Question about the height level of commercial type ranges

13 years ago

I really would like a gas commercial type range. I actually was looking at a GE Monogram, Kitchen Aid, Bluestar, etc. I did see the Kitchen Aide and the KD said she wouldn't get one as we are getting older and bending could be an issue at some time. She suggests a cooktop with wall ovens but that would mean less counter space in a somewhat smaller kitchen. That was the whole purpose of hoping to get a range.

Do any of you have a range and what or how do you feel about the height or lowness of the oven? Any problems? I asked about this on the appliance forum but no responses, so was hoping someone here can help with their experiences. I have to make a decision and the cabinet guy is waiting for dimensions to start.

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Comments (5)

eandhl
13 years ago
I gave serious thought to cooktop/wall ovens, I did 2 kitchens in 5 years. Yes the oven is lower but decided I really like having the oven/broiler under my hood to remove any odors. I only have something really big and heavy in the oven a few times a year but I broil fish weekly.
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blueberryisland
13 years ago
missgrain - I don't have an answer but appreciate you asking the question as I think it is a great one. I too don't have the space for wall ovens plus a cooktop without giving up some precious counter space. I am leaning towards a free standing range - the GE induction one.
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breezygirl
13 years ago
I have an older range and MW/hood all-in-one unit. Never seen one before we bought this house. I've always had the standard range, but I NEED two ovens. The oven is fairly near the floor when open, but it does have the storage drawer under for pots and pans so it's not as close to the floor as some I've seen.

In redoing this kitchen, I worked and worked and worked the layout in the space to try to gain area for a separate cooktop and double wall ovens. I cannot wait! You do have to balance the function of a wall oven over the counterspace you give up. But then again, kitchen planning is all about balancing wants and needs! Your kitchen can't have everything, so I've sadly learned recently.

Have you seen the AJ Madison website? They carry just about every major brand of appliance. Their sort feature works well so you can sort by range, price, features, etc. Each item has a link to the manufacturer specs so you should be able to see which ranges have the oven open up higher off the floor. HTH.
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User
13 years ago
missgran-

We have a Garland 36" gas range, and, yes, the oven is a little lower to the floor than a "regular" range, but it's only a couple of inches, not a foot or anything. Also, my big, built-like-a-tank range has a tank-like door that pots and pans can rest on while you arrange yourself to get them up to the counter and the sturdy racks mean you can pull stuff very close to the edge before you snatch it out of the oven.

Also, on those occasions when you're cooking a mad large turkey, there will probably be some buff young 'uns around to get the bird out of the oven.

Good luck-

sandyponder
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kaismom
13 years ago
I think there are pros and cons to both solutions. I really like having the fan to pull out the smoke and smell from the oven under the cooktop in my pro style range. If you can afford the space and money, I would put in the second wall oven.

In order to use the wall oven well, you need to have a good landing area. I really like the cooktop as a landing area and often wall ovens do not fuction well because of the poorly designed landing area. Therefore, you have to have sufficient landing space next to the oven, which many of my friends' kitchens lack.

For some people, turning around from the wall oven to land the hot stuff is an absolute no no. (in a household with little kids and dogs/pets, I would definitely agree with that NO.) Also, turning around with heavy hot stuff may put more strain on "old body" than lifting heavy stuff to put on the stove top. I would experiment with your own body's needs. Do you have trouble bending down? Do you have problems with your shoulders? (as I am getting older, I am meeting more people with frozen shoulders than bad back...) Do you have knee issues? Since you are not building for a generic population but for yourself, you can tailor the kitchen for your own needs.

Another thing about putting in a wall oven is that you have to pay particular attention to the height. I think it is quite dangerous to mount wall ovens too high. You cannot manage heavy hot things when they are too high. Because of this, often the top oven of the double oven is ideally mounted and the bottom oven is at the level where range oven would have been anyrate.... So... If I was in the market for two ovens, I would put a free standing gas range with gas oven and a wall electric oven on the wall. Then, you have the best of both world.
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Question about the height level of commercial type ranges

Comments (5)

eandhl

blueberryisland

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