Comparing Cooktops And Ranges

If you’re looking to start a kitchen remodel in one of your rental units, you’re about to ask yourself a big question: Is a cooktop or range a better choice? There is no set answer, which gives you flexibility, but it can still be a difficult decision to make. We’re here to give you all the important details about both cooking appliances and share their benefits so you can make the decision that works best for your rentals.  

What’s the Difference Between a Cooktop and a Range? 

What is a cooktop vs range? 

Cooktops and ranges may sound similar, but they differ in major ways. A range is an appliance with a stovetop and an oven all in one, making it an extremely common choice in kitchens. With a standard size of 30 inches wide, ranges are meant to fit in between cabinets and don’t take up the same space that wall oven and cooktop combinations do.  

A cooktop, on the other hand, is a standalone stovetop sold separately from a wall oven. Since cooktops sit on a countertop as a flat cooking surface, rather than connected to an oven, there are more options for where in the kitchen they can be installed. This type of appliance is common in small kitchens with no space for a range or in large kitchens with room for wall ovens. 

Depending on your kitchen and its needs, one option might offer more benefits than the other. Let’s look at what each appliance has to offer so you can accurately decide which is best for your property. 

Cooktops 

Cooktops can be a great upgraded choice for a kitchen that will catch a tenant’s attention compared to your average range. When installed, they’re built into the countertops for a sleek, seamless look that adds to the aesthetic of the space. A cooktop usually goes hand in hand with a wall oven, too, oftentimes a double oven. These double ovens are usually larger which offers more space for cooking, especially when cooking two different items at two different temperatures. Additionally, since the cooktop and ovens are in two different places in the kitchen, multiple people can cook at the same time without competing for room. 

Depending on your needs and your space, though, cooktops can come with some disadvantages. Because cooktops and wall ovens require purchasing two appliances and separate installations, it can be much more expensive overall to put a cooktop in your kitchen. Plus, while bigger ovens mean more room for cooking, they also mean less room for the rest of the kitchen. If you have a smaller kitchen in your unit, cooktops may not be the best idea. 

Ranges 

Ranges are popular for a reason. They’re an all-in-one appliance that makes it easy to meet all your cooking needs in one place. With one work zone, a solo cook can easily cook and bake without needing to move between multiple areas of the kitchen. One appliance also means one purchase and one installation — a simple installation compared to a cooktop. With a range, you often save money as well as space in your kitchen because ranges are less expensive and fit easily between cabinets. 

Just like with a cooktop, a range can have disadvantages, too. If you end up housing multiple tenants who enjoy cooking, it can be more difficult to get things done with a more condensed workspace. Additionally, tenants will have to bend down to use their oven in contrast to using a wall oven or double wall oven at eye level. Even more, if you’re looking at higher-end ranges, the best of the best can be quite pricey. Rent and repair costs for tenants should reflect the investment you put into your kitchen upgrades. 

How to Choose Between a Cooktop or a Range 

So, you know more about the pros and cons of a range vs cooktop, but which cooking surface should you pick? At the end of the day, the decision is up to you and your specific rental criteria, but there are some important factors to consider before you buy that may help you choose your cooking appliance. 

Budget 

If you’re debating whether to buy a cooktop or range, the first thing to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on new appliances? Ranges tend to be a more affordable option, averaging between $600-$1,300. As previously mentioned, higher-end ranges can be expensive, reaching up to $6,000 for the top-of-the-line models, but the base level price for a range is about $600. Cooktops and wall ovens, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive — a cooktop alone can retail between $400-$1,300, and a separate wall oven may cost $1,100-$3,400. An induction cooktop starts at $1,000 and can range much higher. 

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to pay to install the appliances, and if you choose to use gas cooktops versus electric, the cost can rise even further. 

Tenant Needs 

Another factor to think about is what kind of tenant you’re targeting for your units and what their cooking style might be. Let’s say your one-bedroom rental is near a university with a large medical student population, and you’re targeting new med students arriving in town. If so, a range might be a better option because the stovetop and the oven are combined which is easier for a solo renter to use. In contrast, if you’re renting out a property made for multiple tenants, a cooktop and wall oven combo might allow tenants to better work together when cooking. 

Kitchen Size 

One of the most important elements of the cooktop or range decision is the size of the property’s kitchen. The wall ovens usually purchased with a cooktop take up valuable cabinet space that you may not be able to afford to lose with a smaller kitchen. If you’re renting a small unit, an apartment cooktop may not be the best option, but if you have a particularly spacious kitchen, go for it! A range is best for smaller kitchens, since it takes up less space overall and is centralized to a single standalone appliance. 

Conclusion 

Since kitchens are important to tenants, advertising a brand-new range or cooktop in the kitchen can help pull in prospective renters who are willing to pay for a newly updated unit.   

Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of both types of appliances and envision what it would be like to use each of them in the kitchen, then decide what you think works best in your unit.