Kitchen Oven Photos 02

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Oven Photos 02


Ovens: Gas or Electric?

CHOOSING A FUEL SOURCE FOR AN OVEN doesn't seem to rile up cooks as much as the cooktop heat source, but there's still a decided tilt toward electric ovens. Electric ovens produce a more even heat (particularly convection ovens, which are electric). Gas ovens have a moister heat, which can be a bonus, and they have a slight edge in terms of installation cost; an electric oven requires a zzo-volt circuit while a gas oven uses a standard no-volt circuit.

If location matters, keep in mind that wall ovens are electric while range ovens can be either gas or electric. Whichever you choose, don't base your choice on a model that says it will preheat in just minutes-nearly all ovens need an additional 10 to 20 minutes after they signal readiness to be truly heated through and through.

THESE WALL OVENS ARE POSITIONED higher than most to make them comfortable for a tall cook. The pro-style cooktop has a downdraft vent.

NOSTALGIC FOR HER EXPERIENCE cooking in an Italian brick oven, a Rhode Island cook had this woodfired brick oven installed in a contemporary kitchen. The flue on the outside of the oven effectively exhausts the smoke from the wood fire so that heat isn't lost from the oven itself. The owners bake everything in this oven, including cakes,casseroles,roasts, and, of course, pizza.

Kitchen Oven Photos 01

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Oven Photos 01


Oven Options

OVEN, ARE THE LEAST EFFICIENT COOKING APPLIANCES-standard large-cavity ovens may use only 10 to 28 percent of the energy expended-but they cost little to run.A smaller cavity improves efficiency and moisture retention. Several mid-to-high-end manufacturers offer ranges with a small oven paired with a large oven,typically side-by side but occasionally stacked.

The conventional oven is a radiant,or thermal,oven, which cooks by a combination of radiant energy from a heat source and natural convection from heated air.If you broil frequently,look for adjustable broiler temperatures and an element with more loops, which allow for more even broiling.

THIS WIDE FIVE STAR RANGE HAS TWO BIG GAS OVENS and two broiling drawers .The lower counter to the left is sized to accommodate younger cooks learning the ropes.

A GRAND LA CORNUE RANGE WITH MULTIPLE OVENS holds court under a vent hood that's paneled to match the cabinets. It makes sense to hang pots over an island so they stay clean and won't interfere with cooking or ventilation. These copper pots hang from a copper frame and grid.

Kitchen Range Options 03

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Range Options 03

A BRICK BACKSPLASH AND A RANGE HOOD with lights top this Aga range.The hobs (burners) are covered to retain heat until ready to use,while the simmer plate at left has a range of heat available.

THIS VINTAGE GLENWOOD RANGE HAS FEATURES that few modern American ranges have, but that many European models offer. A lid covers the burners when not in use and an assemblage of oven sizes, particularly small ovens, offer energy efficiency.

THIS OLD RANGE HAS BEEN RESTORED to handle today's cooking needs, and it makes a great retro statement surrounded by white cabinets and subway tile.

Kitchen Range Options 02

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Range Options 02


Commercial or Pro-Style?


COMMERCIAL RANGES-true professional models-may be tempting to the homeowner because of their blast-furnace power and relatively low price tags compared to professional-style home ranges. But today's professional style ranges have lots of firepower and industrial good looks, along with safety features that you won't find on a commercial range.

The restaurant, or commercial, range is not insulated like a pro-style home range, so it can't be positioned near cabinets. Its pilot lights are always on (some do have electronic ignition), whereas pro-style ranges feature electronic igniters. other drawbacks? Commercial ranges are deeper (almost 3 ft. deep ifthey have convection ovens), knobs are not child safe, and ovens have no windows, lights, or broilers.

You will see some commercial ranges in this blog (all owned by people who have cooked in restaurants), but many municipalities don't allow-and insurance companies won't cover-eommercial ranges in homes.

A TRUE PROFESSIONAL RANGE IS A HOT BEAST, so it stands a requisite 3 in. from cabinetry, as seen here. Some cooks love the unbridled heat and are undaunted by hot surfaces, no oven windows. and always-on pilot lights.

YOU MIGHT THINK THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL RANGE that found its way into a residential kitchen, but it's really a professional-style range, fitted with family-friendly features such as insulated sides and oven windows.

Kitchen Range Options 01

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Range Options 01

A RANGE CONSOLIDATES THE HEAT, takes up the least room overall, and costs less than a separate cooktop and wall oven of the same quality. The most common mod el is 30 in. wide and has four burners and a single oven. It's commonly a slide-in model with a raised backguard. Controls for oven and cooktop are located on the cooktop surface or on an apron. Knobs on aprons are easier to clean than knobs on cooktops; electronic keypads are even easier to clean. Drop-in ranges often have no backguard and offer the option of a cabinet drawer below the oven.

Wider ranges-from 36 in. to 60 in.-are tempting for their varied cooktop and oven options. Some manufacturers even offer dual-fuel ranges with a gas cooktop and electric oven-along with a considerably higher price tag.

AN AGA RANGE LIKE THIS ONE IS ALWAYS READY TO GO, with multiple ovens capable of being set to various temperatures, from warm to hot.The flue circulates a constant flow of air through the cooker, venting odors and smoke outside.

THESE SIMPLE INSET CABINETS ARE A SUBTLE FOIL for the punch of a professional-style range. Unlike its super-hot restaurant cous in, a professional-style range has insulated sides, which don't require clearance from cabinetry.

A RANGE COULD HAVE FIT HERE, but instead separate cooktop and wall-oven units are stacked to make a streamlined alternative cooking space.Separate components also make a lighter burden to haul to a second-floor kitchen. The backsplash runs the full length and height of the wall for extra protection.

Pot Racks 02

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Pot Racks 02

AN ENTHUSIASTIC HOME COOK DESIGNED her kitchen with the idea that everything had to be easy to access.Her impressive collection of beautiful (and beautifully shined) pots and pans extends the length of the island countertop, where the cooktop reigns.

THIS SIMPLE POT RACK IS MODEST but holds just enough pots and pans for easy access. Pot lids store nicely on pot handles.

Pot Racks 01

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Pot Racks 01

A PLASTIC-COATED WIRE GRID WITH HOOKS makes a fine pot rack.The black, red, and white tools and pans add color and texture to this bright kitchen.

THERE IS HARDLY A MORE GRATIFYING SIGHT to a cook than beautiful kitchen tools, and these hang from hooks on a stainless-steel pipe. It's tougher to keep them clean if they are hung in the open, but convenience and good looks win out over housekeeping any day.