30” v 36” induction range (total cubic volume???)

2 years ago

Help! I’ve gone down the induction range rabbit hole. Luckily, based on frequency of posts here, I’m in good company.

I’d like to replace my 36” gas range with a 36”induction range — and take advantage of year end sales. However, it appears that the total cubic feet oven capacity is larger in 30” ranges. I’ve spent hours comparing both 30” and 36” units. Can anyone help me understand how this is possible?

Comparisons below are representative.
For example -

30”
CAFE total 6.7 CU feet (2.4 upper, 4.4 lower)
LG total 7.3 CU Feet (3 upper, 4.3 lower)
GE PROFILE 5.3 CU Feet

36”
ELECTROLUX - 4.4 CU Feet
BOSCH 800 - 3.7 CU feet
FISHER PAYKEL - 4.7 CU feet
SMEG - 4.5 CU feet
BERTRAZZONI - 5.7 CU feet
FULGOR - 5.7 CU feet

I’d be grateful for any insights and recommendations. I’m open to both sizes. We cook almost every night and often have 10 around the table. Unfortunately, I need to focus on slide in ranges. I’d love to do a cook top and wall ovens - but not this year.

I’m leaning toward the 30” Cafe double oven (budget is $5k ish).

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

Featured Answer

Buehl

2 years ago

If you are going to re-do the kitchen within the next year and get rid of the range you purchase now, I suggest getting the cheapest one you can find (that works!) so you're not throwing too much money away when you replace it with a cooktop next year.

Or, look on eBay, Craigslist, etc., to find a used one to use until you remodel.

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Comments (6)

M Miller
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I am trying to make sense out of your numbers and of your project. Are you doing an entire kitchen reno, or just replacing the range? If you have an existing 36" range, and replace it with a 30" range, how will you fill in the 6" gap? Or are you doing a kitchen reno - you didn't say.

The type of 30" ranges that have 2 ovens are measured differently and the interior space is laid out differently. You need to compare apples to apples, i.e. a 36" gas range's oven and a 36" induction range's oven. Even then, the way the cu.ft. are reported by manufacturers is not consistent, and not something I would rely on when trying to compare an oven's usable interior space. Sometimes the manufacturers use every every inch of space including areas where you couldn't cook such as the the area below the bottom rack, or sometimes they change the cu.ft. according to the number of racks that fit. The published cu.ft. is just not that reliable.

The best way to see if you are OK with the interior space of any oven is to go see them on display - it does not have to be the exact same model number, but within the same brand's line that you are considering and of course in the same width. Bring your favorite roasting pan and casserole pan with you, and stick them in the display models. Seeing that, and comparing with other models that way, will tell you if the oven interior is sufficient.

Typically the oven width is fine whether 30" or 36"; it's the oven's interior height that can cause difficulty - imagine a big Thanksgiving turkey not able to fit height-wise.

BTW, are you aware that you will need an electrician to run the wiring for your new induction range? It needs a grounded, 240 VAC, 60 Hz, 50-amp dedicated circuit.
Marybeth Bentwood
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for taking the time to respond.

My gas oven no longer keeps temperature. I have a thermometer inside that I use to gauge the heat. Very hard to bake with it. This range is really a stop gap measure.

I will do a renovation end of next year - don’t have the plans yet or the budget set - and will plan on installing a cook top and wall ovens. I’ve spoken to the electrician about the new electrical needs.

I love the suggestion of bringing my baking pans to the appliance store. If weather permits, I may do that tomorrow.

I agree that the comparisons are apples to oranges - but it seems to be the only way to compare 30s and 36s.
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Iri
2 years ago
It looks like you are comparing American style 30" ranges with European style 36" ranges.

Compare oven sizes within the same brand (and style within that brand) and you'll probably find that the sizes make more sense.
M Miller
2 years ago
"My gas oven no longer keeps temperature."

@Marybeth Bentwood sometimes when a gas oven does not keep temperature, it is a very easy fix. Often the issue is with the igniter, also called the HSI (Hot Surface Igniter). The igniter is a wear-and-tear item, wearing out after a few years regardless of the range's brand or price. It's like needing new tires on a car, a necessary maintenance issue.

You can even replace the igniter yourself if you are handy and can obtain your range's part's diagram to see where your oven's igniter is located. You can buy the igniter online. Or, any appliance repair shop can fix it for about $100-125.
Marybeth Bentwood
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you M Miller - I will investigate the HSI. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll head to YouTube to learn how to find it, assess it and replace it!