Today’s consumers have an unprecedented wealth of choices when they are shopping for a new range for their kitchen appliance lineup. In fact, the numbers are staggering. It’s a little easier to begin the entire process by making some upfront decisions regarding the type of range that will not only blend with your existing kitchen appliances and kitchen style, but will also give you the performance you need. Cooking styles matter a lot more than many folks realize, and there is first, at the very top of the savvy shopper’s range-defining list the choice to be made between fuel types. Most range shoppers will approach this initial step relatively easily, because most range shoppers have already developed their own particular preference for which cooking method they prefer. It all boils down to (pun not intended, but does fit well,) a clear chasm of a divide between home chefs who swear by the power and precision of gas-fueled cooking, and those who avidly prefer electricity to power their cooking efforts.
Gas or Electricity — Only the Beginning
While many sub-categories still remain to be addressed, once the fuel preference has been made, there will have at least been a significant reduction in the almost infinite array of options. You’re still not down to “bite-sized” here, but certainly well on the way to where you will be ready to actively shop with confidence. For a certain number of shoppers, addressing the fuel type of range they buy still may require an education on the distinctions, as well as how performance and functionality for both gas and electric ranges have impacted their overall capabilities. In addition to providing more power, today’s ranges are chock-full of a lot of extras that serve to define many elements of cooking (and range cleaning,) for today’s culinary best.
Gas Ranges
Gas ranges have vastly improved over the years. For one thing, your mother’s gas range probably offered her around 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs,) which hardly neared today’s impressive range of up to 20,000 BTUs provided by most of today’s gas ranges, with one or more burners even offering more, to provide the home chef with a professional performance. The advancements of convection cooking have been expanded across the board for both gas and electric ranges, resulting in a greatly improved distribution of heat during the cooking process. You will find both regular convection, with the fan assisting the separate heating elements, or the advanced design of a third element behind the fan.
Electric Ranges
The most significant contribution, ever, to the world of electric ranges has been promulgated by its unprecedented distinction in performance. We’re talking about induction cooking which now may only be available for range top cooking, as it’s surely just a matter of time before induction cooking will be a featured option for inside the range, or baking and broiling. The many benefits of induction cooking include its far-advanced safety and energy efficiency, and whether or not you have a scientific mind, the whole concept is really cool to contemplate. Previous to induction cooktops for home ranges, the long time forerunner in advanced design was the glass, flat surface, with burners located just underneath, offering a one of a kind, seamless cooking surface. And just as in gas-fueled ranges, convection technology promotes the effectiveness of electric home baking and cooking efforts immensely.
The Warming Drawer
The introduction of the warming drawer to today’s kitchens increases the number of convenient and easy performances for the home chef. A separately sold warming drawer can cost up to around $1500, but the good news is that there are many ranges, both gas and electric, that include the advancement of a warming drawer in their design. Warming drawers offer solutions to many a home chef’s woes, and truly complete the most effective meal production possible. Up front, a warming drawer can maintain dishes at their optimum temperature for up to three hours. Additionally, they can be used to gently heat up leftovers and they even a way for the dinner plates to be preheated, preventing possibly cold plates from prematurely cooling down everything that is served on them. While optimally, in a “Norman Rockwell” world, everyone is seated around the dinner table and enjoying pleasantry, in eager, mouth-watering anticipation of the meal. In the real world, it’s not always possible for everyone to be there, right on time. The warming drawer ensures that anyone running a few minutes or a couple of hours late will still be able to enjoy the same quality of meal that everyone else did at mealtime.
Installation Options for Ranges
Whether you are outfitting a new kitchen, renovating one or simply replacing your range, there is the option of installation method to be addressed. Basically, the choice exists between freestanding and slide – in ranges. Essentially, the only difference between the freestanding range design and that of a slide – in range is the location of the controls. Freestanding ranges will feature the controls somewhere on the top or top back (on the front of the backguard,) while slide – in ranges obviously must provide the controls on the front or face of the unit. With slide – ranges comes the choice between standard depth and counter depth, which comes from the actual depth dimension of the range, and not the method of installation.
Some Leading Models to Seriously Consider
In terms of cost, most decent induction – equipped ranges start out with a price around $1500, but no matter what you ultimately choose for your kitchen, look for rebates, free shipping and other incentives that can shave off a significant portion of the final out – of – pocket price. Take some time to explore these (and more) ranges that are listed in no particular order, with the understanding that any one you’ll find included here has already met stringent guidelines. The main common denominator here is that all come with a list price of under $1500.
Bosch HGS5053UC 500:(around $1100 before deals.) A beautiful gas, sealed burner convection range that is impressively well engineered. Features convection that is so quiet you won’t be able to know that it’s running without opening the oven to inspect, and has easy to use controls.
Frigidaire DGGF3042KF: (around $850 without deals.) This gas powered Frigidaire freestanding convection oven range has 5 sealed burners with 17K BTU power burner. The stainless steel oven has Self-Clean, Delay Start, Storage Drawer, a center oval burner and Express-Select Controls.
LG LDE3037ST: (around $1345 without deals) This stainless steel 30 In. freestanding Electric Double Oven features an Infrared Grill Broiler is designed with unique melodious sounds connected to different operations.
Samsung NX58H5650WS: (SRP, $1399.) Gas Range with True Convection Features a flexible cooktop with a True Dual Power Burner with 57k BTUs. Larger capacity oven and a griddle and wok grate included.
GE PHB920SFSS: (some just under $1500.) Stainless steel, and loaded with features like induction cooktop technology for innovative, fast, efficient cooking, and a warming drawer with a variable temperature control. Glass touch controls and steam cleaning technology for self cleaning.