liquid propane conversion kits for purchase if there is no option for a gas hookup.

Electric

Electric ranges are usually less energy efficient than gas powered ranges. They can be more expensive to operate as electricity takes longer to reach the range. The oven usually heats at a drier temperature, providing a more even and reliable cooking result. Certain electric ranges are also designed with a glass smooth cooktop, making the appliance easier to clean than gas powered ranges.

Installation is quicker, with a standard 240V plug in into an outlet.

Dual Fuel

These ranges have both gas and electric components to create the optimal variations for cooking and baking. The cooktop uses gas so the flame can be utilized for precise cooking. The oven is electric, providing even and reliable temperature throughout the cavity. This is often highly sought after by professional or experienced cooks, but can sometimes be costly

KitchenAid offers a selection of dual fuel ranges to help you make the most of your culinary creations.

COOKTOP HEAT OPTIONS

Cooktops use different types of heat. Consider your options to get closer to making your decision.

Radiant (Gas)

Many chefs prefer gas cooktops – fueled by natural gas or propane – for convenient quick heating and precise burner control. Gas burners are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Higher BTU output means higher heat, important for cooking techniques like searing (typically requires 15K BTUs or more). Lower BTU output (5K BTUs or less) means lower heat, essential for tasks like melting butter.

Radiant (Electric)

Indirect heat is used to heat up the cookware and then cook the food. Electric is the cheaper option compared to gas. Smooth radiant electric cooktops have a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

Electric ranges can also feature dual or triple elements that have multiple rings to deliver the right coverage for whatever you’re cooking with. Select KitchenAid electric ranges also offer a dedicated warming zone for added versatility.

Induction (electric)

With induction cooktops, an electric current is passed through a coiled copper wire underneath the cooktop, creating a magnetic current throughout the cooking vessel to produce heat. The burners do not stay hot for long after they are turned off because the magnets directly produce heat. This also makes for an easy clean-up because spills are less likely to cook on.

Proper cookware must be used to maximize efficiency, including faster boiling. Cookware needs to be high in iron or steel with a flat bottom to be compatible. Remember, if it is not flat then the heat will not be properly transmitted. If a magnet is attracted to the bottom of a flat-bottomed pot or pan, it can be used with an induction cooking surface.

Coil (electric)

Coil cooktops take longer to heat up/cool down than induction. This is usually the least costly option and you can use any cookware.

KitchenAid does not offer coil electric ranges

After deciding on a configuration and fuel type, the next step is to review all the features to determine which are important to you. You may be surprised to hear about all the new and exciting features that are now available on ranges. You can go for something classic like convection bake or buy a model that offers more impressive features like voice control.

Keep your budget top of mind, though, and try to gauge value with respect to what appeals to you.

CONTROL PLACEMENT / CONFIGURATIONS

Depending on your kitchen layout and style, a freestanding or slide-in range may be more suitable.

The main difference between freestanding and slide-in ranges is whether or not the appliance features a backguard and the location of the controls.

Slide-In

The controls are located at the front of the range (also known as a Front Control Range). The backsplash won’t be covered by a backguard with the controls. Furthermore, the unit integrates with countertops, providing a seamless built-in look. This sleek look has made them an ideal choice for installation in kitchen islands or against a wall that features a continuous backsplash.

Select KitchenAid slide-in ranges have downdraft ventilation systems to integrate the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead vent. Learn more about ventilation here.

Slide-in ranges can come with unfinished or finished sides. All KitchenAid® slide-in ranges have finished sides, so they can be installed virtually anywhere in your kitchen.

With the Fit System Limited Guarantee, KitchenAid guarantees that your KitchenAid® 30” slide-in range will fit seamlessly into your existing cabinet cutout of 30”W (76 cm) x 24”D (61 cm) x 36”H (91.5 cm). If your cutout depth is less than 24” and you are unsatisfied with the fit of your range, KitchenAid will provide up to $300 towards professionally altering the depth of your countertop cut-out.

*Time limited offer. Offer subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. See Conditions

Freestanding

The controls are located on the attached backguard of the range (also known as rear control ranges). The backguard on freestanding ranges also helps protect the wall behind the range from spills and splashes.

They have finished side panels, meaning they can be installed anywhere in your kitchen. Typically, this range style offers a lower entry price-point.

Each configuration offers a variety of designs with the goal of matching more easily with other kitchen appliances even if they are different brands.

Size

Select a range size that makes sense for your kitchen and meets the needs of your household.

Smaller Ranges

Smaller ranges, 20” to 24” wide (51cm to 61cm wide), work well in apartments or condos. Generally, they work just like bigger ranges. The only difference is that they have the capacity to cook less at one time.

KitchenAid does not offer small space ranges.

