cooktop question

[Chaoster]

Is there much of a difference between a cooktop versus a full range? Redoing a kitchen and getting older noticed all the gas ranges the oven is pretty low . Thinking maybe getting a cooktop and wall oven no bending? never had just a cooktop

 

[sam_gordon]

Is there much of a difference between a cooktop versus a full range? Redoing a kitchen and getting older noticed all the gas ranges the oven is pretty low . Thinking maybe getting a cooktop and wall oven no bending? never had just a cooktop

My only thought is whether the full range is cheaper than two separate pieces. Personally, if you have the room for it and you feel having a wall oven is better, I don't see any issues. It wouldn't keep me from purchasing a house.

 

[lovesmurfs]

We've always had the full oven. Moved in July to a house with a cooktop and a dual wall oven.

I love, love, love the set up -- so much easier to get stuff in and out (and CLEAN!). Only sad that our cooktop isn't gas.

 

[tvguy]

Grew up with a cook top and a wall oven. Last 43 years we have had a range. Really no difference. When we remodeled 12 years ago we went from an over the range microwave to a drawer microwave under the counter. That is the only thing I can compare to as we use the microwave more than the oven in the range. Yes, it is harder with the microwave controls being below eye level as compared to at or above eye level, but not having the microwave, stove/oven in the the same space is a big advantage when one of us is using the stove-oven and the other is using the microwave, we aren't having to work around each other.
You mention natural gas. If that is your preferred cooking method, I would consider putting in new equipment before natural gas could be banned. Depends on where you live, here all natural gas appliances are banned as of 2030. Won't get into that debate because for us, we are in an all electric subdivision. Natural gas has always been much more expensive here so for that reason electric has been preferred. My highest electric bills are always in December and January when it gets to the low 30s on a regular basis. My electric bill last month was $200 for a 2,000 square foot house. People a street over in newer similar sized houses are paying about $300 for natural gas to heat and cook, and about another $100 for electricity.

 

[Chaoster]

yes debating about which direction to go. So many choices and options.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I love, love, love my induction cooktop and would never go back to gas or regular electric. I also have a wall oven/microwave convection oven combo. More expensive than a single range, but I have wall combo at height so I don’t have to bend over. Another great oven feature is the glide rack that pulls out all the way easily without tipping. As we’ve redone things in our current home we have kept planning to age in place and what helps us accomplish that.

 

[_19disnA]

Much of it is a matter of personal preference, budget and what you have generally used. I don't think between electric/gas either cooks any better. New induction cooktops are electric and only work with certain types of pots/pans. It seems every few years there is some new version of cooktops and whether or not they actually cook better or are just clever marketing seems to depend on who you ask. Some areas are considering regulations about new gas installations. Some of that seems to take the studies out of context. Recent studies show the fumes from gas stove/oven can be a concern for some people. I suspect some places might simply add new regulations relating to how such installations are vented, perhaps some areas might ban them, but who knows for sure? That would only be a concern if you remodel AFTER any new regulations have been implemented. Regulations like those are never applied retroactively to existing homes.

We have a glass cooktop and double wall over (both are electric). Have lived in some parts of the country where you might also have the choice of propane, typically in places where natural gas isn't commonly used.

Some of your choice will also depend on how many people you typically cook for. A double wall oven with 2 full-size ovens provides more cooking capacity when cooking for a crowd. The typical range that includes an oven doesn't provide as much capacity as a double wall oven. Some also divide the regular range oven into 2 parts, with each being a smaller size and doesn't provide any extra capacity and certainly not comparable to a double wall oven.

I do agree that having a wall oven typically means you don't have to bend down to the floor like you would with the range.

 

[NYCgrrl]

No cooking function difference that I can recall but some ranges give you storage space for pots.

 

[barkley]

we've had both cooktops and a separate oven as well as combo units (both all electric/all gas depending on the individual house we were in). I can see advantages to both depending on the layout of the individual kitchen but I DO like my cooktop/oven combo b/c I can easily/without taking a single step take items out of the oven and immediately place them on top of the cooktop's cast iron grates. I'm a fan of gas cooking and in my region the prices are not astronomical nor facing any threats of being prohibited (our gas source is propane, the cost per gallon is very reasonable and has actually decreased per gallon every year for the past few).

Another great oven feature is the glide rack that pulls out all the way easily without tipping

I ADORE these. makes it so much easier on my back (esp. like it when making pumpkin pie-i can take the liquid over after the crust is baked and pour it in then glide the pie into the oven w/o it spilling).

