Ranges are essential to an effective kitchen, but there isn’t always enough space for a high-end convection oven. Luckily, there’s a decent variety of compact options, ranging from low-cost, barebones models to miniature versions of premium lines.
If you’re in the market for a stove that’s smaller than 24 inches wide, there’s no shortage of choices. In fact, you can find some very sleek-looking options, such as the Italian-made Verona Pro-Style, a premium piece of equipment that fits into all sizes of spaces.
What to know before you buy a small range
Gas vs. electric ranges
Cooking over a flame and cooking on an electric element both have their pros and cons. Traditional gas burners make it easy to use techniques like the saute flip and to get the perfect heat level for the dish you’re making. They can reach their peak heat output almost instantly but aren’t quite as efficient. Gas burners can create a surprisingly high amount of harmful air contaminants, especially in confined spaces.
Electric stoves, however, are remarkably efficient and don’t create any potentially dangerous fumes. Due to that efficiency, a good electric stove can boil water faster than a gas stove (although a good electric kettle has them both beat). In terms of drawbacks, once you remove a pan from an electric burner, it stops heating completely, so some advanced cooking techniques are out of the picture. Another minor issue is that if you’re living far out in a rural area, electricity can be significantly more expensive to cook with than gas. If you’re running mostly on solar power, you’ll also want to consider a gas model.
Types of range cooktops
Restaurant cooktops are iconic for their ultra-durable supports that are flush with each other and make it easy to slide pots and pans around safely. There are a few small ranges with similar constructions that you can buy for your home, too.
Slightly more common in this size range are glass-top electric burners. Again, these are great for keeping pans flat and stable and the most worthwhile options use highly scratch-resistant materials. You can find compact glass-top models that are every bit as good as their larger counterparts.
The most frequently seen electric burners use a heating coil the likes of which have been popular on budget stoves for decades. These spiral elements do tend to warp, which makes them notably less efficient and a bit more difficult to use than their glass competitors. Nonetheless, if you’re really trying to save money, you can still come across some excellent electric coil ranges.
Small range features
You’ll have to sacrifice at least a little functionality in this category as compared to full-size ranges, but a good number of helpful features have been incorporated into various 20-inch and 24-inch ranges.
Small ranges with convection ovens
Big-name manufacturers like LG and Frigidaire generally avoid the 24-inch size and smaller, so there’s somewhat of a vacuum of premium features, but they do exist. The 24-inch Magic Chef is among the few with a dependable convection system and is especially worth considering
Sealed vs. open burners
Pro chefs swear by open burners, which aren’t fixed to the cooktop and allow air to flow more freely to increase efficiency. Commercial-grade ranges often have them, but you probably don’t want a beast like that in your home kitchen. There are some compact ranges like the Galanz Radiant that offer this high-end feature, but such options are few and far between. Luckily, the sealed burners on the best small ranges work very well and are relatively easy to clean. Keep in mind that if you opt for a bargain stove, you’ll have to pay close attention to keeping the burners clean for peak performance.
Small range cost
The cheapest small ranges start at around $400 and can cost as much as $2,000. The sweet spot for a good compact option is just about in the middle.
Small range FAQ
Do I need a range hood?
A. Yes. Building codes vary across the country and while you might not be legally required to have one, it’s all but a necessity. But don’t worry, there’s no shortage of 24-inch range hoods. Some are straightforward, effective and meant for mounting under a cabinet. There’s also a good deal of high-end ceiling-mounted hoods to choose from.
Are there alternatives to small ranges?
A. Yes, but you’ll have to reimagine just how your kitchen is set up to use them. For example, you could install an electric cooktop on top of an existing countertop. You can also upgrade to induction cooking with something like the Empava Induction Cooktop, the likes of which are almost never found on standalone ranges in this size. In that case, consider an in-wall unit like this one from Frigidaire.
Which small range should I get?
Best of the best small range
Verona Pro-Style: available at Amazon and Wayfair
Our take: A high-end option that emulates some of the most popular full-size ranges in appearance and performance.
What we like: High-performance convection, premium gas burners and an infrared broiler make this an especially great choice for home chefs with a small kitchen. The fit and finish on this model are exceptional and the burner grates act a lot like those found on restaurant stoves.
What we dislike: It’s the most expensive range on this list.
Best bang for your buck small range
Magic Chef Freestanding Oven and Electric Range: available at Amazon, Home Depot and Wayfair
Our take: A premium range at a mid-range price that’s every bit as nice as full-size models.
What we like: High-end steel and glass construction with a durable, scratch-resistant cooktop. Precise knobs and consistent oven heat levels with effective convection. Convenient timer and front-facing controls that make for a simple slide-in setup.
What we dislike: Some users report damage in shipping and delivery.
Honorable mention small range
Summit Appliance Electric Coil Range: Amazon, Home Depot and Wayfair
Our take: As simple as they get, but still effective for the cost.
What we like: Straightforward operation and a low price are the calling cards of this budget-friendly model.
What we dislike: Few advanced features and the coil designs are inefficient.
Chris Thomas is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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