Types of Ranges with their Pros and Cons
When you are on the market for a new kitchen range, you will consider several elements before choosing a make and brand. For instance, you might think about space availability in your kitchen. You will think about your user case; what kind of dishes will be cooking. Will you explore the full range of cooking techniques, or are you okay with sticking to limited cooking methods? There are also design considerations to consider.
But perhaps it is far more essential to consider the type of kitchen range to purchase. Different types of kitchen ranges use different technologies. As such, you can expect different kitchen ranges to yield different experiences.
Herein we will explore the different ranges to give you a better understanding of the experience you get from every range.
Electric Range: Pros and Cons
This type of stove range is also known as coil-type electric ranges. They use a heating element made of steel wire encased in nickel and chromium alloy. The nickel-chromium case is coated with stainless steel sheath and high-temperature magnesium oxide.
To improve the user experience, most electric stoves come with a removable drip pan that reduces the hassle of cleaning the stove. However, soft top electric range has a smooth layer of tempered glass installed over the heating coil.
Electric stoves are easy to install as you only need a 220V-240V connection. Additionally, they are cheaper owing to their simple design.
Pros
- Coil stovetops are affordable to purchase and install
- They offer a better baking experience
- Smoothtop electric ranges are easier to clean as you do not have to remove the burner components
- Most modern electric ranges have a stunning and sleek design that complements your kitchen décor (for instance, a glass cooktop oozes a sense of contemporary style)
- Electric ranges have a flat and stable surface to place pans and pots; hence they are easier to use
- Some offer additional storage space beneath the oven, enhancing the usability of the rage
- Electric stoves do not emit to much heat to warm your kitchen
- They are easier to turn on and off
- From the point of view of energy efficiency, the electric range is more efficient than the gas one, so it consumes less energy
Cons
- It is easy to burn yourself since it is difficult to tell the stovetop is on
- When you have a blackout, you cannot use the range
- Electric stoves cook food slower
- You can damage the cooktops if you place or drop a heavy load on the range
- The glasstop is easy to stain, especially from caramelized sugars
- Modern electric stoves with advanced features can cost more than gas ranges
Induction Range: Pros and Cons
Unlike traditional an electric stove, an induction range feature superior safety, faster cooking, better energy efficiency, and is much easier to clean. On account of these advantages, the popularity of induction ranges has been steadily rising. Induction ranges use induction coils that use magnetism to produce heat.
The induction coils under the heating stovetop produce magnetism, which interacts with steel in steel-based pans and pots to produce heat. Since there is little heat emitted from the stovetop, there is little chance of getting burned. Additionally, these stovetops feature a flat surface, making the stovetop stable and easy to cook on.
Pros
- Heats up faster for faster cooking
- Cools down fast, thereby reducing the risk of getting burned
- They are easier to clean
- Energy-efficient compared to both electric coil-type ranges and gas ranges
- They do not heat your kitchen; it stays cool
- Enable custom kitchen decor and better kitchen styling
Cons
- More expensive than traditional electric and gas ranges
- They can work only with ferrous cookware such as steel or cast iron (aluminum, ceramic, and glass cookware will not work)
- There is some learning to do before you use the stovetop
- It is easier to overcook food as they heat food fast
- Many induction stove cooktops are easy to scratch
Gas Range: Pros and Cons
Gas ranges are distinguished by having gas-fired burners with iron grates that hold pans and pots. The burners have a sealed design that reduces the spread of mess over the cooktop. On the usability front, gas stoves are notable for the precise flame/heat control they offer.
When using a gas range, you can control the heat instantly with the help of visual cues. Moreover, you can move the pot or pan to a differently sized burner with different heat emissions to match your heat needs.
Gas ranges are more expensive to purchase than electric ranges. Moreover, homeowners whose property does not have a gas line installed might need to install a gas line. However, it is also notable that gas ranges are less energy-efficient than electric ranges. As such, the running cost after installation tends to be lower in gas stovetops than electric stovetops due to the fact that the price of gas is lower than that of electricity.
Pros
- Instant and constant flame for cooking
- Users can cook with precise heat
- You can adjust the flame quickly and using visual cues
- Gas flames spread along the bottom and the sides of the pan, producing quick and even cooking
- Potentially low operating costs for homes already connected to natural gas supply
- They are more versatile for a wide range of cooking methods, including searing, grilling, simmering
Cons
- Costly to purchase gas stoves
- There is a high cost of installation if your home is not connected to the gas line
- Hazardous and polluting natural gas might leak, causing indoor pollution and or a risk of fire breakout
- They can be harder to clean depending on the stovetop design
- Turning on the burner is not a foolproof tasks
- The gas can cause surfaces around the range to become greasy
- Low energy efficiency
Dual Fuel Range: Pros and Cons
Dual fuel electric ranges are designed to get you the best of gas and electric ranges. This type of range can have an all-gas cooktop and an electric oven or three gas burners, one electric heating element, and an electric oven.
You get to experience the precision of a gas range and the even baking of an electric oven. Moreover, a dual fuel range helps negate some of the disadvantages of a purely electric or gas range. As such, they are useful for households that cook and bake a lot.
Pros
- They are versatile as you can cook using gas or electricity
- The oven in a dual fuel range is typically superior to that found in a gas range
- They tend to feature superior styling
- You benefit from the quick response of gas burners and even heating of an electric oven
Cons
- More expensive and a pure gas or electric range
- These ranges are difficult to install since you have to plug in the gas electricity
- Damage to one part of range leaves with a half functioning range
Double Oven Range: Pros and Cons
A double oven range is a range that has two independent oven compartments – a smaller upper oven and a larger lower oven, as well as a traditional stovetop.
The philosophy underlying this design is to give you more control over your cooking.
With two ovens, you can bake two different dishes simultaneously without worrying about messing up the temperature control.
Pros
- It gives you home chef capabilities where you can cook two dishes at different temperatures
- They offer plenty of space to cook big meals
- The double oven makes baking a lot of cakes a lot faster
- Better heat distribution throughout the ovens
- The ovens heat up faster
Cons
- Expensive
- There is no storage space left
- Since double oven ranges tend to be big, they require more space
Slide-In Range: Pros and Cons
Slide-in ranges are freestanding ranges that you wedge between cabinetry. Their cooktop protrudes slightly beyond the width of range; hence, they slide in between the cabinetry.
Such ranges blend seamlessly with the countertop since the cooktop is flush with the countertop. They tend to yield a cleaner, sleeker, and modern look.
Typically, slide-in ranges have a streamlined back and dimensions that make the range appear as a built-in appliance.
The controls are placed at the front,
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing and modern look
- You do not reach over steam to control the range
- Typically comes with push-turn knobs for increased safety
Cons
- Offer limited flexibility for installation
- Control knobs are accessible to children
- It can be more expensive
It is important to note that there is no clear one-type-fits-all when it comes to kitchen ranges. Every type of kitchen range has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. As such, when choosing your range, it is best to select the kind of range that best meets your needs and suits your circumstances.