We've come a long way, baby. (Photo courtesy of Time)
Now that you’ve figured out where to buy a stove (as if there were a question), here are some quick tips on how to buy a stove.
The fastest way to narrow your options — beside knowing your existing fuel type, gas or electric — is to identify your style.
Freestanding ranges
The freestanding range is the most commonly used range style in homes, probably because it’s the most affordable and easiest to install. Featuring finished sides and a flat back, this range can sit flush against a back wall.
>>Shop freestanding electric ranges
>>Shop freestanding gas ranges
Built-in ranges
With the growing trend of kitchen islands and decoratively tiled backsplashes, the slide-in range has become one of the fastest growing segments in the industry. Featuring unfinished sides and back, this style is designed to be built in between two cabinets.
The body of the range is typically 30-inches wide, and the top of the range is slightly wider to prevent crumbs from getting in the crevices between the countertop and range while providing a more built-in appearance. The oven and burner controls are located on the front of the range, just above the oven door.
Though similar to a slide-in range, the drop-in range has waned in popularity in recent years.
The primary difference is that while a slide-in range touches the floor, a drop in range sits on top of a cabinet baseboard. Though a drop-in range looks more built in than a freestanding range or even a slide-in range, it’s also more difficult to replace because of its height and the limited selection of drop-in style ranges.
>>See built-in gas ranges
>>See built-in electric ranges
Professional (pro-style) ranges
While it is the most expensive range style available in the industry today, the professional range is becoming more common in high-end and gourmet kitchens. Pro-style ranges take the performance and styling of a true commercial range and make it safe to use for a home cook.
The oven and burner controls are always located on the front, just above the door. Professional ranges feature burners capable of reaching high temperature for rapid boiling as well as extremely low temperatures for delicate and precise simmering. Larger models (36”, 48” or 60” wide) offer flexibility in the cooking surface, allowing for the addition of built-in griddles, grills and other specialty surfaces. Large oven(s) generally boast convection capabilities and intensely high-temperature broiling.
Professional ranges generally come in a stainless steel finish although some manufacturers such as Viking and Bertazzoni other distinctive colors (i.e. beyond white and black).
>> Read more advice on buying a range in our Range Buying Guide.
>>See all our Appliance Buying Guides
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