The Best Gas Ranges and Stoves (2019 Reviews)

There is some confusion over the terms oven, range, stove and cooktop. Before we dive into our guide, its worth explaining what they mean.

An oven is essentially the chamber in the kitchen used for roasting, baking, and anything else. The modern stove, also known as the cooktop or stovetop, has four to six electric or gas burners and is independent of an oven. A range is when an oven connects to a stovetop, so it offers the best of both worldsranges are highly prevalent.

This guide focuses on gas ranges and stoves, but we have other guides for electric and induction ranges and stoves, so fret not!

Read on to learn more about what to look for in a gas range and stove. Be sure to check out our reviews of our top picks of the year for the best gas ranges and stoves too.

Our Top Picks: Summary

• Best Freestanding: GE JGB700SEJSS Gas Range
• Best Slide-In: GE JGS760 Slide-In Gas Range
• Best Stovetop: Whirlpool WCG77US0HS Gas Cooktop
• Best Budget Slide-in: Frigidaire FFGH3054US Single Oven Gas Range

Why we Picked It

Our best freestanding gas range is the GE-JGB700SEJSS. For a somewhat inexpensive model, it more than delivers where it counts.

Its a 5.0 cu.ft gas range, which gives you the space to cook multiple meals at the same time, making it ideal for when you have a large group of guests around. The stovetop features five burners and comes equipped with a center burner, which is useful for griddles. One of the gas burners has a rating of 18,000 Btu power, which will boil water very quickly when youre in a hurry.

The extra features shine too. Youve got two oven racks that you can configure in 6 different positions, a control lock that disables the control panel for safety, and even self-cleaning and steam cleaning functions. There are also electronic keypads on the control panel, making it easy and straightforward to use.

On top of that is an option for high-quality convection baking, which heats food faster and more evenly, crisping and browning pies and pastries.

Theres even a built-in storage drawer for some extra space to store pots and pans.

The GE-JGB offers dishwasher-safe sealed grates that help you to keep it clean, and it comes with a limited 1-year warranty.

Keep in Mind

Theres no interior oven light, making it harder to see when cooking.

In a Nutshell

• Five burners
• Convection baking
• 5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity

Why we Picked It

The best slide-in gas range for your money this year is the GE JGS760.

It features an edge-to-edge stovetop that provides you with a generous cooking surface, allowing you to move pots and pans around without a fuss.

There are five gas burners, one of which is an 18,000 Btu power burner allowing you to boil water more quickly for whatever fantastic pasta dish you cook up.

The fifth burner, which is large and oval-shaped, is perfect for griddle pans or perhaps just cookware that is unconventional in size. Theres also a precise simmer burner for more delicate food that needs an even and low heat as well.

The non-stick griddle is extra large and can cook six grilled cheeses at the same timebrilliant for families.

Gas convection cooking is available, which bakes foods promptly by using a fan that circulates heated air for a more even finish.

It comes with a limited 1-year warranty.

Keep in Mind

The more powerful burners are at the front, so keep that in mind if you desire a different configuration.

In a Nutshell

• 5.6 cu. ft. capacity
• Self-clean with steam clean option
• Integrated non-stick griddle

Why we Picked It

In terms of stovetops, few of them rival the Whirlpool WCG77US0HS. Its a five burner cooktop thats easy to install, wherever you may want it in the kitchen.

It features a SPEEDHEAT burner that generates enough heat to boil or sear, getting food straight to the plate. If you need to maintain a low heat, its also got you covered with the ACCUSIMMER burner, reducing the power when temperatures are lower.

For large groups, theres a fifth burner for when your house is full. The gas burners are also sealed to prevent a build-up of food that can fall into them.

The hinged cast-iron grates are easy to lift, allowing you to wipe under them without going to the hassle of entirely removing them. Even better, the grates are dishwasher safe, making the cooktop easy to maintain. The edges are raised to help contain spills too.

The cooktop is 30 inches wide and features grates that extend across it for places to put your pans and pots.

Keep in Mind

Some people have mentioned the knobs on the stovetop can discolor.

In a Nutshell

• Five burner cooktop
• Flexible and easy to install
• Powerful SPEEDHEAT burner

Why we Picked It

Our best budget slide-in gas range is the Frigidaire FFGH3054US. Its a sleek machine that appears as if it were built-in, with central controls at the front.

It offers 5.0 cu.ft. of oven capacity with five burners, enabling you to cater to families and friends without worry. It may be a more budget gas range, but it still features a mighty 17,000 Btu burner that can boil water much faster than a traditional one can.

