Kitchen Ranges,
What's Available?
There are many choices in kitchen ranges. Dual fuel, double oven options, as well as having many different sizes. There is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle, but what's available?
Available Options:- Digital Touch Pads
- Various Burner Sizes In The Same Cooktop
- Griddles, Broilers, And Wok Cooking Accessories
- Double Ovens
- Dual Fuel Cooking
Heating Methods
Conventional ovens have no fans to move the air around the oven. This increases cooking time and the heat is not as even throughout the oven.Convection ovens move the air around the inside of the oven. This evens out the cooking temperatures resulting in faster cooking times.
Fuels Used
Gas
Gas is by far the most popular because it's more economical to operate in most areas. The instant heating from the top as well as more control of the heat is a major selling point.Gas range ovens can also vary in temperature while cooking. This is not a major concern in the newer kitchen ranges because the temperature controls as well as convection cooking regulate the temps very closely. Electric
Electric ovens, on the average, cost more to operate. Depending on which element type you choose, will determine the heat-up time. Electric ovens regulate the oven temps very evenly. The temps are regulated more evenly because the wattage going to the heating elements is variable and only the correct amount of heat is applied. Magnetic Induction
Magnetic induction kitchen ranges are duel fuel with the induction top and electric oven. I won't go into to much detail on this, but the option is out there. The costs associated with this type of cooking is very steep expect to pay over $6,000 for a 36 inch range. But the efficiency is around 90%, so over time the cost can get recouped, depending on amount of cooking that is done. Dual Fuels
Dual fuel ranges are great because you get the best of both worlds. Having gas at the top and electric in the oven. Ovens are not used as much as the tops so the cost is not a huge issue with having electric in the oven, unless you bake or use the oven regularly. The heating types are explained in the kitchen cooktops section.
Double Oven Ranges
A double oven in a range is a great idea for those who do not have the space for double wall ovens. The downside is the fact that both of the ovens are small. Larger items, such as a large turkey, may not fit very well, but it's usually not a problem in the average home.The upsides are you can bake a cake in the top oven and cook a pot roast in the bottom at the same time. This way there is no transfer of tastes. As well as having the ability of having different temps in both ovens. Having a double oven also helps to save money by not having to heat a large oven for small amounts of food. It can also be used to preheat dishes as well as keeping food warm without needing to install a warming drawer.
Sizes
Sizes range from 24 inches to 60 inches for residential applications. A 24 inch range is a great space saver in a small kitchen. If you are a gourmet cook, a Five Star professional quality 60 inch range is the top of the line.The larger kitchen ranges, over 48 inches, often have more than one oven in the same range. The flexibility in the larger ranges is outstanding when compared to the smaller ranges. All of these extras come with a huge price tag though, some cost as much as $9,000. But for a professional quality range the price is comparable to other professional quality ranges. When deciding on kitchen ranges the choices are vast and so are the prices. The extras will add up and increase the cost, therefore deciding on which extras you may not use very often, or not at all, will help to keep the price down.
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