With such importance placed in one appliance, it's not difficult to see why buying a new range can cause stress. But it doesn't have to be that way. Finding the range that's perfect for you and your family can be as simple as asking yourself a few questions.

Gas or Electric?The first consideration when buying a range is whether you want gas or electric. With the drastic increase in natural gas prices, many people are changing to electric appliances. If you are simply replacing your existing range, installation should be no problem. If, however, you wish to convert from gas to electric or vice-versa, you might have to do additional work in your kitchen by upgrading your electrical or adding a gas line (which is best done by a professional). Discuss this with your appliance dealer before purchasing and factor these additional costs into your budget. 

Electric ranges are the most popular style of range available, as they are the least expensive and electricity is more available than gas as a power source. Electric models provide good performance, including even heating and features for multiple cooking purposes. Electric ranges use two types of cooktop heat—the standard coil burner and smoothtop—which has the heating elements sealed beneath a smooth ceramic glass cooktop. In most models, both types of cooktops heat quickly and evenly. Check out Dacor's electric range, model MRES30SS, which has a knobless design, and an MSRP of $3,700.

Gas ranges allow greater control with the levels of heat on the cooktop, cool down or heat up cookware instantly, and offer precise temperature control. They retain little heat when the burner is off, so cooking stops almost immediately. Typically, gas ranges have a higher purchase price than comparable electric models. The cooktop on a gas ranges has a visible cooking flame and a wide range of temperature settings. If you choose a gas range, consider the pilotless electronic ignition type, which is more energy efficient over those with pilot lights. For example, Frigidaire's model FGF316BT, MSRP $350, has pilotless electronic ignition.

Oven capacity shouldn't be an issue—both gas and electric ranges offer roomy ovens with approximately the same sizes across model lines. Typically, free-standing ranges vary in size from 3.30 to 5.0 cubic feet.

Can't decide between gas and electric? With dual-fuel you don't have to, you get the best of both worlds. A dual-fuel range provides the instant-response of gas burners and the even heat of an electric oven. They are usually available in the mid- to high-end price range. Jenn-Air's dual fuel range, model JDR8895 MSRP $1,750, is 5.22 cubic feet, with a self-cleaning oven, electronic touch controls, and five sealed burners.

The Seduction of InductionInduction cooktops on ranges are increasingly popular as well, such as Wolf Range's new 30- and 36-inch induction cooktops. The cooktops are fast—because heating and adjustments are immediate, cooking can be more than 50% faster than traditional cooking methods; they offer an even distribution of heat; and they are safer since less heat is released into the room with an induction cooktop, this means a cooler kitchen and a cooler cooktop. This, in turn, leads to increased safety, since heat is generated only when cookware is present. Nearby utensils will not be heated, and there are fewer risks of burned fingers. And because the surface does not heat up on an induction cooktop, overflows and spills do not stick or burn, and the glass top can easily be wiped down. However, special induction burner cookware, which can be found at most retail stores, should be used when cooking on an induction cooktop.

Measuring Up
Before visiting a showroom, take measurements and determine venting requirements for your existing range. Ask about any other adjustments you will need if you want to purchase a different size/type model from the one you currently have. A standard range measures 30 inches in width, but some kitchen designs may call for a 36-inch, 40-inch or 48-inch range. These larger ranges offer benefits like a second oven or additional burners. If your upgrading to a larger range, keep in mind that your venting requirements will increase accordingly. If your space is tight, smaller ranges—such as 20-inch or 24-inch models—are also available.

Size and Shape
Ranges come in three configurations: Freestanding, slide-in, and built-in. A freestanding range stands alone, with panels on both sides, giving it a finished look from any angle. Buy a freestanding model if you're not going to put your range between two cabinets. A slide-in range, which does not have finished side panels, is a solid choice if your range will be placed between two cabinets. A built-in model is at least partially supported by the cabinets on either side and are installed between two cabinets by lifting and dropping them in.

