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Range vs. stove vs. oven: Is there really a difference?
The difference between a range, stove and oven depends on who you ask. However, if you’re shopping for appliances, brands often use 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 stand-alone 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, and how each one fits into your everyday cooking routines.
What are the differences between ranges, stoves and ovens?
The difference between a range, stove and oven is their cooking function. A range provides the best of both worlds with an oven and a stovetop for flexibility when roasting and simmering at the same time. A range can also be referred to as a stove, while an oven is designed solely for roasting, baking and broiling in the oven cavity.
Range vs. stove
Many people use the terms “range” and “stove” interchangeably to refer to the classic kitchen appliance consisting of a stovetop and oven. However, appliance retailers tend to list their products as “ranges,” so that term can be helpful to know when shopping. “Stove” can sometimes refer to home heating appliances—like an old-fashioned wood-burning stove—while “range” always refers to a cooking appliance.
Learn more about what a range is exactly, what the parts of a stove are, or explore KitchenAid® ranges to get better acquainted with these versatile appliances. Whether you choose an electric or gas range from KitchenAid brand, you’re adding a range of cooking possibilities to your kitchen.
Oven vs. stove
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. Cooktops are occasionally referred to by some people as “stoves,” but traditionally a “stove” refers to a kitchen range. 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, sauté, boil and stir-fry.
All stoves (or ranges) will have an oven as well as a cooktop/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.
Two separate appliances can also be combined to get the same effect as a range: A wall oven and a stand-alone cooktop can offer even more possibilities for cooking. Whether you are looking for an all-in-one range or separate wall ovens and cooktops, KitchenAid brand has a wide selection to help you find the right fit for your kitchen.
Learn more about cooktops vs. rangetops to find the right appliance for your kitchen.
Range vs. oven
A range consists of both an oven and a stovetop, while the term “oven” simply refers to the enclosed space in a range where you can bake, broil and roast food. Ranges are appliances that are typically installed either freestanding, between your kitchen counters or within a kitchen island, while stand alone wall ovens, like these wall ovens from KitchenAid brand, are installed into a cutout in a wall or between cabinets. Because of the way they’re installed, ranges require space on your kitchen floor while wall ovens only take up space within your walls/cabinetry.
Range vs. stove vs. oven comparison
| Appliance | Install location | Cooking components | Ideal uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Freestanding, between countertops or in a kitchen island | Heating element within the oven cavity and burners or heating elements on the cooktop | Roasting, baking, broiling, boiling, simmering, searing and sautéing |
| Stovetop | Within a kitchen counter | Burners or heating elements | Boiling, simmering, searing and sautéing |
| Wall Oven | Inside a cutout within walls or cabinetry | Heating element within the oven cavity | Roasting, baking and broiling |
Range vs. wall oven plus cooktop: Which is better for my kitchen?
Whether you choose a range or the combination of a wall oven and cooktop depends on your personal preferences, kitchen layout and kitchen size. If you’re deciding on the best cooking appliances for your kitchen, the first step is simple: Choose between the centralized cooking station provided by a range or the independent cooking zones of a wall oven plus a separate cooktop. Consider the following when making your choice:
1. Kitchen size
Larger kitchens can often accommodate a wall oven plus cooktop configuration better, as they require the space of a wall cutout for the oven and counterspace for the cooktop. Smaller kitchens may benefit from a range, since it creates a centralized location for all cooking activities and only requires one zone for installation.
2. Kitchen layout
For a wall oven, you’ll need some available cabinet or wall space. Consider the different wall oven sizes available before selecting one for your kitchen. Freestanding or slide-in ranges can be installed in a wider variety of places throughout the kitchen. Freestanding models can be installed anywhere in your kitchen, as the sides are finished, while slide-in ranges are designed to be installed between kitchen cabinets.
Cooktops can be installed in your countertop and sometimes allow you to take advantage of storage space near the cooking surface. However, choosing a wall oven plus cooktop appliance combination may divide your cooking zones depending on the layout of your kitchen.
If you’re deciding on an appliance for your island, explore the benefits of a range vs. a cooktop on an island.
3. 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 might be a good option.
Range vs. wall oven and cooktop considerations
Check out the chart below for more considerations to help you find the right range, wall oven or cooktop that fits your kitchen and creative style.
| Range / Stove | Wall oven plus cooktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Simpler install process | • | |
| More oven capacity available | In double oven models | In double wall oven models |
| A more built-in look | • | |
| Spaces out work zones | • | |
| Premium features available | • | • |
| Commercial styling available | • | • |
| Space-saving | • | |
| Does not require bending over | • |
If you’re looking for a cooking appliance that offers performance that makes a statement, consider a commercial-style range from KitchenAid brand. Select models come in a curated palette of finishes, like Juniper, Scorched Orange, Black Ore and Agave.
Range vs. stove vs. oven FAQs
Still not sure of the differences between ranges, stoves and ovens? Explore the answers to frequently asked questions below to learn more about your options.
Yes, select kitchen range models offer double oven capacity. Double oven ranges offer more cooking capacity than a standard range for extra room to create multiple dishes at once.
You may be able to replace your kitchen range with a wall oven plus cooktop if your kitchen has the correct power hookups and enough space for the installation of both appliances. However, if your wall space is limited or you don’t have the appropriate power sources for both appliances, you may want to consider opting for a new range instead.
No, a double oven range is not the same as a double wall oven, as double oven ranges also offer a gas or electric cooktop. Double wall ovens offer similar oven cooking capacity to double oven ranges, but they do not include the additional cooking zone of a cooktop or stovetop.
It can be possible to install a wall oven beneath a cooktop. However, it will depend on the layout of your kitchen and the available power sources near your install location, as well as the installation requirements of each appliance. You may want to consult your owners manuals, as well as a professional to help you determine if this installation configuration is possible in your space.
No matter which cooking appliance you choose, KitchenAid brand has the ranges and wall ovens designed to help you create your favorite recipes. Explore select KitchenAid® Ranges featuring the Industry’s Most Powerful and Largest 2-in-1 Burner that adapts to any cookware or recipe; or select KitchenAid® Wall Ovens featuring the Cooking Camera with Doneness Detection that recognizes supported food in seconds and cooks to your desired doneness.
KitchenAid® Double Oven Ranges
Get the most out of your making
Whether you’re cooking multiple course meals or testing new recipes, KitchenAid® double oven ranges offer flexible cooking capacity to nurture your creativity
Shop KitchenAid® Ranges for your kitchen
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