Ranges

Warming element on cooktop

A low-powered cooktop element in the center area of the cooktop surface designed to keep food warm.

High-power elements

The number of surface cooking elements rated at over 2,000 watts. Often one or more of the high-power elements is a dual element; you can choose the large element or a smaller element within the larger one for small pots.

Medium-power elements

The number of surface cooking elements rated at over 1,500 watts but not more than 2,000 watts.

Low-power elements

The number of surface cooking elements rated from 1,200 to 1,500 watts not including warming-only elements, or those contained within larger expandable elements.

Convection mode

Has a convection feature that uses a fan or two to circulate heated air, and sometimes an extra heating element. The convection mode can be turned off if you prefer conventional cooking.

Slide-in

Slides between cabinets; all controls are on front panel for a built-in look. May have an unfinished exterior on the sides of the range, and typically the left and right edges of the cooktop overlap the counter.

Stainless steel available

Many new mainstream ranges come with stainless steel trim or offer a stainless-trim version for an additional $200 or so. Many pro-style ranges (brands such as Viking, DCS, and GE Monogram, among others) have full stainless-steel construction.

Element wattages

Manufacturer's rated maximum wattage of surface cooking elements. Electric coil ranges have two high-power elements (8-inch coils rated 2,600 watts) and two low-power elements (6-inch coils rated 1,500 watts). For smoothtop ranges, different models have different combinations of elements. Small, low-power elements with ratings from 1,200 to 1,500 watts are sized for a small saucepan. A medium-power element (typically 1,800 watts or so) would handle a larger saucepan or small frying pan. High-power elements of 2,000 watts or more will accommodate large pots such as a stockpot. Often one or more of the high-power elements is a dual element; you can choose the large element or a smaller element within the larger one for small pots. These elements are listed as 1,000/2,500 watts (dual). A few models have triple elements, giving you even more flexibility.

Oven rack positions

Most ranges have five rack positions, and some pro-style models have just three. Six positions adds baking and broiling versatility.

Style of range

Freestanding ranges can fit in the middle of a kitchen counter or at the end. Two other styles, with similar parts and features, are slide-ins, which fit into a space between cabinets, and drop-ins, which rest atop toe-kick-level cabinetry and lack a storage drawer.

Warming drawer

The drawer below the oven can keep hot foods warm or heat serving bowls and plates. It can also be used as a storage drawer.

Double oven

Double oven models have a second oven cavity. Most have a separate small oven above the main one complete with its own controls, door, window, oven light, slide-out rack, and self-clean function. While the upper oven offers easy access, the main oven is relatively low; you'll need to crouch to remove items from lower shelf positions. Other designs offer two same-sized ovens, or convert a single oven into two using a slide-in partition (though with a shared door.)

Cooking drawer

Drawer below the main oven that can cook foods (up to a few inches high), as well as warm or heat serving bowls and plates. The cooking drawer has its own temperature control so can be set to cook a dish independent of the main oven. Foods must be lifted up out of the drawer (lacks a slide-out rack), and the drawer requires manual cleaning.

Claimed oven capacity

Oven capacity as claimed by the manufacturer.