Cooking with gas definitely has its perks. The instant heat control, even cooking, and that nice flame keep gas ranges beloved by many home chefs. While some models need electricity for some function, many gas cookers will work perfectly even without electricity. If you’re shopping around for a new gas cooker or stove, there are some key factors, and that’s why I created this review.
I conducted thorough research and tested some of these models to come back with an unbiased review of the best gas cooktops. I hope you get your perfect fit!
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Product Name |
Price |
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1.  |
GE Appliances Gas Freestanding Range |
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2. |
LG LSGL6337F Gas Range |
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3.  |
Thermomate Built-In Gas Cooktop Range top |
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4. |
Samsung Smart Slide-in Gas Range |
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5.  |
Empava 24 Gas Stove Cooktop |
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6. |
Whirlpool 5.1 Cu. Ft. Freestanding Gas Range |
Top 6 Gas Cooktops and Ranges in 2023
Gas cooktops and ranges come with different design variations and features, and picking one can seem a bit confusing. Well…….not anymore! Check out the options below, factors you can consider, and of course some quick info related to your new range!
1. GE Appliances Gas Freestanding Range
GE’s 30-inch freestanding gas range packs some solid cooking chops for the price. Its basic design won’t win any style awards, but it more than delivers where it counts – steady flames and reliable baking. I’ll break down what it does well along with areas for improvement.
First off, the burners are nicely powerful at 15,000 BTUs on the larger pair. That gets water boiling fast and sears like a champ. The smaller burners downsize well for simmering or melting. All provide consistent heat without hotspots.
The oven racks glide smoothly on their tracks, which I know sounds minor but makes a difference when shuffling multiple dishes in and out. Oven temps hold pretty steady too, usually within 25 degrees or so. Not perfect, but not bad for a basic model.
Pros – What I liked
- Powerful 15,000 BTU burners
- Even heating
- Smooth oven rack glide
- Reasonably accurate oven temp that stays within about 25°F of the set point
- Straightforward dials and knobs rather than confusing digital pads.
- Easy-to-clean sealed burners
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- Grates don’t fully connect
- The bottom drawer feels cheaply made and jams from time to time
- Missing extra features like a kitchen timer, clock, or auto shut-off
2. LG LSGL6337F Gas Range
LG’s new gas range has me drooling with its cool features like a knock-to-view oven window and built-in air fryer. But do the bells and whistles deliver, or are they just gimmicks? After testing it out, I think this range earns its place in the kitchen.
Let’s start with the showstoppers. That cool oven light you activate by knocking twice on the glass is weirdly fun and helpful to peek inside without losing heat. Air frying in the oven without lugging out another appliance is genius – wings and fries came out crispy with less oil.
But what really won me over was the core performance. The range top burners ignite instantly and the oven bakes evenly thanks to what LG dubs “ProBake Convection” tech.
I do wish the exterior was built a bit sturdier. The stainless feels thin in spots, prone to dents and fingerprints. The grates don’t quite fully connect across the cooktop either. And preheating takes longer than some comparable models.
Pros – What I liked
- The ability to peek inside the oven by knocking is really handy to check progress without losing heat.
- Built-in air fryer
- Air Sous Vide cooking mode that mimics true sous vide cooking
- Burners ignite immediately and can be turned down to the perfect low simmer.
- LG’s “ProBake Convection” delivers evenly baked goods across all racks.
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- Thin stainless exterior, meaning that it’s more prone to dents than higher-end models.
- There’s a small but annoying gap between the grates rather than one continuous surface.
- It takes slightly longer for the oven to preheat compared to similar gas ranges. Not a dealbreaker but noticeable.
- A bit Complex interface
- The price is a bit steep for what you get.
3. Thermomate 36 Inch Built In Gas Cooktop Gas Range top
After testing out this Thermomate pro-style range top, I’m thoroughly impressed by its performance and build quality. Right away, the powerful 25,000 BTU center burner grabbed my attention – it quickly brings large stockpots to a boil and is perfect for stir-frying in a wok. You can really hear and see some serious burner power.
