Our top pick for a gas range is the LG LSGL6335F 6.3 cu. ft. Slide-in Gas Range, which offers smart features plus functions like convection baking and air frying, along with specialized burners, and a large oven capacity. Our favorite electric model is the Samsung NE63A6111SS 6.3 cu. ft. Freestanding Electric Range, which has a 5-burner cooktop and steam-cleaning option. The best induction range is the Frigidaire Gallery FGIH3047VF 5.4 cu. ft. Freestanding Induction Range, which has four burners with pan sensors, front controls for convenience, and an overall built-in look. Here are the best stoves, ranges, and cooktops. You can also easily air fry in this gas oven, and an air frying tray is included with the oven’s racks. However, note that it doesn’t include a drip pan for this purpose. The manufacturer recommends using a foil-lined baking sheet under the air fry tray to minimize any mess. This stove is equipped with a fast, 10-minute self-cleaning mode to loosen cooking grease and grime quickly. On the range top, four round burners and an elongated center burner give you plenty of heating power. It’s especially worth noting that the LG LSGL6335F features a burner with up to 20,000 BTU. This is great for boiling water quickly or high heat searing.  Price at time of publish: $2,099 Price at time of publish: $949 The oven of this induction stove is electric and takes advantage of convection technology for more even cooking and browning. And while it’s not the only oven equipped with air fry functionality, it’s worth noting that this Frigidaire model was the first to boast the feature. At 5.4 cubic feet, there’s enough space inside for cooking multiple dishes, but it’s not quite as cavernous as some 30-inch ranges on the market. However, the oven does make life easy with both a self-cleaning mode and a 30-minute steam clean option to loosen tough messes.  Price at time of publish: $2,099 The oven of the Amana AER6303MFS is roomy enough for most roasting or baking tasks, with 4.8 cubic feet of space. There are dual bake elements for more even heat distribution, though it should be noted that they’re not hidden elements, so you’ll have to work under and around them when cleaning the oven. On that note, the biggest compromise of this budget stove is that it lacks a self-cleaning mode. You’ll have to use some elbow grease and an oven cleaning solution to restore sparkle to your appliance.  Price at time of publish: $869 The GE JGP5030SLSS has a recessed cooktop to catch and contain any spills or messes. However, it should be noted that the grate system can be tricky to remove due to its heft and tight fit. Once you lift it off, however, it’s great to know that the stove grates are dishwasher-safe for faster clean-up. The biggest complaint about this otherwise well-equipped gas cooktop is its control knobs. They’re made of plastic, and some home cooks have found them quick to show scratches or a chipped finish. Price at time of publish: $1,443 The Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB cooktop has a burner with 3,800 watts of heating power, which can boil water in about 90 seconds, according to the manufacturer. Three other burners range in heating power from 2,000 to 2,800 watts. Kitchen enthusiasts may wish for a fifth burner, but most people will find that the power output of the four burners is enough for average cooking needs. Keep in mind, though, that the size and layout of this cooktop may mean you can only use one large piece of cookware at a time.  Price at time of publish: $1,799 If you choose this budget cooktop, you get the precision of gas cooking at an affordable price. However, you’ll forgo a few features, too. For example, the highest power burner of this cooktop is 12,000 BTU, which falls a bit short when compared to models with a 15,000 BTU power burner. Plus, the heat output can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, leading to complaints of longer than expected cook times. Still, most home cooks will find this gas cooktop to be an affordable, easy-to-install option. Price at time of publish: $388 In comparison to the Coleman Classic Camping Stove, this version has increased heating power at 11,000 BTU per burner (the Classic model is 10,000 BTU per burner). While turning up the flame on each burner is no problem, it can be more challenging to adjust the flame to a low setting that won’t scorch sauces. This gas stove for camping also lacks a built-in ignition switch, but it’s easy enough to light the flame using an ignitor.  Price at time of publish: $90 This Ashley Hearth wood-burning stove is compact but efficient. The dimensions of the firebox can accommodate logs up to 18-inches in size. The tradeoff for the compact size of this wood stove is the fact that it will require more frequent refilling than larger models, but it’s a task that is to be expected when using a wood-burning stove for primary or supplementary heat. A noteworthy feature of the design is top and bottom ignition tubes, which cause the logs to burn from multiple directions, resulting in greater heating efficiency. In addition, a built-in ash drawer makes the regular cleaning of the stove simpler and less messy.  While the radiant heat from this wood-burning stove will feel warm and cozy on a chilly night, keep in mind that a blower (sold separately) may be necessary to distribute the warm air around the room. Price at time of publish: $1,672 A standout feature is the smart controller, which gives you multiple options for operating the Serenity wood pellet stove. Create a program for each day of the week or set it to cycle on and off based on the built-in thermostat. Of course, you can also manually operate this wood stove. Regardless of how you regulate the temperature, the key to consistent heat output is keeping the 40-pound hopper filled. Some people point out that a larger capacity hopper would be more convenient, since many wood pellets are sold in 50-pound bags. Price at time of publish: $1,350