As we’ve redone things in our current home we have kept planning to age in place and what helps us accomplish that.

a couple of considerations with a wall oven and aging up is (1) proximity to a counter (or other surface to put hot items on) and (2) height of the unit as it compares to being wheelchair accessable. the oven/stove combo I've found that has the best access for someone in a wheelchair is a double (smaller unit above bigger) b/c most folks find out pretty quickly that 90% of their cooking is done in the smaller portion which is just below counter height which is easier to reach from a seated position in a wheelchair.

 

[AgentMama]

We have a cooktop and double wall oven. I much prefer it to a full stove. Mostly because it's nice when you cook and bake a lot to have 2 separate ovens to use. I prefer to look of the cook top to the range. If you have the space for it and would utilize it, highly recommend it.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Is there much of a difference between a cooktop versus a full range? Redoing a kitchen and getting older noticed all the gas ranges the oven is pretty low . Thinking maybe getting a cooktop and wall oven no bending? never had just a cooktop

I've lived in houses with each setup, and don't see any difference other than your personal preference for how you like to move around the kitchen.

Personally, if I were building from scratch, I would have a double wall oven and a separate (gas) cooktop.

 

[tvguy]

New induction cooktops are electric and only work with certain types of pots/pans.

You just buy an adapter disk for pots and pans that are not made of the correct material and they will work. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stainles...["Shipping"]}]&classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1400

 

[NYCgrrl]

You just buy an adapter disk for pots and pans that are not made of the correct material and they will work

Yep although it can lower the heat output between some pans and the induction cooking surface.
I sold my copper pot collection ( that was difficult) before moving into my current space so thought I was fine. However I retained a mini set of measuring copper pans and the adaptive disk still allows me to melt butter and such.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Moved into the house we're living in 9 years ago. Previous owners did a huge remodel of the kitchen and put in double wall ovens (electric) and a 6 burner rangetop. I really like the 6 burners. and I like having double wall ovens to cook different things at different times and temps. Some bending is required for the lower double oven.

 

[Skippy918]

I like my cooktop and separate wall oven. House was built this way though. When doing your renovation they will have to add electrical to where you want the wall oven.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Some areas are considering regulations about new gas installations.

NYC has been a “gas” town since the gas lines were originally installed around the turn of the 20th century.
Recently, a law went into effect for new multi dwellings stating that cook surfaces must NOT be gas which of course means electric for current purposes. The average city resident isn’t noticing a difference but they will in time.
I switched from gas to induction as an experiment.
It exceeded my expectations so much that now I have to figure out how to best use the empty space when the gas range is removed. I currently cook on my dining room table and bake using a portable oven.

 

[Deb]

Much of it is a matter of personal preference, budget and what you have generally used. I don't think between electric/gas either cooks any better. New induction cooktops are electric and only work with certain types of pots/pans. It seems every few years there is some new version of cooktops and whether or not they actually cook better or are just clever marketing seems to depend on who you ask. Some areas are considering regulations about new gas installations. Some of that seems to take the studies out of context. Recent studies show the fumes from gas stove/oven can be a concern for some people. I suspect some places might simply add new regulations relating to how such installations are vented, perhaps some areas might ban them, but who knows for sure? That would only be a concern if you remodel AFTER any new regulations have been implemented. Regulations like those are never applied retroactively to existing homes.

There's gas, electric and induction. What am I missing? Two of been around for decades and the third at least a decade.

 

[Deb]

Is there much of a difference between a cooktop versus a full range? Redoing a kitchen and getting older noticed all the gas ranges the oven is pretty low . Thinking maybe getting a cooktop and wall oven no bending? never had just a cooktop

I've never had a wall oven, but I did remark to someone recently that I might feel uncomfortable trying to remove heavy items from an oven at that height. Just something to think about

 

[_19disnA]

The smooth top electric is one of those inventions I was referring to. Used to be there were separate exposed burners (gas and electric) and the flat surface was marketed as 'better'. Supposedly the idea with the flat top surface was it wouldn't get as dirty as individual burners and be easier to keep clean. I find mine needs more frequent cleaning as anything the drips on the burner leaves a residue once you are done cooking. Induction is more recent and certain types of pots/pans aren't compatible or require an adapter that makes it less efficient to use. I wouldn't run out and buy a new cooktop just because they market something new as being better.

I find our wall oven way more convenient to remove heavy items from then having to reach down to the floor on the typical range. Wall ovens can be installed at various heights and you can determine what works best for you with the people doing the installing.

 

[NYCgrrl]

find our wall oven way more convenient to remove heavy items from then having to reach down to the floor on the typical range. Wall ovens can be installed at various heights and you can determine what works best for you with the people doing the installing.