Larger Ranges

Sizes can range from 30” up to 60” (76cm to 152cm) wide. The typical range is 30” (76cm) wide with 4-5 burners and can be powered by either gas or electric. The next size up is 36” (91cm) wide. Remember to ensure that the size and functionality of your kitchen can accommodate this appliance size.

KitchenAid offers ranges in 30” (76cm) and 36” (91cm) wide, as well as 48” (122cm) widths in commercial-style ranges.

Commercial-Style Ranges

Also known as professional-style ranges, consider a commercial-style range if you want greater power and intriguing features.

POWER

Typically, commercial-style ranges can run up to 15,000-20,000 BTUs per burner (British Thermal Unit) vs. an average of 5,000-7,000 BTUs in a non-commercial style range. The powerful gas burners allow for quick speed and precise cooking so you can fry, sauté, boil and more like a professional cook. Furthermore, the oven can reach the desired temperature quicker. Some commercial style ranges have dual fuel options, allowing for a professional cook/bake. It achieves this by marrying the accuracy of a gas cooktop with the consistency of an electric oven.

DESIGN

The design is modern and professional. They can be up to 60” (152cm) wide. Commercial-style ranges also come in smaller sizes, allowing smaller kitchens to enjoy a powerful range. KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges are available in widths of 30" (76cm), 36” (91cm) and 48" (122cm) to fit a variety of kitchen layouts and capacity needs. Typically, there are different burner options like a griddle, grill (or both), sealed, open, or an induction top. KitchenAid commercial style ranges can add premium features and high-end design to achieve a restaurant-style experience at home.

Features can include:

Chrome-infused electric griddles
Dual-Flame Burners for high- and low-heat cooking
Wifi connectivity that lets you preheat, bake and roast from anywhere with the KitchenAid^® App; plus compatibility with a Google Assistant-enabled device to send voice commands directly to your range.

Ensure your kitchen is equipped to handle a large appliance in addition to having a proper ventilation system.

Review and follow your appliance use and care instructions. This is your primary source of information.

FEATURES

Now is the time to consider if you want conventional features or ones that provide more convenience and functionality.

Double Oven Range

Combines upper and lower oven capacities to provide room to cook multiple dishes at the same time at different temperatures.

Cleaning

Manual or Standard Clean

Manual or standard clean ovens generally require physical cleaning by hand. Use of cleaning agents may be necessary to remove stains.

Self Clean

The oven cleaning process involves the oven cavity heating to high-heat temperature, typically up to approximately 800 °F (400°C), when the door is locked, incinerating any spills or food. After it runs, it may be necessary to wipe out any remaining food particles. The process can typically take between 2 to 6 hours.

Steam Clean

Another cleaning process that usually takes less time where it uses low heat and adds water to create steam to help release residue in the oven cavity. Any leftover residue and water must be cleaned manually and may require chemical cleaners.

Always check and follow your appliance and product use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.

CONVECTION BAKE

This feature allows for faster and more thorough bake than conventional bake ovens (available in gas and electric ranges). The oven is equipped with a fan that circulates air and distributes the heat evenly resulting in fast and precise baking. For instance, your cake will avoid getting crispy around the edges, and you will not have to rotate cookies to achieve an even bake. Convection also heats up quickly meaning less preheat time.

There are 2 types of Convection

Fan Convection - Typically has one fan at the back of the oven that circulates the air, thus distributing the heat evenly throughout the oven.

True Convection - Has a fan, but also a third heating element that helps circulate even temperatures for more consistent roasting and baking than traditional thermal cooking.

Select KitchenAid ranges offer Even-Heat^™ True Convection. The bow-tie design and convection fan, help enable you to produce flawless cooking results.

WARMING/BAKING DRAWER

Some ranges have a warming drawer, sometimes also called a baking drawer. This separate compartment provides additional space to keep dishes at a low steady temperature so that it stays warm until the rest of the meal is ready to be served. Some warming drawers also feature a slow cook function and can even be used to help bread dough rise.

Smart Ranges

Some ranges have Wi-Fi connectivity and allow you to control the appliance using an app - such as preheating or adjusting cooking modes and temperatures.

FINISHES

Have fun choosing the finishes you want for your range.

Colour Schemes

You can still choose the same popular finishes that many have enjoyed over the years, or go with an accent colour to make your kitchen pop. If you want your kitchen to match, with more classical colours, like white, black, stainless steel, black stainless steel are available.

Bright colours like light blue, yellow and red can inject more vibrancy and sophistication into your beloved space. KitchenAid commercial style ranges offer 9 curated colours to personalize in style, such as: Ink Blue, Avocado Cream, Imperial Black, Passion Red, Yellow Pepper and so much more.