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.

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.

We consider the price of the gas range during testing. We evaluate features, appearance, and performance to find the best gas range at each price point.

Since most gas ranges don't offer self-cleaning ovens, we take into consideration how easy the oven is to clean during our testing.

In testing gas ranges, the size and capacity of the range is a key consideration. Gas ranges are available with as few as two burners and as many as six.

We consider what kind of construction materials the consumer may want when testing gas ranges. Burner grates are frequently made from heavy cast iron, while the shell may be stainless steel or enamel-coated metal.

Fans of gas ranges appreciate having more precise control over cooking temperatures than they can get with electric ranges. We test gas ranges to evaluate how easy the controls are to use and how evenly food heats up.

During testing, we consider the gas range's design to evaluate how well it fits in with the consumer's kitchen. Some ranges are available in multiple colors and finishes to complement classic or modern styles.

During testing, we consider what special cooking surface features consumers might be looking for, such as detachable griddles or grill plates.

In testing gas ranges, we pay special attention to the controls and dials, making sure they feel secure and are easy to access and use.

Sealed burners, which offer metal plates that fit around the central burner to keep it clean, are a key feature of gas ranges. While commercial kitchen users may prefer open burners, our testers found that sealed burners are more manageable for home cooks.

We consider whether the gas range has a warming drawer during testing. While this bottom drawer is popular for storage, in some ranges, it’s intended to broil food or keep it warm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.