3 Tips for Choosing a New Range

Get this info before you go shopping

Best selection and availability at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Here are a few things you need to know before you walk into an appliance store looking for a new stove (range).

1. Range Size (width)
2. Fuel type
3. Configuration

Range Size

20″ 24″ 30″ 36″ 48″ 60″

30″ wide ranges are the most common size for homes, but appliance manufacturers also make apartment-sized ranges in 20″ and 24″ widths. The 20″ versions are getting hard to find, Danby is probably the leading brand. In 24″ ranges there is a much wider selection starting with GE and Hotpoint all the way up to premium brands such as Bertazzoni and BlueStar. Look for the common 30″ widths in all the major brands. 36″ ranges are also widely available, some with burners on each side and a griddle in the middle. Professional style ranges are available not only in 30″ and 36″ widths, but also in 48″ and 60″ widths. These “Pro” ranges are limited mostly to the premium and luxury brands such as Monogram, Jenn-Air, Thermador, Wolf, and Viking.

Fuel type

Gas, Electric, Dual Fuel
sub-type – Induction

Most ranges run on either Electric (240v.) or Gas, but some versions are also available as Dual Fuel which means that they have an electric oven, but gas burners on top. Some people prefer this configuration because they like the responsiveness of gas on the top burners, and they feel that electric ovens cook more evenly than gas. Typically Dual Fuel ranges are going to be found in the upscale brands. Induction surface units are now available on some electric ranges instead of traditional coil or radiant smoothtops. Induction is becoming popular and may be found on the mass brands such as GE and Whirlpool as well as in the luxury segment such as the Dacor shown above.

Configuration

Freestanding
Slide-In
Drop-In

The most common ranges are free-standing. These ranges have finished sides. Electric versions will often have controls on the backsplash while their gas countertops may have a clock and timer on the back but controls on the front manifold. Slide-in ranges may not have finished sides. They often have a “lip” on each side that overlaps the countertop. Controls are in the front, and if they have a backsplash at all it is usually just a low trim piece. Drop-in ranges are not very common these days. Think of them as slide-in ranges with no bottom drawer or base. Instead of going all the way to the floor, these ranges “drop” into the cabinetry on both sides AND below. Though most drop in ranges from GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire are 30″ wide, GE also has a unique 27″ wide drop-in range.

Now that you've determined your new range size, fuel type, and configuration you are ready to make your selection. The choice here is easy: Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center .

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Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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