What Should I Look for When Buying a Range?

Ranges are available in a wide variety of types and configurations with a unique combination of features sets, colors, sizes and finishes to take into account. When choosing a range, start by narrowing down your options based on the size constraints of your kitchen. Next, consider your kitchen’s aesthetic and your family’s baking and cooking routines to determine which capacity, configuration, feature set, color and finish best suit your space.

Range Types

Ranges are most commonly available in electric, gas or dual fuel varieties. While gas ranges have a gas cooktop and oven, and electric ranges feature an electric cooktop and oven, dual fuel ranges feature a gas cooktop and electric oven to combine the strengths of both range types. A kitchen range can be freestanding, with finished sides that allow it to stand alone, or slide-in, that puts all of the controls in the front for a premium look and feel.   

Range Sizes

Range sizes are determined by two separate measures: dimensions and capacity. A standard kitchen cabinet cutout for a range is about 34-1/4 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 36 inches tall. Standard ranges are typically 30 inches wide, around 25–27 inches deep (not including handles and knobs) and 36 inches tall (not including the control panel), but you can find stoves in both small and large capacities that vary. A range with larger dimensions may have more room inside the oven cavity, and vice versa, with capacity ranging anywhere from around 2.3–6.3 cubic feet for single ovens and 5.9–7.3 cubic feet for double ovens.

How Do I Know What Size Range to Buy?

Be sure to take precise measurements of your cabinet cutout before bringing home a new range. To find your cutout’s dimensions, use a measuring tape to measure the width of the cabinet cutout at its narrowest part, then measure the depth from the wall to the front edge of the cabinet, excluding the cabinet hinge and door. Next, measure the height of the cutout from the floor to the top of the countertop in several locations to ensure the floor is level. Lastly, measure your space in front of the range to check that there’s at least 40 inches of open space in front of the range and 48–60 inches between the range and other appliances, then measure to make sure you have around 2 to 2.5 feet above the range. 

Large Capacity Ranges

Cook the whole meal at once in a double oven range with a total 6.7 cubic feet of capacity or a Maytag^® single oven range with 6.4 cubic feet. If internal capacity is your main consideration when it comes to types of ovens, these are the best rated large capacity Maytag^® ranges for your kitchen.

Range Features

From gas or electric to single or double oven, range models offer a unique spectrum of cooking features to help get dinner on the table. Consider what’s most important to you in a range. If it’s easy cleaning, look for convenient features like steam clean on this Maytag^® range that makes it easy to wipe away baked-on grime. If you frequently make large meals, select models feature a max capacity rack that supports your largest dishes and dips down so you have plenty of room for cooking. If you’re looking for an appliance that can multi-task, consider models like Maytag^® Air Fry Ranges that include an air fry feature and basket.

Range Colors

Taking a good look around your kitchen can help you narrow down ranges by the various colors and finishes that best suit your space. For instance, kitchens with dark ceilings, dark walls or cabinets with pale tones can benefit from the bright and timeless look of white ranges like these ones from Maytag brand, while black appliances like these Maytag^® ranges can provide your kitchen with a contemporary, sophisticated look that contrasts well with white cabinetry. 

Stainless steel options are well suited to spaces modern or traditional, giving the kitchen an elevated feel. Plus, if you like the stainless steel look but hate the fingerprints, you can opt for appliances like Maytag^® ranges with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Whatever your style, be sure to consider existing kitchen appliances and how your new range color may impact the overall look of your kitchen. Mix and matched appliance colors can complement each other well, but appliances with similar colors from different brands may clash. 

Tips for Buying a Range

Finding the right range means thinking about how your new appliance will fit into your home and whether it will meet your needs. Before purchasing your range or stove, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Narrow down your options based on the size constraints of your kitchen

• Choose options for capacity, configuration and feature set that complement your household’s baking and cooking routines

• Consider your kitchen’s overall aesthetic to find a color and finish that suits the space

Narrowing down range types, sizes, features and colors will help you find the right fit for your kitchen, but once a new range is installed, proper maintenance will help you get the most out of it for years to come. 

Top-Rated Ranges & Stoves

Whatever’s on the menu, a Maytag^® range offers precision cooking on the range and within the oven. Both gas and electric options come with features like True Convection, Power^™ Burners on the stove and Power^™ Preheat to help prepare dinner with ease.