Cook Tops Vs. Free Standing Range?

[DawnCt1]

At some point in the future, we need to renovate our kitchen. (1980,s) Right now we have a triple width Jenn-aire cook top with 4 ceramic burners (grill in the middle) and two wall ovens. We have propane for the pool so I could tap into that tank and have a gas range (which I would love). Would you get another triple width cook top and stick with wall ovens, or would you get a triple width 6 burner gas stove with the double side by side ovens and turn the space where the wall ovens are, into a pantry with slide out shelves. The space under the cook top is limited for storage due to the mechanics of the stove. I would also need a down draft exhaust fan built in or behind the cook top. Any thoughts?

 

[Aisling]

After having both ceramic cooktops and gas ranges, I prefer the gas range. Cooking is a lot easier with better control of the heat. The gas range may not look as hip as the ceramic, though. I've never seen a gourmet chef use a ceramic top, so there must be something about good ole fashioned fire when cooking!

 

[DawnCt1]

After having both ceramic cooktops and gas ranges, I prefer the gas range. Cooking is a lot easier with better control of the heat. The gas range may not look as hip as the ceramic, though. I've never seen a gourmet chef use a ceramic top, so there must be something about good ole fashioned fire when cooking!

I definitely want gas, I guess I should have been more clear in my post; a gas cook top with 6 burners, and a double wall oven, or the free standing six burner stove with the ovens in the same unit? I would welcome more cupboard space. I am not sure it would actually be more, but it seems to me it would.

 

[Mom2Nick]

I'd go with a commercial style freestanding range and use the ovens for pantry like you said.

Do you need to have the exhaust fan or do you want it? I did not want to put up a big stainless vent and block the airy feeling of my kitchen so I have no exhaust fan/hood over my commercial style range and have no issues at all..

 

[Aisling]

I definitely want gas, I guess I should have been more clear in my post; a gas cook top with 6 burners, and a double wall oven, or the free standing six burner stove with the ovens in the same unit? I would welcome more cupboard space. I am not sure it would actually be more, but it seems to me it would.

Oopsie, sorry!

 

[Chuck S]

Growing up we had a 40" gas range, 4 burners and a griddle in the middle, two ovens. I really liked it. My aunt had a cook top and wall oven. There are advantages and disadvatages to both, but I prefer the "old fashioned" free standing range.

 

[DMickey28]

As long as you can get the same oven space by going with a commerical style single unit, I would do that.

My parents have a mid 90's Jenn-aire that they are dying to get rid of!!

 

[golfgal]

I would have to say that the real question is do you need the extra storage in your kitchen. We have a free standing range but when we renovate our kitchen we are going to a cook-top with double wall ovens. I have 2 large pantry cabinets in my kitchen now. I have cabinets that have 3 bowls in them and others that have a few plates, heck, I have empty shelves all together in my kitchen. In other words, I can easily give up the one pantry for double ovens.

My SIL had a free-standing oven with 6 burners and a double oven. The burners were gas, the ovens were electric. One side of the oven was smaller, large enough for an 8x10 pan-3 shelves. The other was an extra large oven, great for cooking turkey and other large meals. Day to day they used the smaller oven but used the big one when they had company, etc. She LOVED that oven. I would consider something like that if it works with your space.

It was similar to this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02275503000P

 

[DawnCt1]

I'd go with a commercial style freestanding range and use the ovens for pantry like you said.

Do you need to have the exhaust fan or do you want it? I did not want to put up a big stainless vent and block the airy feeling of my kitchen so I have no exhaust fan/hood over my commercial style range and have no issues at all..

It would have to be an exhaust fan that comes up from the counter area behind, like this. http://www.appliancesdirect.com/shop/product.asp?promoid=5&topNavID=2&CatID=13&ProdId=93

Or like you said, not bother with one. I don't use the fan/vent in the jenn aire that much.