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Best Gas Ranges

Updated April 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Samsung Bespoke 6.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Gas Range
Samsung
Bespoke 6.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Gas Range
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A Reliable and Sleek-Looking Range
Bottom Line

Samsung's slide-in range offers fast, even cooking with delicious air frying and convenient smartphone connectivity.

Pros

This range offers a variety of cooking modes, including a convection setting for fast cooking speeds plus an air fry mode for your crispy cravings. Using the SmartThings app, you can search for recipes, preheat your oven, and monitor your range's energy usage from your smartphone. Smart Rapid Heat Induction cooktops are known for their speed, boiling water twice as fast as gas or electric cooktops.

Cons

While the recessed handle offers a sleek look, cleaning its nooks and crannies and ditching the handy towel-hanging spot might leave you longing for a more traditional design.

Best Bang for the Buck
Samsung Gas Range w/ Oven
Samsung
Gas Range with Oven
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Large Capacity
Bottom Line

This smart gas range stands freely with a sleek, stainless steel design that fits in with a wide range of kitchens.

Pros

You can control this 18,000-BTU burner from your phone. People love how consistently it heats their meals. The elevated design makes it easier to stand over, especially for tall people. An integrated griddle comes in handy during breakfast, and the self-cleaning feature keeps maintenance to a minimum.

Cons

Some had a hard time reaching the back burners. Buyers have reported inaccurate temperatures.

GE 5.0 Cubic Foot Freestanding Gas Range
GE
5.0 Cubic Foot Freestanding Gas Range
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Highly Versatile
Bottom Line

Versatile and convenient freestanding gas range ideal for busy, large households.

Pros

A durable and easy-cleaning range that features heavy-duty grates, sealed burners, and a large nonstick griddle above a central oval burner. Features a self-cleaning oven with six different rack levels. Sabbath Mode included. Made in five different finishes, including stainless steel.

Cons

Controls are on the back panel.

Bosch 800 Series 4.8 Cubic Foot Slide-In Gas Range with Convection
Bosch
800 Series 4.8 Cubic Foot Slide-In Gas Range with Convection
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Choose this modern stainless steel gas range if you want lots of features, even cooking, and ample space.

Pros

At 4.8 cubic feet, it's among the more spacious models by the brand. Features five burners and a convection fan for fast, even results. Power burner for fast heating and a simmer burner for cooking at lower temperatures. Shields for countertop to prevent food from getting trapped between the range and counter.

Cons

Rare reports of a gas smell possibly coming from a burner.

Frigidaire 30-Inch Gas Range
Frigidaire
30-Inch Gas Range
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Simple design means there isn't much learning curve when purchasing this range.

Pros

The price point for this affordable range can't be beat and it has all the features you want. With five burners and 5 cubic feet of oven space, you'll have plenty of room to cook for a crowd. An extra-large window lets you keep track of your baking without opening the door.

Cons

Customers are surprised by the electric broiler.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

33
Models
Considered
99
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best gas ranges

If you're a fan of the gas range, you're in good company with us! Lots of people prefer cooking with a gas range because they feel more in control over their heating elements and, therefore, their culinary results.

The market today has a plethora of choices when it comes to gas ranges. There are different designs — freestanding or slide-in; different fuel choices — gas, electric, or dual; number of burners — two, three, four, or more; and more options to consider when it comes to finding that perfect fit for your kitchen. And buying a new gas range can be expensive as you might also need to invest in a ventilation system, or a new gas line.

At BestReviews, we're all in favor of delicious, home-cooked meals. To that end, we spent hours studying the best gas ranges on the market to help you decide which one to go for.

We do not accept products directly from manufacturers; we purchase the same “off-the-shelf” products that you do. And when we've finished our testing and consumer reviews, we donate all these products to charities and other non-profit organizations. In this shopping guide, we'll answer your burning questions about gas-powered ranges, and provide valuable information to help you select a new one.

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The flame of a gas burner can be a pretty accurate visual temperature guide.

Considerations

Freestanding vs. slide-in

Before you buy a new gas range, consider where you'll be putting it. Does your kitchen’s configuration lend itself to a freestanding or slide-in model?

Freestanding models are ideal for centralized kitchens islands. These gas ranges sport four finished sides and do not always include a backsplash or overlapping edges. Your existing gas line’s range may limit where you can place a freestanding range within your home. However, you could probably hire a professional to extend that range. Slide-in models are designed for kitchens in which the cabinets, counter tops, and sink can accommodate a 30- to 42-inch range, fuel line, and ventilation system. Since a slide-in must fit a precise space, its sides may overlap neighboring counters and cabinets. Unlike a freestanding model that can be seen from all angles, a slide-in gas range typically has two unfinished sides that remain hidden after installation.

Ventilation options

The law requires most commercial kitchens to ventilate areas with gas-burning cooktops. You may see a large overhead hood with powerful fans, exhaust ducts, and grease filters in a professional kitchen.

These regulations don’t necessarily apply to homeowners with smaller gas ranges, but proper ventilation is still a good idea. Excessive smoke is always a possibility while cooking, and grease tends to accumulate on the ceilings and walls of poorly ventilated cooking areas.

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Did you know?
Slide-in ranges have their control knobs at the front, while freestanding options have the same on a raised guard at the back.
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Traditional overhead hood system: You might choose to install a traditional overhead hood with an electrical fan system and exhaust ductwork. This is known as “updraft” ventilation, as the smoke and grease draw upward through the hood and release via a duct. Buying and installing an overhead ventilation hood costs a pretty penny, but it’s preferable to the cost of repairing damages caused by smoke and grease to the ceiling and walls.

