Homework: Cooking ranges

There's no doubt that cooking has been elevated from drudgery to art form. We've finally outgrown the boxed spaghetti kits and graduated to imported pasta and truffle oils. Now, is it time for your kitchen range to make the step up, too?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Before plunking down $6,000 or more for a professional range, it helps to understand your home's needs. The kitchen is the one room that can make or break a home-buying decision. And even if you're not selling your house, it's important to keep the kitchen updated. Realtors often say the kitchen is the room that wields the greatest influence in a real estate deal. It's also where you can get a good return on your renovation investment because of the importance home buyers place on kitchens.

STYLE OR SUBSTANCE

Once you decide to go pro, the next step is deciding exactly what grade of professional appliance to buy. There's a wide range among professional ranges. Some merely look professional and offer more bells and whistles than standard kitchen appliances, while others could stand in at a restaurant.

If you're a hard-core home chef who hosts big parties, entertains frequently and is the one person whose house everyone comes to for the holidays, a true professional range will be able to keep up with you. Serious home chefs get more enjoyment -- and use -- out of professional appliances than homeowners who'd rather microwave takeout than whip up an omelet. Even if you enjoy cooking but don't do it regularly, a professional-style range might be a better and more price-friendly option than true professional grade.

COOKTOP VS. FREESTANDING

When shopping for professional kitchen appliances, you'll have the choice of a cooktop-and-wall oven combination or a professional range. One thing to consider is that many ranges have double ovens, letting you bake two items at a time but at different temperatures. Using the smaller oven for smaller jobs can save energy and money. In addition, freestanding ranges are often cheaper than buying a cooktop-and-wall oven combination.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

To fit professional appliances into your kitchen means you'll need to accommodate their generous proportions. Professional ranges come in 30-, 48- and 60-inch sizes, so figure the width into your planning. Fortunately, such ovens will fit in the standard 24-inch cabinet depth. One nonstandard change will be required, though. A professional range needs professional ventilation and a larger hood. Your appliance building professional will be able to size the hood to your range correctly.

Don't overlook cleaning in your quest for superior cooking. The joy of cooking will disappear if cleanup chores become excessive. Sealed burners, porcelain or stainless cooking surfaces and cast iron grates require less spit and polish to keep them clean -- and they can handle extra use.