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Understanding each type’s features, kitchen usability, installation needs, and sizes will clearly understand which type to buy.
For instance, you may prefer to get ranges versus microwave ovens given that they offer a variety of cooking methods, including frying, grilling, baking, and heating. A microwave only provides one way of cooking, which involves re-heating foods.
Another difference between a range and a microwave is the foods you can make using each appliance. A range is capable of cooking raw foods, like chicken or steak. A microwave can only re-heat foods.
Knowing the different ranges available in the market, including their strengths and weaknesses, can help you determine the type to choose for your kitchen. While you are on the subject, be sure to also check out our best range hood reviews for your stove type.
What are the different types available for ranges?
There are four types of ranges: electric, gas, induction, and freestanding ranges.
The following list includes the different types of ranges available in the market:
- Electric range
An electric range is a range powered by electricity.
Electric ranges are easy-to-use, adjustable, dependable, and long-lasting kitchen appliances that have been in use for decades. They provide an easier way of food preparation as they allow you to cook with less supervision than gas ranges which require constant attention as the flame intensity changes from high to low while cooking.
- Gas range
A gas range is powered by gas. A gas range is usually a coil range that heats up to heat pots, pans, or the inner oven. Check out the best pots and pans for your gas stove.
A kitchen with a gas range typically has at least four burners – two small ones, called “burners” and two big ones, known as “griddles.”
- Induction range
An induction range is an electric range that transfers heat differently, often heating the pots and pans faster than an electric range. They use electromagnetic fields to heat pots and pans.
Induction ranges are typically more expensive than electric and gas ranges. Unlike traditional ovens that burn hot air to cook food evenly throughout the kitchen, induction cooking has no requirement. This means induction ranges do not heat the entire kitchen.
- Freestanding range
A freestanding range is a range that is a slide-in or drop-in oven range. A freestanding range can be powered by electric, gas, or induction heating.
This range is perfect for those who want to have their cooktop flush against the wall. The flat surface provides an elegant look while also easy to use with burner controls, rear control panel, or back console standing 5 inches from the cooktop.
The freestanding range is typically installed with its back against a wall, sometimes in between two countertops or one on either side.
What are the different ways to use a range?
The different ways to use a range include the following:
- Boiling water for soups
- Frying meats, including chicken or steak
- Baking bread in the oven
- Boiling noodles for pasta
Boil water. Just place the pot on the range and wait for the water to boil.
Fry meats. Enjoy your favorite fried chicken, or get your deep-fried turkey ready for dinner.
Bake bread. Mix ingredients to make a dough and sit at room temperature in a covered bowl. Place the risen dough in a cast-iron skillet or a pan before firing up the burners.
Boil noodles for pasta. Put water in a saucepan and wait until it reaches a rolling boil. Put the noodles inside the saucepan and wait for it to go al dente before serving your favorite pasta dish.
What sizes do the ranges come in?
Ranges are designed in various sizes that range from 54 cm W x 91 cm H x 63.5 cm D to 90 cm W x 88 cm H x 60 cm D.
The ideal size of a range depends on your cooking needs and the size of your kitchen. Smaller ranges may be suitable for smaller homes or apartments and smaller families. If you have a larger kitchen or more people in your household, you may want a more extensive range because it allows you to cook more dishes at one time.
Measure the space in your kitchen where the range will be, and then decide what size of the range you need. You can also look at the number of burners. A traditional range has four burners, which is ideal for a household of four people. If you have more than six people in your home, you may want another burner.
Here are the approximate sizes of each type of range:
Electric range: 54 cm W x 91 cm H x 63.5 cm D
Gas range: 60 cm W x 11.3 cm H x 80.5 cm D
Induction range: 90 cm W x 88 cm H x 60 cm D
Freestanding range: 54 cm W x 90 cm H x 60 cm D
What foods can be cooked in different ranges?
While there are many uses of a range, this kitchen appliance requires thoughtful operation and extra care to make it last longer.
The foods that can be put into different ranges include:
- Bread
- Vegetables
- Meats such as steak and fish
- Noodles and pasta
What determines the best range type?
The best range type can be determined by the following: dual-oven, cleaning features, cooking modes, remote integration, dual-fuel options, warming drawer, warning lights, convection settings, brand, and price.
