Kitchen range buying guide: Types and features

Choose a range that complements the size of your kitchen and meets your cooking needs, whether you experiment with stovetop techniques or enjoy baking for a crowd. Consider the amount of space you have available and how many burners or ovens you will need.

When selecting a range size, it is essential to consider clearance requirements for installation and ensure you measure your existing cutout before shopping for a proper fit. The following measurements are estimates and some models do vary.

• Widths: Typically 20-24 inches for compact, 30-36 inches for standard and 48-60 inches for extra-wide models.

• Depths: Usually measure between 25-27 inches.

• Heights: Around 36-41 inches, with some compact models making up for width with height.

• Burners: The number of burners often varies between 4 to 6, depending on the model.

When shopping for a range, look for models that offer the number and type of burners you need. Ranges typically come with 4 to 6 burners, depending on the size of the range. In addition to burner number, a variety of burner sizes can help accommodate large and small pots and pans.

Some ranges also have specialized burners with preset heat settings that allow you to easily go from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer. Interlocking grates are another convenient feature found on select gas ranges that provide a level cooking surface so you can easily change burners and move pots and pans across the entire range.

KitchenAid^® ranges offer a variety of burner heat levels, sizes and shapes to help you discover new cooking techniques and reinvent old favorites. Cook with the heat you need from 5,000 to 17,000 BTU gas burners so you can go from a rolling boil to a delicate simmer. Or take your creations up a notch with two 20,000 BTU Ultra Power™ Dual-Flame Burners on select KitchenAid^® commercial-style models. Look for features such as an integrated griddle or wok option for additional versatility, or smooth, easy to clean electric models.

Style is a vital consideration when buying a range, as it defines the visual center of your kitchen. To create a modern look and feel with your KitchenAid^® range, choose from various finishes—including black stainless steel, Juniper and Black Ore—or opt for classic stainless steel. Depending on your cabinetry layout, you may want to consider slide-in models for a built-in look, or freestanding models with an integrated backguard.

For those seeking a professional aesthetic at home, the KitchenAid brand lineup of commercial-style ranges offers an expanded palette of bold colors. Beyond standard finishes, select dual-fuel models are available in vibrant hues like Agave, Wildflower, Scorched Orange and Cardamom. These models often feature industrial-style touchpoints, such as large knobs and prominent grates, providing a high-end, functional design.

To further ensure your appliance aligns with your vision, select KitchenAid^® ranges are designed to be personalized with Hardware Accessory Kits. These kits allow you to customize the handles and knobs of select ranges with premium finishes, including:

• Brass: Lends a bright accent for a modern look.

• Stainless Steel: Brings commercial-style design to your home.

• Bronze: Adds subtle warmth for a timeless look.

• Black Ore: Provides a bold contrast for a contemporary look.

Modern ranges come with many features that can help you elevate your cooking, try new techniques and get inspired. Consider models with convenient digital controls, warming drawers, convection capabilities, or self-cleaning options that allow you to focus on your next creation.

Select KitchenAid^® ranges include features such as Rapid Boil, No Preheat Air Fry Mode, and Aqualift^®, which combines low heat with water to release baked-on spills.

Other KitchenAid^® ranges also feature Smart Appliance technology that lets you control the oven with your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device to stay hands-on or hands-off.¹ The KitchenAid^™ App lets you conveniently preheat, proof, bake and roast, plus store your favorite recipes for easy reference.

1. Wi-Fi & App required. Features subject to change. Amazon Alexa capabilities available in U.S. only. Google Assistant capabilities available globally. For details and privacy info, visit KitchenAid.com/Connect (U.S.) or KitchenAid.ca/Connect (Canada). Alexa, Google and certain other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.

Downdraft ranges and cooktops have an integrated ventilation system that draws fumes, smoke and steam across the cooktop and into the vent. Air is then either vented outside or filtered and recirculated back into the kitchen, depending on the downdraft model.

You may want to consider a downdraft range or cooktop to help clear the air and provide a convenient venting solution. This is helpful if you can’t install an overhead range hood or your cooktop is part of a kitchen island with an open concept that you don't want to disrupt with overhead ventilation.

