Ranges and Hoods

Chart your choices for ranges and hoods

The choices for a kitchen range/hood combination are mind-boggling these days. To help you narrow them down, grab some paper and draw a grid for each appliance. Label product features down the left side, and across the top columns write "features," "must have," "nice, not necessary," "brand and model," and "price and source."

An overview of kitchen range options

For range features, down the side list such items as width; energy source, number of burners; number of ovens; porcelain or stainless; color options; self-cleaning ovens; storage drawer; delayed cooking, one oven; delayed cooking, both ovens; grill; char broiler; griddle; convection oven; keep-warm feature; microwave built-in; heat probe; control type; control placement; cleaning ease; warranty length; and other features that are important to you.

1. Sizes and features: You can find 20- or 24-inch wide, four-burner, one-oven electric, gas, or induction ranges from companies like Amana, GE, Summit, Premier, and others. Standard ranges are 30-inches wide and have numerous options. Brands include GE, Maytag, Kenmore, Hotpoint, Amana, LG, KitchenAid, Viking, Whirlpool, and more. Professional-style 48-, 60- and 72-inch wide ranges are increasingly popular for entertaining large groups. They can have six or more burners plus a griddle and/or char broiler, dual or more energy sources, dehydrators, defrosters, and other special features. Brands include American Range, Wolf, ILVE, Capitol Cooking, KitchenAid, Viking and Electrolux, among others.
2. Appliance types: Kitchen ranges can be freestanding, slide-in or--with bigger units--on short legs or casters. Of course cooktops with separate wall ovens are another option, but aren't covered here.
3. Energy sources: Most ranges, from smallest to largest, give you a choice of electric or gas power. Some offer gas burners with electric ovens. Others may offer combination of standard electric or gas energy with convection (moving hot air), induction (magnetic) and microwave options. Learn about each type's advantages.
4. Colors: Black, white and off white as well as stainless steel are popular neutral colors that will work even if you change your kitchen color scheme. Some ranges have custom colors available. Porcelain is tough and can be cleaned and touched up. Stainless steel's surface is more easily marred but in general is easy to clean.
5. Prices: Prices depend on size, features and energy source chosen. A 20-inch, porcelain, electric range can cost from under $400 to almost $900. A 30-inch freestanding range can be from around $450 to almost $4,000--or more. A 72-inch range can vary from roughly $4,000 to over $12,000.

Blowing off steam--your kitchen hood

For kitchen hoods your written chart categories are simpler: The top column labels can be the same as for ranges. Categories down the left side: minimum width; maximum width; height; external venting; room venting; number of fan speeds; fan power; noise level; type of light; number of lights; heat sensor; material (wood, copper, stainless); shape; cleaning ease; mount types; and warranty length. Considerations include the following:

1. Features and sizes: Hoods at the minimum have a one-speed fan filter that catches some grease and smoke to reduce deposits on kitchen surfaces. At most they have high density filters, a reminder light for filter cleaning, two or more fans, multiple fan speeds, halogen lights, a heat sensor; shut-off delay and more.
2. Types and shapes: Hoods can be wall or ceiling mounted, mounted under cabinets, and can have concealed or exposed ducting. Venting outside rather than into the kitchen is definitely best but not always possible. Shapes include rectangular, arched and curved.
3. Materials: Hoods may be porcelain, stainless, copper, or with a wood facing. Some are partially glass.
4. Brands and prices: Many range manufacturers also make hoods. Broan, Bosch, Cavaliere, Futuro Futoro, Miele, and Tend are among others, Prices start from under $100 for a 20-inch hood to $4,000 and up for a 72-inch feature-laden hood. Thirty-inch hoods vary from under $100 to over $900.

For your range/hood combo, simplify shopping by filling out the form on this web page to get connected with local contractors who keep abreast of range/hood products and innovations. Their knowledge can greatly simplify your search and tailor products to your specific home and budget.