Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Range

A well-chosen kitchen range can be the centerpiece of your cooking space, combining style and functionality to enhance your kitchen experience. As one of the most important kitchen appliances, your range plays a key role in meal prep from everyday meals to special occasions. But how do you select the right one that suits your cooking needs? We’ll walk you through our design team’s steps when helping our clients.

Types of Kitchen Ranges

There are three main types of kitchen ranges: freestanding, slide-in, and professional ranges.

1. Freestanding Range: This range has a built-in back panel, making it easy to install anywhere in the kitchen. It is one of the most common and affordable options available, and it comes in electric, gas and induction cooking options.
2. Slide-in Range: A step up from the freestanding model, the slide-in range is designed to fit seamlessly between cabinets. Because it does not have a back panel, it offers a more streamlined, built-in look and a more professional and modern appearance. Often, a decorative tile backsplash is installed behind it.
3. Professional (Pro) Range: Often larger and more powerful, pro ranges are designed for serious home cooks or those who want a true chef’s kitchen experience. They deliver a high-end look with commercial-grade performance.

NOTE: Most of GJK’s clients choose either a slide-in or professional grade range for their kitchen renovation projects.

Choosing Your Cooking Experience: How Do You Want to Cook?

Your cooking habits play a huge role in determining the kitchen stove that best suits your needs. For example, if you love to cook multiple dishes at once, you may want a range with a large cooktop and multiple burners. A high-performance oven with consistent heat distribution is essential if you enjoy baking.

Do you frequently host large gatherings and need to cook large quantities, or do you typically prepare meals for a small family? These are the questions that will help you determine the features that are most important to you.

Additionally, think about how you want to cook. Do you want the ability to simmer sauces and sear meats with precision? Are you interested in exploring a newer cooking technique like induction cooking, which heats the pan directly instead of using a burner? Understanding your current and desired cooking styles can guide you toward a range that enhances your kitchen experience.

Your Range as a Kitchen Showpiece

Your kitchen range isn’t just about function. It’s also a visual centerpiece that contributes to the overall design of your space. The freestanding range becomes a focal point in many kitchens, often drawing attention to the surrounding tile work or a decorative range hood.

Consider the aesthetic you’re aiming for in your kitchen. Some of the questions our kitchen designers ask clients include: Do you want a sleek, modern look with a minimalist design? Or are you more drawn to a classic, cozy kitchen with a decorative range hood that complements detailed tilework? The cooking appliance you choose can either blend into the background or stand out as a statement piece.

What is Your Desired Fuel Source?

This is another big decision when selecting your cooking appliance – the fuel source. There are four main fuel sources, and each type has advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down.

• Gas ranges are popular among serious home cooks because they offer precise heat control and immediate temperature changes. The visible flame allows you to gauge heat levels quickly, and many find that gas burners are perfect for tasks that require precision, such as simmering sauces or stir-frying. However, switching from an electric to a gas range may involve additional installation steps, such as installing a gas line, which can be costly or complicated depending on your home’s setup.
• Electric stoves are often easier to install and maintain than gas models. They offer even temperature control for more predictable cooking, making them a popular choice for bakers. The smooth cooktop design of electric ranges also adds a sleek look to your kitchen and makes cleaning a breeze. However, electric burners can take longer to heat up and cool down, which may not be ideal for more precise cooking.
• An induction cooktop is becoming increasingly popular for its efficiency and safety. Unlike traditional gas or electric burners, induction ranges heat the cookware directly using electromagnetic energy, which makes cooking faster and more energy-efficient. This technology also keeps the cooktop cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. However, induction ranges require compatible cookware (magnetic-based pots and pans), so you may need to invest in new kitchen tools if you choose this option.
• Dual-fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds: a gas cooktop for precise heat control and an electric oven for consistency, even baking. This option is perfect for those who want flexibility and versatility in their cooking. However, dual-fuel ranges can be more expensive, and installation may require a gas line and a 240-volt outlet for the electric oven.

Switching Fuel Types: From Electric to Gas

If you currently have an electric range but are interested in switching to gas, it’s essential to understand the process involved. Installing a gas range typically requires professional assistance, especially if your kitchen doesn’t already have a gas line.

First, you’ll need to confirm whether your home has access to natural gas. If so, a plumber or licensed contractor will need to install a gas line to the location of your range. This installation process can be more complex and costly in homes initially designed for electric ranges, as it may require running new gas lines through walls or under floors.

Additionally, switching to gas may require some electrical work. Many gas ranges still need electricity for the oven or other features like electronic ignition, so an outlet near your range will be necessary.

However, the benefits of making the switch can outweigh the initial installation hassle. Gas ranges offer unparalleled control over heat, and many cooks prefer them for tasks like searing, stir-frying, and simmering.

Kitchen Range Features

Another important consideration when selecting a range is what features you want. Modern ranges come with various features designed to make cooking more convenient. A warming drawer, for example, is a small compartment located beneath the oven that keeps food warm without cooking it further. This is perfect for families with staggered meal times or when hosting a dinner party and needing to keep dishes warm while you finish preparing the meal.

Double oven ranges can be a game-changer for families or avid cooks who often prepare multiple dishes simultaneously and need different temperatures. Baking a pie in one oven while roasting a chicken in the other is a significant time-saver. Double ovens also allow for greater versatility, especially when hosting large gatherings.

Secondary ovens are another great feature found in many ranges. These smaller ovens are ideal for quick tasks, like reheating leftovers or baking side dishes, like garlic bread to accompany your spaghetti dinner. Because they’re smaller, they often preheat faster and use less energy than the main oven.

Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, resulting in more even cooking and faster baking or roasting times. This method is especially useful for achieving crispy textures on the outside of foods while keeping the inside tender. It also helps reduce cooking times and allows for multiple dishes to be cooked at once without the risk of uneven heat distribution. A convection oven is ideal for baking, roasting, and browning, making it a popular choice for home chefs.

Let GJK Remodeling Help You Choose the Right Kitchen Range for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect range for your kitchen is about more than cooking. It’s about creating a space to fit your lifestyle, enhance your kitchen’s design, and allow you to cook how you want. 

The GJK Remodeling team is an expert at designing gorgeous and functional kitchens. We provide personalized solutions to fit your needs and will help you choose a kitchen range that suits your needs and your kitchen’s style to give you a Life Remodeled. Schedule a consultation to discuss your kitchen renovation.