Buying guide - Stove
Types of Stoves Stove size Features Most popular stoves

What's the difference between a range, stove and cooktop?

The terms "range" and "stove" are often used interchangeably by many individuals. Both range and stove refer to appliances that combine a stovetop/cooktop (electric or gas) with an oven, which can be either slid in or built into a designated space between countertops. Sometimes, people call a “range” and “stove” with the name ‘stove and oven combo’ or ‘hob and oven combo’.

The term "cooktop" or “hob” specifically refers to the surface where cooking takes place, either over an open flame or an electric burner, allowing for activities like searing, frying, and boiling. It’s also common for people to use the term “cooktop” when referring to the top of a stove rather than the standalone appliance, but that can be called a “stovetop” as well.

What you need to consider when buying a stove

Types of Stoves Based on Fuel Source: Gas or electric?


Freestanding ovens and stoves can be gas-fueled, electricity-fueled or a dual-fuel combination.

Gas stoves are typically slightly more expensive to purchase, but cost less in energy bills over time, while electric options are cheaper and have more options with design considerations given the possibility for a sleek, glass finish on the cooktop.

Note that the electric functions such as thermic fan would not work during standard loadshedding situations, but these features can easily be accommodated on solar or inverter power installations.

If you decide to choose a gas cooker, remember to follow these practical tips to use gas stove safely.

Gas and electric stove
Full gas stove
Gas and electric stove
Gas and electric stove
Full gas stove

Gas and electric stove: Pairing an electric oven with a gas stovetop is a popular option, and as long as there is an existing gas line in your house, it can be easily installed by a licensed technician. The installation can also easily accommodate an LPG gas bottle, as long as the installation is compliant to regulations – speak to your installer about which option is best for your needs.

View Gas/Electric Stove

Gas and electric stove: Pairing an electric oven with a gas stovetop is a popular option, and as long as there is an existing gas line in your house, it can be easily installed by a licensed technician. The installation can also easily accommodate an LPG gas bottle, as long as the installation is compliant to regulations – speak to your installer about which option is best for your needs.

View Gas/Electric Stove
Full gas stove: is fast becoming a very popular stove and oven combo in South Africa due to the fact that it provides a reliable cooking option, as you don’t need electricity from the grid, and often electric ovens are bypassed in the most common solar and hybrid installations. With this combo, you can have expanded cooking techniques with direct grilling and charring on the stovetop and faster oven preheating for quicker cooking start.
View Full Gas Stove
Full gas stove: is fast becoming a very popular stove and oven combo in South Africa due to the fact that it provides a reliable cooking option, as you don’t need electricity from the grid, and often electric ovens are bypassed in the most common solar and hybrid installations. With this combo, you can have expanded cooking techniques with direct grilling and charring on the stovetop and faster oven preheating for quicker cooking start.
View Full Gas Stove

STOVE SIZE

Size is a consideration when choosing a freestanding stove as the more popular 90cm models tend to take up more room traditional 60cm built-in ovens and hobs. It’s notably important when you choose a cooker hood. For example, AEG offers models that are either 60cm or 90cm wide, and we recommend choosing the same width cooker hood so as to streamline cabinetry options on either side of the stove.

60 cm wide freestanding stove:

These units are widely used in kitchens and are of a standard size. Usually, they come with four cooking zones or burners, although only three out of four pots can fit comfortably due to the limited surface area. Some burners may have restricted access due to their smaller size. Additionally, they are equipped with either a gas or electric oven, which offers a range of function settings, from basic to comprehensive multi-function capabilities.

90 cm wide freestanding stove:

These options have gained considerable popularity due to their stylish and commercially appealing stainless-steel appearance and are often installed as a feature or anchor appliance in the kitchen. They often come with 5 burners and 116L oven, which are perfect for large families, passionate home cooks or those who entertain a lot.

Kitchen design

One of the most important factors to consider in your oven purchase is how you’d like your kitchen configured to best suit your family. Ideally, keeping your hob, fridge and sink within easy maneuvering distance from each other is a good rule of thumb, but cabinet and rangehood configuration are also considerations. Having cookware drawers adjacent to your freestanding stove is an efficient design decision, and pairing it with a canopy range hood can make your oven a focal point of the kitchen.
One of the most important factors to consider in your oven purchase is how you’d like your kitchen configured to best suit your family. Ideally, keeping your hob, fridge and sink within easy maneuvering distance from each other is a good rule of thumb, but cabinet and rangehood configuration are also considerations. Having cookware drawers adjacent to your freestanding stove is an efficient design decision, and pairing it with a canopy range hood can make your oven a focal point of the kitchen.

