Electric Ranges

Freestanding ranges are designed with fully finished panels on the sides and front, for a completed look. These can typically be placed anywhere in your kitchen and feature a backsplash with touch controls or knobs, a clock, and/or a broiling drawer.

Drop-in ranges, on the other hand, are designed to be “dropped in” with the rest of your cabinetry. These usually get a cabinet front panel installed to complete the built-in look. These models typically require customized cabinets for seamless installation.

Slide-in electric ranges also sport a built-in look; however, these slide in with your existing countertop and cabinetry. Controls are usually located right above the oven door.

Deciding on the the right range cooktop to suit your needs is important—so here’s what you need to know:

Spiral coils are a common choice, with the coils situated on the rangetop surface. They glow red when running hot. Newer models come with sensor technology as a safety feature to keep the burners from overheating past 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smooth-top ranges feature coil or radiant heating elements underneath a glass surface, which provides a sleeker look, is easy to clean, and heats up quickly and evenly. Please note that the glass surface is susceptible to damage from dropped pans and can be expensive to fix or replace.

Induction ranges are a completely different story: They use electromagnetic technology that transfers heat to your pot or pan, and they only heat the compatible cookware that touches the surface. Induction lets you cook quickly (heating up to 6 quarts of water to a near-boil in 2-4 minutes) and provides excellent simmering performance.

Once you’ve chosen your range type, consider the following features to streamline your day-to-day meal prep:

• Electronic temperature controls, programmable timing, & Wi-Fi connectivity for precise heat control and convenience.
• Dual-element burners, bridged elements, adjustable oven racks, multiple broil settings, warming drawers, and convection really elevate your cooking options.
• Hot surface indicator lights or LED-lit knobs and other safety features let you know when your cooktop is running hot and/or unattended.