If you’re deciding on the best cooking appliances for your kitchen, the first step is to choose a cooking surface. But do you choose a range or a stove? And are they different?
In this post, we will cover the different kitchen cooking appliances and how they can help enhance the way you cook.
A kitchen range combines a cooktop, often called a stovetop and an oven into a single appliance that covers all your culinary bases. Ranges let you sear, saute, or boil on top and bake, broil, or roast inside. They come in gas, electric, dual fuel, freestanding, and slide-in models in multiple sizes.
What is a cooktop?
The terms “stove” and “cooktop” are sometimes used interchangeably. A cooktop is usually considered a flat piece of equipment that sits on a countertop. A stovetop’s heat source may be gas, electricity, or induction. Commonly, a cooktop is put on top of a countertop, and an oven is put behind it. So, you get the same mix as you would with a range.
To install a cooktop, you must carve out a large space in the countertop for the stove to “drop” into. Because of the need for a split in the countertop length on each side of a range, you will be left with two distinct sections.
Induction cooktops are another unusual kind of electric stovetop; they use electromagnetic energy to create heat inside your cookware rather than on its surface. Like a gas stove, you may heat up to high temperatures and cool down rapidly.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
What is a range?
Cooking appliances called ranges or stoves are considered the same thing. A cooktop area of a range may be divided into zones that use gas, electricity, or induction, making it a multifunctional appliance. The oven is located underneath the hob. The standard width for a residential stove is between 30 and 36 inches.
Sizes for commercial ranges might increase from there. If it has a greater effective range, it may provide additional advantages. For example, a bigger range might have six burners and a griddle on the cooktop. Depending on the size of the range, there might only be room for two cooktop elements. The most common types of ranges are gas and electric ranges.
Below are two common types of ranges.
Gas ranges
Gas ranges use an open flame for the stovetop and the oven. Gas heat is well-known for its quick reaction time. Also, cooking with an open flame is more fun and interactive, which is why many people who cook at home prefer gas cooktops.
Electric ranges
Electric stoves are more affordable overall and require less effort than gas ones. With a dual-fuel range, you can get an electric oven’s speed and a gas stovetop’s versatility. When you use a range with two fuel sources, you can control the heat separately in the oven and on the stovetop.
What is a stove?
The range is another name for a stove. However, this older use has gone out of favor. These appliances are now called ranges at most major shops like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Stoves are still often used to refer to older wood-burning stoves made of cast iron that heat small rooms.
What is an oven?
Ovens are used for various culinary purposes, including grilling, baking, roasting, and reheating. Home ovens, wall ovens, commercial ovens, and even earth ovens are some options. Ovens may be powered by either gas or electricity. You may adjust the oven’s heat to suit your needs and cook a variety of items at the same time.
Difference between a stove, a range, and an oven
While the phrases “range,” “stove,” and “oven” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them. A range or stove is a stand-alone appliance with an oven and a cooktop or stovetop. Ovens have an enclosed chamber for baking, while cooktops are open and flat.
What is the difference between a stove and a range?
The word “stove” has evolved to imply the complete cooking apparatus or “range.” Some people think of it exclusively in terms of its top surface, calling it a “cooktop” instead.
What is the main difference between a range and a cooktop?
A cooktop is a flat surface that fits into a counter and doesn’t have an oven. A range, on the other hand, is one device that has both a stovetop (or cooktop) and an oven. A range can do anything from simmering to sautéing to boiling, but a wall oven is required for baking, roasting, and broiling.
What’s the main difference between an oven and a range?
It’s probable that when you hear “range oven,” someone means a normal range. Manufacturers don’t use the word because it sounds like a range and an oven are the same. A cooktop and an oven are combined into a single unit to form a range, whereas an oven may be built into a range or purchased separately. The stove is another name for a range.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Range Buying Guide | Consumer Reports” from the Consumer Reports YouTube Channel.
A video called “Range Buying Guide | Consumer Reports” from the Consumer Reports YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about a range.
What is a kitchen when there is no stove called?
A cooking chamber is more accurately called an oven without its separate burners. Food is prepared on a stovetop (or hob) without an oven. When both elements are combined into a single device, it is called a range. However, the term “stove” is often used interchangeably.
Do you need a range hood over a range?
Yes. When you use a range hood, you won’t have to worry about any harmful byproducts of cooking being released into the air. It simplifies the preparation of meals and enhances the air quality within your home. Local ordinances sometimes mandate an exhaust fan above the stovetop.
How much should a kitchen stove cost?
A stove typically costs around $300-$2000. Budget at least $4000 for high-end, chef-grade ranges. Cooking ranges are much like any other household equipment in that they come in various price points and features to accommodate a variety of budgets and skill levels in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between all these appliances, you can make the right decision for your kitchen when shopping for one. And while you are at it, you should consider purchasing a range hood to go along with your new kitchen.
This article covered what a cooktop, a range, and a stove are. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- A cooktop is usually considered a flat piece of equipment that sits on a countertop.
- Cooking appliances called ranges or stoves are considered the same thing.
- The range is another name for a stove.
- Convection ovens are better than regular ovens because they cook things faster and more evenly.
So, do you have a range in your kitchen? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks in your kitchen. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
