When the planning stages of your kitchen remodeling project come around to the cooking appliances, the question may arise as to whether a traditional range or a cooktop/wall oven combination will be the choice. The answer to this question will depend on a variety of factors, but there are plusses and minuses related to each configuration that should be considered as well.

For cooktop/wall oven combinations the advantages include:

• Efficient usage of kitchen space – Installing a wall oven puts a major appliance in an area normally reserved for storage in cabinets. This configuration also adds flexibility in smaller kitchens.

• Accessibility – Wall ovens eliminate the need to bend down to put heavy casserole dishes, etc. in and pull them out. Instead, dishes can be put in, viewed, and pulled out without stressing your back.

• The ability to cook in two different places – Separating the cooktop from the wall oven allows cooks to work at the same time rather than taking turns. Also, the separation of the two elements eliminates the nuisance of dealing with radiating heat from the oven while tending to items on the range.

Disadvantages include:

• Smaller size – Wall ovens are generally smaller than traditional ranges, which can limit the size of big dishes such as a Thanksgiving turkey.

• Higher costs – Cooktop/wall oven combinations are bought separately and must be installed by a professional, both of which can make the total cost higher than a traditional range.

Traditional ranges have the following advantages:

• Two functions in one appliance – As always, buying a traditional range delivers multi-functionality in cooking, searing, baking, etc.

• A wide variety of sizes – Ranges start at standard widths but can go 4 feet wide and more on commercial-style models.

• Entry-level prices – Commercial-style ranges can run into the thousands of dollars but basic models are very affordable.

Disadvantages include:

• Awkward access – The combination of low racks and an open door can make dealing with heavy dishes problematic.

• An inefficient work space – Having one work space on top of another can hinder efficiency.

• A traditional appearance –A traditional range may not present a look that meets the expectations for a thoroughly modern kitchen, even with a glass cooktop.

The decision between a traditional range and a cooktop/wall oven combination will depend on a number of variables. By assessing these plusses and minuses and how they work with other factors such as the configuration of the kitchen, the right answer should become a little bit clearer.