Choosing the right appliances is an essential part of a kitchen design for any home chef, especially when it comes to selecting a slide-in range (AKA “stove”). Slide-in ranges have the duality of cooktops and ovens, making them a favored kitchen appliance. You should have a range that not only caters to your cooking needs but also compliments your kitchen design. Having the right appliance in your kitchen can make all the difference in bringing your creations to life.
With the range of possibilities, it can be hard finding the perfect fit. It is important to consider the various elements that go along with buying a new appliance. This range purchasing guide will help simplify the design and planning process by narrowing down a few important factors to consider.
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1. Size
One of the first factors to consider when purchasing a new slide-in range is the size of the appliance and the size of the kitchen in which you plan on placing the range. A standard slide-in range is 30 inches and is a great option for most homes. If you’re looking for more cooking surface, a 36-inch slide-in range may provide additional space. There are also 24-inch slide-in ranges for compact kitchens.
Be sure to measure the space before purchasing the appliance to ensure that it will fit in the space you have. Knowing your space is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new appliance. Not only do you want the slide-in range to fit in its designated spot, but you also want to ensure that you can open the door! Knowing the size and measurements of the space can be the first step toward purchasing a new appliance.
2. Cooktop Surface and Fuel Source
Another key factor to consider when selecting a slide-in range is the surface of the cooktop. There are three main cooktop surfaces to choose from – gas, radiant (electric), or induction. This decision can be influenced by the power source supply in your kitchen. If you have a gas line, you could choose any of the three – as long as there is also electric connectivity. If you do not have a gas line in your kitchen, radiant and induction slide-in ranges should be considered.
If you love the power from the open flame of a gas cooktop but desire the cooking capabilities of electric ovens, consider narrowing your search down to dual ovens.
Helpful Hint: Can’t tell the source of a slide-in range? The cooking power measurement will indicate whether you’re dealing with gas or electricity. Gas ranges use British Thermal Units (BTU) and electric ranges use Wattage (W) to measure cooking power. For example, the Sharp SSG3065JS has a 5-burner gas cooktop with 54,000 BTU of combined power and an oven with 34,500 BTU of cooking power. If we did not know anything other than this information, we could conclude that it is a full gas range given the appliance uses BTU to measure the cooking power of both the cooktop and the oven.
3. Capacity
The interior capacity is the space within the range’s cavity. This is the oven portion of the appliance. Knowing your cooking habits can help guide you in the right direction for narrowing down what capacity you may want in your kitchen. If you’re prone to preparing larger spreads for a large family or entertaining, a larger capacity may suit your needs. If you find yourself preparing food at two different temperatures and cooking times, a dual oven may fit your cooking needs. The capacity of a standard slide-in range is often enough for an average-sized family. Depending on your cooking needs and space restrictions, a higher or smaller capacity oven may be in the cards.
4. Finish
Are your current appliances white, black, or stainless steel? Maybe you have a mix of all three finishes and are on the prowl for a more cohesive look. Opt for a finish that you love to tie your whole kitchen together. Whether you are curating your kitchen piece by piece or all at once, be sure to choose a finish that fits the vision for your dream culinary oasis.
The appearance doesn’t just stop at the exterior of the appliance. Check out the oven’s interior cavity. If you want to add a pop of color to your kitchen, a great way to do it is with your range. Custom-colored ranges are expensive and can eat up your budget, but you can still make a statement but selecting a range with a pop of color in the oven cavity! The Sharp 30-inch Electric Convection Slide-in Range with Air Fry (SSR3065JS) offers a sleek edge-to-edge black glass exterior and a cobalt blue oven cavity on the interior. Talk about the best of both worlds!
If you are looking for a more neutral and toned-down feel, you can keep it classic with a black or gray cavity, instead.
5. Oven Features
The last, but certainly not least, thing to consider when purchasing a slide-in range is the features of the appliance. Before exploring all the features of different ranges, you have to first consider your cooking habits and needs. Analyze your cooking habits first and then find a range that has the features to work with and enhance your experience.
For example, if counter space is at a premium, but you love your air fryer and just can’t part with it, you may want to consider purchasing a slide-in range that has convection (air frying). Not only will you be able to make more room available on your counters for meal prep, but you will be able to make larger portions of the food you would typically air fry – given that the cavity space of the oven is much larger than a standard air fryer. The Sharp SSG3065JS and SSR3065JS have a variety of cooking modes including Pizza, Convection Bake/Roast, and Air Fry!
Maybe you find yourself hosting major dinner parties where the main course is a cut of meat like steak, turkey, or ham. Reaching the ideal temperature for the dish can be a time-consuming and challenging task – if it is undercooked the meat cannot be served and if it is overcooked it’ll be tough to chew. The Sharp Slide-In Ranges (SSG3065JS and SSR3065JS) can help take the guesswork out of cooking because they are equipped with a built-in precision probe thermometer. The temperature probe monitors the internal food temperature, which is frequently used as an indicator of doneness, especially for meats and poultry, and automatically turns off the oven when the internal food temperature reaches the programmed ideal temperature.
