Range Buying Guide

Depending on your region, the range may be known by many names. Ranges are commonly referred to as stoves, ovens, or some combination (such as "range ovens"). Ranges offer a (are you ready for it?) wide range (sorry, couldn't resist) of features, functions, and other options. Please use this handy buyer's guide from Goedeker's to educate yourself on all the different choices we have to offer when purchasing a new range.

Range Fuel Sources

Electric Ranges

An electric range uses electricity as its power source and usually has a less expensive purchase price. Electric ranges offer two cooktop surfaces: coil elements which uses coiled metal to heat the surface, and a smooth glass surface which is great for cleaning and a modern look. The oven portion also uses electricity to create heat.

Gas Ranges

A gas range is available in open burner and closed burner models. A gas hookup - either natural gas or liquid propane - must be available in order to use. Gas ranges are ideal for quick cooking and cooking surfaces can be heated up in an instant for fast results. The oven portion also uses gas fmale to create heat.

Dual Fuel Ranges

Dual Fuel Ranges merge the best of both worlds. The cooktop surface of a dual fuel range uses gas, while the oven uses electricity.

Ranges by Installation Type

Free Standing Ranges

These models can be placed in the middle or the end of the countertop.

Slide In Ranges

These models are designed to be flush with the countertop and cabinets with no backsplash and all controls are on the front.

Drop-in Ranges

These are similar to the slide in models but rest on top of a toe kick for a "built-in" look.

Induction Ranges

Induction technology is commonly misinterpreted as a unique fuel source. However, induction technology is actually a feature available on some electric ranges. Induction ranges require cookware specifically designed for compatibility with induction cooking. Induction works not by heating the cooktop surface, but instead using magnets within the cooktop to induce heat in the cookware. For this reason, if you remove a pot or pan from an induction cooking surface, it will cool more rapidly than any other available option. This is a significant safety asset to any family with pets or children that may inadvertently activate the range.

Ranges by Cooktop Type

Smooth Top Ranges

Available on electric ranges, smoothtop ranges have a smooth glass heating area. Smooth top ranges are easy to clean and have a modern look.

Coil Element Ranges

Most electric range models use a "coiled" metal element to provide heat. These elements glow red when hot, and take time to reach the desired temperature.

Open Burner Ranges

Open burners generally require a removable drip tray or drain pan to be placed under the grate for each burner. The lid of the range must be lifted occasionally in order to clean out residue and food debris that may fall between the cooktop and the burner.

Sealed Burner Ranges

Sealed burners are available for some gas ranges. A sealed burner means that the cooktop surface runs right up to the burner, meaning that there is no room between the edge of the cooktop and the burner source for food to fall. Sealed burner ranges are easier to clean and maintain than open burner ranges.

Range Features & Issues to Consider When Shopping

Grates

On gas ranges, this refers to the metal coverings on which a pot or pan is placed. Grates are either continuous (a pot or pan can slide easily around the surface) or individual (the pot or pan must be lifted and placed on the grate for a separate burner).

Oven Window

Clear glass section of oven door with the ability to view food cooking without having to open the door and release heat.

Oven Racks

Metal grates that give the ability to place food at different positions in the oven for optimal cooking.

Warming drawer

Available on some models or as a separate unit, keeps food warm without over cooking.

Warming Element on Cook top

This feature allows for low heat to keep food warm without over cooking.

Self-cleaning ovens

These models have a setting that they will clean themselves after cooking. This is accomplished through extreme heating, reducing any food remnants to ash. For safety, the oven portion of the range will lock during the cleaning process.

Simmer Burners

Provide less heat than standard burners to avoid overcooking food.

High Watt Coil Burners

These use more energy and heat up faster than standard coil elements.

Bridge Element

Connects two burners to increase cooking surface for larger pots and pans.

Multiple broil settings

This allows you to broil food at different temperatures for best results.

Hot surface indicator lights

Lets you know when the surface of the cooktop is still hot to the touch.

Delayed start/Auto Sop

Available on some newer models, the ability to program the oven to start and end at a certain time.