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Best Gas Range Reviews

Updated: Feb 20, 2024 4:49 PM
best gas range reviews featured image that shows the top three best kitchen appliance models

To help you find the best gas range for your new kitchen or to replace your old gas range, we researched 10 of the highest-rated models by putting our cooking skills through research . As we prepared and cooked our favorite dishes and desserts using each of the gas ranges, we measured them based on their overall cooking consistency, ease of use and cooking function variety. We looked for ranges that could provide a good amount of versatility in convection modes and settings so we could cook anything we wanted. To make cooking even easier, check out our guide to the best kitchen appliances.

Once we researched each of the oven gas ranges, we were most impressed with the Thor Kitchen HRG3080U because of its extra durable and functional commercial design that offered the best cooking consistency around. We also loved how powerful the oven and burners were, which allowed us more room for dishes that need higher heat than most. Keep reading below to learn more about this stellar Thor Kitchen gas range and the other ranges we researched and included on our list.

Top 5 Best Gas Range Reviews Compared

 #1  Thor Kitchen HRG3080U – Top Pick


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Thor Kitchen HRG3080U gas range offers tons of cooking power, both on the stove top and inside the convention oven, making it perfect for both commercial and home applications. If you need something a step above the traditional gas range, this Thor Kitchen option is one of your best bets.

Pros
  • Best commercial
  • Excellent construction and design
  • Unique, blue porcelain oven interior
Cons
  • No digital functionality
  • Doesn’t notify you when pre-heated
  • No self-clean function

You may not have heard of Thor Kitchen gas ranges before, probably because they’re not a common household name. However, they’re very popular in commercial applications and still have a solid use within the home. This freestanding gas range offers a total of 4.2 cubic feet of oven space and up to 22,000 BTUs in the convection oven. It also features four different burners that deliver up to 15,000 BTUs of heat. The Thor Kitchen range is built solidly with stainless steel surfaces and a unique blue porecelain oven interior.

Unfortunately, every knob on the Thor Kitchen HRG3080U is manually controlled. You won’t get any digital features here, including any kind of notification that the oven is pre-heated. However, this also allows you to have more fine control over temperatures, which is always a plus. The range can cook things to perfection with its commercial convection fan and efficient stove top burners. Everything we cooked with this range turned out amazing. If you enjoy freshly-made juices or drinks with your meals, check out our pick for the best juicer on the market.

 #2  Samsung NX58H9500WS – Honorable Mention


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Samsung NX58H9500WS is a powerful example of just how far gas ranges have come in recent years. It’s equipped with a full touch panel and superb design that’s great for beginners and veteran chefs alike.

Pros
  • Best touch-screen display
  • 5 stovetop burners
  • Temperature probe included
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Convection doesn’t bake as consistently as possible
  • Broiler has some hot spots

Samsung’s 30-inch, 5 burner gas range is equipped with a full touch panel that’s easy to use and easy to clean. The touch panel gives you access to tons of effective custom cook settings, which are also easy to learn, thanks to Samsung’s “Guiding Light” feature taht lights up the buttons you need to use when programming. This is excellent for first-time users. The design of this slide-in gas range is also impressive. The stainless steel is complemented by a glass cooktop that’s made to connect with the countertop for a seamless experience. If you want a pleasant cleaning experience after cooking, it’s worth investing in the best garbage disposal.

The burners themselves vary from 5,000 BTUs to 15,000, and even include a burner that can reach up to 18,000 BTUs for a variety of different cooking tasks. Inside, the oven comes with convection capabilities as well as a built-in temperature probe for getting meats to just the right temperature. Add in the three-level warming drawer, as well as the continuous grate (which covers the entire stovetop instead of just the burner) for easier pots and pans handling, and this range has nearly every feature that we like to see at this expensive price range.

 #3  Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C – Best Budget


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C is a 30-inch gas cooktop that features plenty of burner space and excellent user friendliness for quick and easy cooking. If you don’t need a stove to go along with your cooktop, then this is the perfect product for you.

