When choosing between an electric cooker with an oven and one without, several key factors must be considered. The main differences are size, functionality, price, and intended use. An electric cooker with a built-in oven provides more versatility, allowing you to bake, roast, and grill in addition to stovetop cooking. However, they take up more space and tend to be more expensive. Electric cookers without an oven take up less room and are a budget-friendly option ideal for basic stovetop cooking tasks. This guide examines the pros and cons of electric cookers with ovens compared to those without in depth. We'll look at how they differ in terms of:
Size and Footprint
One of the most noticeable differences between electric cookers with and without ovens is the amount of space they occupy. Electric cookers with ovens are larger as they need to accommodate both stovetop burners and a baking cavity. They have a wider, bulkier footprint and require more open counter space or a dedicated spot in your kitchen.
Standard electric oven ranges are 27-30 inches wide and can be up to 26-30 inches deep. Some larger models may be 36 inches wide or more. They stand 36-38 inches tall. Electric cookers without built-in ovens are more compact. They contain just the stovetop cooking surface and take up a smaller footprint. Many are 20-24 inches wide and 13-18 inches deep. Their height is similar to that of cookers with ovens, at around 36 inches tall. Some even have shallow profiles under 12 inches deep.
If you have limited kitchen space, an electric cooker without an oven is the better choice. The smaller size takes up less precious real estate and can fit in snug corners or small galley kitchens. Those with spacious kitchens can accommodate the larger electric ranges with ovens. If you have existing cabinetry or kitchen infrastructure, be sure to measure the available space before purchasing.
Oven Size Varies on Electric Ranges
If you opt for an all-in-one electric range with an oven, the oven capacity can differ between models, affecting the overall footprint. Standard ovens are often around 5 cubic feet, which provides enough interior room to cook a 20-25 pound turkey or bake up to 9 slices of bread at once. Some compact electric ranges have smaller ovens, around 4 cubic feet. While they take up less space, capacity is limited for larger dishes or batches of cookies.
On the other end, larger luxury electric ranges may have double ovens or extra-large cavities exceeding 7 cubic feet. These provide ample cooking real estate but have an even wider footprint. When choosing between compact, standard, and large electric ranges, consider the oven capacity you need, as well as the space available in your kitchen.
Functionality and Features
The main advantage of electric ranges with ovens is increased functionality for various cooking methods beyond just stovetop cooking. An oven allows you to roast meats and vegetables, bake casseroles, broil proteins, toast bread, and more. Rather than needing separate devices, you gain more use from a single appliance. Electric ovens provide consistent heat ideal for baking, as they lack the hot and cold spots found in gas ovens.
They can also use convection fans to circulate hot air and speed up cooking times. Many electric ranges have double ovens, which lets you cook multiple dishes at different temperatures. Higher-end models may also include warming drawers to keep cooked food hot. Without an oven, electric cookers are limited to only stovetop cooking techniques like frying, simmering, and boiling. You cannot bake or broil without a separate countertop oven.
Cooktop Burners Differ on Models With and Without Ovens
Electric ranges with ovens typically have 4 or 5 burners on top. They often use ribbon or coil burners that heat up and cool down quickly.
Electric cooktops without ovens usually have 1-2 burners. Some compact models have just a single burner. The burners may be more powerful and efficient smooth-top or induction types.
Having more burners allows bigger meals to be cooked simultaneously. Models with just 1-2 burners are best suited for individual portions or quick weekday meals rather than cooking for a crowd. The smooth top and induction burners on oven-less electric cookers provide more even heating and easier cleaning than coil elements, but they come at a higher price.
Cost and Budget
Electric Ranges With Ovens Cost More Upfront
One of the biggest factors in choosing cookers with or without ovens is budget. Built-in ovens require more materials, engineering, and technology, making them pricier appliances.
Here are some average price differences:
Basic electric ranges with ovens start around $400-600 for brands like GE and Whirlpool. More advanced models can cost $1,500-2,500 for high-end brands like Wolf and Viking.
Electric cooktops and burners without ovens are very budget-friendly. Countertop models start around $30-60. Freestanding double burner cookers cost $80-150. Smooth top and induction cookers without ovens run $150-300.
Of course, prices vary by brand, features, and retailer. But expect electric ranges with ovens to have a higher starting price point than basic stovetop-only models. Cost may be the deciding factor for some shoppers, especially those furnishing a first apartment or rental on a tight budget. Portable electric burners provide similar stovetop functions for a fraction of the price. For those willing to pay more upfront, electric ranges with ovens provide a greater return on investment through years of diverse use.
Added Energy Costs for Ovens
Along with higher purchase prices, electric ranges with ovens cost more to operate in the long run. Ovens use significant electricity to generate and maintain high temperatures. Electric burners are also energy guzzlers compared to induction and gas cooktops. Using both the oven and burners results in higher energy bills over time. According to Energy Star, an electric range with an oven costs $99 per year to run. Electric cooktops and burners without ovens use about half the energy, costing just $41-49 annually. Energy efficient models like induction cooktops are even more frugal, using only $32 worth of electricity per year. While electric ovens have a greater impact on your energy and utility costs, ENERGY STAR-certified models are up to 20% more efficient than standard models. Look for the blue label when shopping for electric ranges.
Conclusion
Choosing between an electric cooker with an oven and one without depends on your kitchen space, cooking needs, and budget.
Electric Cookers With Ovens: Ideal for those who enjoy versatile cooking methods, such as baking, roasting, and grilling, or preparing meals for larger families. These models offer multi-functionality but come with a higher cost, larger size, and increased energy consumption.
Electric Cookers Without Ovens: Perfect for compact kitchens or basic cooking needs, these models are more affordable, portable, and energy-efficient. However, they lack the flexibility of oven-based cooking techniques.
Carefully consider your lifestyle, available kitchen space, and long-term energy costs when deciding. If you need an all-in-one appliance for a range of cooking tasks, an electric cooker with an oven is a smart investment. For budget-conscious individuals or those with limited space, an oven-less electric cooker meets essential needs without the extra expense or footprint.