KITCHEN RANGE BUYING GUIDE

Choose a range that complements the size of your kitchen and meets your cooking needs, whether you experiment with stovetop techniques or enjoy baking for a crowd. Consider the amount of space you have available and how many burners or ovens you will need. Range widths are typically 20–24 inches for compact, 30–36 inches for standard and 48–60 inches for extra-wide models. Depths usually measure between 25–27 inches and heights around 36–41 inches, with some compact models making up for width with height. The number of burners varies between 4 to 6, depending on the model.

You should also consider the capacity of a range in your decision. Look for models that offer ample space for cooking multiple dishes at once and feature large oven capacities if you plan on preparing multi-course meals or hosting large events. You may even consider double ovens for added convenience and versatility in cooking.

Freestanding ranges from KitchenAid brand come in capacities from 5.8 to 6.2 cu. ft., while slide-in models are available in capacities up to 6.4 cu. ft.

When shopping for a range, look for models that offer the number and type of burners you need. Ranges typically come with 4 to 6 burners, depending on the size of the range. In addition to burner number, a variety of burner sizes can help accommodate large and small pots and pans. Some ranges also have specialized burners with preset heat settings that allow you to easily go from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer. Interlocking grates are another convenient feature found on select gas ranges that provide a level cooking surface so you can easily change burners and move pots and pans across the entire range.

KitchenAid^® ranges offer a variety of burner heat levels, sizes and shapes to help you discover new cooking techniques and reinvent old favorites. Cook with the heat you need from 5,000 to 17,000 BTU gas burners so you can go from a rolling boil to a delicate simmer. Or take your creations up a notch with two 20,000 BTU Ultra Power™ Dual-Flame Burners on select commercial-style models. Look for features such as an integrated griddle or wok option for additional versatility, or smooth, easy to clean electric models.

Style is also an important factor when buying a range. Look for models that will fit seamlessly with your kitchen's existing style and choose finishes like stainless steel or black to create a modern look and feel. You may want to consider slide-in models for a built-in look, or freestanding models with an integrated backsplash. You can also choose from models with industrial-style touchpoints like large knobs and prominent grates, or opt for a more minimal aesthetic with smooth, ceramic-glass electric models. For a professional kitchen look at home, choose from the KitchenAid brand lineup of commercial-style ranges.

Modern ranges come with many features that can help you elevate your cooking, try new techniques and get inspired. Consider models with convenient digital controls, warming drawers, convection capabilities, or self-cleaning options that allow you to focus on your next creation.

Select KitchenAid^® ranges include features such as a SpeedHeat™ element to quickly boil water and heat pots and pans, Temperature Sensor technology to measure the internal temperature of food while it cooks and AquaLift^® Self Clean Technology that uses low heat and water to easily clean up spills.

Downdraft ranges and cooktops have an integrated ventilation system that draws fumes, smoke and steam across the cooktop and into the vent. Air is then either vented outside or filtered and recirculated back into the kitchen, depending on the downdraft model. You may want to consider a downdraft range or cooktop to help clear the air and provide a convenient venting solution. This is helpful if you can’t install an overhead range or your cooktop is part of a kitchen island with an open concept that you don't want to disrupt with overhead ventilation.

Freestanding ranges are not built into the countertop or cabinets and they have a built-in backsplash where oven controls and displays are located. Freestanding ranges come in gas, electric and dual fuel models and typically have finished sides, allowing for flexibility in their kitchen placement. If your range will stand alone or you anticipate changing your kitchen layout over the lifetime of the range, a freestanding model can provide extra flexibility to make sure you always have a cohesive kitchen design. While the price of stoves varies widely based on features, materials, size and other considerations, freestanding ranges tend to offer a lower entry price point.

Slide-in ranges are designed for installation between cabinets or in kitchen islands and allow for an open layout. They do not have a built-in backsplash like freestanding ranges. On a slide-in range, all controls are at the front of the appliance which gives the range a built-in look. This also allows for a decorative backsplash or the installation of a pot-filler behind your range.

Some brands feature products with the FIT System to help ensure your new appliance will fit your available space. For instance, KitchenAid brand offers some slide-in ranges with the FIT System Limited Guarantee, which promises to flawlessly fit your new slide-in model designed for an existing cutout of 30" width, countertop depth of 24"-25", cabinet depth of 23"-24", and countertop height of 36".

Designed with the home gourmet in mind, commercial ranges offer similar features and styling to commercial ranges in restaurants, with sizes and designs that fit your space. Commercial ranges are available from 30"-48" and in gas, electric and dual fuel configurations. These ranges often come with a variety of burner configurations and include griddles and other specialty cooking surfaces.

Equipped with features such as Ultra Power^™ Dual-Flame Burners and Three-Level Convertible Grates, select KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges can help you bring restaurant-quality results to your kitchen. Select KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges also include smart features, a Chrome-Infused Electric Griddle and a SatinGlide^™ Roll-Out Extension Rack.

Double oven ranges have two ovens built into them. They offer the convenience of having two ovens in one place — well-suited for those who want to cook multiple dishes needing different settings at once or for large groups. The two ovens can be used together or separately, allowing you to cook larger meals on both, or heat up just one for smaller meals. Double oven ranges come in electric, gas and dual fuel varieties and select models provide features like convection cooking and self-cleaning options.

Gas ranges use natural gas or propane to heat burners and ovens. They often come with four to five burners on the top, which you can adjust to different temperatures depending on what you’re cooking. Some gas ranges may also include a broiler, allowing foods to be cooked directly under an open flame. Gas ranges provide more responsive temperature control than radiant electric ranges and tend to heat quickly, making them a popular choice.

KitchenAid^® gas ranges come in freestanding, slide-in, double oven and commercial styles and allow you the precision and control to go from sautéing to boiling and back again with the turn of a knob. Explore select models with 4 to 6 burners and features like Even-Heat™ True Convection and a steam rack.

Electric ranges use electricity as their source of power for cooking. They often feature a smooth, glass cooktop with 4-5 burners that is easy to wipe clean. The oven features top and bottom electric heating elements, with some convection models available. . A gas line is not necessary for an electric range, making installation easier if you’re not set up for gas. Learn more about the differences between gas vs. electric stoves.

KitchenAid^® electric ranges come in freestanding, slide-in and double oven models. Select models feature 5 cooking elements, including a warm zone, so you can do more with your range.

Dual fuel ranges combine the even baking and roasting of an electric oven with the responsive cooking control of a gas cooktop. These ranges typically feature four to five burners and come in freestanding, slide-in, commercial and double oven models.

Select KitchenAid^® dual fuel ranges feature 5 burners, including 2 dual-stacked burners that deliver two levels of heat at once - allowing you to quickly go from a rapid boil to a low simmer. The EvenHeat™ True Convection Oven system on select models provides consistent temperatures for crisp, flaky baked goods, juicy, well-browned roasts and flavorful, caramelized vegetables.