Pros
  • Most user friendly
  • Sealed burners for easier clean up
  • Thermocouple flameout fault system
Cons
  • Cooktop only
  • Doesn’t include extra features
  • Heavy burner grates

When it comes to simplicity, the Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C has got it down. This is only a cooktop, which means it doesn’t include an oven. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you don’t have tons of space in your kitchen to include a full-sized oven. The Empava is built fantastically well, with durable stainless steel surface and strong continuous cast iron burner grates that reach all the way to the edge of the cooktop. It’s also incredibly easy to learn how to use. Simply ignite the burners, adjust the knobs to your desired heat level and off you go.

Each burner on the Empava EMPV-30GC5B70C gives you a different level of heat output. The center burner gives you 12,000 BTUs, the back burners give you 12,000 or 10,000 BTUs and the front burners give you 6,500 or 4,000 BTUs. This gives you tons of versatility for different cooking applications like simmering, boiling, frying and more. The cooktop is also really easy to clean, but the grates are heavy, so be aware of that before you try and take them off. We were also really happy to find that the Empava cooktop features a handy safety feature that cuts off the gas if it doesn’t sense a flame.

 #4  Cosmo COS-F965NF – Best Value


WHY WE LIKE IT: Give up surprisingly little with the Cosmo COS-F965NF, an extra-affordable, well-crafted gas range. With plenty of oven space and tons of different functions, this is one of the most versatile ranges on our list.

Pros
  • Best cooking options
  • Super durable build quality
  • Minimal maintenance
Cons
  • Included directions could be clearer
  • Oven fan blows out the front

We know a lot of people don’t have $2,000 or more to drop on a new oven range. That’s why this 30-inch, 3.8 cubic foot Cosmos model is so impressive – it’s under $2,000, but you still get many of the benefits found in our other, much more expensive top picks. The best thing about this gas range is the total number of functions you get included. With tons od different oven modes, you can make subtle adjustments to your heat to create the best culinary creations in your kitchen.

The Cosmo COS-F965NF’s overall build quality is impressive, as well, with a stainless steel body and cast iron grates and oven racks. We were also impressed with how little maintenance this range needs to keep running strong. The 5 burners on the cooktop range from 5,000 BTUs to 18,000 BTUs, on par with other premium ranges. The traditional gas range storage door and two-rack oven space are also included, which means you get pretty much everything you need at an incredibly affordable price.

 #5  Cosmo DFR304 – Best Convection


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Cosmo DFR304 is a freestanding range that you use to take your cooking passion to the next level. With a reliable and consistent convection oven and versatile cooktop, this gas range is perfect for intermediate chefs looking for better kitchen equipment for more involved dishes.

Pros
  • Even, reliable convection heating
  • Excels at high-heat boiling and low-heat simmering
  • Consistent performance across the board
Cons
  • No timer
  • Needs a dedicated circuit breaker

The Cosmo DFR304 looks great in any kitchen with its sleek and smooth stainless steel surfaces. This looks like a commercial range, and it also offers similar performance. With 5 different burners on the cooktop, you get up to 18,000 BTUs of cooking power for high-heat boiling. You also get an impressively low 200 BTUs on some burners for better simmering capabilities.

Perhaps our favorite thing about this range is its oven portion. This is a convection oven that features four different modes: turbo bake, convection bake, convection broil and traditional bake. With this kind of versatility, you can more easily cook a wider variety of dishes. If you’re looking for consistent cooking performance, you can’t pass up the Cosmo DFR304.

How We Choose the Best Gas Range

Gas range ovens – in addition to the requirement of a gas line – have several special features that make them great picks for the kitchen. Here are the top factors we looked at when choosing the top rated gas range models.

First, the capacity of the oven is always important. We look at internal space, which is measured in cubic feet and around 5 to 6 cubic feet is sufficient for the average family (and average turkey), although a smaller over can work, especially if you choose a dual-oven model with two different oven compartments to utilize.