Fuel source

Whether you purchase a range or cooktop, you need to decide on a fuel source that’ll power your new appliance. Your options are gas, electricity, and induction technology, and your decision will be based on the layout of your home, your budget, and your personal preferences—including your cooking style. Gas models are typically the least expensive, and have very precise controls. Electric models are more expensive upfront, but can be cheaper to operate, easier to install, and a great pick for bakers, as their oven cavities heat evenly and consistently. A range or cooktop powered by induction technology is the most expensive choice. The cooking surface looks sleek and is precise like a gas-powered model, but it also requires compatible cookware that’ll pair with its magnets.

Burner features

When it comes to the burners of your range or cooktop, you’ll want to consider how many there are, as well as the features they have. Most models will have either four or five elements—the latter giving you more space to prep large meals and multiple side dishes at a time. If they’re powered by gas, they may have a continuous grate design to expand your cooking surface even more, flip to accommodate large cookware like a wok, or include a griddle. If they’re powered by electricity or induction technology, the burners may stretch or sync to accommodate larger cookware. One burner may also be dedicated as a “warming” burner, which will help keep your dishes ready to eat while others finish up.

Standout Features

Self-cleaning mode

A self-cleaning mode in any gas, electric, or induction range uses high heat to rid your oven cavity of grease, oil, and grime. Now, this feature can generate a lot of heat, so your space should be spacious and well-ventilated to use it. However, it will eliminate the need to scrub grime and apply oven cleaner yourself and is more effective than a steam clean which can only tackle light messes.

Virtual flame technology

If you’re cooking on an induction range or cooktop, you may have a hard time knowing when a burner is turned on and hot. Virtual flame technology tackles this issue by giving any active burner a glow, so you know where to move your pan and where you shouldn’t place your hand or utensil. Any household with children can benefit from this feature that ultimately makes cooking safer and more streamlined.

Griddle

A griddle can primarily be found in gas ranges, and it either sits over a central burner or is integrated in between two sets of burners. This feature eliminates the need for a separate appliance, so it’s a good add-on for households who don’t have much storage space. It also allows you to prepare breakfast or lunch food, like hot sandwiches and pancakes, using the consistent heat from your stovetop. If you’re always cooking this type of food, you could benefit from this feature.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Erica Puisis, who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2017. Erica specializes in researching large and small home appliances, including ranges, cooktops, washers, dryers, vacuums, and more. To find the best options for stoves, she considered popular picks for both gas and electric models. Capacity, cleaning mode, and burner options factored into her research since these features impact the day-to-day use of these appliances. Similarly, when selecting cooktops, the type, features, and number of burners were evaluated to find the best options for induction, electric, and gas models. To clean a cooktop, first figure out what cleaning method is best for the type of cooktop you have. If you have a gas cooktop, you might need to lift or remove the grates before wiping down the surface. Any household with an induction cooktop should apply a cleaning solution and gently wipe it away, as it’s very easy to scratch this type of appliance. For the step-by-step processes, see our guides on how to clean an oven and how to clean a stovetop. In addition, Erica spoke with Deane Biermeier, an experienced home contractor and a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. He spoke about what to consider when deciding between a gas and electric range and offered insight on the features to look for that make a difference in how quickly or efficiently food cooks. In addition, Deane weighed in on the benefits of a pellet stove for home heating needs.