Freestanding ranges are not built into the countertop or cabinets and they often have a built-in backguard where oven controls and displays are located. Freestanding ranges come in gas, electric and dual fuel models and typically have finished sides, allowing for flexibility in their kitchen placement.

If your range will stand alone or you anticipate changing your kitchen layout over the lifetime of the range, a freestanding model can provide extra flexibility. While the price of stoves varies widely based on features, materials, size and other considerations, freestanding ranges tend to offer a lower entry price point.

Slide-in ranges are designed for installation between cabinets or in kitchen islands and allow for an open layout. They do not have a built-in backguard like freestanding ranges. On a slide-in range, all controls are usually at the front of the appliance which gives the range a built-in look. This also allows for a decorative backsplash or the installation of a pot-filler behind your range.

Some brands feature products with the FIT System to help ensure your new appliance will fit your available space. For instance, KitchenAid brand offers some slide-in ranges with the FIT System Limited Guarantee to seamlessly fit your new slide-in model into an existing cutout of 30" width, countertop depth of 24"-25", cabinet depth of 23"-24", and countertop height of 36".

This configuration offers several advantages, such as a seamless, built-in appearance and overhanging sides on select models that can help keep food and liquids from spilling into gaps between the cooktop and the counter. Because the controls are prominently displayed on the front, they are a practical choice for kitchen islands where a rear backguard would obstruct the view. However, there are installation considerations to keep in mind.

Slide-in ranges have unfinished sides, which prevent them from being installed as stand-alone appliances. Additionally, rather than going up against a wall, they are often installed with a few inches of countertop space that wraps around the back of the cooktop. If you are replacing a freestanding model, you may need to ensure the wall behind the range can withstand steam, water and stains, as slide-in models lack a protective backguard.

Designed with the home gourmet in mind, commercial ranges offer similar features and styling to commercial ranges in restaurants, with sizes and designs that fit your space. Commercial ranges are available from 30"-48" and in gas, electric and dual fuel configurations. These ranges often come with a variety of burner configurations and include griddles and other specialty cooking surfaces.

Equipped with features such as Even-Heat^™ True Convection and Two High-Heat Dual Flame Burners, select KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges can help you bring restaurant-quality results to your kitchen. Select KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges also include an Integrated Wok Grate, No Preheat Air Fry Mode and Three 15,000 BTU Burners.

To ensure your kitchen reflects your personal taste, some of these KitchenAid^® ranges are designed to be personalized with a wide array of color and hardware options. Select commercial-style models from KitchenAid brand are available in sophisticated finishes like Stainless Steel, Juniper and Black Ore. For those seeking a bolder statement, select dual fuel models offer additional colors such as Agave, Wildflower, Scorched Orange and Cardamom. You can further customize select KitchenAid^® ranges with optional Hardware Accessory Kits available in Brass, Stainless Steel, Bronze and Black Ore, allowing you to tailor the knobs and handles to your specific aesthetic.

Double oven ranges have two ovens built into them. They offer the convenience of having two ovens in one place—well-suited for those who want to cook multiple dishes needing different settings at once or for large groups. The two ovens can be used together or separately, allowing you to cook larger meals on both, or heat up just one for smaller meals. Double oven ranges come in electric, gas and dual fuel varieties and select models provide features like convection cooking and self-cleaning options.

This configuration may be beneficial for households of five or more people or those who frequently host gatherings and prepare holiday meals. Investing in a double oven provides maximum cooking flexibility for complex menus, though it often requires a higher budget. In contrast, those with smaller households of one to four people who typically cook one dish at a time may find a single oven better suits a preference for simplicity and streamlined maintenance.

Gas ranges use natural gas or propane to heat burners and ovens. They often come with four to five burners on the top, which you can adjust to different temperatures depending on what you’re cooking. Some gas ranges may also include a broiler, allowing foods to be cooked directly under an open flame. Gas ranges often provide more responsive temperature control than radiant electric ranges and tend to heat quickly, making them a popular choice.