Ignition also matters: today’s gas ranges should be simple to light, with clear instructions and auto ignitions that don’t leave you fumbling or waiting for the clicks to finally lead to flame. A smooth ignition that happens in seconds is a surprisingly important feature for using a gas range. Five burners is a common number (some ovens come with six, but this is rarely necessary), although we like to see a set of five burners in varying sizes – one for saucepans, one for large boiler pots, one for frying pans, and so on. Gas ovens may also have continuous grating across the entire surface, which we prefer to single grates on each burner.

Of course, once you have the burner lit, the heat quality is important too. We looked for burners that have even flames, with a preference for “sealed” burners, or those that cap their burners so that flames curl up from under a protective covering, which is better for your pots and pans. We also looked at the power that burners provide, which is generally measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The most powerful burners have 15,000 to 20,000 BTUs, and are useful for fast boiling, extra-hot searing or other cooking tasks that require a lot of heat in not a lot of time.

Mid-range burners tend to offer around 12,000 BTUs for slower, more typical kitchen tasks, and it’s important that a range has a selection of both. Burner BTUs are a surprisingly accurate indication of oven quality!

In addition to BTUs, we also look for ovens that have convection technology. Convection refers to a cooking method that cycles air around the oven compartment. This helps encourage a faster, more thorough cooking process, and can also help add crusts or brown certain foods more reliably. All our top picks come with convection capabilities. The power of the oven compartment itself is also measured in BTUs –  but because the heat is trapped and focused, this BTU measurement isn’t quite as important as burner BTU. We still like to see some power here though, with baking-centric options around the same or a little higher in the BTU department than the most powerful burner – 18,000 to 20,000 BTUs. Broil options should be several thousands BTUs below that (beware total BTU ratings, which are misleading and don’t describe anything).

Programming is also important: make no mistake, a gas burner is still a very simple device, especially compared to electrical ranges which can be controlled more precisely. Gas is a more direct type of heat, and more difficult to precisely adjust or automate, so high-tech features are limited. However, in recent years more advanced controls have started to appear on most types of gas ranges too, and add a lot of value to new models. they can still help out when implemented in the right way.

Specifically, we looked for temperature probes, cooking modes, self-cleaning options, and similar bonuses. Built-in probes can show the temperature of meats directly on the oven screen for greater convenience, while cooking modes can instantly warm up and set the timer for specific foods, or allow you greater control for delayed cooking. Self-cleaning modes, meanwhile, run the oven through a heat cycle designed to help burn away grease and make cleaning easier.

Why You Should Buy a New Gas Range

If you are moving into a new home or renovating to include a gas line, then switching to a gas range offers plenty of benefits! The most popular advantage is the cost savings – gas is much cheaper to use than electrical heating elements. There are also many cooks that prefer to use gas, particularly on a range, since the heat is immediate and highly intuitive to control – plus, there’s less chance of burning yourself accidentally when you can see the flames!

Although, if you already have a gas range, it may be time to look at new models, especially if your current model hit the decade-old mark a few years back. Today’s models come with a lot more programming and digital options that can make cooking a lot easier if you like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Additional features like built-in meat thermometers and cleaning modes are also welcome if you don’t have them. Speaking of cleaning, the best-rated gas ranges can also make cleaning easier with better enamel-layered grates and designs that help you get rid of any soot or spilled grease, quickly.

Related: Best Microwave for 2019

What to Look for When Buying the Best Gas Range

Easy to Clean

  • In the gas vs. electric range debate, one mark against gas range ovens is that they tend to get dirtier more easily due to open flames, and also tend to be harder to clean with their complex grates and burnt-on soot (yes, natural gas does create a tiny amount of soot). So look for an oven than has grates that are covered with tough ceramic coatings and are simple to remove and wash as needed. The same as true of the knobs, which also tend to get a lot of grease build-up over time and should be easy to wipe down.
  • Additionally, look for self-clean modes that help you clean the oven’s interior on a schedule that suits you. Most gas range models have some type of self-cleaning that raises the temperature to high levels for long periods of time to burn up as much grease and grime as possible, making it easy to clean off afterward. Delayed cleaning modes are also a bonus, since they allow for more flexible scheduling.
  • Also look for stainless and ceramic coatings on the rest of the oven components, which indicate a model that’s easier to wipe down after cooking, and won’t stain as quickly.

