Range? Or Separate Cooktop & Oven?

Choosing between two great options is always hard. That’s what happens when you stand there trying to figure out whether to go for a wall oven and a cooktop or just get a range. One would argue that when both options are great, there are no considerations around the corner. Well, when it comes to cooking appliances in kitchens, which may be busy or not, small or big, found in homes with a large or small family, the decision is not easy.

There’s actually quite a lot to consider, since they might be structural constraints and personal preferences, or budget limitations. So, let us consider all main factors that are bound to shape your decision: range vs wall oven & cooktop.

Kitchen space limitations – are there, really?

The size of the kitchen always matters when you are ready to choose appliances. Its layout too. But we can (and should) view space from a different perspective as well – that in terms of how much storage space is created in either option. Let’s see.

By definition, the range is one appliance. It may host both the cooktop and the oven, but it’s one item and so, often considered that it takes less space than a separate cooktop and wall oven. Well, this is not exactly so, if viewed from the storage-space-saving perspective. The cooktop will occupy counter space in either case. Now, when the wall oven is found among cabinets, the space freed below the cooktop will be used for storage. And this will substitute the lost space occupied by the wall oven. As far as the storage room is concerned, there are hardly any differences.

Of course, the space available in the kitchen plays a big role. The whole point is to create a functional kitchen where the workflow around the triangle – cooking appliances, fridge, and sink, will be easy. If the size or the layout of the kitchen doesn’t allow you to have the oven close by, you may decide to go for a range. But sometimes, the exact opposite is quite necessary – and this brings us to our next question.

Are you the sole chef in your kitchen or there’s another cook?

If you are not the only soul cooking in your kitchen but have your better half or children around helping too, you may prefer separate appliances. Having an oven there and a cooktop here gives you the chance to stay away from each other’s way and thus do your job without obstructions.

What’s your taste, preference, and cooking habits?

Let us make a list of small things, which make a huge difference when you try to decide between getting a range or opting for a wall oven and a cooktop.

• If there’s a kitchen island, you have the freedom of placing the cooktop on it and thus face your friends and family as you cook.

• On the other hand, if you want to create a focal point in the kitchen, a range can do that. Today, there are fantastic designs, styles, colors to decorate the kitchen.

• Aesthetically speaking, if you like a sleek look, you’d prefer to go with a wall oven and cooktop instead of getting a range.

• In practical terms, if you need a large size or double oven, it’s best to go for the separate cooking appliances since it’s hard to find such a range.

• As far as problems are concerned, a broken range doesn’t necessarily imply that both the cooktop and the oven will be affected. But if one of the two cannot be fixed, you will still have to replace the entire appliance. With separate appliances, things are different. You will still need to find an oven repair tech if something is wrong but if the oven must be replaced, the cooktop will still be in place.

The cost consideration

Overall, ranges cost less than separate cooktops and wall ovens. And you may not even need professional range installation – that’s if this is an electric appliance and you have some knowledge. With separate appliances, you need a technician for the cooktop and wall oven installation – that’s an expense. But this compensates with the fact that should there be damage, you won’t have to replace both the cooktop and the oven. One more cost consideration is the appliance itself. While ranges may often be cheaper, you get the chance to choose a wall oven and a cooktop from different brands – and price ranges, since they are two separate appliances.