How To Choose a Gas Stove
Gas ranges have long been a kitchen favorite, offering rapid heating, responsive control and the flexibility to tackle everything from a rolling boil to gentle melting. If you’re considering one for your home, use this guide to walk through key factors to keep in mind and discover tips to help make your choice easier.
COMPARING GAS STOVE TYPES
When choosing a gas range, start with the basics. Decide whether a slide-in or freestanding style works best, and whether you’d prefer an all-gas range, a dual-fuel range (gas cooktop paired with an electric oven), or a gas cooktop paired with a gas or electric wall oven. Learn more about some of these options below.
FREESTANDING VS. SLIDE-IN GAS RANGE
A freestanding gas range—like these Maytag® ranges—has finished sides that match the front so it can stand alone and often features a backguard with rear controls. A slide-in range is designed to nestle between cabinets for a built-in look, with controls that are typically on the front and unfinished sides that stay hidden once installed.
GAS COOKTOP VS. GAS RANGE
A gas range pairs a gas-powered stovetop with a gas oven beneath, giving you an all-in-one appliance. Gas cooktops like these Maytag brand models, on the other hand, feature a standalone surface that installs directly into your countertop. Some homeowners prefer this setup so they can pair the cooktop with a separate electric wall oven, combining the strengths of both cooking methods.
GAS RANGE BUYING GUIDE: KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Choosing a range is a big decision that can shape your daily cooking routines, influence your kitchen’s style and even add value to your home. Before you shop, it helps to keep a few essentials in mind, from size and ventilation to cleaning features and beyond.
Learn more below about what to consider when searching for the best gas range for your family.
1. SIZE AND DIMENSIONS
Gas ranges can come in a variety of sizes, but most stick to a few standard dimensions. When choosing one, you’ll want to think about both the outside measurements—height, width and depth—as well as the oven’s capacity, or how much cooking space you’ll actually have inside. Typically, gas ranges offer anywhere from 2.3 to 6.3 cubic feet of oven space for single oven models. Most standard gas ranges have the following dimensions, although some models may vary:
Height: 36 inches
Width: 30 inches
Depth: 27-29 inches
2. BURNER COUNT AND CONFIGURATION
If you gravitate toward stovetop cooking, the number and layout of burners can make a real impact on your routines. Standard ranges usually feature four burners, while some models add a fifth or include uniquely shaped burners to accommodate specialty cookware.
Burner placement can depend on the location of the controls, which varies from model to model, but you can typically expect four-burner cooktops to be arranged in a square pattern. Five-burner designs often place the extra burner in the center.
3. COOKTOP FEATURES
From searing and sauteing to boiling, simmering and more, you want a range with a cooktop that can accommodate your go-to cooking styles. Gas cooktops use an open flame beneath sturdy grates, giving you direct, responsive heat. They’re generally compatible with any cookware and versatile enough to handle everything from a gentle simmer to a high-heat sear.
Gas cooktops typically feature iron grates roughly the size of cookware, but some stovetops configure grates to cover more of the cooktop surface for easier maneuvering of pots and pans. For instance, select Maytag® gas ranges feature Edge-to-Edge Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates on the cooktop that help you maximize cooktop space.
You can also keep an eye out for specialty burners and flexible accessories, like the Power™ Burner on some Maytag® gas ranges that allows for a slow, even sauté or the intense heat for a seared, juicy steak. Some range cooktops also come with accessories, like the Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle on select Maytag brand models.
4. OVEN SETTINGS
Gas range ovens heat up quickly, can promote browning and may help dishes retain moisture. Depending on the model, you’ll find options ranging from straightforward temperature controls and timers to ovens with extra cooking modes for added flexibility.
First, choose if you’d prefer a gas range with a conventional oven or one equipped with convection cooking. True Convection with Third Element on select Maytag® ranges uses a powerful third heating element and a sturdy fan to circulate even temperatures for faster baking and roasting.
Some settings add convenience to the cooking process, like Power Preheat on select Maytag® ranges that lets you enjoy dinner faster, or the Delay Bake Setting on some Maytag brand models that lets you program when you want baking to begin. For more versatility, some models let you air bake, grill, roast and more with specialized settings.
