Range vs. stove vs. oven – do you know the difference?

What is a range?

A range is an appliance with both 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 suited to a range of 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.

Does your range need repairs? Find a top-rated pro near you.

What is a stove?

Generally, the term “stove” refers to the entire range. However, some people use the term to refer to a part of a range that has 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 pruning pellets of compressed wood (not logs).
• Gas stoves. Utilizes natural gas or propane to heat a home.
• Electric stoves. Utilizes electricity to heat a home.

Stove not working? Hire a top-rated appliance repair service near you.

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 just the surface you fry, boil, and sauté on.

People often use the term "cooktop" to refer to the cooking surface that integrates into a countertop. Some kitchens have wall ovens plus a cooktop on the counter (with drawers installed 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.

Related: Gas vs. electric stove — which one is better?

What is an oven?

An oven is an enclosed space designed for baking, roasting, and broiling. It can be a part of a range, or you can have one 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:

1. Choosing a range/stove with an oven and stovetop.
2. 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 on the 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. 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 what 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.

The easiest way to find a pro near you is with Thumbtack. Get the Thumbtack app now to find highly rated professionals and receive free price quotes for your project.