Kitchen island cooktop or range: how to choose
Whether your kitchen already has an island or you’re considering adding one as part of your next renovation, installing an island range or an island cooktop can expand your space's possibilities and enhance the creative process.
When considering a kitchen island range or cooktop, think about how you move throughout the kitchen. The positioning of the sink, refrigerator and stove is known as the “working triangle” and the theory goes that they should be equal distances from each other while being close, but not too close. A kitchen island with a range or a cooktop can dramatically improve the flow and appearance of your kitchen, but which one is right for you?
Pros of a kitchen island with a range
Upgrading an outdated kitchen island stove or incorporating one into a new island provides a chance to discover the advantages of various ranges. Before deciding, take into account your kitchen habits, including how you prefer to cook and navigate your space, the dimensions of your kitchen, and the flow of movement within it.
Keep in mind that a slide-in range, like these options from KitchenAid brand, is necessary for a smooth island top. Equipping your kitchen island with a range offers several benefits.
1. Streamline your kitchen
Your kitchen can flow as smoothly as your creativity when you streamline your cooking area with a range. You won’t need to rely on multiple appliances to bake and cook. Your island range makes it easy to switch between cooking, baking and prepping on the countertop.
2. Create a central cooking location
Let your kitchen layout cater to your needs when you use your range and island to create a centralized cooking location. You can keep your most frequently used ingredients in the neighboring cabinets of the island, so you never have to stray too far as you make.
3. Optimize your kitchen space
Enjoy more room to create when you add a range to your kitchen island, since you’ll also have nearby counter and cabinet space to work with. This option is also handy in L-shaped kitchen layouts where space is often at a premium.
Cons of a kitchen island with a range
A kitchen island with a range may not be the right fit for every kitchen. Explore the potential cons of this layout option below to help you on your shopping journey.
1. Requires high-power ventilation
Some ranges have higher BTUs compared to cooktops, so they may require range hoods with stronger ventilation power.
2. May need to purchase a new range
If you’re redesigning your kitchen layout to add an island and already have a freestanding range, you will likely need to purchase a slide-in option if you want to install a range into your island.
3. May offer less cabinet space
Because kitchen ranges are installed in a cutout between cabinetry, you may lose cabinet space in your island to fit the appliance.
Can you have a gas stove in an island?
While gas ranges can technically be installed in a kitchen island, you may need to take some extra steps, such as having a gas line installed in the island. Also be sure that you have adequate ventilation to match the power of your gas stove.
KitchenAid® slide-in range options for your kitchen island
KitchenAid® slide-in ranges provide a sleek, built-in look for your kitchen island with the innovative features you need to create. Whether you prefer the responsive heat control of gas, the simplicity of electric ovens or the speed of induction, KitchenAid brand has slide-in range options to suit your creativity and kitchen design.
Pros of a kitchen island with cooktop
If you opt for a cooktop plus wall oven setup, islands with cooktops divide cooking into two stations: one at the cooktop for simmering, sauteing and boiling, and another at the wall oven for baking and roasting. Kitchen islands with a cooktop plus a separate wall oven are good for:
1. Small or oddly shaped kitchen islands
Consolidating your cooking space by adding a cooktop to your island may allow for a better workflow in your small or unconventional kitchen layout.
2. More storage space near the cooking surface
You can reap the benefits of having a cooktop in your kitchen island with the additional storage space that you’ll have at your disposal. Keep your favorite spices and most commonly used ingredients handy within the island cabinets.
KitchenAid® Temp Cook™ Induction Technology
Take on your next ambitious recipe
This KitchenAid® induction cooktop with Temp Cook™ Induction Technology maintains the precise temperature that you set for precise control beyond standard high, medium and low settings
3. Large kitchens with an expanded working triangle
If you have a large kitchen, you can make your space more efficient by having a designated cooking space, where all your ingredient prepping can be done with ease, without having to constantly move throughout your entire kitchen.
4. A wide variety of burner configurations
Whether you choose a cooktop or rangetop, you can find options that have up to five burners, so no matter how ambitious your creativity, you can make every aspect of your meal with ease.
