In a kitchen, a "range" refers to a combination appliance that typically includes both a cooktop and an oven in a single unit. It is one of the most common cooking appliances found in residential kitchens and is often referred to as a "stove" in colloquial terms.
The range consists of two main components:
Cooktop: The cooktop is the flat cooking surface on the top of the range where you place pots and pans for cooking. It can have various heat sources, such as gas burners, electric coils, or induction elements. Gas burners use a flame for cooking, electric coils generate heat through electrical resistance, and induction elements use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware.
Oven: The oven is the enclosed compartment beneath the cooktop, used for baking, roasting, and other cooking methods that require even and consistent heat. The oven can also use either gas or electricity for its heating source.
Ranges come in different sizes, styles, and configurations to suit various kitchen layouts and cooking preferences. They may have various features, such as self-cleaning capabilities, digital controls, convection ovens for more even baking, and different burner configurations to accommodate different pot sizes.
Ranges are convenient because they combine both the cooktop and oven into a single appliance, saving space and providing a centralized cooking area in the kitchen. They are popular choices for home kitchens due to their versatility and ease of use. However, some kitchens may have separate cooktops and wall ovens, especially in larger or more customized kitchen designs.