We all love home-cooked, delicious meals. The type of stove that you choose will depend on what you have learned to cook on. You’re not alone if you love the gas range. Many people enjoy cooking with a gas range, as they have more control over the heating elements and thus their culinary results.
There are many options available on the market for gas ranges\ including slide-in or freestanding models. You have the option of choosing from electric, gas, or dual fuel options. There are also different burner sizes — up to four or five. And there are more options when it comes down to selecting the right fit for your kitchen. A new gas range can be costly as you may need to purchase a ventilation system or a new line.
We spent hours researching the best gas ranges available and offer valuable information to help you choose the right one.
Best Gas Ranges
GE Gas Cooktop JGP3030DLBB 30-Inch
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Amazon.com
- Various burner sizes for different pans.
- Easy to install and control.
- Keep clean easily
- No burner light reminder
GE PGP7030SLSS 30-Inch Gas Cooktop
Amazon.com
- Functional layout for cooking
- Easy to use backlit knobs
- Effective and convenient burners
- The stainless steel surface may get scratches in use and need to be cleaned with soft cloth.
LG Wi-Fi Dual-Fuel 5-Burner Range LSD4913ST
Amazon.com
- Dual fuel fulfills different preferences.
- Come with 5 sealed burners
- SmartThinQ WiFi technology for accurate timer
- Easy using and cleaning
- Fast heating
- The control knobs are plastic.
ZLINE RAB-36 Gas Burner/Electric Oven Range
Amazon.com
- Can keep oven door cool while using oven
- Dual fuel range
- Clear to see through oven door
- Stainless steel front control knobs and racks
- 6 durable Italian burners
- 36″ range with 4.6 cu.ft. capacity
- It’s not self-cleaning.
Cosmo Gas Range COS-965AGFC 36-Inch
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Amazon.com
- Can keep oven door cool while using the oven
- Dual fuel range
- Clear to see inside the oven door
- Anti-corrosion 403 stainless steel housing
- Heavy-duty cast-iron grates
- 5 sealed burners for various cooking habits
- Heat food evenly with 5 functions
- Easy to wipe clean
- Knobs may be on the flimsy side.
- The capacity may be a bit small for large families.
What to Consider When Buying A Gas Range?
Gas range types
There are mainly two common gas range types in the market: Freestanding gas range and Slide-in gas range.
When it comes to how they look in the kitchen, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before you choose the gas range type, you should consider where you will be using it. Is your kitchen’s layout suitable for a slide-in or freestanding model?
Freestanding gas ranges
For central kitchen islands, freestanding models will be the best choice. These gas ranges are the most popular ranges, which have flat backs and four finished sides that can be placed flush against a wall. They don’t always have overlapping edges or backsplash.
Depending on the model, the burner controls can be found either on the back console or at the front of the gas range.
Because its size is relatively standard over many years, it makes replacement easy. The freestanding range offers the most straightforward installation in the industry. The range is usually installed against a wall between two countertops. Sometimes, one or both sides are exposed. The freestanding gas range is the most cost-effective style for cooks.
Your existing gas line range may limit the space you can install a freestanding range in your home. However, you could hire a professional to increase that range.
Slide-in gas ranges
Slide-in gas range grows fast in these years thanks to the increasing popularity of kitchen islands and tiled backsplashes.
These models feature an unfinished back and sides, they must be placed in a specific space, such as between two cabinets or counter-tops. The range top may be slightly wider to hug or overlap the edges of your countertop, cabinets, or sinks.
This allows crumbs to not get in between the countertop top and the range while giving it a more integrated appearance.
Unlike the freestanding models, a slide-in gas range is typically hidden from view after installation. You will find the burner and oven control on the front of the slide-in gas range.
A gap will form between the wall and the slide-in range when it is pushed against a wall. To complete the built-in look, most installations use a countertop strip to fill in the space between the cooktop and the wall. Most manufacturers offer filler strips that can be used to make up the gap between the cooking surface (and the wall) if there is no countertop at the back.
Size
Although there is no standard size for gas ranges, most gas ranges measure 30 inches wide. If you have limited kitchen space, you can choose a range as small as 20 inches wide. The custom pro-style ranges can extend up to 48 inches with additional burners or ovens. Most gas ranges are typically 36 inches high and 25 to 27 inches deep, as most kitchen countertops are at this height and depth.
In addition to the gas range size, you also need to think about the actual installation space it may require before installing cabinets. Free-standing ranges require them to be at least 1 inch away from cabinets or walls.
Capacity
A two-burner stovetop and small oven are sufficient for a single person. However, a family of four will likely prefer a five- or six-burner range and a combination broiler/oven. It is important to choose a gas range that suits your cooking needs and aspirations.
Burners
If possible, customers should choose models with sealed burners. A sealed burner system is made up of a special metal plate that fits around a central burner. It prevents liquids and food from getting into the interior.
Ventilation options
Most commercial kitchens must ventilate areas with gas burner cooktops, as required by law. In a professional kitchen, you might see an overhead hood that has powerful fans, exhaust pipes, and grease filters.
Although these regulations may not apply to smaller gas range homeowners, proper ventilation is still important. Smoke in excess is a risk when cooking. Grease can build up on ceilings or walls of poorly ventilated areas.
Slide-in ranges have controls at the front while freestanding options have them on a raised guard at their back.
