What size range do you want/need? Do you need dual-fuel and will going with all gas solve the financial dilemma? Does the 36" give you enough more that you'll appreciate having through the years and you'll be disappointed to have a 30" instead?

If not: Does IKEA offer anything in the way of fillers that you could put on either side of the range to maintain your symmetry? Or is there any other way you could accomplish something similar? If you do that, there will be 3" of airspace on each side of the hood. I've seen plans where there is space left on each side of the range hood to give it more separation and focus; to make it look less crowded...Or you could do what a lot of people here like to do and have the hood be wider than the range.

Other options: Have a filler piece next to the wall on the far left (or widen to 18" pantry), and have the cabinet run 3" shorter, overall? Or have no filler and have the run 6" shorter? It's hard to tell without knowing your layout if that would work for you.

I don't know if any of this helps, but I hope so. Best wishes.

Not knowing your budget and how tightly you need to stick to it, it's hard for me to say if you should buy the larger range. I've had my own struggles with symmetry, so I can sympathize; however, I don't think you should bust your budget JUST for the sake of symmetry (which people keep reminding me isn't that important.) I'm going from a 30" cook surface to a 36" because I have plenty of room for it, and I'm always running out of burner space right now. So my advice is, splurge for the larger stove if you really want that extra functionality, not just to make things look "even."

If you do decide to stick with a 30" stove, I think 36" on one side will look just fine. I'd put more space on the right because I'm right-handed. Where do you tend to place most of your bowls, pans, serving plates, etc when you cook?

Erika

I'll echo the others. What size range do you want? If you don't care, then you should probably get a 30". I have a tiny kitchen, but have been pining for a 36" again for years so I made it fit and sacrificed elsewhere.

I think symmetry is given way too much emphasis over function. I bet you would really appreciate that extra six inches between the fridge and range.

just to throw a monkey-wrench into your plans, you should really have your hood be wider than your range by three inches on either side.

Have you accounted for the filler you will need so that doors and drawers will operate properly and to allow the side panels on the upper cabs?

That may eat up your extra 6" anyway.

Have you accounted for the filler you will need so that doors and drawers will operate properly and to allow the side panels on the upper cabs?

That may eat up your extra 6" anyway.

If I had a current 30" range, I would salvage it and put in a coverpanel or a towel rack to total 36" until I had scraped together more cash.

-or-
Frigidaire Professional Series PLGF659GC about 1.7k

A 36" range would be terrific, and I love the idea of the dual-fuel capabilities and control. We've been saving our pennies so we can pay cash for everything, so we'll most likely save a little longer. IKEA is offering a dual-fuel pro-style range for about $2k, but I still haven't found any hands-on reviews of it. I'm keeping my eye on craigslist and ebay, too for deals on higher-end ranges.

edlakin - this is news to me. I'm not sure I've ever seen a range hood wider than the range, much less realized it was a recommended spec.

sarschlos - I haven't fully looked into the logistics of how the IKEA cabinets fit together, but I was under the assumption that they operated correctly on their own without fillers. I do have some flex space to incorporate 2-3" of "extras" if need be.

Even in ikea, all cabinet doors next to walls or tall pantries/refrigerators that are deeper than the cabinets will need 1-2" for the hinges to operate properly. Also, you will want the side cover panels, which can be 1/2" to 3/4" thick.

(I know this because I've been researching the death out of ikea kitchens for months now as I try to determine what space we need, which cabs will fit, and how to assemble them in the configuration I like.) Be sure to check out ikeafans to find out about the assembly/modification-type technical questions. That will help you make your decision.

Ikea's appliances are made by Whirlpool. The technical stats on the "pro style" range are pretty stinky as far as performance. You would be better off pricing sales, rebates and floor models at your local high-end appliance store.

GE Profile makes a few different dual fuel ranges that cost around $2k, but it looks like they only make it in the 30" width. Not sure if this is a recommended range or not, but you could check the appliances forum for feedback.

When you say...
I haven't seen any 6" 'fillers' I'm impressed with

What do you mean? Do you mean you've looked at the 3 different types of filler pullouts Rev-A-Shelf has and you don't like any of them? Or do you mean you don't like the look of fillers?

As to the vent hood--yes, it's recommended it be at least 6" wider than the range/cooktop...that gives 3" extra on each side. This is especially true of high BTU ranges/cooktops like gas or induction. You should also pay attention to the depth of the vent. It should cover the front burners as well. In my case, I have a 36" electric cooktop with a vent hood that's 4" wide & 24" deep.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rev-A-Shelf Filler Pull-Outs - Base

If you really want a 36" range, go for it.

Regarding edlakin's comment, I have a 36" hood over a 30" range. I agree with edlakin about a larger capture area. Maybe it's overkill, but my hood does an excellent job and I think it was worth it (definitely was my kitchen "splurge"). The entire cab/hood surround contraption is 60" over our range. It's kind of a different look compared to what I've seen on the forum--it was my own idea (and I'm not a kitchen designer). I like it and how it works for us.

As for symmetry being critical, my opinion is that it's not. Strive for balance. Here's a pic of my range wall (still need to finish the tile and a few other things). You can see that the base cabs do not match but I think it looks fine. We are mostly first-time DIY and we also used Ikea cabs--you have to work within the Ikea limitations (which for us meant some compromises that don't seem so bad now).

{{!gwi}}

melle -- how did you make your range hood to match your ikea cabinets?

I guess I'm the lone rebel, I have a 48" hood over a Wolf 48" rangetop. With up to 1200 CFMs, I have no problem with it handling the wildest stir frying or steak searing. Not that larger wouldn't be good if you have room, but I don't have any regrets.

Hi sarchelos--I hired a custom cab guy to build and install the wood facade/shelf unit based on my design. It was (to me) $$$ given that we were trying to keep costs down, but it's the focal point when anyone looks or enters into our kitchen (which is open to the entry and living room).

I agree with bmorepanic to salvage your current range until you have the $$ for what you really want. It is easy to just slide the new one in when you can afford it, just make sure that you choose what you want ahead of time so that you have the required space when that time comes.

I TOTALLY agree with melle_sacto, in that symmetry is important, but, strive for balance. Well stated. I am doing just that in my own plans. I adore symmetry, but you can't sacrifice function for symmetry. Balance is more achievable in many cases. IOW, having 30" on one side of the range, and 36" on the other isn't going to look "bad".

Just remember, you can't go back if you do the 30" range now- I have read about disappointments on this forum before about just that. If you plan for the 36" size, you can always get it a little bit down the road. I may be doing just that very thing myself.

I meant to type sarschlos, sorry for the misspelling!

Another vote for a 36" stove because that's what I chose for myself after being cramped on a 30"er. Happily, that is also the way that gets you a nice symmetrical layout.

I couldn't care less about a bigger range, so that is what my opinion is based off of (so take it or leave it). What we did do, which I like, is splurge on an oven that has two ovens vs. a warming drawer and the few times we use it is nice.

How about putting in some fillers next to the fridge in case you want to put in a bigger fridge or need a new fridge at a later date (they do die/break) and that way you'll have some room and not be stuck with a specific size and will have flexability - a few people on here did it that way to plan for the future and it was pretty cleaver.

Personally, I'd keep the 30" range and increase the pantry size! I've never needed more than 4 burners but I'd never regret more storage space.