Marcus RichardsWhen you are fed up with takeouts and microwaved food, then you should think of investing in a good kitchen range. A good kitchen range, in this case, is one that is able to complement your lifestyle and serve you for many years as well.
You are spoilt for choice in the kitchen range market because there are varieties upon varieties of them. There are those ranges that are for your individual use and those that are made for commercial purposes. You can buy any of the commercial electric ranges online today. This article will guide you through some of the aspects that you need to keep in mind when purchasing your own kitchen range, commercial or not:
Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Kitchen Range
The following are some of the factors to consider before buying a kitchen range.
Kitchen range design
Each and every design or kitchen range style has its pros and cons and is used to serve different purposes. Some of the main range designs are such as; slide-in, drop-in, freestanding and professional designs.
Slide-in Ranges are characterized by the fact that they can be slid in between two cabinets. They are about 30 inches wide and the top is made to be wider such that it sits on the edges of the countertop, preventing crumbs and debris from accumulating in the crevices. You basically slip the kitchen range in until it is flush against the wall. These kitchen ranges are very easy to cook/bake with.
Drop-in designs are the other styles of kitchen ranges. Although they are not so common today, there was a time in the recent past when they were popular. Similar to the slide-in design, the drop-in ranges have an overlapped top that sits on the countertop. The difference is that these ranges actually touch the floors and it is placed on top of a cabinet baseboard. The built-in appearance of these ranges is better than that of the slide-in ranges. It is also important to note that the drop-in ranges are not easy to replace.
The Freestanding Range is the most common kitchen range used currently. It features a flat back, and finished sides which enable it to sit completely against the wall. The models may be different such that the burner controls are situated either at the back or at the front of the range. They can be installed in a way that one side is exposed or both sides. They do not require to be set up in between two countertops. The sizes of these ranges have been standardized over time, making them much easier to install. Freestanding kitchen ranges are also quite affordable both by purchasing, setting up, and maintenance.
Professional kitchen Ranges are mostly used by chefs in commercial kitchens. Its performance design imitates that of a commercial range yet is safe enough to use in your home. This design is the most expensive of all the ranges in the market today. It has a flat back making it possible for the range to sit flush against the wall without leaving a gap. Professional kitchen ranges contain multiple burners. Some of the burners offer very high temperatures suitable for rapid boiling while others offer low temperatures suitable for simmering and cooking dishes that only require low temperatures. Some of the larger designs are 36, 48, and 60 inches wide.
Color Options Available
The most common kitchen range colors are such as white, black, dark brown, and stainless steel. The stainless steel ranges contain cabinet colors like black and grey. The off-white/ bisque kitchen ranges are produced as well but in limited amounts.
That being said, it is absolutely possible to have your oven’s door custom painted depending on the design or model that you own. The knob colors and finishes can be customized as well. They can be made in brass, copper, or chrome according to your taste and preference.
Purchase the Right Sized Kitchen Range
Make sure that you purchase the right sized range if you are replacing one or if you are buying one for the first time. You can get the required measurements from your contactor (recommended) or you can opt to take the measurements yourself.
The average measurements for most kitchen ranges are; 30” wide, 28” deep, and roughly 48” high. While taking the measurements, it is important to consider certain things:
The space for the plug at the back of the oven, ample space for the opening of the door, space between the range and the cabinets surrounding it, or other appliances. You need to also consider the height of the appliance in comparison to that of your cabinets/countertop and the depth of the area where you want your oven to be situated.
Fuel Consumption
Different ranges consume different types of fuel. All of them have their pros and cons as we will discuss in the next section.
Gas ranges run on natural gas to supply enough heat for the oven and the burners. Typically, a gas range utilizes about a 110V/120V connection which eliminates any extra input from your electricity.
You would only need to use electricity when sparking the ignition to switch on the range and for the heat to be distributed to the burners and the oven. Do not DIY the installation of a gas range for safety reasons. Rather, hire a professional to do it for you.
Electric ranges use a 220V power source since it requires much more power to function. While starting to cook, these ranges may appear slower but they offer a more even power source. The Oven power is much more consistent than that of gas ranges.
Dual Fuel Stove utilizes both gas and electricity. They are much more costly than the two other types mentioned above but they are completely dependable and a good investment to make.
