Rangetop vs. Range

Ranges

• Cooking ranges consist of a set of top-mounted burners and an oven compartment. The oven compartment can be used to bake and broil; it's a feature desired by many people who cook often. Cooking ranges require a section of the kitchen counter and the space below it, which might otherwise be occupied by a cabinet. For many people who have sufficient cabinet storage, a range is the right fit. Ranges are available in styles from traditional basic to professional restaurant grade.

Range Tops

• Range tops can be coupled with a separate oven if your budget and kitchen space allow for it. Range tops are ideal for people who prefer a wall-mounted oven, which is not adjoined to a cook top. Range tops are available in a variety of sizes as well. If you are tight on space, or need your range top only for making coffee and the occasional boiled egg, two burners should suffice. If you are a person who loves to cook, more burners are likely needed.

Kitchen Size/Cooking Needs

• People with small kitchens sometimes favor a range top to a full-sized range. Range tops allow for basic cooking; they take up only a bit of counter space. Range tops are available in many sizes and layouts to fit the limits of any kitchen. Range tops can also be covered with metal sheets when not in use. These covers convert your range top to additional usable counter space.

  Full ranges are also available in a variety of sizes to fit most kitchens. Even when they are on the small side, full ranges provide the baking and broiling features that the most elaborate range top cannot deliver.

Placement

• Range tops can be placed anywhere in your kitchen that they are needed. Since they do not generate the heat that ovens do, there are no restrictions on location. Ranges require placement next to elements that will not be damaged by extreme heat. A range should typically be book-ended by two cabinets, or a cabinet on one side and open space on the other.

Power Usage/Type

• The type of power that your range or range top uses can have a bearing on the ease and quality of cooking on that appliance. Electric coil stoves are the least efficient and user-friendly when it comes to cooking. Gas and electric induction models are often preferred. Both full ranges and range tops are available in gas, electric or propane-fueled models.

Cookware

• If you have an induction range or range top, you will only be able to use magnetic metallic cookware. If you have a halogen system, you will be not be able to use glass cookware. Some cooking systems like gas and electric coil will work with any type of cookware, but it is important to factor in the possible expense of new cookware when making a range or range top purchase.

Lifespan

• Whether you choose a new range or a new range top, be sure about your decision. Cooking appliances, either electric or gas, are projected to last on average from 17 to 19 years.