Great Burner Support

  • A proper gas range should have five to six burners with a variety of options for different tasks – a mid-range 12,000 BTU option, an option closer to 20,000 BTUs for bringing the heat, a variety of grate sizes for different pots, and so on. Look for variety here, because it’s well worth it.

Digital Controls

  • True, gas range burners don’t really need digital controls, but we’re not talking about the knobs here – we’re talking about programming times, modes, self-cleaning, and all the other options that oven ranges come with. Look for digital controls and touch buttons here: they are both easy to use and very easy to clean.

Affordability

  • The highest rated gas range models tend to be expensive, easily reaching $2,000 when you include installation, gas line accessories, and everything else you need. If price is an important consideration for you, look for low-cost models that still get the job done. One of the nice things about gas range grills is that they can be very, very simple appliances and still do a great job with a clock and a set of knobs.
  • The low-cost options tends to cost $750 to $1,000, but make sure you still buy from a reliable brand like GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, and other companies known for making quality ranges.

Sealed Burners

  • We already mentioned sealed burners briefly, but they deserve another callout: These burners are covered to both prevent accidental burning and damage to your pots and pans. It’s a common feature these days and should be easy to find – direct flames are just a little too annoying, especially when this option works just as well. Most gas ranges include four or five sealed burners.

Extra Drawers and Racks

  • Warming drawers and extra racks or rack space give you more possibilities for storing food as you cook, and are often well worth considering. Storage drawers are also important, especially if you frequently use a storage door on your current model and still need that space option.

The Right Fuel Type

  • There are several fuel options for gas, dual fuel, and conversion. What is the difference between dual fuel and gas range? A gas range uses gas for both oven and stovetop cooking, while dual fuel allows for electrical heating elements, usually in the oven: electric ovens produce a dryer, radiating heat that is better for some projects, and some cooks prefer them.
  • Convertible ranges, meanwhile, offer the ability to convert from gas to propane or similar fuels. This is a very rare feature to use, since it typically only applies when there is no natural gas available (in which case, maybe don’t get a gas oven), or when gas lines are permanently shut down but you still need to use your oven.

Mistakes to Avoid

Not knowing the cooking differences if switching from electric to gas: Yep, it’s a different experience, and it’s important to know if you are switching between cooking methods. Some foods require different approaches, more attention, or longer/shorter cooking times when moving to gas range models. Gas stovetops are much faster to heat up, and gas ovens are more moist (natural gas has a small amount of water vapor in it) and a little less even than electric versions. Expect these changes, and you won’t be surprised.

Caring too much about controls: We understand that you spend most of your time on the range controls, but for a gas range, controls really aren’t that important. Yes, we like to see cooking modes and other options like that, but for controlling temp and burners, all you really need are some basic knobs and timers. Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.

Not measuring: Even if you think you know what size of oven you need, measure anyway. Measure height, width, and depth. Measure any gaps you have, too. Even a typical “30-inch” gas range isn’t always exactly 30 inches (they tend to be a bit more, varying by model and brand), so it’s important that you measure and then double-check the dimensions of the range before you buy.

Not getting help with installations: If you aren’t sure how to hook up a gas range, or don’t have a few people to help you move it into place, then seriously consider paying extra for installation services or hiring a contractor to help out (installation typically costs $100 to $200). You don’t want to damage your floors or new range, and you really don’t want to accidentally damage your gas line.

What Else You Should Think About

When you buy the best gas range, it will come with basic installation instructions, but don’t be afraid to call up someone more experience if you’ve never worked with gas lines before. It’s not exactly a difficult project, but it does require carefully following instructions and moving a very heavy appliance, so we encourage getting some help.

Also note that we just scratched the surface on what’s available on today’s gas ranges. From high-tech smart thermometers to intelligent countertop ovens, there are a lot of devices and features out there than make great accessories to a new range. And speaking of accessories, you may want to take a look at the best over the range microwaves if you also need a new microwave to complement your range. Or if your mind is more on cooking projects, check out the best chef knives of 2019 to up your kitchen game!

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