Kitchen Range Buying Guide

Ranges with radiant electric smoothtops, which have electric heating elements hidden beneath a layer of flat glass, are a popular pick. All the models in our tests have at least one high-power burner. Most have expandable dual or triple elements that let you switch from a large high-power element to a small, lower-power element within it. Some ranges have a warming element in the center to keep side dishes warm.

A downside to radiant electric models is that they hold a lot of residual heat, so after reducing the temperature, burners will take a few minutes to settle at the lower setting. 

Depending on where you live and how much money you earn, your new electric range might qualify for rebates, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

These appliances run on the same standard electric line as a regular electric range but use magnetic coils below the ceramic glass surface to send electromagnetic pulses to transfer energy directly to your cookware. They boil faster and simmer more steadily, and any adjustment you make to a burner happens immediately because the elements themselves don’t get hot. If you’re transitioning from other types of cooking surfaces, our complete guide to induction cooking will answer all your questions.

Magnetic cookware is needed for induction cooktops to work—but that’s not as difficult as it sounds. If a magnet strongly sticks to the bottom of a pot, the cookware will work with an induction range. Chances are, you might already have some stainless steel or cast-iron cookware that is induction-capable (though some is not). For more on how to check, read our guide to telling what cookware is induction-friendly—and what the best pots and pans for induction surfaces are if you’re buying them new.

If you’re in the market for an induction range, read our summary of pros and cons. In addition, induction ovens have typically been more expensive than conventional electric ovens, but prices have come down recently. What’s more, the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives for the purchase of electric ranges, including induction, can help further drive down the cost, at least for those who qualify.

Thanks to the flame it emits with each burner, a gas range provides a level of sensory feedback that electric models just can’t match. Most gas ranges have four or five burners of different sizes, typically with at least one high-power burner and one simmer burner.

Response time is particularly quick, especially when compared with a radiant smoothtop. When you turn the knob from high to medium on a gas cooktop, the pot—and the food in it—experiences that change almost immediately. And with most gas burners, you can strike a match to light them when your power is out. However, gas burners—even high-power ones—tend to be slowest to bring water to a boil. 

Consumer Reports has undertaken preliminary testing to measure levels of potentially dangerous gases produced by gas ranges. In our early evaluations, we’ve found that, in some cases, these ranges can emit worrisome levels of nitrogen oxides, even with only a single burner in use. Our further testing will assess the risks and look for methods to mitigate them. When cooking with a gas range, make sure to create as much ventilation as possible by activating your range hood and opening windows and doors.

Pro-style ranges in our ratings are either gas or dual-fuel, meaning they partner gas burners with an electric oven. They tend to be beautifully built, with heavy-gauge stainless steel, well-insulated ovens, and continuous cast-iron cooking grates—but these luxurious looks carry a commensurate price. 

Another knock against pricey pro-style ranges: Many regular ranges now offer features once unique to pro-style models, such as high-power burners, dedicated simmer burners, and convection—for a fraction of the price. And, in fact, the best gas and electric ranges in our ratings outperform the best pro-style models.

Worse, as CR’s range-testing engineer Tara Casaregola says: “Even basic conveniences that you’d take for granted on a regular range, like a digital oven display or preheat light, are often missing on pro-style ranges."

That being said, the best pro-style models are works of art. And if that leaves you feeling empowered in the kitchen, it might be a good option for you.