Cooking Appliance Cooking Capacity and Appliance Size

When considering cooking capacity (cooking space), an appliance should have the ability to work with you, your family, and your cookware - make sure it can fit the different sizes of cookware you own (everyday and specialty). Even though an oven may list a large cubic footage, it's arrangement of shelves or the obstruction of protruding heating elements, for example, may not allow you to maximize the space - it may not work for your family.

Consider what you'll put in your oven: big pans and roasters? baking sheets? casseroles? Ovens with split, or adjustable racks offer the best solution. This design allows for a big dish on one rack (giving it more room in width and height) and smaller dishes on the split rack.

Oven capacity is similar across manufacturers in both gas and electric ranges and wall ovens and vary in size from 3 to 5 cubic feet. In general, an oven with 1 to 3 cubic feet capacity is good for one to two people, 3 to 4 cubic feet is good for three to four people, and 4 or more cubic feet is good for four or more people.

Widths typically range from 24", 27", 30" and 36" - similar for cooktops. Most 30" to 36" wide ranges have one oven with a capacity of 4 cubic feet, although some models come with two ovens - one being only tall enough for a pizza or cookie sheet. Ranges 48" or more wide typically have two ovens with different capacities - one larger and one smaller.

If you're replacing an existing cooktop, range, wall oven, or microwave and have no intention of modifying the space, make sure to measure, measure, measure! Even if you're replacing your existing 30" range with a new 30" range, it doesn't hurt to verify that that space can accommodate the new 30" range.

Write down the width, depth and height of the space, as well as the locations of outlets and gas hookups, and bring that with you when you go shopping. If you're planning on switching to gas from electric, consult a professional first before you plan to purchase to make sure it's cost-effective. If you're designing a new kitchen, or redesigning an old one, it allows you to choose the fuel type and size that best suits you and your family's needs.