Range Buying Guide
Which Type of Range Best Suits Your Cooking Style?
Induction Ranges
Looking for fast, precise cooking and effortless maintenance? An induction range might be just what you need. Using magnetic field technology, only your cookware gets hot—not the cooktop itself. The result: less energy loss, rapid heat-up times, and enhanced safety. It’s ideal for families and for anyone who values efficiency.
Why Choose an Induction Range?
- Ultra-fast heating thanks to direct magnetic energy.
- Precise, instant temperature control.
- Cool-to-the-touch cooking surface.
- Easy to clean—spills don’t burn onto the cooktop.
- Sleek, modern design with a smooth glass-ceramic surface.
- Energy-efficient performance.
Electric Ranges
If you're looking for a user-friendly range that’s great for slow and steady cooking, an electric range with a glass-ceramic surface is worth considering. Its consistent heat is perfect for baking, sautéing vegetables, or simmering stews. Some models come with expandable or dual heating elements to accommodate large pots, plus indicator lights to show which zones are still hot.
Why Choose a Glass-Ceramic Electric Range?
- Steady, even heat—ideal for roasts and baked goods.
- Smooth, elegant surface that’s easy to clean.
- Expandable or dual elements adapt to different pot sizes.
- Indicator lights for safe operation around hot surfaces.
- Everyday comfort with no flames or complex adjustments.
Gas Ranges
Do you love searing meat over high heat or simmering sauces at a gentle bubble? A gas range offers intuitive, hands-on flame control. With quick ignition, powerful burners, and excellent responsiveness, it’s favored by those who enjoy cooking “by feel.” And if easy maintenance is a priority, look for sealed burners and continuous grates that simplify cleaning.
Why Choose a Gas Range?
- Instant, precise flame control.
- Powerful burners for both high heat searing and low, gentle cooking.
- Fast ignition without a pilot light for added safety.
- Option to add a griddle—perfect for breakfasts and brunches.
- Easier cleaning with sealed burners and continuous grates.
Dual Fuel Ranges
Why choose between precision and versatility? A dual fuel range gives you the best of both worlds, combining a gas cooktop with an electric oven. It’s a favorite among cooking enthusiasts who want to use the right technology for each dish. Love to quickly sear meat and also bake with exact temperatures? Dual fuel is for you.
Why Choose a Dual Fuel Range?
- Gas cooktop offers instant flame control.
- Electric oven ensures consistent, even baking.
- Great flexibility to match your cooking style and techniques.
- Most models come with a self-cleaning feature.
- Ideal solution for combining precision, versatility, and professional-quality results at home.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Induction Range?
Advantages of Induction Ranges
- Excellent energy efficiency: Heat is transferred directly to cookware, reducing waste and lowering electricity use.
- Significantly faster cooking times: Boil water or sear food in minutes thanks to rapid heat-up.
- Exceptional temperature precision: Instant, accurate adjustments for perfect cooking results.
- Enhanced safety: The cooktop stays cool unless compatible cookware is placed on it, reducing burn risks.
- Easy to clean: Spills don’t burn onto the surface, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Access to rebate programs: Some induction ranges qualify for LogisVert Efficient Homes Program.
Drawbacks of Induction Ranges
- Limited cookware compatibility: Only works with ferromagnetic pots and pans. Some stainless steel, aluminum, or copper cookware won’t work unless designed for induction. To check, look for the induction symbol or test with a magnet—if it sticks, it’s compatible.
- Caution for pacemaker users: Induction cooktops can interfere with some medical devices when in close proximity.
A built-in range is the ideal choice if you’re aiming for a clean, built-in look. Designed without a backguard, it aligns seamlessly with your countertop, creating a sleek, continuous surface. Front-mounted controls offer convenient and safe access while keeping the visual line uncluttered. Slightly wider than the cabinet it fits into, this type of range also prevents crumbs from falling between the range and adjacent cabinetry, making cleaning easier and enhancing the overall finish. However, a built-in range requires more precise installation, making it a great option if you’re fully redesigning your kitchen layout.
A freestanding range, on the other hand, is known for its easy installation and versatility. With finished sides and a built-in backguard, it can be placed between cabinets or stand alone, requiring no special modifications. The control panel, typically located at the rear above the cooktop, provides a classic layout that’s ideal for traditional kitchens or quick renovations. It’s a practical solution, especially if you’re avoiding custom adjustments or want to keep your layout flexible for future changes.
In most kitchens, standard ranges are about 30 inches wide, a dimension that fits neatly between cabinets and suits the needs of most households.
At JC Perreault, you’ll also find a wide selection of range sizes, from 24 to 48 inches wide, making it easy to find the right fit for both renovation projects and new construction.
What Features Can Make Your Range More Enjoyable to Use?
Flexible radiant elements
Adjust the size of the heating zone to match your cookware for optimal heat transfer.
Double ovens
Cook two dishes at different temperatures at the same time—great for entertaining or meeting varied family needs.
Air fry feature
Enjoy crispy, low-oil cooking directly in your oven—no need for a separate air fryer.
Built-in temperature probe
Monitor internal food temperature without opening the oven door for perfect results every time.
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
Maintain your range’s sleek finish with minimal cleaning—ideal for busy households.
Warming zone
Keep food at serving temperature without overcooking.
Warming drawer
Keep plates warm, maintain ideal serving temperatures, or proof dough—a must-have for frequent hosts.
Self-cleaning oven
Self-cleaning ovens offer three types of cleaning: steam cleaning, catalytic cleaning—where special oven walls absorb grease during cooking—and pyrolytic cleaning, which burns off residues at very high temperatures until they are reduced to ash.
Wi-Fi connectivity
Monitor and control your oven remotely via smartphone—perfect for hectic schedules.
When choosing a range, the oven is just as important as the cooktop. The first consideration is capacity. If you often cook for a crowd or prepare large dishes, a spacious oven cavity allows you to bake multiple items at once. A double oven is also a great option to boost your flexibility.
Beyond size, convection ovens provide a major performance upgrade. A built-in fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the cavity, reducing cooking times and allowing multiple dishes to be baked simultaneously—without flavor transfer.
To enhance usability, many models now include telescopic racks that glide out smoothly and safely. This makes it easier to baste a roast, stir a dish, or check doneness without tipping or straining.
What Affects the Energy Efficiency of Your Range?
If energy savings are a priority, induction cooking combined with convection baking is a winning combination.
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens improve energy efficiency by circulating hot air evenly, which reduces both cooking time and electricity use. A true convection oven can lower energy consumption by up to 30%.
Induction Cooking
Induction is one of the most energy-efficient cooking technologies available. It heats cookware directly with minimal energy loss, consuming 20% to 40% less energy than traditional ceramic cooktops.
What’s more, under Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, buying an induction range with a convection oven may qualify for financial incentives, depending on specific criteria.
Oven Self-Cleaning Systems
The type of self-cleaning system your oven uses affects its energy consumption. Hydrolysis, or steam cleaning, is the gentlest and most energy-efficient method: it uses moderate heat and a small amount of water to loosen grime, with minimal electricity use. Catalytic cleaning is also low in energy consumption, though slightly more than hydrolysis. Pyrolytic cleaning, on the other hand, is highly effective for deep cleaning but consumes more energy due to its extremely high temperatures (up to 500°C).
All the Products Featured in this Guide
At JC Perreault, we offer only reliable stove brands known for their durability, such as Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, LG, as well as GE Profile, Café, and Fisher & Paykel.
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