Theres a self-cleaning option available, with 2-, 3-, and even 4-hour cycles, for quick washes in a hurry, and longer ones for when you need the full works.

There are two oven racks that you can configure in 6 different positions. The large oven window is also handy when you need to check on the progress of your food.

If that wasnt enough, continuous grates make it easy to move pots and pans between the different burners without needing to lift them.

The Frigidaire is 30 inches wide, and will undoubtedly turn some heads. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty.

Keep in Mind

Some people have mentioned that the oven grills are moderately thin.

In a Nutshell

• 17,000 Btu burner
• 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
• Attractive design

How We Chose the Best Gas Ranges and Stoves

We chose the best gas ranges and stoves by looking at some key areas, from the quality, the price, customer reviews, to the features provided, and the versatility of the burners.

Heres what we look at in greater detail:

Burner Versatility

There are a variety of Btu (British thermal unit) levels for different needs. For example, a higher Btu burner would be suitable for boiling a large pot of water. A low Btu would be better for simmering vegetables. The typical Btu levels found in a range are from around 13,000 Btu to 17,000 or even 18,000 on more expensive models. The higher the level, the stronger the burner, and this results in quicker heating of cookware. We look for gas ranges and stoves that meet the minimum level of Btu and offer versatility to enable customers to cook a mixture of food.

Oven Features

We look at the features that ovens offer to help inform our decisionthis only applies to ranges, not stoves. For example, some ovens offer convection cooking. Convection cooking is essential to allow food to crisp and roast. Many gas ranges already come with a broiler (exposing food to very high heat), but integrated broilers are the gold standard here. Every oven comes with at least two racks to cook on, but more expensive models sometimes have three. Some ovens even come with a self-cleaning mode, too, which is a very convenient and easy way to clean your oven. All of this is taken into account.

Quality

When we look at quality, were primarily talking about three key sub-areas. The best gas ranges and stoves should be well-made, easy to use, and should stand the test of time. They must perform how they are advertised to consumers, and brands that cut corners will not make our top picks. Specifically, there shouldnt be design problems, defects, and bad product support. For example, oven doors should open smoothly, and the knobs at the front should be secureits no good if they fall off within three months. Excellent customer service is also essential here and is the final consideration when it comes to the overall sense of quality provided.

Price

Expensive isnt always better, and we look at stoves and gas ranges that offer a sensible balance between performance and durability, along with a price that doesnt break the bank. Its worth mentioning that higher-priced ranges and stoves usually always provide more features, but some arent essential. For example, Wi-Fi connectivity is far from a must-have in most cases. We, therefore, look at ovens at a mix of price levels, from the cheaper variants to those that offer a good balance between the critical areas.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can be useful to inform us of how a product is performing over time. Not only that, but we can get a sense of whether a stove or range is living up to its promises. For instance, if consumers have frequently mentioned poor durability or a lack of customer service to resolve issues, we factor this into our decision-making process. We look at a broad consensus, too, not just a few customer reviews. If customers are very unhappy with a stove or ranges performance, then ultimately, so are we.

Gas Ranges vs. Gas Stoves

With all the different terms around, its easy to get confused. What exactly is the difference between a gas range and a gas stove anyway?

Well, firstly, a cooktop is another word for a stove or stovetopa gas stove is simply one that is fuelled by gas, not electric (or induction heating). A gas stove sits entirely on the top of your countertops without an oven.

A gas range is effectively an oven with a stove or cooktop, as well. In other words, its both of them unified as one. Gas ranges are found sitting under countertops.

Why would you get a gas stove over a gas range or vice versa? A gas stove would be suitable if you already had an oven. They offer some flexibility as to where you can install them. If youre designing your new kitchen, it would be relatively easy to install a cooktop, even in the most unconventional places, like an island.

On the other hand, a gas range offers the whole package; its the complete cooking appliance. Gas ranges usually come in a 30 or 36-inch size. The larger and more expensive variants boast a wide variety of features too.

Types of Gas Ranges

There are four main types of gas ranges you can buy. Below weve detailed what each of them is, and their general pros and cons:

Freestanding Range

The crucial distinction with freestanding gas ranges is that you have the freedom to install them anywhere in your kitchen. They have finished sides and a backguard where you can find the main controls. However, they dont tend to blend into kitchens quite as well as other types of ranges do.

Slide-In Range

Slide-in ranges are wider on top, which lends a built-in look to them. As the name suggests, theyre installed by literally sliding them in between cabinetry. The key advantage is that they look more sleek and luxurious. Freestanding ranges dont match up as well with cabinets as these slide-in ranges do. The disadvantage of them is you need cabinets on either side, as the panels are unfinished.

