Oven vs. Range: How to Choose the Right One
This guide is cooking up some info on all things oven vs. range.
You may be remodeling your kitchen and trying to decide between an oven vs. range. This guide will answer the most crucial questions like: "What is an oven?", "What is a range?", and the benefits of both so that you'll be able to choose the best option for you.
Oven vs. Range
Wall ovens are installed into the wall while ranges are installed in between drawers or cabinetry. Ranges have to accommodate for the stove top so the top of the range must be exposed. Wall ovens allow you to bake and broil, which is useful if you have a small kitchen or a separate stove top. While ranges also allow baking and broiling, they accommodate multiple methods of stove top cooking that wall ovens don't.
What Is a Wall Oven?
A wall oven is an oven that is built into your wall. Since the only side that is exposed is the front, this means that it does not include a range. Wall ovens are flush with neighboring cabinets and drawers, and are typically installed in the middle of the wall so that you don't have to bend down or reach up to use them. For more info, check out our guide How to Choose the Best Wall Oven: Wall Oven Sizes, Types & More.
Types of Ovens
Electric Ovens: Electric ovens run on electricity. These types of ovens use dry heat to add crispy and crunchy textures to food. Opt for this kind of oven if you prefer to cook with dry heat.
Gas Ovens: Gas ovens need to be professionally connected to a gas line in order to work. Gas ovens use more moisture to cook food. If you prefer your food tender and juicy, opt for an oven that runs on gas.
Single Wall Ovens: Single wall ovens feature one enclosed space for cooking and baking. This is a good option if you live with a small number of people and don't tend to have more than one person needing to use the oven at the same time.
Double Wall Ovens: Since double ovens come with two ovens, this is a great option if you live with many people or entertain often.
Warming Drawer Wall Ovens: Warming drawers are installed underneath wall ovens to keep food at a certain temperature once it's done cooking. If you like to bake things that need proofing time or if you like to keep food heated for later, opt for a warming drawer.
Oven/Microwave Combination Wall Ovens: Oven/microwave combo ovens come with microwaves. This is a great option if you want to free up counter space.
Timer:Ovens with timers allow you to cook without having to keep track of time. This is a great feature for busy cooks who are constantly multitasking.
Hidden Bake Element: Hidden bake elements place the heat source underneath the floor of the oven. This reduces mess in hard to reach places. This is a great option for you if you don't like to spend hours cleaning your oven.
Self-Cleaning: Self-cleaning ovens use extremely high temperatures to get rid of leftover food. This makes it easier to clean your oven after using it.
Digital Temperature Display: A digital temperature display shows you the exact temperature of the oven. This is a great feature if you like to cook with precision.
Soft-Close Door: The soft-close door feature allows the oven door to close softly and slowly to prevent damage to the door or oven. As the door is what keeps the heat inside, the oven door must be kept in tact to heat efficiently.
Wi-Fi Connected: Connect your smartphone to your oven to help you cook from anywhere. Ovens with wi-fi connection give you the power and flexibility to check on your oven from your phone.
A range is a kitchen appliance that comes with both an oven and a stove top. The oven is used for baking and broiling and the stove top is used for sautéing, boiling, and frying. For more in depth information, check out our guide What Is a Kitchen Range?
Types of Ranges
Gas: Gas ranges use gas to light the flame that heats up the stove top. Flames are easily measured and can give you a more precise cook.
Electric: Electric ranges use electricity to cook food. These ranges can have stovetops that have coils or glass top surfaces. These are a safe option because they do not require flames.
Dual Fuel: Dual fuel ranges come with a gas powered stove top but use electricity to power the oven. Opt for this kind of range if you want the best of both options.
Air Fry: Ranges with air-fry capability allow you to fry food without using oil. This is a great option for those looking for healthier way to enjoy fried foods.
Induction: Induction ranges have stove tops that use electromagnetism to heat the glass top. These stovetops heat up the fastest and are the safest as they cool down fast as well.
Convection Oven: Convection ovens use a fan to circulate air around the food. This gives the food a more even cook, as all of the air is kept at the same temperature. If you prefer an even cook, opt for these types of oven ranges.
Now that you've learned about the differences of an oven vs. range, the types of ranges, and types of ovens, you can choose which one suits you and your needs best.
