Range vs. stove vs. oven – do you know the difference?
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Oct 30, 2023
Last updated Oct 30, 2023
People often use the terms "stove" and "range" interchangeably. The same is often true with "cooktop" and "stovetop." But is there really a difference?
Yes, there is a difference. To prevent confusion, you should use the correct term when searching online for a replacement, deciding the best layout for your kitchen, or discussing repairs with a professional.
Keep reading to learn the differences between ranges, stoves, stovetops, cooktops, and ovens.
| Range | Combines both an oven and a stovetop/cooktop. Used for baking, broiling, and roasting. |
| Stove | Often refers to a range. It can also mean a home heating device that burns wood or coal. |
| Oven | The enclosed cavity inside a range, below the stovetop. It can also be installed separately in a wall. |
| Stovetop | The cooking surface that sits on top of the range and oven. Used to fry, boil, and sauté. |
| Cooktop | The cooking surface that integrates into a countertop. Used to fry, boil, and sauté. |
What is a range?
A range is an appliance that combines an oven and a stovetop. This usually refers to a standard range with both an oven and a cooking surface.
Ranges are a versatile, all-in-one option. Some brands may use the term “range oven.” With a range, you can bake, roast, fry, boil, broil, and sauté food.
Types of ranges
Ranges come in a variety of styles to suit different functional and aesthetic preferences.
- Gas range. Uses propane or natural gas to create a flame for cooking.
- Electric range. Uses heated metal coils to cook food.
- Dual-fuel range. Can use either gas or electricity to heat cooking surfaces.
- Slide-in range. Designed to fit between cabinets.
- Freestanding range. Has finished sides, making it suitable for installation between cabinets, standing alone, or at the end of a counter.
What is a stove?
Generally, the term “stove” refers to the entire range. However, some people use the term to refer to the part of a range with a cooking surface, also called the stovetop.
A stove is also considered a home heating appliance or device that burns wood or coal.
Types of stoves for home heating
Here’s a look at some of the most common types of stoves for heating your home. If this isn’t what you’re interested in, jump ahead to see the different types of stovetops and cooktops you can use for cooking.
- Wood-burning stove. Burns wood logs to heat a home. Usually contains a chamber, flue, and chimney.
- Pellet stove. Heats a home by burning pellets of compressed wood, not logs.
- Gas stoves. Uses natural gas or propane to heat a home.
- Electric stoves. Uses electricity to heat a home.
What is a stovetop or cooktop?
A “stovetop” usually refers to the cooking surface on top of the range or oven. In the simplest terms, a stovetop is the surface you fry, boil, and sauté on.
People often use the term “cooktop” for the cooking surface that integrates into a countertop. Some kitchens have wall ovens plus a cooktop on the counter, with drawers below for pots and pans.
Types of cooktops and stovetops
Whether you get a range or a stovetop and wall oven, there are several types of cooking surfaces to consider.
- Gas stovetop. Uses natural gas or propane to create a flame to cook over.
- Electric stovetop. Uses heated metal coils.
- Induction stovetop. Transfers electric current directly to the cookware.
What is an oven?
An oven is an enclosed space designed for baking, roasting, and broiling. It can be part of a range, or it can be installed separately from the stovetop. If you see a brand using the word “oven,” it usually means the enclosed space itself — not the cooking surface.
Types of ovens
When it comes to ovens, you have a few options to choose from. Which one is best for you depends on your kitchen space and cooking style:
- Gas oven. Uses natural gas or propane to heat food.
- Electric oven. Uses metal heating elements.
- Range oven. Standing appliance with an oven and a stovetop.
- Wall oven. Installed at eye level or below a countertop.
- Conventional oven. Uses an upper and lower heating element to heat food from above and below.
- Convection oven. Uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food.
Range vs. cooktop kitchen setup
Now, let's examine the pros and cons of two common kitchen setups:
- Choosing a range/stove with an oven and stovetop.
- Choosing wall ovens with a separate cooktop on a counter.
1. Ranges that combine an oven and a stovetop
A range oven includes both an oven and a stovetop in one appliance. Here are the pros and cons of choosing this setup:
Pros:
- Ease of installation. Because ranges come as an assembled unit, they tend to be simple to install.
- Space-saving. Combining the oven and stove can make the best use of space in a smaller kitchen.
- All-in-one. Ranges give you the option to bake and use a cooking surface with one appliance.
- Easier transferring. Having the oven right under the stove makes it easy to move pans from one to the other.
Cons:
- Less oven space. Range ovens tend to be smaller inside than wall ovens. This makes them less ideal for large dishes or baking.
- Lower oven door. The oven door on a range usually requires you to kneel or stoop to put food in the oven.
2. Wall oven plus a cooktop on a counter
Separating your cooktop from the oven can create a versatile cooking space. But it might not be the best choice for your kitchen. Consider these pros and cons:
Pros:
- Sleek appearance. Gives kitchens a streamlined, modern aesthetic.
- Versatile. You can install your cooktop on any countertop.
- Customizable. Gives you freedom to design the cooking surface for your needs.
Cons:
- Takes up counter space. Installing a cooktop on a counter means you have fewer usable surfaces.
Still can't decide? Consider this
With all the options for cooking appliances, choosing the best one for your kitchen can be a daunting task. Keep these factors in mind to make the right choice:
The appliances you already have
Look at the oven and stove you already have installed. If you don’t have a wall oven already, installing one will be much more costly than a range. The same applies to counter cooktops.
Kitchen size and layout
Another way to narrow down which appliances you should install is to look at your kitchen layout. Think about what appliances you have room for, and decide how much counter and cabinet space you’re willing to give up.
Consult a professional
Deciding which appliances make sense for your kitchen and cooking preferences sometimes requires a professional's help. If you're remodeling your kitchen, consider hiring a contractor and/or a designer to help you create the best layout. These pros can also help you decide which type of appliance will fit within your layout.
If you simply want to install a new kitchen appliance without changing your kitchen's layout, consult a professional. They can help you choose the best one and install it correctly.
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