Ranges and ovens are investments worth thinking over — they cost at least $500, you use them nearly every day and you’re going to hang onto them for at least a decade. You need to take your time when it’s time to add a range or oven to your home, and we’re here to help you sift through the options.
First, let’s get a few vocab terms out of the way to make sure we’re on the same page:
Oven — the appliance in which you bake or roast; this can be part of a range or separate and placed in a wall or counter; typical capacity is between 4 and 6 cubic feet
Stovetop/cooktop — the burners on which you cook; can also be part of a range or separate and built into a counter
Range/stove — an appliance that has both a stovetop and an oven; standard width is 30 inches wide
You should also answer a few questions before you start to shop for an oven or range:
What type of home cook are you? Do you take your cues from Top Chef challenges, or are you a frozen pizza type of cook? Do you love baking pastries, or do you stick with the stovetop? Be realistic about the features you need and will use in an oven or range to keep yourself from wasting money on upgrades you’ll never use.
What type of appliance does your kitchen accommodate? Do you have a built-in wall oven and separate cooktop, or do you only have space for a range? Stick with a product that will fit into your current setup, unless you’re ready for a big renovation to accompany your new appliance purchase.
What type of power hookup do you have? Check to see if you have a gas line or just an electric outlet.
What’s your budget? Some ranges can cost as much as a year’s salary (I’m serious). With that said, set a budget so that shiny stainless steel finishes and touchpad controls don’t blind you to the reality of what you can afford.
Fortunately, our testing has shown us that you can find a good appliances at any price point. Here’s a broad view of what to expect in different price categories:
$500 – $1,000: This is a bare-bones appliance. You can perform basic cooking functions. Your options for finish are black, white and bisque, though you can find a few stainless-steel-covered models in this price range.
$1,000- $3,000: You have more options when it comes to cooking modes, style and finish, such as stainless steel.
$3,000-$6,000: Here is where you can start to get fancy with options like dual-fuel power, slide-in design and convection fans.
$6,000-$10,000: Products in this price range emulate professional-grade appliances you’d see in commercial kitchens. For ranges, you’ll see all-stainless steel construction (not just a finish on doors and control panels), models that are wider than the standard 30 inches to accommodate six or more burners,
More than $10,000: If you’re playing with this kind of money, you can get a customized appliance. Ranges and ovens in this category come in multiple colors and finishes, along with unique, built-in features such as a water connection to automatically release steam during baking.
Keep reading: https://www.cnet.com/topics/ovens/buying-guide/