5. More cooking oven space
By choosing a cooktop plus wall oven setup, you have the option to add more baking and roasting space with a double wall oven.
6. Avoiding bending over to use the oven
If mobility is an issue for you, then installing a wall oven to accompany your island cooktop means that you’ll be able to bake or roast without having to bend down like you would with a range.
Shop KitchenAid® cooktops for your kitchen island
KitchenAid® cooktops come in a variety of options to fit your kitchen island and your creativity. With powerful burners, precise controls and sleek designs, KitchenAid® cooktops provide the performance and style you need for your kitchen. When it comes to KitchenAid® cooktops, choose from electric cooktops for sleek countertop integration, gas cooktops for instant temperature control or induction cooktops for quick heating and cooling.
Cons of a kitchen island with cooktop
1. Requires two appliances
Since a cooktop does not offer an oven cavity, you will also need to install a wall oven for baking, roasting and broiling.
2. Requires more space
Because your kitchen will need both a cooktop and a wall oven if you intend to bake, this configuration may not be the right fit if your kitchen has limited wall space, as your oven will need to be installed within a wall.
KitchenAid® wall ovens
Oven designs that inspire
Shop single and double built-in wall ovens to find the option that inspires your creativity and matches the way you make
How deep should an island be with a cooktop?
While most standard islands tend to be about 24 inches, you’ll want to add about 8 additional inches if you’re adding a cooktop to your island. In general, an island with a cooktop should be about 36 to 42 inches in depth.
Browse KitchenAid® wall ovens to pair with your island cooktop
If you prefer the design flexibility and cooking performance of a wall oven, KitchenAid brand offers a variety of options to suit your needs. Browse select KitchenAid® models with features like KitchenAid Brand's Most Precise Even-Heat™ True Convection which is designed with a new cooking algorithm and a unique bow-tie design with a heating element and fan or Assisted Cooking Modes that suggest cook times and temperatures on an easy-to-navigate touch screen so you can explore new recipes with confidence.
Ventilation for kitchen island ranges or cooktops
Island cooktops and ranges often sit at the center of your kitchen, so it's important to keep the air clear. This can be tricky on a kitchen island since there are no walls in which to install ventilation. Thankfully, you can find kitchen hoods from KitchenAid brand designed for canopy installation over a kitchen island.
Overhead range hoods
Overhead island range hoods, like these options from KitchenAid brand, help capture smoke, steam and grease produced by the kitchen island cooktop; provide an additional light source; and can add a bold statement to your kitchen design.
Retractable downdraft vent hoods
If you'd like to maintain a more open feel in your kitchen, you can avoid adding overhead venting with a downdraft vent hood from KitchenAid brand. These retractable systems are installed directly into the kitchen island, behind the cooktop or range. When not in use, downdraft hoods slide down until flush with countertops for a more subtle ventilation option.
Shop KitchenAid® island hoods and downdraft hoods
KitchenAid® island hoods and downdraft hoods provide powerful ventilation to help keep your kitchen air fresh while cooking at your island. With multiple fan speeds, quiet operation and stylish designs that complement your kitchen aesthetic, KitchenAid® hoods can help remove smoke, steam and odors, ensuring a comfortable cooking environment.
Downdraft ranges and cooktops for kitchen islands
If you're looking for a minimalist approach, a downdraft cooktop or range may be the perfect option for your kitchen island. These appliances include a downdraft ventilation system integrated directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for a separate vent.
This integrated ventilation system is always ready to use and doesn't require the space or cost of installing a second venting appliance, such as an overhead hood or retractable downdraft vent. Consider a downdraft range or cooktop if you want to save the expense of two separate appliances and installations, or if you prefer more open sight lines in your home.
Shop KitchenAid® downdraft ranges and cooktops
KitchenAid brand downdraft ranges and cooktops offer a sleek, integrated ventilation solution for your kitchen island, eliminating the need for a separate hood. Select downdraft ranges and cooktops offer features like Quiet Ventilation Technology that provides efficient airflow technology and a precision-engineered low-noise fan. Its weight-balanced blades are the secret to a quiet yet powerful extraction, perfect for the modern, peaceful kitchen.1
1. Performance varies based on installation. Resources available at AHAM.org
