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Types Of Stoves: A Comparison Guide
The stove is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen. When it’s time to get food on the table, there’s no doubt it does a lot of heavy lifting. That’s why there are plenty of options for all types of cooks and kitchens.
This guide compares the main types of stoves by fuel type, including gas and electric, and configuration style, such as slide-in and freestanding. Whether you're just starting your search or narrowing down your options, this guide breaks down the different types of stoves and stove parts as well as what to consider when shopping.
What’s the difference between a stove and a range?
While the terms stove and range are often used interchangeably today, a range specifically refers to a kitchen appliance that combines an oven and a cooktop, while the stove is an older term that historically referred to a cavity for burning wood or coal—not necessarily one used for cooking.
“Range” is most often used by appliance retailers, so it is helpful when browsing. The term “stove” is also more broad since it can refer to home heating appliances, while range is specific to a cooking appliance with both an oven and stovetop.
Keep in mind that the two components of a range can also be bought as standalone appliances: the oven as a wall oven and the stovetop as a cooktop.
Is a stove the same thing as a stovetop or cooktop?
No, though it is easy to see why people get them confused. A stove is the entire appliance, combining the oven below and the burners above. A stovetop or cooktop is exclusively the flat surface with burners where you sear, simmer, and sauté. These terms can refer to just the top section of a full stove, or they can describe a standalone appliance that installs directly into your kitchen counter. If you are shopping, just remember: if you want the whole package, shop for a stove or range. If you only want the standalone surface, shop for a cooktop or stovetop.
SHOP MAYTAG® ranges and INDUCTION COOKTOPS
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly rather than relying on an open flame or a traditional electric element. They may offer improved temperature control, rapid results, quick cooldown, easy cleaning and other unique features that vary by brand and model. Some ranges from Maytag brand feature Fan Convection Cooking. With two heating elements, fan convection circulates hot air around the oven so you can cook the whole meal at once without having to rotate your dishes for all around baking.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF STOVES?
Stoves are mainly broken down by fuel type and configuration. Fuel types include gas, electric and dual fuel. Each fuel type can suit different cooking habits, hookup availability and cookware preferences. For example, gas offers responsive, open-flame heat, while electric and induction cooktops provide a smooth, consistent surface that’s easy to clean. All types can be found in both freestanding or slide-in models, so prioritize your fuel preference before anything else.
STOVES BY FUEL TYPE
The type of fuel a stove runs on impacts everything from how it heats to how it fits into your kitchen. The sections below cover gas, electric and dual fuel options, comparing how each one performs and fits into your kitchen layout. You’ll also learn what to consider before replacing an existing unit.
Gas stoves
Gas stoves require a dedicated gas line. If you want to cook with gas but don’t have the right hookup, installing one is a fairly easy job for a professional. Gas stoves are known for the open flame on the stovetop, which is popular with many home cooks. Some benefits of gas heat include:
An open flame on the stovetop can be adjusted instantly, so it’s easy to move between heat levels. There’s no need to wait for an electric coil to cool down when you notice your food is cooking too fast.
The flame can be used to heat food directly if desired, like charring and roasting peppers. It can also reach up the side of sculpted pans like woks for stir-frying.
Gas ovens tend to preheat faster than electric ovens.
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, gas stoves usually require a bit more attention than electric models. Generally, the burner caps that protect the burner base from spills can be removed for cleaning, but grease and food debris can collect under and around the burner caps over time. Cleaning them regularly can help maintain an even flame.
SHOP MAYTAG® GAS STOVES
Gas stoves can help make dinner time fast and flavorful. Many types of gas stoves offer features like powerful, high-BTU burners and durable cast-iron grates. Select models from Maytag brand offer Steam Clean self-cleaning technology so you can clean your oven in less than an hour.
Electric stoves
Most electric stoves require a 240-volt outlet, which means most kitchens are already set up for one. Electric stoves cook food using heated metal coils or heating elements often housed under a flat glass surface.
They come in two main surface types: coil and smooth-top. Coil ranges are generally found on older models and feature exposed metal heating elements that sit in drip pans to catch spills, while smooth-top ranges house the heating elements beneath a flat ceramic-glass surface. Some benefits of electric heat include:
Electric radiant cooktops work with nearly any type of cookware, including copper, ceramic and aluminum, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Glass cooktops offer stability for pots and pans while making it easy to clean the smooth flat surface. Because the surface is flat and uninterrupted, cleanup is straightforward.
Electric heat in the oven is generally known for being dry and consistent, helping deliver nicely browned and exceptional cooking results.
SHOP MAYTAG® ELECTRIC STOVES
Electric stoves are a good option if you’re looking for flexibility on the stovetop. Even cast iron can be used—properly—on a glass electric stovetop. Select models from Maytag brand feature No Preheat Air Fry, which eliminates the preheat process and cooks fried foods fast—delivering a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside taste using little to no additional oil.1
DUAL FUEL stoves
Dual fuel stoves combine a gas stovetop with an electric oven, bringing the best of both worlds to your kitchen. They are considered a premium option so they may come with a higher price tag. Because they draw on both fuel types, dual fuel ranges require both a gas line hookup and an electrical outlet. If your home doesn’t already have a gas line, that installation cost is worth factoring in before purchasing. Some benefits of dual fuel stoves include:
Highly responsive, easy-to-adjust gas heat on the stovetop offers powerful control and a hands-on cooking experience.
Dry and consistent heat helps achieve exceptional cooking results in the oven.
Dual fuel stoves tend to suit home cooks who are passionate about stovetop cooking but prefer the dry heat found in an electric oven, for baking. Because this type of stove generally comes with a higher price point, as well as dual hookup requirements, it’s important to weigh your options before making a purchase.