Traditional overhead hood system
An overhead hood can be fitted with exhaust ductwork and an electric fan. This is called “updraft ventilation” because smoke and grease rise through the hood, and then are released via a conduit. Although it is expensive to buy and install an overhead ventilation hood, it is cheaper than repairing damage caused by grease and smoke to ceilings and walls.
Downdraft ventilation
You may opt to replace an updraft system with a downdraft system. This draws smoke and grease away. A fan draws greasy, smoky air to the filtering system below. A downdraft ventilation system is a good option for those who don’t have enough space to install an overhead hood.
Microwave
Maybe you live in an apartment with limited space and can’t afford an oven hood. Perhaps you are looking for a cost-effective, versatile alternative to the above ventilation options. Consider installing an external ventilation system on top of your gas range. This low-tech solution is popular with gas range owners.
A new gas range’s retail price may not reflect its final cost. The price will go up if local building codes require a ventilation device or hood. Planning ahead is a smart move.
Materials
Which gas range is your favorite? Cast-iron burner grates are used by many manufacturers to support heavier pieces of cookware. The appliance’s shell can be made of stainless steel or metal with a heat-resistant enamel coat. Both are highly recommended.
Cleaning system
Some people may prefer a self-cleaning oven, but most gas ranges do not include this feature. They do however respond well to chemical oven cleaners. To minimize buildup, we also recommend using disposable burner covers and protective foils.
BTU output
The heat output of a gas range is often measured in British Thermal Units (or BTUs). BTU ratings are a measure of how much heat is generated by a gas burner. There will often be different BTU ratings for different elements within the same range.
Some burners can produce a maximum of 5000 BTUs while others can generate an incredible 22000 BTUs.
Broiler elements are usually around the 15000 BTU mark.
The oven temperatures range from 9000 to 15000 BTUs.
Gas range owners quickly discover which burners are hotter than the others. It is difficult to coordinate a meal that requires different cooking times and heat settings. This is made easier by a gas range that can produce variable BTU outputs.
Design and lifetime
A gas range must be durable and last at least 15-20 years. Your appliance will last a lifetime if it is built well and designed with care. Pay attention to these points when choosing a new range.
Which One is Better: Gas vs. Electric Stove?
Conversions do happen when many people choose to change their stove or try to design their new home or upgrade their cooking station. If your current stove is ruining your roast, scorching your sauces, or burning your bacon, it might be time to replace your stove. Some prefer electric stoves over gas ovens. It’s a personal decision. Each stove is unique in its own way.
We’re discussing the difference between gas and an electric stove in appearance, functions, expenses, etc.
A gas range has a classic exterior with cast iron grates or burners. A burner is a hollow metal disc with holes around its perimeter.
When the gas comes out from the gas jet, the electric or gas pilot light emits small sparks or flames to ignite oxygen gas. You can increase the flow rate of gas and air by turning the knob to a higher heat level. The flame will grow larger.
Therefore, you need to install a gas line. Propane or natural gas can be used in gas burners. Both are hydrocarbon fuels and the hydrogen in them makes the gas flame appear to be blue. An orange or yellow flame means that there is more oxygen and it is slightly cooler.
Unburned carbon gives the orange color. The tips of a gas burner’s flames will appear yellow-orange if they are cooler. However, if the whole flame appears yellow, it could be that the gas burner or intake valve is clogged. A red flame is cooler and can cause soot (unburned carbon) to form on the bottoms.
An electric range has a contemporary, elegant appearance with a glass-ceramic top. It has a coil-style electric burner, which is a flattened spiral made of copper wire.
When the control knob turns on, the wire heats up and electricity flows into it. The glow from the burner can show the intensity of the electric flow.
European-style electric burners are constructed in the same way, except that the wire is embedded within a solid metal disc. The coils are placed underneath a single sheet made of heat-tempered glass-ceramic material. The electric coils heat the same way as the glass. They radiate heat into the glass which in turn radiates heat into the pots and pans. The halogen electric cooktops work in the same way, but the heating elements are rings of halogen bulbs underneath the glass.
Cooking experience: It is much easier to adjust the temperature on gas ranges than electric ranges. Gas ranges offer a better cooking experience than electric ranges.
When it comes to long-term baking or broiling, gas ranges are cheaper than electric. When it comes to heating or cooling, the gas ranges heat up faster than electric ovens.
Gas ranges and electric ranges differ in heat distribution. The heat is distributed more evenly and efficiently in electric ranges than in gas ranges.
Another difference is the dry heat. Electric ranges consume less dry heat than traditional gas ranges. This makes electric ranges more resistant than gas ranges to rust.
The stove options for most homeowners are either electric or gas. Gas stoves can be attractive to budding chefs, who may find the flexibility and precision offered by flame heating appealing.
Parents with young children might switch to electric stoves, believing it safer.
Electric stoves are also popular with families because they are easy to clean.
Expense: No matter how strong your personal preference is, economics also plays a part.
Gas ranges and electric range stoves have different prices. Gas ranges tend to be more expensive than electric stoves as gas ranges require separate gas connections. This can lead to high costs. An electric stove can work only if the house has an electrical outlet. There are no additional charges.
Is It Really Necessary To Ventilate A Gas Range?
Although some may consider a ventilation fan an unnecessary expense, most gas ranges need ventilation to ensure safe operation. A large, expensive overhead ventilation hood may not be the best option. Some gas ranges can be ventilated using an overhead microwave. Others can be ventilated with exhaust filters and downdraft fans.
Accessories
