THE KITCHEN GUIDE BOOK

                                                    Cooktops

Cooktop types can be the drop in type or the slide in type with the controls in the front, and can heat through electric heat, induction, and gas heat. 

Drop in Gas Cooktop Slide in Gas Cooktop

Drop in cooktops sit in a hole cut in the countertop, and hang down in the cabinet 3" to 6". It is possible to have a top drawer in the cooktop cabinet, but the depth and the height of the drawer sides will need to be ordered cut down. Drop in cooktops are usually 30" or 36" 

Slide in style cooktops sit on a short cabinet with the countertop butted up to the sides, and sometimes there is a strip of countertop along the back. The slide in style cooktops are generally more expensive. Slide in Cooktops are 30", 36" and 48 "typically.

Gas cooktops are the most popular with cooks because of the instant temperature control, and also the possibility of higher temperatures. The only draw back to the gas cooktop is they are harder to clean than the glass topped electric. gas cooktops can be jetted to work with propane or natural gas. Make sure the cooktop is set up for the correct fuel usage, there are often conversion kits available. Gas cooktops still need 110 electrical power for the lighter, and clock.

Electric cooktops heat with electric coil measured in watts. The glass covered cooktops make for easy cleaning.

Induction cooktops are gaining in popularity. Induction cooking makes the pan it self heatup and not through surface contact. Induction heat is the most efficient way to cook, but can only be used with steel or cast iron cook pans.

                                                                 Ranges

A Range is an oven and a cook top in the same unit that is either gas (propane or natural), electric, or dual fuel. Some people like gas top burners but an electric oven, the dual fuel is the best of both worlds. As with all appliances do some research and check real reviews. See the Links page for a list of Manufacturers.

The Electric Range needs a dedicated circuit usually 50 amps. Always pick out your range before doing rough wiring to find out the recommended breaker, and wire size. The modern range has a 4 prong plug for two hots, a neutral, and a ground. The old 3 prong plugs had no ground. Sometimes the stove comes with a 4 prong cord, but sometimes you have to buy it separately.

The width of a range is 30", 36", 42", and 48".  Depending on how many people you cook for would determine the size. The cabinet openings for ranges are almost always an even number like 30", 36', 42', and 48". These widths are very important to keep in mind if doing your own cabinet layout design plan.




The Gas Range is either set for propane, or natural gas. Some ranges come with extra burner jets and oven adjustments to switch from natural gas to propane, but some do not. Sometimes these things can be purchased separately. Always check the specs for your specific range.

The Gas Range supply pipe is usually 3/4" to the shut off. Check the gas requirements for your specific range, and have your plumber calculate the size of the supply pipes. Ranges usually have a certain area where the gas pipe needs to come through the floor or wall, so have your range picked out before rough piping and check the specs for gas pipe placing. Always have a licensed plumber do the gas pipe, and always pressure test.

The Gas Range shut off needs to be where the gas pipe comes out, and then use the correct flex hose that connects to the range. The flex hose is so the range can be pulled out before turning the gas off. Always check gas connections for leaks using a gas detector, or the old soap and water bubble routine.

Range style types are Free Standing, Slide in Ranges, and Drop in Ranges. Free Standing ranges sit on the ground, and usually have a high back, as where slide in ranges have a flat back that lips over the countertop in the back. Drop in ranges sit on a a low cabinet drawer or toe kick plate, and have a flat back. 

 Slide in Range   Drop in Range