Person cooking on a gas range

WHAT IS A RANGE IN A KITCHEN?

A kitchen range combines a cooktop, often called a stovetop, and an oven into a single appliance that covers all your culinary bases. Ranges let you sear, sauté or boil on top and bake, broil or roast inside. They come in gas, electric, dual fuel, freestanding and slide-in models in multiple sizes. Stove parts differ depending on whether it is a gas or electric stove.

If you’re deciding on the best cooking appliances for your kitchen, the first step is simple: choose between a kitchen range or a wall oven plus a separate cooktop. Read on to learn more about different types of kitchen ranges and how they can help enhance the way you create in the kitchen.

What is The Difference Between a Stove and a Range?  

The term “stove” has had different meanings over time and usually refers to the entire appliance, or “range.” However, some people also associate it with only the top of the appliance, or “cooktop.” “Range” is the term used within the kitchen appliance industry to describe the entire appliance—oven plus stovetop—and should help you find what you need when shopping. Learn the difference between a range vs. stove vs. oven to choose the best appliance for your needs.

For a better idea of the elements that make up a range, read about types of ovens or explore the full selection of KitchenAid® ranges, as well as wall ovens and cooktops.

What is the Difference Between a Range and a Cooktop?

A range combines a stovetop (or cooktop) and oven in one appliance, while a cooktop is a flat surface that integrates into countertops and does not include an oven. With a cooktop, you can simmer, sauté, boil and do anything else you would do on top of your range, but you’ll need an oven for baking, roasting and broiling.

9 TYPES OF RANGES

Whichever word you use, the right kitchen range can help bring any recipe to life. Explore all the different types of kitchen ranges with this quick breakdown or review these top range picks.

 Butter cooking on an induction cooktop

1. INDUCTION RANGES

Induction ranges do not use flames or direct heat and instead use electromagnetism to generate heat within the compatible cookware itself. This produces a rapid rise and fall in temperature on an induction cooktop, so food and water come to temperature quickly and the cooktop cools down rapidly when the pan is removed from the surface. When shopping for an induction range, keep in mind that you will need to use specific cookware with magnetic bottoms.

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Stainless steel KitchenAid® induction range in a kitchen with green cabinets

30-INCH 4-ELEMENT IINDUCTION SLIDE-IN CONVECTION RANGE WITH AIR FRY

 

Model: KSIS730PSS

 

This induction range generates heat directly within cookware, and the oven features Even-Heat True Convection plus air fry mode, with an included dishwasher-safe air fry basket that aids in crisping and browning.

Vegetables cooking on a gas cooktop as bread bakes in the oven

2. Gas Ranges

Gas ranges use an open flame on the cooktop as well as inside the oven to heat food. Gas heat is known to be highly responsive. Many home cooks prefer gas cooktops because the open flame allows for a hands-on experience, letting you move quickly between heat levels and cooking techniques. Most models, like the full line of KitchenAid® gas ranges, feature removable cast-iron grates with an easily wipeable surface underneath.

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A pot and a sauce pan heating on an electric range

3. Electric Ranges

Electric ranges use heating elements on the cooktop and inside the oven to cook food. Electric heat inside the oven is produced by consistent element cycling, helping to promote even cooking for dishes like big batches of cookies or roast chicken. Many cooktops on electric ranges are smooth and flat, making them simple to clean. Some electric kitchen ranges feature elements with two or three rings that you can adjust for different cookware widths, like the entire selection of KitchenAid® electric ranges

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Stainless steel KitchenAid® gas range in a modern kitchen

4. Dual Fuel Ranges

Dual fuel ranges combine a gas stovetop and electric oven, letting you take advantage of both. You may like a dual fuel range if you prefer the hands-on experience and responsive control of a gas cooktop, but also want the even, dry heat of an electric oven. Even heat in the oven helps deliver consistently cooked results while drier heat helps promote nice browning and crisping. Dual fuel ranges come in a variety of configurations and sizes.
For instance, KitchenAid® dual fuel ranges are available in both slide-in and freestanding models, some with up to six burners.

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Person removing a tray of baked rolls from an electric range

5. Freestanding Ranges

Keep in mind that both freestanding and slide-in ranges are available in gas, electric and dual fuel options, so prioritize your fuel type before deciding on a style. You can also compare freestanding vs. slide-in ranges to see which one is right for your kitchen.

 

Freestanding ranges feature finished sides, which allows them to be installed standing alone, between cabinets, or at the edge of the counter with one side exposed. Many models also have a backguard where the oven controls are located, which helps protect the wall behind the range from food and grease splatters. Find the flexibility you need with a lineup of gas, electric and dual fuel freestanding ranges from KitchenAid brand.

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Stainless steel KitchenAid® Slide-In Gas Range

6. Slide-in Ranges

Slide-in ranges slide smoothly between cabinets for a seamless, built-in look. The controls are located up front, making them easy to reach. Plus, since they don’t have a backguard, they are ideal for kitchen island installations or in front of a wall with a decorative backsplash you want to show off. Select slide-in styles also often come with other premium features like KitchenAid® slide-in ranges with Even-Heat™ True Convection. Learn more about the differences between slide-in and freestanding ranges and how to install them.

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A closeup of a Electric Downdraft Slide-In Range

30-INCH 4-ELEMENT ELECTRIC DOWNDRAFT SLIDE-IN RANGE

 

Model: KSEG950ESS

 

This all-in-one electric range includes Downdraft, which integrates the ventilation system so a separate hood is not needed. Even-Heat™ True Convection circulates hot air throughout the entire oven, providing optimal temperatures combined with airflow for crisp, flaky baked goods, juicy, well-browned roasts and caramelized vegetables.

Stainless steel KitchenAid® Commercial-Style Gas Range

7. Commercial-style Ranges

Commercial-style ranges are restaurant-inspired ranges. They combine high-end design and premium features to deliver a professional-style cooking experience at home. They’re available in wider widths than standard ranges and typically feature gas cooktops with high-BTU burner options and grill or griddle inserts. Commercial styling includes large front-control knobs, heavy-duty grates and expanded finish options.

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Steak cooking on a gas cooktop

8. DOWNDRAFT RANGES

Downdraft ranges eliminate the need for an overhead vent by capturing smoke, steam, grease particles and odors directly at the cooking surface. These can be a great option for open floor plans, kitchen island cooktops and kitchens that lack a range hood capacity. You can also use a retractable downdraft range hood that retracts into cabinets when not in use. KitchenAid brand offers both electric and gas downdraft cooktops to fit your kitchen preference.

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A person pulling air-fried vegetables and potatoes out of a Air Fry Range

9. AIR FRY RANGES

Air fry ranges use the rapid circulation of hot air to crisp up foods with little to no oil. It is often an ideal option for reheating leftovers or making fried favorites at home, usually with a faster cooking time than convection ovens.

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Vegetables and potatoes in an Air Fry Range

30-INCH 4-ELEMENT IINDUCTION SLIDE-IN CONVECTION RANGE WITH AIR FRY

 

Model: KSIS730PSS

 

This induction range generates heat directly within cookware, and the oven features Even-Heat True Convection plus air fry mode, with an included dishwasher-safe air fry basket that aids in crisping and browning.

Find the Best Type of Kitchen Range for You

Whether you’re testing out a new recipe, making sauce from scratch, or conquering a five course meal, KitchenAid® ranges are up to any challenge. From slide-in ranges that create a built-in look that blends seamlessly with kitchen cabinets to freestanding ranges that offer you flexibility depending on your kitchen layout, you'll find the ideal range to spark your culinary creativity.

Learn more about the different kinds of ovens in our oven type guide.

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