What to look for when buying a gas range
For cooks who love a hands-on approach, a gas range can bring the art of cooking to life. Using an open flame to power both the stovetop and oven, gas ranges offer responsive heat that lets you sear, simmer and sauté with confidence. With multiple burner types you can gently melt chocolate or rapidly bring a pan to a rolling boil, while the oven’s bake and broil elements cycle on and off in intervals to help maintain the temperature needed for optimal cooking results.
When choosing a gas range, think about how you cook and the space you have. Size, burner configuration, oven capacity and design details all play a role in choosing a range that fits your kitchen and your style.
Keep reading to learn what to look for when buying a gas range and discover the features that can help fuel your creativity.
Buying a gas range: What to consider
Before you decide on a range, it helps to understand the different styles, features and design details that can shape your cooking experience. Elements like burner configuration, oven capacity and ventilation can all impact performance and convenience, while finishes, control layouts and design touches may influence how your kitchen looks and feels.
Explore some of the key factors below to help you find a gas range that fits your cooking style, complements your space and fuels your creativity meal after meal.
1. Size and capacity
When buying a gas range, it helps to think about how much cooking space you need—both inside and out. Compact models work well in smaller kitchens, while standard and extra-wide designs offer more room for multi-course meals or large family gatherings.
Many standard ranges tend to have a few common dimensions. The following are estimates, and some models do vary:
Width: about 20-24 inches for compact models, 30-36 inches for standard and 48-60 inches for extra-wide designs
Depth: Typically 25-27 inches
Height: Around 36-47 inches (including the backguard), with some compact models adding height to maximize space
Capacity: KitchenAid® freestanding models range from about 5.8-6.3 cubic feet; select slide-in models offer up to 6.4 cubic feet
If you frequently bake or entertain, look for a model with a large oven cavity to help you cook multiple dishes at once. For added versatility, consider a double-oven range that allows you to prepare different recipes at separate temperatures simultaneously.
2. Slide-in vs. freestanding
When choosing a gas range, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether you prefer a slide-in or freestanding design. Both offer powerful gas performance but differ in how they fit within your kitchen space and how they contribute to its overall look.
Slide-in gas ranges are designed to fit seamlessly between cabinets or other appliances for a built-in appearance. They don’t include a backguard, making them ideal for installation in kitchen islands or against a continuous backsplash. All controls are located on the front of the appliance for easy access, and some models feature downdraft ventilation built directly into the cooktop—eliminating the need for a separate vent hood. Select KitchenAid® slide-in ranges also come with the FIT System Limited Guarantee, ensuring your new range fits your existing cutout for a polished, integrated look.
Freestanding gas ranges, on the other hand, include a built-in backguard that helps protect the wall from splatters and typically houses the control panel. With finished sides and an integrated backsplash, these models can stand alone or be installed between cabinets for added flexibility. Freestanding designs are often a versatile and budget-friendly option for many kitchens while still delivering the reliable, responsive heat that makes gas cooking so appealing.
3. Single vs. double oven
Both single and double oven designs offer unique benefits depending on your cooking style.
Single oven gas ranges have one cavity for everyday use, making them ideal for home cooks who want ample room for roasting large cuts of meat, baking multiple trays or preparing one main dish at a time. They tend to fit easily into most kitchen layouts.
Double oven gas ranges feature two separate oven compartments within the same appliance, giving you the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. Use both ovens when hosting or preparing large, multi-course meals, or turn on just one for smaller dishes to help save time and energy. Many double oven models also include convection or self-cleaning options for added convenience.
4. Burner performance & configuration
Most gas ranges feature four to six burners, depending on size, giving you the flexibility to manage multiple dishes at once. Burner arrangement often depends on the control layout—four-burner models typically form a square pattern, while five-burner designs usually add a center burner for griddles or oversized cookware.
Look for a range that offers the right mix of burner sizes and heat outputs for your cooking habits. Smaller burners make it easy to melt or simmer, while larger burners bring water to a rolling boil or sear meats with ease. Select KitchenAid® gas ranges feature a range of heat levels from 5,000 to 17,000 BTUs, and some commercial-style models include two 20,000 BTU Ultra Power™ Dual-Flame Burners for additional versatility.
Many gas ranges also come with helpful extras like interlocking grates that create a smooth, level surface for sliding pots and pans across burners, or specialized burners with preset heat settings that let you move seamlessly from a high boil to a gentle simmer. Some models even include integrated extras such as griddles or wok options to help you expand your culinary possibilities.
5. Oven features
Gas range ovens heat quickly and tend to provide responsive temperature control. Depending on the model, you’ll find everything from simple temperature and timer controls to advanced oven settings that make it easier to cook, bake and roast with confidence. To help you get the most from every meal, select KitchenAid® gas ranges include innovative features such as:
Even-Heat™ True Convection — Features a unique bow-tie design with heating element and fan that circulates hot air throughout the entire oven, providing optimal temperatures combined with airflow for crisp, flaky baked goods; juicy, well-browned roasts and caramelized vegetables.
EasyConvect™ Conversion System — Takes the guesswork out of convection cooking by ensuring you can get exceptional results when experimenting with new or familiar recipes.
No Preheat Air Fry Mode — Lets you save time and skip preheating while you get crispy and browned food, while using less oil than traditional deep frying. Dishwasher-safe basket sold separately.
