What’s New in Kitchen Ranges?

A kitchen range isn’t something that most of us purchase on a regular basis.  For that reason, many of you will probably be surprised at some of the new features now available, no longer are you limited to only two choices—gas or electric.  Today, ranges are available as convection ovens, with dual-fuel ranges, and with new technologies such as that offered by General Electric.  In addition to such options as warming drawers, bridge burners, and microwaves just to name a few. 

Warming drawers are a feature now seen in less expensive ranges, as well as pricey ovens.  In some models, the drawer keeps food warm or warms serving platters or bowls.  Others allow you to cook small items in the warming drawer.  In addition, more ranges now have a convection-capable oven.  Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, which helps food cook faster and promotes even browning.

Other options include a bridge burner that span space between two regular burners, and solves the problems of cooking with large or odd-shaped pans.  Other options that accommodate oversized pots are dual elements or burners.  Dual burners can accommodate pots from six to nine inches in diameter and triple burners, which are available on a few models, can accommodate an even larger pot-size variety.

Another hot item on the market, no pun intended is dual-fuel range.  With these ranges, you have the benefits of both the easy to control gas range top burners with even-heating electric ovens.  The only disadvantage is that they are more expensive than conventional gas or electric models.  However, in the past year the price on some dual-fuel ranges have seemed to drop.  

Possibly the easiest decision you will have to make is whether to purchase an electric or gas range.  This decision is made even easier if you are replacing an existing range by simply using your current source of power (gas or electric).  However, if you are doing a complete renovation or new build, then choosing between gas and electric is a person decision. 

Important Features to Look For:

When shopping for your new range, it is import to understand that manufacturers usually have a group or family of ranges within a series, such as GE Profile™ series.  All the ranges in a series will usually have similar model numbers, but each model within the series often have different features, which results in differing prices.  However, the performance level between models within a series is often the same.  

The following is a list of options you should consider when buying a range:

•       The oven door gasket located on the oven and not the door.  This will prevent food spills from accumulating on the gasket.
  
  

•       Sealed burners.
  
  

•       Self-cleaning oven, which is virtually a standard feature on most ranges.
  
  

•       Removable burner pans and caps.
  
  

•       Black mesh oven windows as these offer the clearest view.  White mesh often obscures your visibility.
  
  

•       Smoothly opening and closing oven door. 
  
  

•       Substantial oven racks that will support heavy items you place on them.
  
  

•       For gas ranges, you want knobs that allow you to lower the flame without turning off the flame.
  
  

•       Easy-to-reach control panel.
  
  

•       Child safety latches on the oven door and knobs if you have small children.
  
  

When shopping for your new range, it is best to select one first based on your cooking style, then on the décor of your kitchen.