If you are like most people, you probably think of your oven as the workhorse of your kitchen. It is the appliance that you rely on to cook everything from pizza to a roast. But what if I told you that your range could do just as good a job, if not better?
In this article, we will examine the features and make a detailed comparison, including the pros and cons of a range vs. an oven for cooking your food. Ultimately, you can make an informed decision about which of the two kitchen appliances is right for you.
Which Is Better Cooking: Oven vs Ranges?
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a cooking appliance. If you want something that can do it all, then an oven is the better option. An oven is an enclosed chamber that is used for baking, heating food, roasting, and broiling, while a range is limited to stovetop cooking.
However, a range is the better option if you are only looking for something to use for stovetop cooking. It is cheaper and takes up less space than an oven. In addition, a range can be used for stovetop cooking, such as frying, sautéing, and simmering. It is also possible to bake on a range, although it is not as common.
What Is an Oven?
The word oven refers to an enclosed space where food is cooked using dry heat. The first ovens were built into the walls of homes and were heated by wood or charcoal fires. Modern-day ovens are typically powered by either electricity or gas. An oven is a separate appliance completely or a part of a range.
What are the Differences Between a Range Oven and A Wall Oven?
Range ovens and wall ovens are both types of cooking appliances that one can use to bake, roast, or broil food. However, both have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing which is right for your kitchen.
Range ovens are typically less expensive than wall ovens and take up less space in the kitchen. They can be powered by gas or electricity and usually have a cooktop on top of the oven cavity.
Wall oven is its own cooking appliance and is more expensive than range ovens, but they offer more space for cooking large items like roasts. They must be installed into a wall space and can be powered by gas or electricity. When choosing between a range oven and a wall oven, consider your cooking needs and your kitchen layout. And if cooking capacity is what you're lacking, a built-in electric double wall oven is here to answer the call.What Is a Kitchen Range?
A kitchen range is a two-in-one appliance. It combines both cooking functions into one unit. Kitchen ranges typically have four or more induction burners on top and an oven below.
Types of Kitchen Ranges
- Gas Range: A gas range is a kitchen range that uses natural gas as its fuel source. Gas ranges are cheaper to operate than electric ranges.
- Electric Range: An electric range is a kitchen range that uses electricity as its fuel source. Electric ranges are easier to clean than gas ranges.
- Dual Fuel Range: A dual fuel range is a type of kitchen range that uses gas and electricity as fuel sources. Dual fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds – the cheaper gas operating costs and the easier cleanup of electricity.
Major Features of Ranges and Wall Ovens
Ranges
The ranges have double ovens, and the unit size is 30 inches with features like self-cleaning, delayed baking, and Sabbath mode. Kitchen ranges have four or more burners on top and an oven below.
Wall ovens
Wall ovens come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Additionally, Wall ovens come in electric and gas models. Most wall ovens have special features like a self-cleaning function or built-in oven cavities.
Range vs Stove vs Oven
These three cooking appliances are so different. A range combines an oven and a cooktop, while a stove is a familiar appliance containing only a cooktop.
Stoves come in different types: pellet, gas, electric, and wood-burning stove. Wood-burning stoves are the most ancient kitchen appliance.
Ranges typically have four or more burners, while stoves usually have two or three. Ovens can have one or two chambers and separate appliances and some models also have a built-in microwave.
Regarding price, ranges are typically the most expensive option, followed by stoves, with ovens being the most affordable.
So, when it comes to deciding which type of unit is right for your kitchen, it depends on your needs and preferences. For example, an oven might be the best option if you do a lot of baking and roasting since it is an enclosed cavity.
On the other hand, a range would be a good choice for cooking food for large groups. And if you have a small kitchen or are on a budget, a stove might be the way to go.
Why Do They Call Ovens a Range?
It is a common question that we hear, and it is a fair question! After all, an oven is just an oven. Well, that’s not entirely true. The term 'range' refers to a specific type of oven that was very popular in the early 20th century.
Ranges were originally coal-fired ovens built into a brick or stone recess in the wall of a kitchen. These ovens were typically used for cooking large meals for families or groups of people, and they were often the kitchen's focal point.