Front Control Range

Front control gas ranges are a combination of slide-in and freestanding ranges. They dont have a backguard, and they fit in a 30-inch space. Front control ranges are freestanding and, as a result, feature finished sides. Without the control panel at the back, they look sleek like slide-in gas ranges. However, having the controls at the front might mean children can easily access the knobs.

Dual-Fuel Range

Dual-fuel ranges feature a gas cooktop, but an electric oven. One clear advantage is that the cooktop provides powerful heat for frying and boiling a variety of dishes. You can also adjust the flame on a gas stovetop very quickly. The electric oven offers precise heating controlsmore so than those in standard gas ranges. The food should cook very evenly.

A problem with dual-fuel ranges is that installation can be complicated because you need a gas line for the cooktop and the required voltage for the electric oven.

Keep in mind that some models of ranges also offer double ovens as a perk. These ovens will be smaller than those in a stand-alone variant, however.

Who Should Get a Gas Range or Stove?

Buying and installing gas ranges is not quite as simple as buying an electric oven. There are many benefits to doing so, but you do need to have a natural gas or propane service in your home.

A gas range or stove is, therefore, better suited to people who already have the infrastructure to do so. If youre remodeling your kitchen, a gas stove or range would be a good option here too.

There are many advantages to having a gas range or stove. For example, a gas stove creates a consistent flame that can be adjusted to a precise level, and its easy to tell whether its on or not. Gas stoves heat up faster, and theyre more energy efficient in the long-run.

If your kitchen already has a gas line, then a gas range or stove will usually cost you less to use than an electric one would over time. Of course, if you need to set everything up from scratch, including setting up a gas line, then the cost may be more. In the long run, a gas range is more efficient, but the upfront costs can be higher.

Faults can develop with a gas line and could result in toxic gas filling up in your home in a worst-case scenario. With that said, theres a risk to everything, and most consumers are very happy with their gas ranges and stoves.

Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction

When it comes to gas, electric, or induction, a lot really comes down to your personal preferences, your available budget, and how your home is set up. Weve created a table below to help make everything clearer:

Type	Pros	Cons
Gas	Quicker to heat, and get cooking started In a power cut, these ranges can still work by being reignited Excellent precision; flame can be readjusted in real-time Cheaper in the long run	Can be more costly at first They can be harder to clean due to crevices around the burners These cookers can make your kitchen very hot
Electric	With no crevices, these cooktops are easier to clean Your kitchen will remain cooler while cooking Heat is dispersed more evenly	If the power goes out, you cant use them They take longer to cool down, and will remain hot for some time The cooktops can break more easily, and need to be maintained
Induction	The heating element emits no radiant heat, and the residual heat is little to none, so they are safer They produce no heat at all other than the transference of magnetic metals, so kitchens remain very cool These ranges are the most efficient	Induction does still rely on electricity to power them, so there is no back up when it goes out They are usually more expensive to purchase Induction cooking only works with certain conductive cookwareanything containing iron

What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Range or Stove

Before buying a gas range or stove, you need to consider multiple factors. From the design of your kitchen to the size and price of the models. Weve detailed six key areas to make your purchase as smooth as possible:

Kitchen Design

The type of model you go for does depend a lot on how the kitchen is already laid out. For instance, if youre remodeling your kitchen, you may splurge for a slide-in model. Otherwise, a freestanding range might be best.

When it comes to gas ranges and stoves, its much easier if you already have a gas line or propane service. If you dont, it might be a better option to buy an electric or induction range instead. Think about what would complement your kitchen design and the work involved.

Burner Power and Placement

The power of your burners and their placement is worth considering. Different types of cooking require different levels of Btu power. Some people will need high-Btu burners for their cooking, especially large families, where there is more demand. Others will be happy with lower Btu burnershigh-Btu burners may scorch smaller pots, for instance.

The placement of the higher power burners is worth some thought too. Having them at the front makes them more accessible. However, others prefer them at the back so bigger pots are less accessible to kids. Its worth mentioning that people tend to use the front two burners much more than they do the ones at the back. That said, it may be surprising to learn that the most powerful burners rarely sit at the front.

Safety

Your personal situation often dictates whats most suitable for you when it comes to safety. If you have children, for example, controls at the front of the range pose a safety risk. However, if youre physically impaired, front controls might be more important. Think about whats right for you.

