Oh the endless options of appliances. It can be very overwhelming. Each manufacturer offers different features, functions and price points. I believe the two most important appliances in your home are your refrigerator and your range/cooktop/range top. Today I wanna do a quick breakdown on the differences between a range, cooktop and range top.
What is a Range?
A range. My ultimate favorite. I love a good focal point, so I am always drawn to featuring a range in our kitchens. Most of us are familiar with a "stove". We may have had it in our first apartment or it's in our builder grade home. The words range and stove are interchangeable. They simply mean you have both a stove top and an oven all in one. As you enter into more pro ranges, you will see the shift of all controls to the front of your range, rather than against the back near your kitchen backsplash. The knobs and handles are often times one of the big features on a range from an aesthetic point of view.
Here's a a quick recap on a range:
It's available in either gas, electric, or induction models. Most common installation is a gas range.
It has an oven and a stovetop/cooktop, so all cooking functions are in one place. Can also come with a built-in steam oven, sous vide, griddle and other features.
Comes in numerous sizes ranging (no pun intended) 30"-60" in width.
It is often times the focal point in a kitchen.
We often use a slide-in range like pictured below. It's control panel is easy to reach as it's located on the front of the range.
See more photos of this project here.
What is a cooktop?
A cooktop is simply just the top of a stovetop/range. It isn't typically our top request. However, some people love the integration of it into a countertop. It makes it easy to clean around the edges and it presents a very seamless look. Cooktops are very common builder grade installations due to the cost savings.
Here's a a quick recap on a cooktop:
It's available in either gas, electric, or induction models.
The control panel is on the top, so it's not accessible to kids.
The entire unit is on top of the counter.
It does NOT have an oven.
People find that because they are installed in the countertop, it's easier to clean around the edges.
Cooktops are always paired with wall ovens. It's common to see a cooktop with microwave/wall oven combo.
A wall oven is great for aging in place as the cavity is easier to reach because it is installed off the floor.
Because it is integrated into the countertop, you do sacrifice some space on a cooktop.
See more photos of this project here.
What is a Range Top?
A range top is a great option if you are aging in place and still want the look and statement of a range. You can see in our picture below, the range top is simply just the top of the range. It can draw your eye, and still allows the ease of a wall oven installation.
Here's a a quick recap on a range top:
It's available primarily in gas models. Although induction range tops may be coming on the market soon!
The control panel is on the front, so it's easier to manage while cooking.
It does NOT have an oven.
Range tops are always paired with wall ovens. It's common to see a rangetop with microwave/wall oven combo.
So again, a wall oven is great for aging in place as the cavity is easier to reach because it is installed off the floor.
It comes with more professional features. Range tops are typically offered in luxury lines only.
See more photos of this project here.
Some of my favorite range tops, cooktops and ranges are manufactured by Thermador, Monogram and Signature Kitchen Suites.