How to Choose a Freestanding Gas Oven

Even after you narrow down your oven search to freestanding gas appliances, a bewildering array of design features and function options remains for you to navigate. To identify the right oven for you, learn about the different models on the market and what kinds of cooks they serve. Choose the model that matches your needs, lifestyle and budget. The kitchen is one of the major hubs of any home, so whether you're remodeling or just moving into a new place, take the time to select the oven that will make your kitchen as comfortable and convenient as possible.


Measure the area where you plan to install your oven. Choose a model that will fit easily into the space, with a few spare inches on either side to allow you to pull it out if you need to make repairs or clean behind it.


Determine your budget for the appliance. Gas ovens can vary in price by many hundreds of dollars. Knowing how much you can afford before you begin to search can spare you the heartbreak of finding the perfect oven and later realizing it is $600 too expensive.


Choose a convection oven if you often cook large quantities or dense meats. Convection models include a fan that circulates the heat in the oven and speeds up cooking without compromising quality.


Identify how much storage space you want your oven to include. Some ovens feature built-in cabinets for pots and pans, while others do not. If you have limited shelving and cabinets in your kitchen, choose an oven with storage space. Many gas ovens don't include storage, so expect to spend a little extra for this feature.


Weigh the importance of a self-cleaning feature in your oven. Basic models don't come with this, and it tends to cost extra. If you find yourself doing labor-intensive oven cleaning on a weekly basis, though, a self-cleaning oven might be well worth the price tag.


Decide whether you want a model with a range on top. If so, choose what kind of burner you want -- standard or sealed. Sealed burners block spilled food from falling through, making them easier to clean. If you cook complex dishes, consider getting a model with a low-power simmer setting.


Look for a model with a window, so you can see into the oven while your food cooks; with variable boil settings, so you have more cooking speeds and temperatures available; and with several levels for oven racks, so you can adjust the food's distance from the heat according to what you are cooking.


Select a model with a display that is easy to read and dials or buttons that are easy to use. Look for thermostats and timers that you can adjust and read without effort.


Find an oven with safety features such as a door lock, control lockout and hot surface light if you have children in the house.

Things Needed

  • Measuring tape



Photo Credits

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