Electrolux EW30DF65GW - range - freestanding - gas cooktop

With both gas and electric models, ranges now come in a wide range of options. Some cooktop ranges are inserted into a countertop and have a matching wall oven that is installed separately. There are free-standing models--range and oven combos--that have panels on both sides and can stand alone in the kitchen. There also are slide-in models, which have no side panels or backsplash and fit between two cabinets. Then there are drop-ins, which are fueled by electricity only, and are installed between cabinets on a pedestal with no bottom drawer below oven.

Read more in the Stoves and Ranges Buying Guide

Gas ranges fire up quickly and you always know when they're on. They are powered by natural gas, which has to be available in your community, or liquid propane, which you have to buy and have delivered. They are slightly more expensive to buy than electric ranges but are slightly less expensive to operate. They can come with unique burners for very fast high-temperature heat (searing, boiling) and for gentle low-temperature heat (simmering). Look for sealed burners for easier cleanup. Another plus: You can cook during power outages.

• Cooking power: British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr), the standard heat-output measurement, ranges from 5,000 to 12,500.
• Average price: $250 to more than $21,000
• Average width: 20 to 40 inches

Read more in the Stoves and Ranges Buying Guide

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