Dual-oven: A dual-oven allows you to bake two items at one time.
Self-cleaning: A self-cleaning feature cleans your oven for you automatically.
Cooking modes: Some ranges today come with pre-programmed cooking modes, like the ability to slow cook or proof bread.
Remote integration: Higher-end ranges allow you to remotely connect to them with the ability to control settings via an app.
Dual-fuel: Some ranges have dual-fuel options, meaning you can choose an electric cooktop and a gas oven.
Warming drawer: A range with a warming drawer helps you cook larger meals by keeping items warm.
Warning lights: Warning lights let you and other household members know that the cooktop is still hot.
Convection settings: Convection settings allow you to cook foods in the oven using convection heating.
Brand and price. The price of ranges varies according to the type and brand. Recognized brands are known for quality and reliability but are on the higher end of the price range. Consider your budget and whether you'll use ranges regularly or sparingly.
Are gas ranges safe?
Gas ranges are generally safe to use.
However, gas ranges should never be left unattended to avoid fire or any untoward incident involving children and pets.
Specific research also warns us of using gas ranges as they may cause indoor pollution. Using one may increase the risk of CO2 poisoning, though it could only happen in a poorly ventilated room or if the appliance is left unattended and left on for a prolonged period.
Research also shows that exposure to low levels of CO can worsen cardiovascular-related diseases.
What is the average price for a range?
The average price for a range varies between $2,00-$10,000.
Ranges made with plastic materials are likely on the lower end of the range, whereas ranges with extra burners or ovens may cost even more.
What is the lifespan of different ranges?
The average lifespan of a range is between 13-15 years. The frequency of use and the maintenance of range affect longevity. Keeping up with routine maintenance and repairs is vital in maintaining the life of your range.
The factors that affect the lifespan of a range include:
Frequency of use: How frequently you use your range, including the level of heat used, will affect how fast it wears out. This is because electric or gas power can reduce efficiency over time. The seal on the oven door can also wear down after repeat opening and closing.
Maintenance and upkeep: Maintenance and repairs are essential in extending the life of your kitchen range. This includes frequently cleaning the oven and removing any food debris from the cooktop between uses. It also means using oven-safe utensils each time you cook.
Type of range: The initial type of range you choose can also affect how long it lasts. An electric range lasts, on average, 13 years versus a gas range, with an average of 15 years.
Installation: The initial installation of a range also affects its longevity. A built-in range may last longer than a freestanding range.
How does the range type affect the heating process?
The heating process changes depending on the range type.
An electric range is a kitchen appliance or kitchen worktop that uses electricity to create heat and cook. The electrical resistance of a coil heats the cookware. An electrical current flows through the heating coil and produces heat as it progresses through the metal coils inside. The coil heats up as it passes through the electric current, converting electric energy into heat energy.
Some users find that it can be harder to control the temperature with an electric range than a gas range.
Gas ranges offer more flexibility for users when it comes to temperature control. In most modern units, there are four separate controls for each burner which makes it possible to have different temperatures simultaneously, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once. The griddle functions work exactly like the large burners, but they also cover the entire surface area of the stovetop, so you can use them for cooking many things, including pancakes and bacon. You can check for best bacon cooker on our site.
Induction ranges use electromagnetic fields to heat pots and pans. This means it does not heat the entire kitchen or house, but it can be tricky to control the temperature compared to gas ranges.
What effect does range type have on taste?
Ranges do not affect the flavor of food.
The use of heat, not the range itself, affects how delicious a meal is. How long the heat is used in varying levels – low, medium, high – affects how a food is cooked on a range.
Choosing a gas or electric range shouldn't make a difference in how food tastes, but it may be necessary to learn how to adjust the cooking style to avoid changing food tastes.
Is it better to use induction or electric ranges in the kitchen?
Deciding whether it's better to use induction or electric ranges in the kitchen boils down to kitchen space and functionality.
Kitchen usability is considered when deciding between the two types of ranges. It refers to the function and structure of kitchen appliances that make them easier to use.
Both types come in similar shapes and sizes. Therefore, you can have either type when it comes to kitchen usability. Picking which one boils down to your preference in style and how much control over temperature you need.