The range is considered to be the centrepiece of any kitchen, but with so many options, how can you possibly decide? Should it be gas or electric? What size should it be? What model? Well, read on to discover the best range your home can ask for.

Gas or Electric?
This has to be the most important choice in your purchase. If your home isn’t connected to a gas supply, then the answer is obvious. However, if you have a real choice between the two, budget and cooking preferences should play a large role when deciding. 
 
Some people prefer electric ranges because of safety reasons, there’s no chance of a gas leak occurring. Electric ranges are typically less expensive than their gas counterparts, but they’re usually more expensive to operate. Many cooks prefer gas ranges because the burner flame works as a visual temperature gauge and can heat things quickly.
 
Size
Both electric and gas ranges are typically 30 inches wide. Most pro-style ranges also start at 30 inches wide but can grow up to 48 inches if they’re custom-configured with extra ovens or burners. Add-ons such as integrated grills, griddles or woks could also increase your appliance’s demand for space. If you want to replace an existing range, buying a new model with the same type and size means the new range would fit.

One or Two?
A lot of ranges today come in single or double oven configurations. Double-oven ranges usually have a smaller oven up top and a larger oven below. These come in handy if you want to bake or roast two different foods at different temperatures. If you want to reheat pizza for example, you can activate just the upper oven and save some time preheating. 

Controls and Settings
As price tags increase, controls on your appliance go from simple knobs for a clock and timer up to the latest digital technology designed for cooking algorithms. Special settings such as “delayed bake,” which kicks on at a set time, and “warm and hold,” which is self-explanatory, are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier. Just don’t expect to see these features on ranges that go for less than $900.

The range is considered to be the centrepiece of any kitchen, but with so many options, how can you possibly decide? Should it be gas or electric? What size should it be? What model? Well, read on to discover the best range your home can ask for.

Gas or Electric?
This has to be the most important choice in your purchase. If your home isn’t connected to a gas supply, then the answer is obvious. However, if you have a real choice between the two, budget and cooking preferences should play a large role when deciding. 
 
Some people prefer electric ranges because of safety reasons, there’s no chance of a gas leak occurring. Electric ranges are typically less expensive than their gas counterparts, but they’re usually more expensive to operate. Many cooks prefer gas ranges because the burner flame works as a visual temperature gauge and can heat things quickly.
 
Size
Both electric and gas ranges are typically 30 inches wide. Most pro-style ranges also start at 30 inches wide but can grow up to 48 inches if they’re custom-configured with extra ovens or burners. Add-ons such as integrated grills, griddles or woks could also increase your appliance’s demand for space. If you want to replace an existing range, buying a new model with the same type and size means the new range would fit.

One or Two?
A lot of ranges today come in single or double oven configurations. Double-oven ranges usually have a smaller oven up top and a larger oven below. These come in handy if you want to bake or roast two different foods at different temperatures. If you want to reheat pizza for example, you can activate just the upper oven and save some time preheating. 

Controls and Settings
As price tags increase, controls on your appliance go from simple knobs for a clock and timer up to the latest digital technology designed for cooking algorithms. Special settings such as “delayed bake,” which kicks on at a set time, and “warm and hold,” which is self-explanatory, are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier. Just don’t expect to see these features on ranges that go for less than $900.