Appliances Review - Gas Range

TopTenReview

When it comes to stove-top cooking and baking, many consumers tend to go with electric ranges. These are reliable and typically cost little for the unit itself. But when it comes to quick-response heating, heat retention and just cooking s’mores from the convenience of your kitchen, gas ranges reign supreme. The design of ranges using gas is quite different from the standard electric range and its smooth top. The gas range still utilizes a grate with slits for open flame to emerge and heat food.

While stainless steel gas ranges are most often associated with professional cooking, they offer many benefits that benefit in-home chefs. You can more easily gauge a gas range’s heat level by the color of the flames, which can save you from cooking food too hot or putting food on the burner too early. In addition, ranges more easily facilitate quick-to-low heating rather than stubbornly retaining heat like electric models.

Gas Ranges: What to Look For

When it comes to the type of gas ranges to consider, stand-alone models will always be a consumer preference. Few kitchens separate the burning element from the oven component, instead offering a space in the countertop to slide the range right in. Freestanding ranges are much easier to install, maintain and replace, ultimately saving you more over the long-term.

Features
Most slide-in gas ranges are 30 inches wide, though some of the more decorative and expensive models can reach sizes of up to 36 inches. The typical range includes four burners, with the wider models capable of fitting five or six for even greater multitasking. Electric ranges earn much of their popularity through smooth-top ranges and digital displays, whereas gas varieties retain the large knobs and rugged grates.

Burners
Rather than picking the best gas range for you based on BTU, which only measures gas used versus heat generated as opposed to performance, focus instead on the types of burners offered. Varying types of ranges will include anywhere from four to five burner racks of varying sizes to facilitate large or small pots. The standard among ranges is to include at least one high-powered or quick-heating burner for quickly cooking food.

Oven
While picking the best slide-in gas range is based largely on the range itself, units come with an oven component to create a fully rounded cooking device. If you’re big into baking or often use the oven to broil food, ovens play a critical role in the kitchen. Some models come with a dual-oven feature to facilitate cooking multiple meals at varying settings. The best ovens will include a convection functionality for more even cooking results and better heat control.

You’ve likely seen gas ranges in use by professional chefs. However, this type of range isn’t relegated just to the pros, as it offers you the same results when cooking. If you want better control over gauging burner heat and cooking food, this type of range is worth consideration. High-heat burners, combined with a reliable and modern oven, create a well-rounded product that will serve any kitchen well.