Everything you need to know about the 3 different range fuel types

Did you know there are a few different types of ranges to choose from? If you’re in the market for one, or just curious, it helps to know what’s out there. We’ll break down the three main types of ranges, so you can figure out which one is the perfect fit for your kitchen and cooking style.

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Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

The three fuel types

• Gas: These ranges use natural gas or propane to cook food. They provide excellent temperature control, heat up quickly, and are preferred by many professional chefs. Gas burners offer instant heat and are great for high-heat cooking, such as searing or stir-frying.
• Electric: Electric ranges use heating elements powered by electricity. They feature coil burners or smooth ceramic glass tops with radiant or induction heating. Electric ranges are typically easier to clean (especially the smooth-top models) and provide even, consistent heat.
• Dual fuel: These ranges combine the best of both types by using gas for the cooktop and electricity for the oven. This allows for precise stovetop cooking with gas and the consistent baking performance of an electric oven.

Read more: 6 Electric Stove Safety Tips

The three design types

• Freestanding: The most common type, freestanding ranges have finished sides and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. They typically feature a back control panel where the knobs and buttons are located.
• Slide-in: Slide-in ranges are designed to fit seamlessly between cabinets with the controls located on the front. They have unfinished sides and are meant to blend into the countertop without a back panel.
• Drop-in: Drop-in ranges are installed between cabinets but sit on top of a custom base or cabinetry. They don’t have a bottom storage drawer, and the controls are usually located on the front or top.

Range sizes

• 20-24 Inches: These compact ranges are designed for small kitchens, such as in apartments, tiny homes, or condos. They offer two to four burners and a smaller oven capacity but are ideal for maximizing space.
• 30-Inch: This is the standard size for most home kitchens. It provides four to six burners and a single oven. It’s the most widely available size for both gas and electric models and fits comfortably in most kitchen layouts.
• 36-Inch: Slightly larger than the standard, 36-inch ranges often offer more burner space (typically five or six burners) and may feature extras like a griddle or a second oven. This size is popular in larger kitchens or with home cooks who need more cooking capacity.
• 48-Inch: These are found in more upscale or professional-grade kitchens. A 48-inch range typically includes multiple burners (six or more), a griddle, and either one large oven or a combination of two ovens. It’s a popular choice for serious home chefs or those who frequently entertain.
• 60-Inch: These are commercial or luxury models often found in high-end home kitchens. They offer multiple burners (sometimes up to eight), a griddle or grill, and two large ovens. These ranges are ideal for those with significant cooking needs and larger kitchen spaces.

Read more: What to Look for When Buying a Used Stove

Range capacity

Compact: 2.9 to 3.5 cubic feet

• Designed for smaller kitchens or lighter cooking needs, these ranges are ideal for compact spaces but have limited oven space for baking or roasting.

Standard: 4.8 to 5.8 cubic feet

• These ranges are common in most home kitchens and offer enough space to handle large dishes, such as a turkey or multiple trays of food.

Larger: 5.5 to 6.5 cubic feet

• These provide more room for larger families or those who do a lot of cooking. They might also feature additional cooking options like a griddle or a second oven.

Professional or luxury: 6 to 8 cubic feet (combined if dual ovens)

• Typically, these come with two ovens—a larger one with around 4 to 6 cubic feet and a smaller one with about 2 cubic feet. Ideal for those who cook large meals or entertain frequently.

Extra-large: 8 to 10 cubic feet (combined)

• These high-end ranges often feature two full-size ovens, each offering around 4 to 5 cubic feet, giving maximum cooking capacity for large households or professional-style kitchens.

Double ovens: 

• Some ranges come with two ovens, often splitting the total capacity between a primary oven (3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet) and a smaller secondary oven (2 to 3 cubic feet), offering flexibility for different cooking tasks.

What about induction ranges?

Induction ranges are technically electric and use electromagnetic energy to directly heat cookware. Unlike traditional electric ranges though, induction cooktops only heat the pan, leaving the cooktop cool to the touch. Induction ranges require compatible cookware (usually ferrous metals like cast iron or stainless steel). While they can be more expensive than traditional electric models, they are energy-efficient and provide a modern, high-tech cooking experience. 

Read more: Gas VS Electric: Which Range Is Right For You?

Additional information

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