KitchenAid^® gas ranges come in freestanding, slide-in, double oven and commercial styles and allow you the precision and control to go from sautéing to boiling and back again with the turn of a knob. Explore select models with 4 to 6 burners and features like Even-Heat™ True Convection and Steam Bake Mode with a Steam Bake Tray.

Fueling a gas range requires a dedicated natural gas or propane line, which can often be installed by a professional if one is not already present. This fuel source powers an open flame on the stovetop and in the oven, providing highly responsive burners that move between heat levels quickly. The ability to utilize both high and low heat levels gives you control over cooking temperatures, helping you melt, simmer and fry ingredients with ease.

Electric ranges use electricity as their source of power for cooking. They often feature a smooth, glass cooktop with 4-5 burners that is easy to wipe clean. The oven features top and bottom electric heating elements, with some convection models available. A gas line is not necessary for an electric range, making installation easier if you’re not set up for gas. Learn more about the differences between gas vs. electric stoves.

KitchenAid^® electric ranges come in freestanding, slide-in and double oven models. Select models feature 5 cooking elements, including a Warm Zone, so you can do more with your range.

These ranges offer several distinct advantages for the home cook, starting with effective heat transfer. Unlike gas stoves that can lose heat to the surrounding air, electric burners heat pots and pans directly to help retain heat while cooking. The dry heat produced by electric ovens is also excellent for achieving nicely browned results on everything from rustic bread to roast chicken.

The flat surface of a smooth-top electric cooktop allows for simple cleanup, as it can be wiped down without removing heavy grates. Additionally, these cooktops often provide versatile stovetop space; select KitchenAid^® electric ranges feature multi-ring burners, such as a triple cooking zone of 6, 9 and 12 inches, which allows you to switch between elements based on the width of your cookware.

Dual fuel ranges combine the even baking and roasting of an electric oven with the responsive cooking control of a gas cooktop. These ranges typically feature four to five burners and come in freestanding, slide-in, commercial and double oven models.

Select KitchenAid^® dual fuel ranges feature 5 burners, including 2 dual-stacked burners that deliver two levels of heat at once—allowing you to quickly go from a rapid boil to a low simmer. Even-Heat^™ True Convection on select models provides optimal temperatures for crisp, flaky baked goods, juicy, well-browned roasts and caramelized vegetables.

Dual fuel ranges work by requiring a gas line hookup for the cooktop and an electric hookup for the oven. This configuration is designed to deliver responsive temperature control on the cooktop alongside consistent, dry heat in the oven. The stovetop utilizes gas to provide an open flame that is ideal for sautéing and searing, while also allowing for techniques like charring peppers or cooking fresh tortillas.

Meanwhile, the oven uses electric heating elements to create a dry heat environment. This is particularly beneficial for those who love to bake and roast, as it provides ideal conditions for browning and crisping results, such as golden brown roasted vegetables. By combining these two fuel sources, a dual fuel range provides the versatile heating options needed to explore a wide variety of recipes.

An induction range is a stovetop that uses electromagnetic energy to interact with compatible pots and pans, turning the cookware itself into the heat source. This process occurs through a copper coil located under the ceramic glass that creates a magnetic field, heating the bottom of the pan quickly and precisely. Because the heat is created directly within the cookware rather than being transferred from a heating element through the cooktop surface, these ranges may help reduce heat loss. This technology is a distinct alternative to a dual fuel range or traditional electric models.

One of the most significant benefits of an induction range is its increased responsiveness, offering a rapid rise and fall in temperature that allows you to go from a boil to a simmer in a short amount of time. Since the surface of an induction cooktop does not generate its own heat, it stays relatively cool around the pan and cools down quickly once the cookware is removed. This cooler surface adds convenience in a busy kitchen and makes cleanup easier by helping to reduce baked-on or charred spills.

Select KitchenAid^® induction ranges further enhance the experience with precision control features. For example, Temp Cook^™ Smart Presets can set and hold ideal temperatures for popular methods and alert you when to add ingredients. Additionally, some models feature Sensor Induction Technology that generates heat directly within cookware, reaching high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly for precise control that enables a full range of cooking techniques.