RangeBuyingGuide · Gas Advantage

Range Buying Guide

A gas range can provide hundreds of wonderful meals for you and your family. However, ensuring you have the proper appliance for your situation is vital. The experts at Piedmont Natural Gas will guide you through the process. Here are some questions you should consider when making your selection.

What size range should you buy?

When deciding on the size of the gas range, there are a few elements to consider. First and foremost, be sure it will fit into your kitchen. If you’re replacing an old range or oven setup, the new one should have the same dimensions to avoid costly renovations.

The oven

Ovens are rated by cubic feet and basic models typically come with an oven and two racks. However, premium models can have a larger oven with three racks or two ovens. If you plan on hosting parties or you love to make a variety of food, consider a range with a bigger oven capacity.
How hot?

Heat output for gas ranges is calculated in Btu (British thermal units). Burners range from 5,000 to 20,000 Btu. Ranges with high-heat burners usually cost more.

Although having a higher Btu rating means you may use more gas overall, it will also make your cooking much more efficient. If you boil water, for example, a burner with 18,000 Btu is going to accomplish the task much faster than one with 12,000 Btu. Heat levels can be adjusted with the range’s controls, and you can always adjust the flame lower, but you can’t make it hotter than its rating.

Another thing to remember is the burners and the oven are separate. Pay attention to the number of Btu offered by both so that you can be sure you’re getting the best model for the money.

Use this guide to determine the right size range for you.

Consider Your Options

While the size of the range and its ability to heat food are important, it is equally important that the range perform the functions you need.

Digital controls

Even though you’ll be cooking with gas and a flame, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some technology into your range. Many new models come with a digital control panel that enables you to get more precise settings and cook more accurately.
Preset options

In some cases, the panel will allow you to preset cooking options based on the kind of dish you’re preparing. This will make the process much easier and more simplified, meaning you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking.
Control options

Standard controls on most ranges include a clock/timer, temperature settings and cooking methods (bake, broil, roast, etc.). However, there are other options (warm, self-clean, defrost, etc.) that can add value to your range.
Do I need a hood for my range?

The short answer is yes. Because most gas ranges come with a stove top, you must be able to remove the excess heat from your kitchen while cooking. The cooking process could become uncomfortable without a hood, and it could set off your smoke detectors.

The other thing to remember is when boiling water, a hood ensures the steam won’t cause any damage to your cabinets. Steam can cause wood to warp and expand.
Is it worth it to get a self-cleaning oven?

As with convection cooking, having this feature is going to make your life much easier. It reduces the need to hand-scrub the oven, although deep cleaning is occasionally needed. Also, as with convection cooking, if you don’t use your oven that much, it might not be worth the added expense.
What is the bottom drawer for?

Many ovens have a bottom drawer that is a warming tray to ensure your pre-cooked dishes don’t cool.

Most people are used to turning the food in the oven manually throughout the cooking process to ensure all sides are heated evenly. If you don’t, then one side will be more cooked than the other, which could result in some less-than-appetizing meals.

Convection cooking, however, doesn’t require any extra assistance. Fans blow the hot air around your food, so you won’t have to turn your pot or pan around halfway through. You can simply set the timer and forget it until it goes off.

The other benefit of convection cooking is it takes much less time to prepare dishes. Since the hot air is circulating, it envelops the food faster and helps it get to the proper temperature more efficiently.

Is it worth the extra expense to buy a convection oven? It depends on your cooking habits. If you enjoy cooking, it may be a good investment. If you aren’t using your range that often, then it might not be worth the added cost.

Gas ranges offer burners that can vary by size and Btu output so you can prepare different dishes at the same time. Also, the different burner sizes allow you to efficiently use different size pots and pans. When picking out a gas range, pay attention to these differences and choose a model that offers the best bang for your buck.

Some ranges have “sealed burners.” This means that any drippings that land on the stovetop will not leak into the oven below. If your burners are not sealed (i.e., open), then any sauce or grease could create a mess that you will have to clean up. Even worse, if drippings happen while you’re cooking, it could ruin the dish.

What do I look for when selecting an installer?

If you’ve never had a gas range before, you will need a professional to install the gas line and/or the “quick-connect” hose you will use to hook up your gas range.

Are they licensed, bonded and insured?

Installers should be licensed, bonded and insured to ensure they know what they are doing and have insurance coverage to protect you and your home if something is damaged or someone is injured during the installation.
Do they follow all building codes and pull the required permits?

You and your family are at risk if your installer does not follow building codes or fails to pull the proper permits.
How long have they been in the business?

You want your installer to have a long and positive track record for installing gas lines for ranges in your area. Ask for references and only use an installer from a company you trust. You want to make sure the installer you use will be around for many years to come so they can provide maintenance and repair for your range if you need it.

What type of warranty should I look for?

Warranties on gas ranges can depend on the make and model of the unit so make sure you compare the plans available from the appliance manufacturer. Ask important questions, including:

Does the warranty cover equipment and installation?
If so, for how long?
What is the typical cost of service and maintenance?

Cooking

Natural gas ranges are more efficient than similar electric ranges,
with a variety of colors and sizes available