How-To

-Ideas for Great Kitchens, Sunset

Most ranges have a cooktop with oven below; a few models offer an additional upper microwave oven with a built-in ventilator or downventing cooktop. Standard range width is 30 inches, but sizes go as narrow as 21 inches and, in commercial designs, as wide as 48 inches or more.

Freestanding, slide-in, or drop-in?
Take your choice of three range types: freestanding, slide-in, or drop-in. Freestanding ranges sit anywhere; slide-ins are similar, but come without side panels to fit between cabinets. Drop-in models rest on a wood platform within adjacent base cabinets; their integral rims seal any food-collecting gaps.

Which style is for you?
Choose from standard models -- gas or electric; reconditioned "heirloom" ranges; dual-fuel designs; shiny commercial units; or safer residential/commercial versions.

- Electric ranges may have standard coils, solid-element burners, or a smooth ceramic top, plus radiant-heat or combination convection/radiant ovens.

- Gas ranges have either radiant-heat or convection ovens; lower ovens may be self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning. Some offer interchangeable cooktop modules.

- Dual-fuel ranges combine the responsiveness of a gas cooktop with the even heating of one or two electric ovens -- producing, in theory, the best of both worlds.

- Heirloom ranges are refur-bished oldsters that lend an ambiance of comfortable permanence to both country and period design schemes. They're usually freestanding gas models with few modern amenities; some have integral griddles and/or warming trays. New ranges with an "old" look are also available, but these can be very expensive.

- Commercial gas units have been much in demand in recent years -- partly due to their increased BTU output and partly because of their look of serious culinary business. Their performance is excellent, but they create many problems for home use: they're not as well-insulated as residential units; they may be too heavy for your floor; they're tough to clean; and they're potentially dangerous for children.

- Residential/commercial units, a recent response to the commercial craze, were designed specifically for the home. These have the commercial look and the high BTU output but are better insulated; they also offer additional niceties such as pilotless ignition and self- or continuous-cleaning ovens.