Before you buy an electric range there are a few things to consider. I have created a guide which goes over what you should be looking for as well as what the trade-off is.
Choosing Electricity Over Natural Gas
In general, the range is the workhorse of the kitchen. And, if it is fashionable, it is almost certainly the focal point. The choice between electric and gas ranges is primarily determined by your available space.
An electric range can be used in any home that has a 120/220V (3-wire) or 120/208V (3-wire) and 40A or 50A electric line. Gas ranges, on the other hand, require you to have either propane or natural gas service at your home. If you don't have one, an electrician can install one for you.
If you need to replace an existing range, buying a new model of the same size and type ensures that the new range will fit. If you want to switch from gas to electric (or vice versa), you'll need to hire a plumber or an electrician to run new lines. The same is true if you opt for a dual-fuel pro-style range. It combines gas burners and an electric oven and requires both electric and standard gas connections.
When purchasing any range, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is size. Before you buy, you should measure the height and width of the space where your particular range will be installed. In general, ranges can range in width from 20 to 40 inches. Depending on the features, the price could range from around $200 to more than $1,000. As a result, before making a purchase, consider your budget.
What to consider:
Size of the Range
As previously stated, most gas and electric ranges are 30 inches wide on average. Although most pro-style ranges start at 30 inches wide, they can be customized to be as wide as 48 inches with additional burners and ovens, woks, griddles, or add-ons like integrated grills. Even standard ranges nowadays typically include a dedicated simmer burner, a convection oven, and at least one high-power burner.
Types of Ranges
In general, there are three kinds of ranges. For starters, free-standing models have a backlash and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen because they are usually finished on the sides. Then there are the slide-in models. And, as the name implies, they slide into the space between your countertops and kitchen cabinets, giving you a custom look for less than the cost of a built-in version. Finally, built-ins are specifically designed to be physically installed into a cavity, kitchen, or other area.
In today's market, freestanding ranges are unquestionably the most popular and also the easiest to install. Typically, the oven control panel is located on the back panel, on top of the cooktop surface. Slide-in ranges, in general, allow for custom and built-in options.
Cleaning Alternatives
If you want to buy an electronic range, you should know that each model has different cleaning options. It is entirely up to you whether to go with a standard cleaning option, self-cleaning, or continuous cleaning. You get to clean the oven yourself for standard cleaning. Although this requires more work, it may save you more money. When it comes to baking, moderate soil amounts are naturally burned away with continuous cleaning options. Finally, self-cleaning ranges eliminate the hassle of cleaning by burning away the soil with a high-temperature cycle.
The Ranges Capacity
When it comes to baking or entertaining, a large oven is extremely useful. The smallest ovens on the market are slightly larger than 2 cubic feet. The largest, on the other hand, is frequently nearly 4 cubic feet. Choosing the appropriate capacity is entirely dependent on your preferences and requirements.
Coil vs. Smooth Top
A smooth top range typically consists of a suitably flat surface devoid of traditional burners. The burners are instead built directly into the stovetop surface; while this may make cleanup easier, it may warp some cookware. Although a traditional coil range is more difficult to clean, it can safely accommodate a wider range of cookware. A solid disk element, on the other hand, must be easy to clean and work perfectly with flat cookware. Choose the best type of range for you, and if you go with a smooth top, consider investing in metal cookware.
What about induction ranges?
They provide immediate gas response, quick boil times, and much easier cleanup because nothing burns onto the surface of that range. They tend to heat magnetic pans and pots without heating the cooktop's surface when using an electromagnetic field. However, because induction burners only work with pans made of stainless steel or cast iron, you may need to purchase new cookware. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it is induction compatible.
Electric ranges are available in a variety of styles. As a result, don't rush into a decision. It's a good idea to shop around and compare different models to find one that works best with your kitchen layout.
