How to Buy the Best Gas Range for Your Kitchen

Gas ranges, often called gas stoves, are a type of stove and oven unit that uses the combustion of gas to produce heat. A gas range is one of the most important kitchen appliances and getting the right range for your kitchen may take a little research.

A new gas range costs between $350 for lower-end models and up to over $5,000 for a heavy-duty commercial range. Cheap gas stoves may help you save money up front, but they usually lack features of higher quality stoves. Most of the gas ranges with popular features are priced between $1,500-$2,000. You can find models in this price range from many top brands like Samsung and LG. A top-end gas range from Thor or NXR will likely cost more than $2,500.

As with most kitchen appliances, buying your new gas range from Sam's Club can help you get a better members-only price on a higher quality appliance.

Things to look for when buying a gas range include:

• Price
• Stainless Steel or Black Stainless Steel
• Brand Warranty
• Oven Capacity
• Convection Oven Capabilities
• Number of Burners
• Technology Features like Wi-Fi connectivity

A gas range is one of the most expensive kitchen appliances in your home. Be sure to ask yourself these important questions when buying a new oven:

• How many people will I usually be cooking for?
• Do I use my oven or stovetop for cooking more often?
• What color and material would look best in my kitchen?
• How much can I realistically spend on a gas range?

What Types of Gas Ranges Can I Choose From?

Depending on how your kitchen is set up, you may be able to choose between gas ranges and electric ranges. Each has its benefits, but a gas range provides a physical flame that can be adjusted instantly. Electric ranges, on the other hand, take time to warm up and don't provide you with as distinct of a visual sense.

There are many popular features to consider when buying your gas range. Different features are usually available on different levels of gas stoves.

• Standard Gas Ranges: Standard gas stoves are usually under $1,000. Even at a lower price, you can get some features of more expensive models. For example, the LG LRG3061ST has a SuperBoil power burner.
• Mid-Range Gas Ranges: Features in mid-range gas ranges will include more convenience features than a cheap gas range. Many mid-range offerings have features like double ovens, such as the LG - LDG4315BD which is one of the best freestanding double oven gas ranges available.
• Premium Gas Ranges: Premium gas ranges will give you the best combination of high-end design and cooking features.
• Pro Gas Ranges: Top of the line pro gas ranges have features you might find in a commercial range. Pro-level gas ranges usually have the highest quality features and functions.

What to Know: Freestanding vs. Slide-in vs. Drop-in Gas Ranges

Gas ranges come in three styles for installation in your kitchen: freestanding, slide-in and drop-in.

• Freestanding Gas Range: Freestanding ranges are designed to stand alone, and are finished on both sides. The advantages of freestanding ranges include affordability and versatility. The disadvantages of a freestanding oven are that it may not fit as smoothly as other types of ovens.
• Slide-in Gas Range: Slide-in ranges fit seamlessly into your cabinetry. You might think of them as a freestanding range slid into a space between your cabinets. Slide-in ranges have a smooth look and can be customized with cabinetry. Drawbacks of a slide-in gas range are that you need to have cabinets on both sides as the sides of the oven will be unfinished.
• Drop-in Gas Range: A drop-in range is very similar to a slide-in range, but instead of matching it to a space in your cabinets, you must build your cabinets around the oven range. This can make drop-in ranges expensive but luxuriously fit an interior design.

What Are the Best Gas Range Brands?

Sam's Club sells a variety of gas ranges from some of the top brands on the market. We offer slide-in and freestanding gas range options with features like quick cleaning, power burners and double ovens. Some of the best brands of gas ranges include:

• Samsung
• LG
• NXR
• Thor Kitchen

How Big Are Gas Ranges?

How big your gas range will be is determined largely by the space you have available in your kitchen. You'll also need to consider the size differences between a freestanding and slide-in range.

• Freestanding Range Size: Most freestanding ranges have a standard width of 30 inches and a depth between 25 inches and 27 inches, which is slightly deeper than standard cabinet depth. Many freestanding ranges are about counter height tall, or approximately 36.5 inches.
• Slide-In Range Size: Most slide-in gas stoves are still 30 inches wide, but the height and depth will be dependent on what sizes fit into your cabinetry.

To determine if a gas range will fit in your kitchen, find the space you want to install your gas range and measure it. You can measure your kitchen for a gas range by using a tape measure to get the dimensions between your cabinets where your stove will fit. Be sure to measure for height, width, depth, and space needed for connections.

If you choose a freestanding range, having a gap of an inch or less on either side isn't a big deal, as the sides of the stove are finished. If you choose a slide-in option, you will need measurements to be more exact. You may have to work with your cabinet maker to properly install a slide-in range.

Depending on where you live and the type of flooring you have in your kitchen, you may need to consider the weight of a new gas range. Simple gas ranges with one oven and no extra features like a convection oven may weight 125 pounds or more. The more features on a range, the more it will weigh. For example, a gas range with a double oven and a premium width of 36 inches may weigh over 250 pounds.

Features to Consider When Buying a Gas Range

The size, width, weight and price of a gas range are important to consider. However, your gas range is the place where cooking will take place in your kitchen so having the features you want is just as important and physical dimensions.

Consider these features available on gas ranges:

• Rack positions
• Self-clean option
• Burner cooktop style and layout
• Sealed burners
• Number of burners
• Warming drawers
• Double ovens vs. single oven
• Fingerprint-resistant controls
• Sabbath mode settings
• Convection cooking - fan convection, true convection or dual convection
• Delayed start
• Low power burner

FAQ - Gas Ranges

These frequently asked questions will help you make the right choice when buying a new gas range.

Do you need a range hood for a gas range?

Most residential codes don't require a range hood for your gas range, but it may still be a good idea to install one in your kitchen. They improve circulation and whisk away smoke and fumes. Check with your local building codes to make sure it's not required. In many cases, people will substitute a range hood with matching microwave.

How can I improve my gas range lifespan?

Cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to make your gas range last longer. After cooking, remove cool burner grills and wipe up any food particles that have fallen under the grill and around the burner. If your oven has a self-clean setting, use it regularly to clean the oven.

What size pipe/tube do I need for a gas range?

Most homes will require a 0.5-inch pipe to supply gas to their gas range.

What should I know about gas ovens?

The price of energy to run your gas range versus electric range may be significantly less. Depending on what type of gas your stove runs on, such as natural gas, the cost of gas is usually less than the cost of electricity.

What brand of gas range is the best?

To determine which is best for you, think about the different features and price points you want from your gas range. Some great brands available from Sam's Club include LG, Samsung and Thor Kitchen.

Does Sam's Club deliver and install gas ranges?

Delivery and installation of your new gas range from Sam's Club will depend on your location and the local laws surrounding gas appliances. Enter your zip code to find out if you qualify.