What features should i look for in a freestanding stove?

 

Power burner: It is essential for every range to include a minimum of one high-powered burner that can rapidly boil water and provide an excellent searing capability for steaks. Our AEG gas stovetop’s wok burner allows for high heat, meaning stir-frying in a wok will achieve that perfectly sizzled result.
power burner
Self-cleaning feature for oven: There are 2 most popular cleaning features: Catalytic and Pyrolytic cleaning.


Catalytic cleaning in ovens works by porous, rough interior walls that absorb cooking grease. Through oxidation at temperatures above 200°C, the catalysis eliminates fat splatters. The advantages are clever and quick cleaning. Simply switch on the oven at maximum temperature for 10 to 15 minutes after each use. Catalytic ovens are also more economical compared to pyrolytic ovens. AEG’s freestanding stove is equipped with this smart cleaning function for oven.

Discover AEG Catalytic stove CKB901A4BM and AEG Catalytic stove 10369MN-MN

The pyrolytic cleaning feature means baked-on stains and splatters are a thing of the past. The function heats the oven to a point where grease and food residue is reduced to ash, making cleanup a breeze.
Self cleaning
Integration with cooker hood: Hob2Hood technology makes cooking more streamlined. Your stovetop will communicate wirelessly with the cooker hood, meaning you won’t ever forget to turn it on - or off - while you’re hard at work.
Self cleaning

Explore the best AEG freestanding stoves

90cm 6000 Series 5 Burners Gas Stove With 116l Electric Oven
10369MN-MN
90cm 6000 Series 5 Burners Gas Stove With 116l Electric Oven
4,7 (685 reviews)
  • Large capacity convection
  • Oven functions 6
  • Catalytic Oven Cleaning
90cm 5 Burners Full Gas Stove With 116l Oven
10369GN-MN
90cm 5 Burners Full Gas Stove With 116l Oven
4,7 (562 reviews)
  • Multifunction Gas Oven with 5 burner gas hob
  • Double Layered Glass Oven Door
  • Fan Cooking
60cm 4 Burners Full Gas Stove With 71l Oven
10306GM-MN
60cm 4 Burners Full Gas Stove With 71l Oven
4,6 (244 reviews)
  • Multifunction Gas Oven with 4 burner gas hob
  • Double Layered Glass Oven Door
  • Fan Cooking

Ongoing care and use of your freestanding stove

Cleaning stovetops

Electric stovetops are much simpler to clean, with a simple wipe-down usually being sufficient. For gas stovetops cleaning, it’s advised to remove the cast iron grates and wash in the sink, enabling you to wipe in and around the burners to remove caked-on food and spills.

Cleaning ovens

How to clean an oven depends largely on the model you have purchased. For example, our catalytic cleaning feature will help you remove the grease easily and quickly. It’s the easiest way to maintain your oven’s cleanliness.

For other models, maintenance includes removing and wiping drawers and racks and regularly wiping down the inner walls and glass of the door to prevent splatter buildup. Ensure you check the gaskets and elements periodically to preserve optimal function.

FAQs about freestanding stove

  • How do I choose a stove?

    Here's a checklist to follow when purchasing a new range:

    • Establish a budget.
    • Decide on the fuel type you want: gas and electric stove or full gas stove. This choice should be influenced by your current and future energy backup system configuration.
    • Take precise measurements of the available space in your kitchen.
    • Select the desired type of range (e.g., freestanding, slide-in).
    • Choose a finish.
    • Consider the type of burners (e.g., gas, electric, induction).
    • Explore additional features that meet your cooking needs.
    • Visit stores or browse online sites to gather options.
  • What are the 4 basic types of cooktops/stovetops?
  • Which is better: electric or gas stove?

    When comparing gas and electric stoves, the better choice depends on individual cooking preferences. Gas stoves provide superior heat control, making them ideal for tasks like searing meats or stir-frying vegetables. On the other hand, electric range ovens with their dry and consistent heat may be more suitable for specific baked goods.

  • Is it possible to do baking in a full gas stove?

    A lot of bakers believe that gas ovens aren’t adequate for baking, and while there are some considerations, you can still have great results if you get to know your oven.

    To bake successfully in a gas oven, ensure that you preheat your oven adequately, make use of an oven thermometer for accuracy, avoid frequent door opening, placing pans in the center for even heat, and choosing appropriate bakeware.

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