Choosing Ovens, Ranges, and Cooktops: Which One?
From a cast iron pot on the hearth to the latest convection range, the variety of cooking options seems endless. Stoves, ranges, ovens, and cooktops -- where to begin?
Begin with a basic question: gas or electric? Assuming that both types of hook-ups are available, your choice is largely a matter of preference. Gas appliances are responsive; cooks can fine-tune the temperature. Traditionally, cooks prefer gas appliances as
Begin with a basic question: gas or electric? Assuming that both types of hook-ups are available, your choice is largely a matter of preference. Gas appliances are responsive; cooks can fine-tune the temperature. Traditionally, cooks prefer gas appliances as
Demonstrated by their wide use in commercial kitchens. Electric ranges and cooktops now heat quickly, however. A cook can set and reset a temperature by pushing a button. In terms of energy efficiency, gas is slightly superior although cooking preference is certainly a more important consideration.
Gas does have a significant drawback in terms of indoor air pollution. Gas units should always have a venting arrangement, either a range hood or internal down drafting unit. The cost of gas and electrical units is comparable. The final decision may boil down to choosing the type of hook-up that is already in your kitchen.
With one decision behind you, ask yourself another question: Should you buy a range or separate cooktop and oven units? The higher cost of separate oven and cooktop may determine your decision. Convenience is another consideration. A built-in oven is at eye level (only a few free-standing ranges have overhead ovens). A separate cooktop presents the advantage of convenient storage underneath, and you do not have to stand in front of a hot oven to cook.
If your work triangle is cramped, a separate cooktop may provide more storage space; move the oven, an appliance that you use less often, somewhere else. A slide-in range is prone to collect grease and debris in the crack between the counter and stovetop, but this type of unit does have a distinct advantage: You can take it with you when you move.
Gas does have a significant drawback in terms of indoor air pollution. Gas units should always have a venting arrangement, either a range hood or internal down drafting unit. The cost of gas and electrical units is comparable. The final decision may boil down to choosing the type of hook-up that is already in your kitchen.
With one decision behind you, ask yourself another question: Should you buy a range or separate cooktop and oven units? The higher cost of separate oven and cooktop may determine your decision. Convenience is another consideration. A built-in oven is at eye level (only a few free-standing ranges have overhead ovens). A separate cooktop presents the advantage of convenient storage underneath, and you do not have to stand in front of a hot oven to cook.
If your work triangle is cramped, a separate cooktop may provide more storage space; move the oven, an appliance that you use less often, somewhere else. A slide-in range is prone to collect grease and debris in the crack between the counter and stovetop, but this type of unit does have a distinct advantage: You can take it with you when you move.
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