Discover the Joy of Cooking

Whether you’re trying to achieve the perfect indoor barbeque, baking homemade cookies, or whipping up a strawberry pie you need the right cooking appliances to create hearty feasts.

Difference Between Cooktops and Rangetops

Both cooktops and rangetops are built-in cooking surfaces with burners; the difference between a cooktop and a rangetop is where the controls are located. Cooktop controls are on the top while rangetop controls are on the front and look similar to range controls.

Cooktops come in electric, gas, or induction fuel types, so make sure your home has the right connections for the type you want. Electric cooktops come with coil burners or smooth-top surfaces, while gas has flame burners. Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to heat just the burner surface and your compatible cookware without heating the surrounding area.

Rangetops most commonly have gas burners but electric rangetops are also an option.

How to Decide Between a Range or Wall Oven

How to decide between a range or wall oven depends on your kitchen layout and your preferences.

A range, whether drop-in, slide-in, pro-style, or freestanding, will center your cooking in one location with burners on the top and the oven underneath. A wall oven is more ergonomic and creates a flow in your kitchen--just decide if you need a single oven or double your fun with a double oven or microwave-oven combo. Of course, you can always install a wall oven underneath a built-in cooktop for a similar set up as a range.

Simply decide on the fuel type you want and are set up for, whether gas or electric. Like the idea of a gas cooktop and an electric oven in one appliance? Check out dual fuel ranges.

Microwave Types

Microwaves come in four basic types: built-in, countertop, over-the-range, and drawer configurations. If you have more counter space than cabinet space, consider the versatility of a countertop microwave. For more cooking convenience with your range (including lights and vents), an over-the-range microwave is best.

Love the look of built-in appliances? A built-in microwave is the ticket. Check out microwave drawers if you or a family member need more convenient access.

Benefits of a Range Hood

Range hoods let you ventilate odors, smokes, and vapors out of your kitchen as you cook. Whether you need an under-cabinet range hood, a wall-mounted configuration, an island range hood, or an insert or downdraft range hood depends on the layout of your cooktop or range.

But if your range, cooktop, or rangetop has downdraft ventilation, then you’re good to go!

Ready to discover the cooking appliance you need? Browse our wide selection of brand-name cooking appliances and let your master chef skills sizzle. Have questions or concerns? Give us a call or visit your nearest John’s Appliance & Bedding—we make your shopping experience all about you!