I also appreciate the safety features like the flame failure detectors that automatically shut off gas if a flame blows out. The continuous stainless steel surface looks fantastic and makes cleanup so much easier than models with gaps between grates. No catching crumbs or having to pull burners apart to clean. It wipes down seamlessly.
Pros – What I Liked
- Powerful 25,000 BTU burner
- The burners can dial down extremely low, ideal for delicate foods like melting chocolate
- The flame-out detectors shut off gas if the flame is accidentally blown out, an important safety feature.
- The entire cooktop is stainless with no annoying gaps or spaces. Makes cleaning so much easier.
- If a burner turns off, it will automatically re-ignite which is convenient
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- You’ll need a pro to install built-in units to specifications, so factor in that cost.
- To take advantage of the power, you’ll want heavy-bottomed pans and pots.
- Thermomate is fairly affordable as pro-style models go, but still a bigger investment than base models.
4. Samsung Smart Slide-in Gas Range with Air Fry
This feature-packed Samsung slide-in range offers all kinds of trendy tech upgrades for digital cooks. The built-in air fry mode crisps up your favorite fried foods like wings, fries, and nuggets with way less oil. I found it delivered tasty results with a fraction of the mess and hassle.
The WiFi connectivity and companion app also lets you remotely adjust oven and cooktop temperatures, monitor cooking progress, and receive alerts from your phone. Handy for checking on dishes from the couch or preheating before arriving home.
Integration with Alexa and Bixby takes that voice control convenience even further. Asking your smart speaker to preheat the oven or turn on the range top makes cooking feel almost futuristic.
However, the benefits don’t come cheap. All that fancy tech pushes the price way above basic models. And the interface itself can frustrate, with finicky touch controls and a steep learning curve.
Pros – What I Liked
- Air fry mode crisps up foods with less oil and mess than a separate appliance
- WiFi and app let you remotely preheat, monitor, and adjust oven and cooktop
- Can integrate with Alexa or Bixby for handy voice commands
- Seamless flat cooktop with edge-to-edge grill/griddle attachment
- Self-cleaning oven with a convection fan for fast, even baking
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- Finicky touch controls malfunction sometimes and have a learning curve
- Fingerprint magnet stainless exterior shows every smudge
- Automatic functions like air fry limit manual temperature control
- Expensive because of the hi-tech features
5. Empava 24 Gas Stove Cooktop
As an inexpensive starter gas cooktop, this 24” Empava performs respectably well. Its basic push-to-turn knobs and continuous grates don’t offer much, but they get the job done.
The burners provide ample high heat output for quick boiling and stir-frying, though the 17,000 BTUs could be even more powerful for wok cooking.
The lighter-weight grates unfortunately dent and stain easily from heavy use and cleaning over time. More durable materials would improve longevity.
Keeping expectations in check for the bargain price, it cooks evenly and will satisfy basic gas range needs for many homeowners.
Pros – What I Liked
- Low price point – Good value for budget-conscious buyers
- Quick heating with 17,000 BTU burners
- Precise simmering capability is ideal for sauces
- Sturdy continuous grates distribute heat evenly
- Convertible between natural gas and propane
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- No dishwasher-safe grates or knobs
- Basic push-to-turn knobs lack advanced control
- Prone to scratches/stains given cheaper materials
- Lacks extra safety features like flame failure shut-off
- On the small side at just 24 inches wide
6. Whirlpool 5.1 Cu. Ft. Freestanding Gas Range
This Whirlpool freestanding gas range puts function over form – it forgoes fancy finishes or extras to focus on solid cooking. The burners deliver ample high heat output, allowing you to achieve quick boiling. It’s also great for gentle simmering.
Inside the 5 cubic foot oven, dishes came out evenly baked and roasted, though adding a convection fan would help circulate hot air faster. The dedicated broiler drawer beneath makes browning toppings a breeze.
But for a very reasonable price, it cooks food reliably using straightforward controls. For buyers wanting capable gas range basics without breaking the bank, Whirlpool makes a sensible choice.