Select Maytag® ranges, for instance, feature Air Fry, which allows you to make your favorite fried foods with a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside taste using little to no additional oil. Other select ranges from Maytag brand include Grill Mode for that delicious grilled taste right from the convenience of your kitchen—no backyard needed.
Maytag® kitchen ranges
POWERFUL COOKING FEATURES THAT WORK, MEAL AFTER MEAL
Maytag® ranges offer powerful cooking features and next-level cleanability to help make mealtime less of a chore
5. CONTROL PLACEMENT
The location of your range’s controls usually comes down to whether you have a freestanding or slide-in model. On freestanding ranges, the knobs and settings are often placed on the backguard, the panel that rises up behind the cooktop. Slide-in ranges usually keep their controls front and center, just above the oven door. In both styles, you’ll typically use knobs to control the cooktop, while the oven may feature a touchscreen, tap controls or buttons.
6. VENTILATION
Your gas range needs proper venting to help clear away smoke, grease and lingering odors. Vent strength is measured in CFMs (cubic feet per minute), which tells you how much air the hood can move in a minute. As a rule of thumb, plan for about 100 CFMs of venting power for every 10,000 BTUs your cooktop produces. You can check the owner’s manual for any range you’re considering, as it should spell out the venting power your setup needs.
You can choose from a variety of range hood types, from wall-mount and island canopy hoods to undercabinet hoods or even microwave hood combination units. For a sleek look, opt for retractable downdraft hoods you can install directly behind the cooktop surface, like these models from Maytag brand.
7. CLEANING FEATURES
Gas ranges are known for their quick, responsive heat, but their sturdy iron grates can make cleanup a little more work compared to the smooth glass surface of an electric range. Some models come with special finishes and features designed to make cleaning simpler, so spills and splatters don’t have to mean extra stress.
On some Maytag® gas ranges, Edge-to-Edge Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates let you minimize cleanup by allowing you to toss the grates into the dishwasher, then use Steam Clean on select models to clean your oven in less than an hour. Just add water, run the cycle and wipe with a wet sponge when the cycle is finished.
8. COLOR AND FINISH
Like any appliance, you can choose a gas range to match your kitchen’s style, whether you want it to blend in seamlessly or make a bold statement. You can likely find a range in popular appliance colors like white, black and stainless steel. Some models—like this gas range from Maytag brand—feature easy-to-clean, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel that keeps your range looking as good on the outside as it works on the inside.
TIPS FOR BUYING A GAS RANGE
Before you make your final choice, consider your cooking style, double-check measurements, review warranty coverage, and watch for sales or discounts. These considerations can help you save money and stress in the long run.
Cooking style and habits: Don’t spend money on features you won’t use. Consider your family’s cooking habits and favorite foods, then look for a range with features and settings you know you’ll make the most of at mealtime.
Measuring: Take note of the dimensions of gas ranges you’re considering, then measure your range cutout to ensure it will fit before installation day comes around. Don’t forget to measure a path from the doorway to be sure you can get it in place.
Warranty: Gas range warranties can help give you peace of mind, but not every range includes one. Maytag brand offers a 10-Year Limited Parts Warranty1 on the cooktop burners, oven burners, cast-iron metal grates and cavity.
Sales: If you have the flexibility, keep an eye out for seasonal appliance sales or search for a gas range that’s eligible for special discounts, like these professional discounts from Maytag brand.
Explore Maytag® Gas Ranges
Get cooking power you can count on with a gas range from Maytag brand. Choose from freestanding single and double-oven Maytag® ranges, or slide-in gas ranges, that bring the right amount of heat to any dish. Select models feature Variable Broil that delivers the temperatures you need for fast cooking. Set the oven between 350°F and 500°F to get the results you want on meat, sweet peppers and more. Plus, the Hidden Bake Element on some ranges is sealed under the oven floor to protect it from spills and drips.
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1. Warranties may vary by model. See product warranty for details.
