Many cooks prefer the greater control and visual evidence of heat levels that gas burners offer. Gas also can be turned on and off instantly, and it's economical. Other cooks feel electric cooking is cleaner and easier. If you choose gas, traditional burner grates can be removed easily for cleaning. Sealed-design gas burners prevent spills from seeping beneath them. On electric ranges, coil elements accommodate almost any cookware; glass-ceramic electric cooktops with radiant electric elements sealed beneath the surfaces are sleek-looking and easy to clean.
Convection or Thermal?Thermal ovens use heat elements to roast, bake, and broil. Convection ovens use fans to circulate heated air around food for faster, more even cooking. Convection cooking produces crustier breads, juicier roasts, and multiple racks of cookies at one time.
Range SizeRange dimensions vary slightly; measure your space before you shop. The standard freestanding range is 30 inches wide; restaurant-style models are available in 36-, 48-, and 60-inch widths. Remember to measure cabinet depth, too: Flush cabinet installation gives a built-in look.
FeaturesWhen making buying decisions, consider how easy (or difficult) it will be to clean a range. Does the oven have a self-cleaning cycle? How easy is it to clean around the cooking elements? Will food and grease collect around knobs? Also consider safety features, including controls that can be locked to protect children, and hot-surface indicators to alert people around the stove.
DurabilityRanges endure a lot of wear and tear over their 10- to 15-year life spans, so look for heavy-duty oven racks and durable and dishwasher-safe grids. Expect at least a one-year warranty on the unit, and five years on electronics and heating elements.
Commercial RangesA cautionary note to those considering an upgrade from their standard residential range: True commercial ranges are very costly and require accessories such as a high-capacity vent. You also have to accommodate the side and rear clearances these uninsulated fireboxes require. And after all that, you won't even have some key convenience features, such as a self-cleaning oven, built-in broiler, or electronic ignition. In short, unless you have a mansion and a personal chef, you're probably better off with a commercial-grade or professional-style range that combines much of the power, precision, and features of a commercial appliance in a user-friendly, flexible, easy-to-install package.