Pros – What I Liked
- Good burner output for fast boiling and searing
- Easy-to-clean sealed burners and porcelain grates
- Large 5 cubic feet oven capacity
- Broiler drawer for glazing, melting without bending
- Straightforward knobs and dials for intuitive use
Cons – What I Didn’t Like
- No convection fan for faster, more even baking
- Porcelain grates tend to stain and discolor over time
- Noisy rattling storage drawer suggests cheap build
- Knobs lack precise detents for accurate temperature settings
- Missing a built-in kitchen timer feature
Honorable Mentions – Other Top Gas Ranges
I had a good variety when doing this review, and thought to include three more that definitely made to my list but not detailed review. Take a look below:
How to Choose the Best Gas Cookers and Ranges – Buying Guide
When evaluating gas ranges, put performance at the top of your checklist. Test ignite burners and ensure an even, steady flame. Check that grates are sturdy and fit flush without rocking. Build quality should feel solid with smooth glide drawers.
Optimal cooking power is measured in BTUs. Look for at least 17,000 BTUs on the largest burners. Simmer around 5,000 BTUs on the smallest. More isn’t always better – too high and cooking control suffers.
Design-wise, go for sealed burners over coil style. They’re easier to clean and contain spills better while providing even heat distribution. If going pro-style, continuous grates are convenient for moving pans between burners.
Don’t neglect the oven. Seek convection cooking and a minimum capacity of 5 cubic feet. Test broil, bake, and preheat functions. Knock on oven windows – they shouldn’t sound hollow.
Finally, consider smart features like WiFi connectivity for remote operation and automatic shut-off. But skip flashy gimmicks that don’t enhance daily use. Focus on well-built, user-friendly basics.
Do You Need a Slide-In or Freestanding Range – What’s the Difference?
The two most common gas range configurations are:
Freestanding – These units sit completely detached from cabinets. They are available in stainless steel, black stainless, white, and custom colors to match your kitchen decor. They require minimum clearance on all sides for ventilation and offer budget-friendly price points.
Slide-In – These are designed to slide snugly between kitchen cabinets and connect to gas and electric at the rear. They provide a built-in look for a finished kitchen aesthetic. No need to allow side clearance. You’ll also notice that they tend to cost more than freestanding.
Are Gas Cooktops Better Than Electric Ranges?
The battle between gas vs. electric ranges has heated debates on both sides. Ultimately, which is “better” comes down to your cooking preferences.
Gas cooktop pros include:
- Instant temperature control via burner knobs
- High heat output for fast boiling and searing
- Visible flame makes cooking more engaging
- Burners heat the pan directly for even cooking
Electric cooktop benefits:
- Modern, sleek glass-ceramic style
- Precise sensors and digital controls
- Easy to clean smooth surface
- Energy efficiency and lower operating costs
Gas edges out on cooking power and control for most chefs. But induction electric tops offer competitive heating speed. Electric ovens can bake more evenly. Try out both to see which you naturally gravitate toward.
Are Gas Ranges Safe?
Used properly, gas stoves are completely safe. However, gas appliances do require taking some sensible precautions:
- Have a technician install and regularly inspect for leaks
- Don’t use it after an earthquake until inspected
- Keep flammables away from the range
- Ensure proper ventilation outside
- Turn off gas lines during extended periods without use
- Clean burners regularly to prevent clogging
Maintaining the range well, double-checking connections, and replacing old hoses prevent most issues. Gas detectors provide an extra layer of protection. Exercising common sense safety goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Finding your perfect gas range involves balancing cooking power, convenience features, and your kitchen’s needs. Focus on steady flames, precise control, and an oven that excels at everyday tasks. A quality gas cooker cared for properly provides years of meal enjoyment with added peace of mind.
Happy and safe cooking!
Common Questions
What BTU rating should I look for in a gas range burner?
Look for at least 17,000 BTUs on larger burners and around 5,000 BTUs on smaller ones. Too high overpowers cookware. Too low provides inadequate heat.
Are sealed or coil-style gas burners better?
Sealed burners are easier to clean and contain spills better. Coil style can get grimy but may be cheaper. Go sealed for a better experience.
How do I know if a gas range oven bakes evenly?
Test bake using an oven thermometer placed in the center and corners. Temperatures should only vary 25 degrees F. Some hot and cold spots are normal.
