Home > Town Appliance Official Blog > Differences Between a Kitchen Range and Cooktop

Differences Between a Kitchen Range and Cooktop

The Differences Between a Kitchen Range and Cooktop
The Differences Between a Kitchen Range and Cooktop

It’s time to outfit your kitchen, and there are a ton of important decisions on the docket. You must ensure your appliances are energy efficient, so your energy bills stay the same. You have to determine whether you want smart appliances. Are you the type who appreciates connectivity or doesn’t care? If so, you have to think about Wi-Fi options. You also have to measure everything and ensure that your layout is to your liking.

With all these decisions, quite a bit can get lost in the shuffle. One of the most important decisions you must make as a homeowner is whether you want a cooktop or a kitchen range. Before we dive into that question, we have to ask ourselves, what’s the difference between a kitchen range and a cooktop? And why does it matter which one you choose? Let’s dive into those questions below.

What’s a Cooktop?

There are many differences between a cooktop and a range. The first distinction is that a range has an oven, and a cooktop sits on a counter without an oven. This isn’t to say that an oven is no longer available to the homeowner who chooses to get a cooktop. Quite the contrary, you can install an oven in the wall or cabinet cutout area above it. By adjusting this configuration, you reap a lot of benefits. You won’t have to move around the open oven on the wall, and you don’t have to bend down to put anything in the wall oven.

There are also different commercial cooktops for your home. Gas cooktops utilize an open flame. This cooktop typically reaches high temperatures quickly, though it can sometimes require supervision because of how high temperatures can get. Electric cooktops are better for cooking your food evenly, though they heat up slower. The process is generally smooth, and you don’t have to babysit electric cooktops as much as gas cooktops. Induction cooktops are a bit more complex, as they use electromagnetism to heat the stove and need induction-compatible cookware.

The Benefits

Cooktops have a ton of benefits. Since they are generally smaller than ovens, you’ll have much more space for the cabinets beneath them. Because the oven isn’t below the cooktop, you won’t get blasted by extra heat, even if you use a wall-mounted oven simultaneously. Speaking of wall-mounted ovens, since the cooktop is a non-factor, you can choose a double or single wall-mounted oven. We mentioned this briefly, but many people have knee and back problems. This includes issues like plantar fasciitis and arthritis, which can make it difficult to bend and stoop down to put something in the oven. If a child is in the house, a cooktop keeps the settings out of reach since they’re on the countertop rather than on the front of an oven. Smoother countertops are easy to clean, and the burners don’t have to be removed.

The Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to getting a cooktop. They take up space that you could use for food prep. They’re also permanent since they need a countertop cutout that you can’t patch over. A separate cooktop and wall oven not only costs more upfront but requires more exhaust piping, making the installation process longer. Furthermore, the exhaust fan over your cooktop causes downdrafts, which sometimes blows uncomfortable levels of heat into your kitchen.

What’s a Kitchen Range?

A range incorporates both a cooktop and an oven in one unit. This is the type of appliance that most people have in their homes. It has burners on the top with an oven below. Knobs are at the front of the range rather than the ones on a standard cooktop. Some have a double oven, and a few have convection fans above them to circulate hot air, so your fire alarms won’t go off if the heat is too high. If it’s an electric kitchen range, you’ll have a smooth countertop; if it’s a gas range, you’ll typically have a burner.

The Benefits

Since ranges combine both ovens and cooktops, they take up less space. You can use this extra counter space for anything you like, from storage space to temporarily putting down groceries. We can’t deny that ranges are popular, so it’s easy to find a style that fits your kitchen’s aesthetic and layout. You can get a slide-in range that offers a sleek look or one with prominent legs that let it stand independently of your countertop. You could even make it look built-in. The possibilities are truly endless.

Many ranges even offer a self-cleaning option, saving you a ton of time and money you would spend cleaning your oven. The high-temp option turns engrained food into ash that you can sweep out and then go about your day. Did you also know that you could connect your range to Wi-Fi? You can use your phone to preheat the oven or adjust the heating settings from your bedroom. This makes it so you no longer have to be present to manipulate your range.

The Drawbacks

Unfortunately, there are quite a few drawbacks to having a range. Some are flat and need a tile backsplash for aesthetic and sanitary purposes. Most ranges only have a single oven, which may not be good for people looking to do ambitious cooking projects. Additionally, they’re not too aesthetically pleasing, especially if you get a budget model. Budget stoves are purely functional.

Which Is Ideal for Your Needs?

There are quite a few pros and cons to both cooktops and ranges. Which one is right for you? The cooktop is your best choice if you’re looking for a more modern and up-to-date option. It’s the most versatile option and offers flexibility in the kitchen. It’s useful for all your needs. However, the range is classic and has many aesthetically pleasing choices. In addition, a range offers great smart options that may not be available for a cooktop. If connectivity is your goal, a range might be best for your needs. There are many differences between a cooktop and a range, but both are great choices for your needs.

If we’ve helped you make your choice, it’s time to pick the right one. Luckily, here at Town Appliance, we’ll ensure you get whichever appliance you choose with free delivery and a 40-year guarantee. Shop Town Appliance today!

The Differences Between a Kitchen Range and Cooktop

Daniel Kraftman Author

Written by

Daniel Kraftmann

Seasoned professional with a background in mechanical engineering, boasts over a decade of invaluable experience in the dynamic world of e-commerce.

For the past five years, he has dedicated his expertise to the appliance industry, becoming well-versed in the intricacies of home appliances, their cutting-edge technology, and ever-evolving features.

As a passionate mechanical engineering enthusiast, Daniel keeps a vigilant eye on emerging trends and innovations in the appliance sector. With a profound understanding of both the engineering principles and the consumer demands, he brings a unique blend of knowledge and practical insight to his blogs.

Back to blog