When executed well, the kitchen is the center of the home. Eighty percent of homebuyers stated the kitchen was the most essential area in a house, so it’s crucial to know a thing or two about equipment prior to remodeling or updating.
Cooktops and ranges are frequently the focal points of a kitchen, but many homeowners do not know which one they require or what their distinctions are. Size, functionalities, and layouts of cooktops and ranges vary, so if you’re uncertain what to look for in your rental, consider the following.
Cooktop vs. Range
Let’s review the fundamentals. A range is an appliance that combines a cooktop and an oven into one unit. The standard range width is 30 inches wide. It is the most frequent choice in kitchens, assuming there is sufficient space for one. In most cases, a range will fit into a cabinet opening, and because they take up less space than a cooktop and separate wall oven, they are excellent for the standard arrangement of a rental kitchen. Additionally, all culinary functions are centralized.
A cooktop is a burner on a countertop that is not connected to an oven. Because it is a standalone device, it allows greater location freedom. Cooktops are ideal for tiny kitchens that lack space for an oven, as well as larger kitchens with separate wall ovens. Under a stove, cabinet space is still accessible for storage, which is an advantage.
When investing in a rental kitchen, it is important to consider the cost. In general, ranges are less expensive than cooktop/oven combinations. However, certain high-end ranges are the most expensive. According to CNET, basic, bare-bones solutions begin at around $500, whereas customizable ranges may exceed $10,000. The initial cost of new equipment and the cost of repairs should ultimately be reflected in the rent you charge.
What’s the Best Kind of Cooktop?
Each type of cooktop has both benefits and drawbacks. Here are their key differences:
Gas burners: Gas burners use a flame for cooking food. Gas stovetops are frequently preferred by both amateur and professional chefs because they give instant heat and instant control of that heat through the flame.
Electric cooktops: Electric cooktops are available with either glass ceramic or electric coils. Electric coil stoves are the most frequent in rental properties since they are the least expensive and need the least amount of maintenance. Glass-ceramic cooktops are easy to clean, but they are susceptible to scratches, and some cookware cannot be used on them.
Induction cooktops: Induction burners utilize electromagnetic energy to generate heat. According to CNET, while they are safer than gas or electric burners, they need specialized cookware and are more expensive than their gas and electric equivalents. On the bright side, they are energy-efficient since no heat energy is lost.
Choosing the Right Range for Your Kitchen
According to culinary tests conducted by CNET, electric ovens cook more evenly than gas ovens. Electric ovens are often less expensive than gas ovens, and there is no need to install an expensive gas connection if one is not already there. In a gas oven, however, temperature control and uniformity of cooking are superior.
Dual fuel ranges employ gas for the cooktop and electricity for the oven if you wish to combine the power of both. Dual ranges are more expensive than their single-power-source counterparts.
If you have a large kitchen with ample room, you may want to consider purchasing a double oven. According to Consumer Reports, double ovens start at $1,200 and include two ovens — often a bigger oven underneath and a smaller oven on top. When cooking for big crowds or various meals at different temperatures, double ovens are ideal.
Author Profile
- Linda’s right hand, Kenneth has been working with Linda for years, helping in planning, managing, and editing projects.
