What do you use in your kitchen to cook? Is it a range or a stove? Well, this is a question that most homeowners will not answer clearly. This is because most people do not know the difference between a range and a stove.
At this point, you are probably asking yourself what is the difference between a range and a stove. Well, these terms could easily be interchanged without knowing. However, there is a distinct difference between a range and a stove, though you will also note a few similarities.
Defining the Terms
One of the best ways of differentiating the two terms is by defining them. However, their definitions will only be clear if we introduce a third term, the oven. Therefore, let’s look at the definitions of these three terms.
1. Oven
An oven is a compartment for cooking, baking, heating, and grilling food. Remember, an oven is just an enclosed chamber in a larger range. There are various types of ovens used at homes and commercially. Ovens are powered by electricity or gas to cook food. The temperature in an oven is regulated by buttons depending on the type of food being cooked. Ovens also have timers that allow users to auto-cook.
2. Stoves
The definition of a stove is rather simple. A stove is any appliance that cooks by providing heat directly to the food. The key phrase in the definition of a stove is any appliance. This is why many people confuse stoves with ovens and ranges. It is important to note that not all stoves are ovens as some only provide heat and don’t cook.
The best way to understand the definition of a stove is by referring back to the traditional stoves, which used coal and wood as sources of fuel. However, you will notice that most modern stoves have evolved and use gas or electricity as fuel and that is why people think that all stoves are ranges.
Another unique factor that differentiates a stove from a range is the removable tops that stoves have. The best stove should have this feature as it offers extra support for cooking appliances.
3. Ranges
Now that you already know the definition of an oven and a stove, knowing a range will be so easy. Ranges are stoves that have an oven and use either gas or electricity as fuel. The best way to view it is to consider it as an all-in-one appliance that has a stove and an oven. Many homeowners prefer to buy ranges instead of buying an oven and a stove separately. It is not only a way of saving money but also boosting efficiency in the kitchen.
How to Differentiate Between a Range and a Stove?
While still revisiting the main question; what is the difference between a range and a stove, it is important to note that keenness is required to note the difference.
Always remember that a range has a stove and an oven. A stove doesn’t have the oven function. This is the main difference between a stove and a range.
Buyer’s Guide: A Stove or a Range
So, if you are a homeowner and you are looking for a cooking appliance, you can choose either a stove or a range. The choice that you make should be informed by the benefits that you get from the chosen appliance.
Therefore, we will look at the benefits of a stove and a range to help you decide which of the two fits your needs.
The Benefits of a Stove
Here are the benefits of buying a stove:
1. Placement Flexibility: One of the benefits of having a stove rather than a range is the ease with which you can move the appliance. It is extremely mobile and you can move it anywhere within the room depending on your desires.
2. Exceptional Heating: The quality of the heat provided by a stove is better than a range. For example, wood stoves use the principle of radiant heat to provide heat. This ensures that the food is warmed faster and efficiently.
3. Environmental-Friendly: When you are burning wood, you do not add to the emission of carbon dioxide to the environment. Stoves maintain a balance during combustion to protect the environment.
4. Works During Power Outages: Another benefit is that you can use stoves during a blackout. This doesn’t interfere with your cooking plans.
5. Aesthetically Appealing: Well, this benefit can be argued either way. However, most homeowners think that having a stove in the kitchen looks more aesthetically appealing than a range.
Benefits of a Range
Here are the benefits that you get for using a range:
1. Consistent Heat: The top benefit of a range is that it offers consistency. Let’s say that you decide to bake, the temperature that you have set will remain the same until you change it. This gives you total control of the cooking process.
2. Offer Fast, Even Heat: If you want your cooking to be done faster, you should buy a range. A gas range heats up almost immediately and provides an even amount of heat for your cooking.
3. More Control: The best range gives you more control of the cooking process. Using the temperature knobs and the timer, you can decide how your food will be cooked and for how long it will stay in the oven. This eliminates overcooking.
4. Easy to Install: Installing a range is pretty simple. You don’t need expertise to install it. However, if you are unsure, you should always seek professional help.
5. Saves Space: If you have a small kitchen, then a range is the best option that you have because it saves space. Instead of having an oven and a stove put separately, you can have a single range that has both.
Should You Choose a Range or a Stove?
Now, the decision of which appliance you should have in the kitchen is yours. You should check the benefits that you will get from each appliance. Other factors that can guide your decision are:
- The budget that you have set aside
- The space that you have in the kitchen
- Access to electricity in your home
- Personal aesthetic preferences.
If you consider all this and know the difference between a range and a stove, you will get a good kitchen appliance.