Air Baking — Helps you craft delicious cakes, muffins, last-minute bake sale treats and more, with even results on multiple racks.
These are just a few of the many thoughtful features available on KitchenAid® gas ranges today. Together, they help you explore new techniques, experiment with fresh flavors and create meals that are as inspired as they are delicious.
6. Ventilation options
Proper ventilation is an important part of any gas range setup, helping to clear away smoke, grease and lingering odors while you cook. Vent strength is measured in CFMs (cubic feet per minute), which indicates how much air the hood can move in one minute. As a general guideline, plan for about 100 CFMs of venting power for every 10,000 BTUs your cooktop produces. You can always check the owner’s manual for any range to confirm the venting power your kitchen needs.
There are several types of ventilation systems to choose from, including wall-mount and island canopy hoods, undercabinet hoods and microwave hood combination units. For a more streamlined appearance, some kitchens incorporate retractable downdraft hoods that install directly behind the cooktop surface, helping you maintain an open and uncluttered look while still helping to clear the air.
7. Cleaning features
Keeping your gas range clean might seem tricky, but the right features can help simplify this process. Many KitchenAid® gas ranges are designed with easy-to-maintain surfaces and built-in cleaning functions that help you spend less time scrubbing and more time cooking. Select KitchenAid® gas ranges include features such as:
Edge-to-Edge Cast-Iron Grates — Subtly integrate with your countertop, allowing you to move pots and pans easily from your counter to the cooking surface. Its clean, minimalist lines enhance your kitchen’s design. Cast-Iron Grates are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Steam Clean & Self-Cleaning Cycles — Keep your oven clean with two distinct cycles. The Steam Clean Cycle, perfect for quick, routine maintenance, helps loosen cooked-on food in under an hour. Simply add water to the bottom of the oven and wipe down after the cycle. For a deeper clean, the high-temperature Self-Clean Cycle powers through baked-on spills, leaving the oven cavity clean with just a final wipe-down.
These thoughtful cleaning options can help maintain your range’s performance and appearance, so it’s always ready for your next creation.
8. Smart features
Combining innovative digital tools with flexible cooking methods, smart gas ranges can help you unlock new levels of creativity in the kitchen. These connected appliances integrate technology like voice control, remote monitoring and programmable settings to help make cooking more intuitive and efficient.
Select KitchenAid® gas ranges are considered Smart Appliances. A Smart Appliance 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.
9. Color and finish
Your gas range can do more than cook—it can enhance your kitchen’s entire design aesthetic. Whether you want a timeless look that blends in or a bold statement piece that stands out, KitchenAid brand offers a range of finishes to complement your space.
Most gas ranges will come in standard finishes such as black, white and stainless steel. Select KitchenAid® models feature PrintShield™ Stainless Finish, an easy-to-clean surface that resists smudges and fingerprints to help keep your range looking polished. You can also explore exclusive KitchenAid® finishes like Juniper, a nature-inspired neutral that shifts between green and blue, or Black Ore, an elevated alternative to black stainless steel. Select KitchenAid® commercial-style gas ranges come in a wide variety of colors as well.
Whichever finish you choose, your range can bring both beauty and performance to the heart of your kitchen.
Comparing range types: gas vs. dual fuel vs. induction vs. radiant
When considering a new range, it’s helpful to understand how different fuel types influence the cooking experience. Each range type offers unique advantages—from the flame control of gas to the consistency of electric heat or the energy efficiency of induction.
Use the comparisons below to learn how gas ranges stack up against dual fuel, induction and electric radiant models, so you can find the right fit for you.
Gas vs. dual fuel ranges
Both gas and dual fuel ranges deliver powerful performance, but they differ in how the oven is heated. A gas range uses gas to power both the cooktop and oven. Dual fuel ranges combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven, giving you the control of gas on the stovetop and the consistent heat of electric baking.
If you love the responsiveness of gas for searing, sautéing and simmering but want the steady, dry heat of electric baking, a dual fuel range can offer the best of both worlds.
Gas vs. induction ranges
Gas ranges offer responsive flame adjustments and work with a wide variety of cookware, making them a favorite for specialty cooking styles. Induction ranges provide rapid heating, quick cooldowns and smooth surfaces that pair with electric ovens, which help promote a dry, even heat. However, induction cooktops require specific cookware that’s compatible with magnetic heat transfer.
If you love visible flame control for techniques like charring or stir-frying, gas may suit your style. For cooks who value sleek design and energy efficiency, induction can deliver responsive results and help reduce overall energy use by directing heat straight into the cookware.
Ultimately, the choice between induction and gas comes down to your cooking preferences, kitchen design and energy priorities.
Gas vs. electric radiant ranges
Gas and electric radiant ranges each bring distinct advantages to the kitchen. A gas range uses an open flame to power both the cooktop and oven, offering instant, responsive heat that can be easily adjusted for simmering, frying or searing. It also supports a wide variety of cookware and cooking techniques, from grilling with a cast-iron pan to wok cooking.
An electric range, by contrast, relies on heated metal coils beneath a smooth ceramic-glass surface. These coils tend to deliver consistent heat directly to cookware and help maintain steady oven temperatures for even baking. Electric heat also tends to be drier, helping it work well for browning or roasting dishes.
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How to choose the best gas range for you
To choose the best gas range for you, consider your cooking habits, kitchen layout and preferred features. Look for the right size, burner configuration, oven capacity and design details that match your space and support how you cook.
