WHAT IS A KITCHEN RANGE? TYPES & FEATURES

WHY IS A STOVE CALLED A RANGE?

How the term “range” became the word for the cooking appliance is largely unknown, though it likely dates back to the 15th century. Range, when used as a noun, originally meant a row or line of things. It’s been speculated that the word started being used to refer to a row of ovens in the large kitchens of wealthy homes. Today, when someone refers to a “range,” they are typically referring to an appliance that combines an oven and a cooktop all in one.

When it comes to cooking appliances, the terms stove and range can be used interchangeably to describe the versatile kitchen appliances used for all types of cooking and baking. Strictly speaking, though, stoves existed before the modern kitchen range to heat homes and weren't always used for food preparation.

WHAT IS A RANGE OVEN?

If you’ve heard the term “range oven,” it likely refers to a standard range. Appliance manufacturers don’t use this term because it conflates two unique things: a range and an oven. A range combines an oven and a cooktop, while an oven is either a part of a range or a completely separate appliance called a wall oven.

Learn more about ranges vs. cooktops.

TYPES OF RANGES

There are several different types of ranges to choose from, and they vary based on fuel type, heating elements and installation configuration. Common types of kitchen ranges include freestanding, slide-in, gas, electric, dual fuel and convection. Learn more about each type below.

• Freestanding: Freestanding ranges are one of the most common configurations. They feature a backguard that houses the appliance control panel as well as finished sides, which allow them to be installed either on their own or between kitchen cabinets.

• Slide-in: This configuration positions the control panel in the front of the appliance and doesn’t include a backguard, helping to create a built-in, sleek look. These models may be ideal if you’re installing a range within your kitchen island.

• Gas: Gas ranges are powered by gas fuel and feature burners with an open flame on the cooktop. These models require a dedicated gas line for installation and typically preheat faster than electric ovens.

• Electric: Electric ranges are powered by electricity and use heated metal coils or heating elements. Typically, electric stoves require a 240-volt outlet, which means most kitchens are already set up for one.

• Dual fuel: Dual fuel stoves combine a gas stovetop with an electric oven, offering both types of power in one appliance.

• Convection: A convection oven is a type of oven that has a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air around the interior of the oven, making it ideal for multi-rack cooking.

COMMON KITCHEN RANGE FEATURES

No matter what type of kitchen range you choose, there are a variety of features to consider when shopping for a new model. Modern kitchen ranges commonly offer options like convection cooking, powerful gas burners, varying burner sizes, self-cleaning capabilities and additional cooking modes.

If you’re considering a range for your kitchen, review these common features to help guide your search.

CONVECTION COOKING

Convection ovens include a fan that circulates hot air throughout the entire oven for optimal heating when you’re cooking on multiple racks at once. Convection ovens can be gas or electric and come in different models with various features.

Some convection ovens also include a third heating element to enable fast cooking, like True Convection by Maytag brand.

GAS BURNER BTUS OR ELECTRIC ELEMENT WATTAGE

Gas burner heat is measured by a BTU rating (British Thermal Units) and electric element heat is measured in wattage. Most ranges have burners or elements with different heat capabilities.

Look for at least one burner with high numbers that indicate high heat, such as the Power^™ Burner by Maytag brand, which ranges from 15,000 up to 18,000 BTUs of heat energy, or the Power^™ Element that can reach up to 3,000 watts.

Learn about gas vs. electric ranges.

BURNER OR ELEMENT SIZE AND SHAPE

Some ranges feature burners or elements designed for unusually shaped or extra large cookware. Select ranges offer smaller burners for simmering, larger burners for quick boiling capabilities or even uniquely shaped burners to accommodate cookware like a large griddle or grill pans.

Look for ranges with dual or triple elements that you can adjust according to the width of the pot, like the Maytag^® 9”/6” Dual-Choice^™ Element that matches the heat to the pan you’re using so you can cook your meal the way you want. Long burners and elements for oblong cookware are also common, like the Bridge Element or Oval Burner by Maytag brand.

SELF-CLEANING OVEN

You can save yourself hours of scrubbing with a self-cleaning kitchen range oven. Self-cleaning ovens don’t rely on chemicals, instead, they use high temperatures to turn spills and splatters into ash that can be wiped away with ease. Some ranges even offer a Steam-Clean function that cleans with low heat and steam.

Select Maytag^® ranges offer Steam Clean self-cleaning technology that helps you 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.

AIR FRY OVEN

Some kitchen ranges offer a variety of cooking capabilities, like air frying. Much like convection baking, air frying cooks your meal with a heating element and a fan that rapidly circulates hot air around the food. If you like the taste of fried favorites but hate the mess of oil splatter or you don’t have a deep fryer, ovens with air frying help you easily achieve a crisp, browned outer layer, similar to deep-fried foods.

Maytag^® ranges with Air Fry allow you to make your favorite fried foods using little to no oil.

OTHER RANGE FEATURES

Understanding your options when shopping for a new kitchen range can help you find the appliance that best suits your mealtime routine. There are several other range features to consider when choosing a new model, including: 

• Bake: This cooking feature uses moderate temperatures from heating elements at the bottom or top (and sometimes the back) of the oven’s interior to cook your food.

• Roast: Roasting uses the same all-over heat as baking but at higher temperatures.

• Broil: Many ranges offer a broiler element that uses top-down heat at high and extra-high temperatures to cook, brown or crisp certain foods.

• Warming drawers or burners:  Select kitchen ranges with warming drawers or warming burners help keep your food warm. Select Maytag^® ranges have a Warming Center, a dedicated cooktop zone to keep your finished food warm while you use the other elements to get the rest of your meal cooked.
• Configurable racks: Select ranges offer adjustable racks to allow for varying sized cookware like roasting pans or Dutch ovens.