Ensuring everything is installed, maintained, and appropriately vented is also crucial. Safety concerns such as carbon monoxide poisoning and toxic leaks are possible if your venting system isnt checked at least once a year by a qualified technician. You can become exposed to toxins like formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide with gas ranges and stoves too. A properly vented range hood can significantly reduce the risk here.

If you notice a faulty burner on your stove, be sure to fix it as soon as possible. Your gas stove should be checked and serviced annually.

Design

The layout of your kitchen isnt the only thing you need to consider. You need to think about the design of the range or stovetop too.

For instance, the type of finish on your range or stove, such as stainless steel or slate, should be taken into account. Youll want to match with other appliances for overall consistency in your kitchen. Whats your personal style?

Then you have the type of range itself. Freestanding gas ranges dont match up with cabinets as well as slide-in ranges do. The lip on slide-in ranges usually overlaps the countertop perfectly, making it appear built-in.

Some models of ranges come with a variety of features, too, while others may lack them. Anything from convection cooking to self-cleaning modes or integrated broilers and extra racks are available. Think about which of these features is essential to you (and what your budget can afford).

When it comes to cleaning, different models are easier than others. For example, freestanding gas ranges dont tend to offer a self-cleaning feature, while slide-ins and front control ones do.

Size

Ranges start at 20 inches wide, followed by 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, and even 60 inches. The wider gas ranges, certainly from around 36 inches and up, are the more expensive, professional variants. The smaller sizes are reserved generally for less expensive models. The most common size option for gas ranges is 30 inches.

The perfect size for you depends on what youre replacing and how much room you have in your kitchen. Unless youre doing a complete remodel, then its likely that you only have finite space available. Think carefully about what size is right for you, and be sure to get the correct measurements before diving in with your purchase.

Price

Gas ranges vary in price depending on the brand, model, size, and extra features. Here are some typical price ranges:

Freestanding:

• 20 inch around $400
• 30 inch around $599-1299 (depending on features)
• 60 inch around $15,000-20,000 (pro range)

Front control gas ranges and slide-ins:

• $1099 to $3599 (depending on features)
• Pro ranges around $3799 to $7000

How to Clean Your Gas Range or Stove

As with any appliance, you need to keep it well maintained if you want it to last. The same is true with a gas range or stove. Here are a few steps on how to keep it clean and performing at its best:

Preparing the stove for cleaning:

1. Allow your gas range or stove to cool down before doing anything. Be sure to turn off all gas burners, as this could result in serious injury.
2. Once the gas burners have cooled down, remove the grates and caps from the stovetop and place them in the sink or washbasin.
3. Fill the sink with dish soap and hot water. Submerge the grates and caps in the hot water and let them soak while you clean the stove.

For the stovetop itself, you can do the following:

1. With a brush and paper towel, remove grime and debris.
2. Next, scrub the top of the stove using some soapy water or a stovetop cleaner. Scrub the surface with a sponge or rag. Dont forget to clean the face and knobs. You can always spray cleaner on any tough spots.
3. Then clean around the gas burners with a toothbrush. Really get into the crevices where the caps and burners sit. Wipe down with a rag.
4. Finish by drying the stovetop using a clean cloth.

Finally, we need to clean the burners:

1. Using a sponge, clean the burner grates that were last soaking in the sink or washbasin. The grime will come right off.
2. You should then scrub the burner caps. Set them to the side once done.
3. With warm water, rinse the burner caps and grates. Rinse away any leftover soap. You can use a degreaser if youre having trouble.
4. Dry the burner parts with a clean cloth.
5. Once everything is dry, secure the burner parts back onto the stove.

While ovens can self-clean, it can be a toxic process. Instead, we recommend doing the following:

1. Remove the oven racks and anything else inside the oven. Set them to one side.
2. In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with some tablespoons of water. Adjust until you have a nice, spreadable paste.
3. Put some gloves on and then spread the paste over the interior of the oven. The baking soda will turn brown.
4. Leave it to rest overnight (12 hours).
5. Clean the oven racks while you wait.
6. The next day, take a damp cloth and wipe away the dried baking soda. A spatula can be useful here.
7. Spray some vinegar via a spray bottle everywhere you see any leftover baking soda. It will gently foam.
8. Use a damp cloth and perform a final wipe down.
9. Replace your oven racks and everything else that was inside of it. Grab a tea or coffee!

Related Resources

Want to know more about top cooking appliances? Here are some of our other guides:

• The Best Electric Stoves and Ranges
• The Best Induction Cooktops
• The Best Toaster Ovens
• The Best Cookware Sets

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