The difference between a range, stove and oven depends on who you ask. However, if you’re shopping for appliances, brands often talk in these terms: an oven is an enclosed cavity for baking, a stovetop or cooktop is an open, flat surface you cook on, and a range or stove is the standalone appliance with both.

While the range vs stove vs oven confusion is mostly a matter of semantics, there are three unique appliances at the heart of it. Use this guide to get a deeper understanding of what differentiates these terms and appliances.

RANGE VS STOVE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Many people use the terms “range” and “stove” interchangeably to refer to the classic kitchen appliance comprised of a stovetop and oven. However, appliance retailers tend to list their products as “ranges,” so that term can be helpful when shopping. “Stove” can sometimes refer to home heating appliances—like old fashioned wood-burning stoves—while “range” always refers to a cooking appliance. 

Learn more about what a range is exactly, or explore KitchenAid^® ranges to get better acquainted with these versatile appliances.

OVEN VS STOVE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

An oven is the enclosed cavity that cooks food by heating the air inside. A stove or range is the kitchen appliance with both an oven and a stovetop combined. When it comes to cooking techniques, the oven is where all the baking, broiling and roasting happens, while the stovetop (or cooktop) is where you sear, saute, boil and stir fry.

All stoves (or ranges) will have an oven as well as a stovetop in one appliance, but ovens are also available as individual appliances called wall ovens. Wall ovens come with one or two oven cavities for added capacity. For instance, KitchenAid^® wall ovens come with up to 10 cubic feet of cooking space inside the oven.

Is there a difference between a range and an oven?

Yes. A range has an oven inside it as well as a stovetop. The term “oven” simply refers to the enclosed space in a range where you bake food. However, ovens are also available as individual appliances called wall ovens that are built into cabinets.

Is a range vs a wall oven better for my kitchen?

If you’re deciding on the best cooking appliances for your kitchen, the first step is simple: choose between a range or a wall oven plus a separate cooktop. Consider the following when making your choice:

Kitchen size. Larger kitchens can usually accommodate a wall oven plus cooktop configuration better. Smaller kitchens may benefit from a range, since it creates a centralized location for all cooking activities.

Kitchen layout. For a wall oven, you’ll need some available cabinet or wall space. Ranges can be installed in a wider variety of places throughout the kitchen. Cooktops can be installed pretty much anywhere a range can and lets you take advantage of more storage near the cooking surface. If you’re deciding on an appliance for your island, explore the benefits of a range vs a cooktop on an island.

Cooking style. If you like to move quickly and easily from the stove to the oven, a range might work best for you. If you do a lot of baking and want more oven capacity, a double wall oven would be a good option.