Pricing Categories and What to Expect for Your Money When Buying a Range

Somewhat like buying a car, there are ranges for every price category that run from standard models to massive pro-style versions featuring multiple ways to cook food including steam convection. If you are just getting started in the decision making process of buying a range, here is a breakdown of pricing categories as well as what you can expect from the ranges in each one.

Under $1000

This is the price category for slide in, freestanding, electric, and/or gas standard ranges. These models typically come with 4 heating elements on the cooktop, a broiler, self-cleaning, and an oven capacity of about 5 cubic feet. Glass top electric ranges, convection cooking, and at least one burner with high power/simmer options are available at the upper end of this pricing category.

$1000 to $4000

This price category includes all of the options available for standard ranges and then steps it up from there. Glass top options can include a side area to keep finished courses warm while others are being heated, ovens can have larger viewing windows, and many models will have a fifth heating element. Gas ranges in this category may offer interlocking grates that cover the entire cooktop and electric models will offer a similar option with bridges between burners. This category also offers induction cooking; a highly efficient heating system that uses electromagnetic energy to heat metal based cookware directly, leaving the cooktop cool. Additional features in this category include double ovens and the option for simultaneous cooking with both gas and electricity.

Over $4000

This is the pro-style category which includes all the features of the two less expensive categories but offers ranges that are up to twice as large (up to 5 feet wide) with much higher heating capacities. The larger ranges will offer double ovens with each side rivaling the size of traditional single oven models. Duties can be split as well with one oven being used for conventional purposes while the other can be used for convection cooking, with higher end models offering steam convection. The larger cooktop area of ranges in this category offers a variety of customization options including high powered burners that can reach 20,000 BTUs, griddles, and other features that are part of the pro-style cooking experience. A hood-style ventilation system is recommended for ranges in this category due to the higher amounts of heat, smoke and steam that can be generated due to larger cooking areas and higher heat output.

Two major aspects of the decision making process for buying a range are the budget and the types of meals that you plan to prepare. With these two factors in mind, getting the most value from a range that matches your cooking style will be the best purchase you can make.