Learn more in this guide to dual fuel stoves. You can also learn how to install gas and electric ranges with this set of step-by-step instructions.
range with an induction cooktop
Unlike gas, electric and some dual-fuel options, ranges that have induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat your cookware directly, rather than using the cooktop surface itself, turning compatible pots and pans into their own source of heat. Because of this, the system allows for a rapid rise or drop in temperature, which can help accelerate cook times.
Ranges with an induction cooktop, like this model from Whirlpool brand, stay cooler than other cooktops because the cookware is the source of heat, which can result in less burnt-on spills and splatter with a surface that is easy to clean. You can also often pair select wall ovens with induction cooktops, such as this model from Maytag brand.
Some benefits of induction cooking include:
You can adjust the temperature quickly.
Because the cooktop itself doesn’t generate heat, spills, splatters and boil-overs are often less likely to bake on, and messes may wipe away quickly after cooking.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, induction cooktops can be up to three times more efficient than gas cooktops, and 10% more efficient than radiant electric models.
Before purchasing, keep in mind that induction cooktops require ferromagnetic cookware made from or containing magnetic materials. Compatible options include enameled steel, cast iron and stainless steel designed for induction cooking. Non-magnetic materials like ceramic, glass, copper and aluminum won’t work. A simple way to check: If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware, it's induction-compatible.
Maytag® kitchen ranges
POWERFUL COOKING FEATURES THAT WORK, MEAL AFTER MEAL
Maytag® ranges offer powerful cooking features and next-level cleanability to help make mealtime less of a chore
STOVE CONFIGURATIONS
Beyond fuel type, stoves also come in different configurations that affect how they fit into your kitchen. The sections below cover the two main types: freestanding and slide-in.
Freestanding stoves
Freestanding stoves are the most common type of stove. They feature a backguard where the oven controls are located as well as finished sides, so they can be installed standing alone or between cabinets. Freestanding stoves can be found in both gas and electric models at a variety of price points.
SHOP MAYTAG® FREESTANDING STOVES
Freestanding stoves from Maytag brand offer flexibility of placement in your kitchen. Some Maytag® models feature Air Baking. By circulating hot air throughout the oven, Air Baking delivers even heating for crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside cookies, juicy, tender turkey and more.
Slide-in stoves
Slide-in stoves place all of the controls in the front, creating smooth lines and a built-in, premium look. They’re a good option if you have a decorative backsplash you want to fully display or if you’re installing your stove on an island.
SHOP MAYTAG® SLIDE-IN STOVES
Slide-in ranges from Maytag brand can elevate the look of your kitchen. Select Maytag® models offer Edge-to-Edge Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates that let you maximize your cooktop’s space.
HOW SHOULD I COMPARE STOVES?
To zero in on your ideal stove, start with a few decisions: choose a fuel source (gas vs. electric vs. dual fuel) and a style (freestanding vs. slide-in). Then, figure out if you need a standard or special size. Lastly, consider what features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves based on your budget.
To learn more about stove features, explore Maytag brand’s range features and options. Or start your comparison by learning more about the most common types of stoves below.
| Gas | Electric | Dual Fuel | Induction Stove/Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gas | Electric | Gas stovetop, electric oven | Electric |
Installation Style
|
Freestanding or slide-in |
Freestanding or slide-in |
Freestanding or slide-in | Freestanding or slide-in |
| Size Options | Standard or special sizes available | Standard or special sizes available | Standard or special sizes available | Standard or special sizes available |
| Utility Hookup | Dedicated gas line required | 240-volt outlet required | Gas line and 240-volt outlet required | 240-volt outlet |
| Cookware Compatibility | All cookware types | All cookware types | All cookware types | Ferromagnetic cookware only |
| Cleaning | Grates and burner caps require regular cleaning; some grates are dishwasher safe | Smooth-top models wipe clean easily | Similar to gas on stovetop; electric oven wipes clean | Flat surface wipes clean easily; spills less likely to bake on |
| Cooking Fit | Responsive flame that easily moves between heat levels | Dry, consistent heat; well-suited to baking | Responsive gas stovetop, consistent electric oven | Rapid results, easy cleaning, flexible placement in kitchen |
TYPES OF STOVES FAQS
To help you decide what stove might be right for your needs, read on for the answers to common questions about stoves.
ARE INDUCTION STOVES BETTER THAN GAS OR ELECTRIC?
Whether an induction stove is the right choice depends on your cooking habits and whether your existing cookware is compatible. Because induction cooktops heat cookware directly using electromagnetic energy rather than the cooktop surface itself, they allow for rapid temperature changes that can accelerate cook times.
The cooktop surface also stays cooler than gas or electric, which means spills are less likely to bake on and the flat surface is easy to wipe down. The trade-off is that induction requires ferromagnetic cookware, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel, to function, so it may not be the right fit for everyone.
WHICH TYPE OF STOVE IS MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Induction cooktops rank high for energy efficiency, according to ENERGY STAR®—up to three times more efficient than gas and 5%–10% more efficient than conventional electric. Because the cookware itself generates the heat rather than the cooktop surface, less warmth escapes into the surrounding air, which may also reduce the load on your home's HVAC system.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT STOVE FOR MY KITCHEN?
To zero in on your ideal stove, start by confirming what utilities your kitchen already supports: a gas line, 240-volt outlet or both. Then choose a configuration (freestanding or slide-in), determine whether you need a standard or special size, and then consider weighing which features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves based on your budget.
SHOP ALL MAYTAG® STOVES
Whatever’s on the menu, a Maytag® range offers versatile cooking options to suit your cooking style. Select Maytag® electric ranges offer True Convection with Third Element, while select Maytag® gas ranges feature Air Fry, so you can make your favorite fried foods.
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