Downdraft ventilation: Instead of an updraft system, you may choose to install a downdraft system that draws smoke and grease away from your range. In this system, a powerful fan pulls smoky, greasy air down to a filtering system below the unit. Those who don’t have space for an overhead hood may appreciate a downdraft ventilation system.

Microwave: Perhaps you live in a cramped apartment and don’t have room for an oven hood. Or perhaps you want a versatile, money-saving alternative to the ventilation solutions mentioned above. If so, consider installing a microwave with an external ventilation system above your gas range. Plenty of gas range owners say they’re satisfied with this low-tech approach.

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Expert Tip
The retail price of a new gas range may not represent its final cost. If local building codes require, for example, a hood or other ventilation device, the price goes up. It pays to plan ahead.
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Design and features

By its very nature, a gas range needs to be a rugged piece of kitchen equipment that will last 15-20 years or more. A sturdy construction and thoughtful design help ensure the longevity of your appliance. When selecting a new range, pay attention to the following.

Materials: What is your favorite gas range made of? Many manufacturers use heavy cast iron burner grates to support larger pieces of cookware. As for the appliance’s shell, it may be stainless steel, or it may be metal finished with a heat-resistant enamel coating. Both materials are highly recommended.

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EXPERT CONSULTANT
Born and raised in Paris, the land of unapologetic butter, Francois has spent the last 20 years shaping the American culinary world behind the scenes. He was a buyer at Williams-Sonoma, built the Food Network online store, managed product assortments for Rachael Ray's site, started two meal delivery businesses and runs a successful baking blog. When he's not baking a cake or eating his way through Europe, Francois enjoys sharing cooking skills with cooks of all levels. Rules he lives by: "Use real butter" and "Nothing beats a sharp knife."
Francois
Kitchen Expert

Burners: Whenever possible, shoppers should opt for models with sealed burners. A sealed burner system features a special metal plate that fits around the central burner and prevents food and liquids from falling into the interior.

Cleaning system: Those who prefer a self-cleaning oven may be disappointed to learn that most gas ranges don’t include this feature. However, they do respond well to chemical oven cleaners. In addition to chemical cleaning, we recommend the use of protective foils and disposable burner covers to minimize build-ups.

Other valued features:

  • Controls and dials that feel secure, especially in the “off” position, are ideal.
  • Models that include a detachable griddle or grill plate are also highly desirable.
  • Consumers should look for a range with an easy-access, intuitive pilot light.
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Did you know?
A hood system can be costly, but is also very effective in keeping grime and soot off your ceiling and walls.
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Capacity: A single person with minimal cooking needs could be satisfied with a two-burner cooktop and a small oven, but a household of four would likely appreciate a four- or five-burner model and a broiler/oven combination. The goal, of course, is to purchase a gas range that matches your cooking aspirations and needs.

BTU output: A gas range’s heat output is commonly measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat generated by the gas burner. You’ll often see different BTU ratings for different elements on the same range.

  • Some burners generate a maximum of 5000 BTUs, while others generate a screaming-hot 22000 BTUs.
  • Broiler elements tend to hover around the 15000 BTU mark.
  • Oven temperatures vary from approximately 9000 to 15000 BTUs.

Gas range owners quickly learn which burners on their stove run hotter than others. The challenge lies in coordinating a meal with recipes that require various cook times and heat settings. Fortunately, a gas range with variable BTU outputs allays this challenge considerably.

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Expert Tip
Though having a lot of burners may seem attractive, choose a gas range that caters to your cooking needs as well as available space in your kitchen.
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Price

The price of a new gas range varies considerably, from around $150 for a basic gas cooktop with two burners to over $2,000 for a pro-grade model with five burners. The price difference essentially comes down to capacity and total BTU output.

The gas vs. electric debate

The great “gas vs electric” debate centers largely around heat control. Some cooks prefer gas burners because the heat source is easier to gauge. Rather than relying on an electric dial, the cook can quickly adjust the height of the gas flame.

In addition, a gas range affords you the opportunity to broil, flambé, blacken, and braise your food. These techniques can also be done with an electric range, but a gas range allows more precision.

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Many gas ranges use natural gas as their main fuel source, but some can be retrofitted with an adaptor kit to accept propane or other bottled fuels.

FAQ

Q: What specific benefits does a gas range offer over an electric model?

A: As mentioned above, a gas range gives you greater control over your heat source than an electric range. For example, it’s far easier to achieve the subtle differences between medium heat and medium-high heat thanks to the visual cues the flame provides. Electric range burners are adjustable, too, but this takes time, and there is no easy way for the cook to measure the change.

Q: Do I really need to ventilate a gas range?

A: While some users may see a ventilation hood as an unnecessary expense, the reality is that most gas ranges require ventilation for safe operation. Fortunately, installing a large and expensive overhead ventilation hood is not the only option. Some gas ranges can be ventilated via an overhead microwave. Others suffice with downdraft fans and exhaust filters.

Q: Are natural gas and propane family-safe sources for my new gas range?

A: Are you worried about carbon monoxide build-up or a gas-fueled explosion? Most gas ranges possess a number of safety features that prevent such events from occurring. While no kitchen appliance is 100-percent safe, a properly installed and maintained gas range is just as reliable as its electric counterpart. What’s more, a gas range could fill a crucial role in an emergency situation like a power outage.

Q: Could a gas range damage my cookware? I’m concerned about the high heat.

A: Most modern cookware can withstand exposure to electrical heating elements and gas burners equally well. Granted, some high-end 22000-BTU burners could damage thinner cookware if not handled properly. But as long as you maintain a reasonable heat, your cast iron Dutch oven and nonstick aluminum frying pans should be just fine.