Buying a new kitchen range – whether you’re replacing one that’s old or broken, or upgrading as part of a larger remodel – is one of the more important decisions you’ll have to make in terms of your kitchen design. They’re big, relatively expensive, and at least theoretically will last you quite a while. That means you’re making a commitment for the start-up cost, long term expenses, and (maybe most importantly) an appliance that you’re probably going to use every day. So, here are a few important factors to give some serious thought before you buy a new kitchen range. Fuel The first and perhaps most important decision you’ll need to make when buying a new kitchen range is what type of fuel that range will use. The debate comes down to electricity, gas, or both, each of which have their own advantages and drawbacks in terms of performance, operating costs, and initial price. I explore all the factors in much more depth here, but for a quick summary: gas cooktops are more powerful, electric ovens cook more evenly, and dual fuel ovens (which combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven) offer the best of both but are significantly more expensive. Ultimately whether you choose an electric range, a dual fuel, or a gas range like this 36″ Pro-Style from Bertazzoni is largely a matter of personal preference and local availability, but it’s a decision that definitely deserves serious consideration. Size… Most standard kitchen ranges are 30 inches, with some smaller ranges in apartments or older homes clocking in at a leaner 24 inches. But new, professional quality or commercial-style kitchen ranges can be much larger, at 36 or even 48 or more inches wide. If you’re replacing an existing range, you want to make very sure that you’re getting a new one that’s the right size for your space. In a larger remodel, you want to consider whether the added functionality of a larger range (usually a larger or second oven and two extra burners, as with this 48″ Pro-Style Range) is worth the loss of counter top workspace. …And Also Size Of course, size consideration is about more than just the physical width and depth of your range. It’s also about the size of the cooktop and individual burners, and the capacity of the oven. If it’s at all possible, you should always try to compare your most-used cookware against the burners of your prospective range, looking for burners that allow your pots and pans to sit flat and cover the burner entirely. The better the fit, the more even your cooking. And having a cookware that sits well on a range like this Traditional Range can even help cut down on energy use, since all the heat is going directly into your pan. As for the oven, you want it to be large enough to cook the biggest meal you’ll need it for (usually a Thanksgiving turkey!). For everyday use, you want to make sure your range has no less than five adjustable heights for the oven racks so you can make the most of the interior space of the oven. Type Of Cooktop Once you’ve got these basics out of the way, you want to look at the layout and features of your cooktop. Some of these features are dependent on the type of fuel your range uses. For example, electric cooktops come in conventional coil top or more expensive, more finished looking and easier to clean smooth-top versions, as well as increasingly popular induction cooktops. Similarly, gas cooktops either have exposed pilots or more expensive but much easier to clean sealed burners. Some, like this Dual Fuel Range from Verona, have grates that cover the entire surface of the range, making it easy to transfer pots and pans from one burner to another. Regardless of fuel type, though, you want to have at least one high powered burner for fast cooking, one low powered burner for slow simmering, and two mid-range burners to offer maximum utility. Double, Multi-Function, And Convection Ovens You also want to consider the second part of the kitchen range: the oven. Now, there are a whole lot of technological features that get packed into ovens these days, and you’ll need to give serious thought to which ones you’ll actually use. Self cleaning features are becoming ubiquitous, but work better in electric ovens than gas (especially propane) ranges, and typically add about $100 to the total cost of the range. Double ovens are excellent for entertainers and those who feed big families, as they allow you to simultaneously cook multiple dishes at different temperatures. On the more exotic end, convection ovens (which, as with this Pro-Style Convection Range, have special fans that help circulate heated air throughout your oven) can dramatically reduce cooking time and ensure more even cooking. Often, convection ovens also have multiple functions, allowing you to alter the type of heat (and sometimes humidity) conditions in the oven and use it to proof dough, high heat grill, and everything in between. All About Accessories Many professional quality kitchen ranges emphasize power and speed, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, other designers are focusing more on modular functionality. It’s crucial to find out what, if any, special features your prospective kitchen range has. From grills and griddles that fit easily atop the burners to rotisseries in the oven and a warming drawer below, many modern kitchen ranges offer the ability to emulate or even outright replace many common small kitchen appliances. This 36″ Majestic Range from ILVE is pictured with a full range of accessories, including the features mentioned above as well as catering-style steamer baskets and double boilers, a cutting board, wok ring, and several smaller cooking tools. Alternate Configurations Standalone kitchen ranges make up far and away the majority of ranges out there, with built-in, drop-in, and slide-in taking second fiddle, in large part because they’re much more difficult to install. But a traditional kitchen [...]
Read full version: Kitchen Range Buyer’s Checklist: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy
The post Kitchen Range Buyer’s Checklist: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy appeared first on HomeThangs.com.
