Range vs. cooktop: What is the difference?
The primary difference between a range and a cooktop is their built-in capabilities. Ranges feature both an oven and cooktop, whereas cooktops are the standalone flat surface you use for frying, sautéing, boiling and more. Keep reading to discover which appliance is best suited for your kitchen.
What is the definition of a cooktop?
A cooktop is a flat cooking surface that is commonly installed directly onto countertops. Unlike a range, cooktops don’t have an integrated oven. Whirlpool® cooktops can be electric, gas or induction. Learning the differences between each cooktop style can help you discover which is suitable for your kitchen.
What are the main benefits of a range vs. a cooktop?
Ranges feature both a built-in stove top and an oven, which can help you cook multiple types of meals with ease. Ranges and range hoods can be installed flush against walls and between countertops, which can help streamline your kitchen. Dual fuel ranges provide even more options, as they combine two heat sources into one appliance.
Discover all the benefits of ranges:
Includes an integrated oven for baking, roasting and more
Can save space in the kitchen by avoiding the need for a separate wall oven
Economical option with an oven and cooktop in one appliance
Can feature two different heat sources
Easier installation than multiple appliances
What are the main benefits of a cooktop vs. a range?
Although ranges can help you perform a larger variety of cooking tasks, like making a roux or sauteing, cooktops allow for flexible installation in nearly any countertop and kitchen island. You can also install any type of cooktop to accompany wall ovens with contrasting fuel sources.
Discover the main benefits of cooktops:
Flexible installation options in countertops and kitchen islands
Choice of gas, electric or induction heat sources
Can fit in many different kitchen layouts
Can be installed along with a range for additional burners
Can be placed in a separate location from an accompanying wall oven
Which is more energy efficient, a cooktop or a range?
If you’re concerned about energy efficiency in either a cooktop or a range, you should consider shopping for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. If your cooktop or range is ENERGY STAR® certified, that means it has been tested and verified to use less energy than other standard appliances.
Is a range or a cooktop better for my kitchen?
Ranges may be helpful to have in your kitchen because you can use both the oven and stove top at the same time and in the same place. You can also organize your range, vent hood and microwave into one area of your kitchen with an over-the-range-microwave. This can be ideal if you have a smaller kitchen.
Cooktops allow you to better utilize your countertops and interact with your family in open spaces, such as your kitchen island, during mealtime. A cooktop and separate wall oven also allows you to create separate cooking stations, ideal when you have multiple cooks in the kitchen. However, cooktops can have certain restrictions. Cooktops have specific installation instructions compared to appliances like slide-in ranges. You also may need a separate wall oven, if you don’t have one already.
Shop Whirlpool® ranges and cooktops
Regardless of whether a range or a cooktop best suits your kitchen, Whirlpool® ranges and cooktops come with innovative features that can help you get the most out of mealtime. Select models featuring EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates can help you clean up hard-to-reach spills and Air Fry Mode on select models lets you fry your favorites in your range while using less oil.
Explore more kitchen appliance guides from Whirlpool brand
home heartbeat
Ready for more tips, home hacks and appliance guides?