Features
You'll most likely be cooking on your new range for years to come, so make sure that it fits your lifestyle, with convenience features that are important to you. Self-cleaning is the most popular feature, but large viewing windows, extra shelves, removable doors, storage drawers, electronic controls, timers, and lighting are also in demand. Increasingly important are timing controls that allow you to not only plan your meals, but begin cooking them at a given time, or stop cooking automatically when food is done.

In addition, consider large, stable racks that glide easily, storage drawers, and models with burners and elements of various sizes. Also, check out the lighting in the oven and make sure the timer is one suitable to your needs. And if you want cooked food out of the way once it's done, consider an oven with a built-in warming drawer, which keeps food table-ready with warm, circulated air.

One new feature on Aga's new electric range is a brain, so to speak. All new electric Aga ranges have Intelligent Management System (AIMS) as a standard feature, which allows you to adjust the output of your Aga using a control handset. In short, it means that your Aga is always "on"'; you put it to "sleep" when you want, and you only operate it at normal power when you need it.

What you Get for the Money
When shopping for a range, plan on spending anywhere from $299 to $7,000 or more, depending on features, size, models, and colors.

A lower priced model, anywhere from $299 to $1,000, will give you the basics, such as the standard 30-inch size, an electronic cook and timer, an audible preheat signal, and oven interior light, and a light temperature display, just the right amount of features that some cooks desire. Smaller size ranges for smaller spaces are available in this price range. You can usually find a range in all finishes—white, black, bisque, and stainless steel—in this price range.

On mid to high-priced models, $1,000 to $3,500, are heat distribution systems, for example, that make sure that your favorite cookies are baked evenly and perfectly browned. Whirlpool's Gold 30-inch gas range, model GW395SS for $1,300, has this feature, which it calls the AccuBake Heat Distribution system. It also has a 4.3-cubic-foot capacity, four sealed burners, electronic controls, and a one touch bake and broil feature. You'll definitely find that all finishes are available in this price range as well.

Accuracy and flexibility are important on the cooktop, as well, and you'll find options with that in the mid-to high end ranges. Both gas and electric models have a burner simmer setting, which provides gentle, gradual heat. This feature is perfect for keeping any sauce from getting too hot and scorching, preparing creamy or delicate sauces, melting chocolate, or slow cooking soups, stews, or stocks.

Dual fuel is a nice feature to have, but you'll pay for it, as dual fuel ranges are usually only available in the mid- to high-end price range.   

Convection ovens offer high performance, as they typically bake approximately 30% faster than conventional ovens, and you can expect to pay $1,500 and more. But for some, it's worth it: a fan in the back of the oven cavity circulates heated air, over, under, and around foods to cook them quickly. Most oven manufacturers offer some models with a convection oven feature, and this feature is increasing in popularity. Viking Range's new Professional high-speed convection oven, for example, cooks food five times faster than a conventional oven, which is ideal for families with busy lifestyles. 

If a budget is not an issue, you're in luck, as there are many ranges available for $3,500 and above. What do you get for that amount of money? In short, bigger and more of everything. For example, Dacor's dual fuel range, model ER48DSSCH for about $9,000, is 48 inches, with two ovens and convection cooking in both, and 14-inch wide grates on the cooktop.

Thermador's Pro Grand 48-inch gas range for $8,000 has six burners and a grill for cooking pancakes, eggs, burgers...you name it. It also has a special 375 BTU burner, an extremely low temperature for maximum control on what you cook. 375 BTU ExtraLow Flame cycles on and off for true simmering of your favorite sauce.

More favorite features that you'll find on the high end ranges, such as Fisher & Paykel's 48-inch Dual Fuel range, model OR48DDPWGX1, includes ovens that are equipped with a cooling system to minimize heat transfer and protect your kitchen cabinetry, a pyrolytic self-cleaning cycle, and built-in warming drawers.  

It doesn't matter if you cook every day, once a week, or once a month: anyone who simply cooks knows the importance of a reliable range, which has been the most basic appliance in the kitchen since we stopped cooking over the open fire. First fueled by wood, then by coal and now by gas and/or electricity, the range is an American staple.