Gas stovetops are a fixture in many restaurants and professional kitchens for a reason: the burners reach the correct heat immediately and shut off instantaneously. Given how easy it is to appreciate the perks of a classic gas stovetop, a gas range may be just what you need for your kitchen.

A stovetop and a range are different. A stovetop (or cooktop) is the burner portion of a range. A gas range will include a cooktop and oven in a single appliance. If you have a large kitchen, you may choose to install a separate gas cooktop and a gas oven, but having them in one appliance can make your job easier if you are a solo cook.

A freestanding gas range should have a little room on all sides. A slide-in range will need to fit perfectly. If you have the space, consider a gas range with double ovens for cooking multiple courses at once. You can also choose more burners with a wider stove, or you may select a gas range with a griddle.

For any gas range hookup, you will need the gas line connection ready to go. When bringing home your new gas range, professional help is available for delivery and installation. Service professionals can even remove and recycle your old appliance for an additional fee.

If you do not have a range hood in place, you’ll need to ensure you install one for proper ventilation before using your new gas range. To enhance your kitchen, you could even install an over-the-range microwave, which will both ventilate and serve as an additional appliance. Having a microwave in a convenient spot can make it easy to defrost and reheat dishes or ingredients while cooking.

Always clean your new range in a timely manner to keep it in the best shape. Many models include a self-cleaning oven feature that you should learn how to use. You should also ensure you use the right cleaning solutions for your stove’s surface. Many cleaners that work well with stove finishes, including the popular stainless steel gas range models.