Eventually, ranges began to be replaced by gas-fired and electric ovens, which were more efficient and easier to use.
However, the modern kitchen range has remained in use to describe a certain type of oven, having both a cooking surface attached to external burners. It is still used today to refer to both gas- and electric-powered ovens built into a kitchen's countertop or cabinets.
Which is the Better Option: Range or the Stove?
No clear answer is whether a range or a stove is better. It depends on your individual needs and preferences since a stove is a type of range with a cooktop without an oven. Stoves are typically smaller and less expensive than ranges and take up less space. Stoves are also used for warming homes and not necessarily for food preparation only.
If you do a lot of home cooking, baking, and entertaining, a range with multiple burners and a convection oven may be the best option. However, a stove may be the better choice if you have a small kitchen or don't do a lot of cooking.
What Is the Difference Between a Stove and an Oven?
The main difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has a cooktop combined with burners, while an oven does not. An oven is simply a chamber for cooking food; one cannot use it for cooking food on the stovetop.
Are Electric Dryers Used in Ranges and Ovens?
While electric dryers are not typically used in ranges and ovens, one can use them in certain types of commercial appliances. For example, some commercial-grade residential dryers and front-load washers have an electric dryer built into the unit.
A front-load electric dryer model may be the best choice if you're looking for an energy-efficient dryer with a large capacity. However, a top-load dryer may be the better option if you're on a tight budget.
The LifeSpan of Ovens and Ranges
There are a few things to keep in mind regarding the longevity of ovens and ranges. First, ranges typically have a 13-15 years lifespan, while ovens tend to last a bit longer at 20-25 years. But, of course, these are just averages, and your particular appliance may last longer or shorter depending on how well you take care of it.
What can one do to extend the life of your oven?
- Clean your oven and range regularly with a mild detergent and warm water. You can also use a commercial oven cleaner but follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your appliance. A build-up of grease and grime can not only make your appliance look less than its best, but it can also cause problems with functionality.
- Regular servicing: Doing this will help to identify any potential problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road.
Oven vs Range: Which is Better?
When choosing between a range and a wall oven, there are a few things to consider.
Installation is one of the most important factors, as you want to ensure your new appliance is properly installed and safe to use.
Cost is another consideration, as ranges can be more expensive than wall ovens. But ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. You can visit an external platform to establish the actual selling prices of these versatile appliances and also be able to get promotions.
If you love to cook, a range might be the better option. Ranges come with a separate cooktop which is a flat surface you cook on, and an oven in one unit, so you have everything you need in one place. Plus, they typically have more powerful cooking elements than wall ovens.
On the other hand, wall ovens can be a great option if you have limited space in your kitchen. They're typically easier to install than ranges, and they can free up some valuable counter space.
So, which is better for you? Only you can decide. Consider your needs and preferences to make the best decision for your home.
FAQs
1. Why do they call ovens a range?
The term range is derived from the word rangeland, which refers to a wide, open area of land used for grazing livestock. Early ovens were installed in the kitchens of large homes and castles, and took up a lot of space. So, to make them more manageable, designers split the oven into two parts: a top burner for cooking and a bottom drawer for baking.
2. Which is better cooking range or oven?
The range is better for cooking because it has an oven and a stove. The oven heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit which can be used for baking, roasting, or broiling. It's great for the holidays when you need to cook a lot of food quickly. The stovetop can heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is perfect for dishes that require high temperatures like searing meat or boiling pasta.
3. Is a range considered an oven?
A range is not an oven, although they may both have ovens. A range has a cooktop and ovens on the top, while an oven has one large oven cavity.
4. Is range safe the same as oven safe?
Range safe and oven safe are not the same. Range safe means that a dish can be placed on the burner without fear of it melting or catching on fire. Oven safe means that a dish can be placed in the oven without fear of it melting or catching on fire.
5. Can you use oven and stove at the same time?
You can use the oven and stove at the same time, but you may not have enough space. The oven takes up a lot of space on the stove, so if you're trying to cook multiple dishes at once, you may need to use two different burners.