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If you’re confused about the difference between a cooktop and a range, the distinction boils down to the fact that a range merely combines an oven and a cooktop. However, separating the cooktop from the oven has become increasingly popular because many people enjoy having a countertop stove on an island or other convenient surface and setting the wall ovens off to the side where opening and closing them won’t interfere with other meal prep.
This setup also makes it easier to choose different heat sources for each appliance. For instance, you might want a gas cooktop and an electric convection oven. If you want to create this pairing in one appliance, you would have to choose a dual fuel range, but separating the cooktop from the oven is often the easier option.
When choosing between top stove design options, consider what hookups are available in your kitchen and what cooking preferences you have. Gas hobs are popular and are typically the top stoves used in restaurants, but you need a gas hookup. Electric stovetops can take longer to heat up and cool down, but you might like electric induction cooktops if you want to avoid hot burners altogether. Induction burners work by passing electromagnetic energy directly to your induction-compatible cookware, causing your pot or pan to generate heat without heating the burner. The induction and electric stove top are flatter than the top of a gas stove, making cleanup much more convenient.
Size is a big factor when it comes to making your installation simple. Start by measuring the width, length and depth of the cutout where your cooktop will be mounted to determine whether you have enough clearance. Measurements should account for the space directly below your cutout, the space between the back edge of the cutout and the back wall, and the space between the front edge of the cutout and the front of the cabinet.
You should stick to the same dimensions if you’re replacing a previous cooktop. When doing the installation yourself, you will want to know how to safely connect the gas or electric line. For electric, you’ll need to know how many volts are available for your cooktop before you purchase one. If this sounds complicated, you’ll be glad to know that professional kitchen appliance installation is one of the specialties at Best Buy. So, you can always rely on us to make your job easier.
You will also need to install a range hood, which is required above most cooktop, stovetop and hob designs. For ease of placement, range hoods come in a wide variety of options, including under-cabinet range hoods and island range hoods. You can also choose an over-the-range microwave. Whether you’re doing a major kitchen remodel or just looking for a new stovetop, you might also benefit from a quick look through this range and cooktop buying guide.
