How you cook on your cooktop and how you use your oven will determine which range is right for you. There are multiple configurations, in every price point and appliance line, to accommodate every cook. What is right for you comes down to how you use your kitchen. Let’s talk about what you should consider.
A gas range or cooktop will require a gas line and an induction range or cooktop will require at least a 40amp 220v electric supply, with many modern induction cooking appliances requiring 50amps. This makes switching between gas, electric and induction not as straightforward as it might seem. If you have gas or radiant electric now, you’ll likely need to upgrade the electrical supply to switch to induction. If you have induction or electric, you’ll likely need to run a gas line to switch to gas. New electrical code requires that kitchens must be “electric-ready,” so even if you have a gas range, you must run a 220v line to the range to facilitate a future electric appliance.
High heat cooking, like wok stir frying, will require a high-BTU gas burner or a very powerful induction burner. If you make a lot of pasta, induction can boil a stock pot of water twice as fast as gas. Both gas and induction are quick to heat a pan, but induction is immediately responsive. Induction is better for slowly simmering, where gas struggles to maintain a low enough heat.
Gas is still the market default and therefore maintains an edge in resale value. So if you’re probably selling within seven years, you might want to stick with gas. However, induction is becoming more and more popular as people get used to using them.
Whether you opt for a cooktop and separate oven or a range may be down to your current layout and ability to change services. If your appliance is set in the island, it is almost always a cooktop.
Again, think about how you cook. A cooktop allows you to store your cookware in a drawer immediately below the appliance. Separate double ovens allow you to roast or bake two dishes at once at independent temperatures at eye level. If you use your oven a lot, a cooktop/double oven arrangement might be right for you.
Ranges are the default because they are A. more economical and B. anchor the space visually. They give your eye a clear focal point, which is sometimes absent in a kitchen with a cooktop and wall oven arrangement. Whether you should opt for a cooktop/wall oven or a range comes down to form vs. function and budget.
Gas ovens produce a higher humidity heat and are therefore preferred for roasting. Gas ovens typically heat quickly and precisely. If you’re someone who cooks, but seldom bakes, a gas oven might be right for you. Gas ovens are typically cheaper, but cost more to fuel.
Electric ovens produce a very even, dry heat, making them more suitable for baking. They heat up more slowly than gas, but are much more efficient. Modern electric ovens feature convection fans that ensure even heat throughout the oven and help in roasting, ensuring crisp vegetables and juicy meat.
We typically install dual fuel ranges, with a gas cooktop and an electric oven. While both gas and electric ovens have their advantages, we have found the superior baking and efficiency of electric ovens to be more important and the advantages of gas ovens in roasting to be nominal.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It needs to be as functional as it is beautiful. Through careful space planning, our team can help you design a kitchen that works for entertaining and for everyday life.
Contact us today for a consultation and project estimate.
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