How to Find the Best Range for the Holidays

Mon Oct 13 2025

Appliances

The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and, most importantly, sharing meals. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas feast, or a cozy New Year’s brunch, your range plays a starring role in making sure every dish turns out perfectly. From roasting the turkey to baking pies and simmering side dishes, the right range can make holiday cooking easier, faster, and far more enjoyable.

But with so many styles, fuel types, and features to choose from, how do you find the best range for the holidays, and beyond? In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for when shopping, the key features that help during big meals, and how to choose a model that fits your family’s cooking style all year long.

Why the Right Range Matters During the Holidays

When you’re cooking for one or two, even a basic range can get the job done. But holidays are different. You might be cooking multiple dishes at once, keeping food warm for late-arriving guests, or timing courses to be served together. A high-performing range can help reduce stress and keep your holiday meals running smoothly.

Think about it: a double oven lets you bake dessert while roasting meat, convection technology speeds up cooking times, and flexible burners give you room for simmering sauces while boiling pasta. These features don’t just make cooking easier, they can make your holiday memories even better.

Fuel Type: Gas vs. Electric vs. Dual Fuel

Before diving into features, it’s important to choose the right fuel type for your home and cooking preferences.

Gas Ranges

Gas ranges remain popular because of their instant heat control. The ability to adjust flame levels precisely is especially handy during holidays when you need delicate simmering or quick boiling. Gas ovens, however, can sometimes heat unevenly compared to electric ranges.

Electric Ranges

Electric ranges excel at even baking, making them a favorite for holiday cookies and pies. Smooth cooktops are easy to clean, and they often provide consistent heat, but some cooks miss the control of a visible flame.

Dual Fuel Ranges

For those who want the best of both worlds, dual fuel ranges combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven. You get precise burner control and excellent baking performance, making them a top choice for avid holiday chefs.

A few dual fuel range units to consider for your holiday plans include:

LG Slide-In Dual Fuel Range (Model #:LSDL6336F): This LG slide-in model features ProBake Convection cooking plus a five-burner cooktop to handle large holiday meals with ease. Its sleek design and precise control give you both style and performance during your festive feasts.

KitchenAid 30″ Dual Fuel Double Oven Range (Model #:KFDD500ESS): Combining a gas cooktop with electric convection ovens, this KitchenAid range allows you to roast a turkey in one oven and bake pies in the other simultaneously. Perfect for holiday multitasking, it maximizes flexibility without crowding your kitchen.

GE Profile Slide-In Dual Fuel Range (Model #:P2S930YPFS): This GE Profile model offers a built-in design with helpful features like an upper storage drawer and an integrated griddle. Its combination of a quick-preheat gas top and spacious oven makes it a strong choice for preparing multiple holiday dishes at once.

Induction Cooking

Induction ranges offer an alternative fuel type option for your holiday range. They are rapidly gaining popularity for their speed, precision, and energy efficiency. Unlike traditional gas or electric cooktops, induction uses magnetic technology to directly heat compatible cookware, giving you instant temperature changes similar to gas but with even greater control. This precision is especially helpful during the holidays when timing is critical, whether you're simmering a delicate sauce, searing a holiday roast, or melting chocolate for desserts.

Key Features to Look for in a Holiday-Ready Range

Double Ovens

Hosting Thanksgiving? A double oven is a lifesaver. You can roast your turkey in one compartment while baking sides or desserts in the other. This feature eliminates the need to shuffle dishes in and out of the oven, which can disrupt cooking times.

Convection Cooking

Convection ovens use fans to circulate hot air, reducing cooking times and ensuring even results. This is perfect for baking multiple trays of cookies or roasting vegetables evenly. For holiday meals, convection can help you get food on the table faster without sacrificing quality.

Warming Drawers

If your family gatherings include staggered arrivals or kids who get hungry early, a warming drawer can be invaluable. It keeps food warm without drying it out, so you don’t have to reheat dishes later.

High-Capacity Burners

When every pot and pan is in use, you’ll be glad for a cooktop with multiple high-output burners. Look for ranges that offer both powerful burners for searing and gentle simmer burners for sauces.

Smart Features

Smart ranges allow you to preheat the oven remotely, set timers, and monitor cooking from your phone. Imagine being able to check your holiday roast while entertaining guests in another room.

Range Size Considerations

Another major decision is choosing the right size. Standard ranges are 30 inches, but if you host large gatherings often, consider a 36-inch or larger model. Extra space means larger oven cavities and more burners on top. Measure your kitchen carefully before upgrading to ensure your new range fits seamlessly.

Holiday Cooking Scenarios Made Easier

Thanksgiving Dinner: A double oven range lets you roast a turkey at one temperature while baking pies at another. Convection ensures even browning, and warming drawers keep rolls ready to serve.
Christmas Brunch: Multiple burners give you space to cook bacon, scramble eggs, and simmer a holiday sauce all at once. Smart controls help time everything perfectly.
New Year’s Party: Quick preheating and convection roasting let you whip up party snacks in less time. Plus, self-cleaning options make cleanup after midnight much easier.

Pros and Cons of Different Range Styles

Freestanding Ranges

Pros: Versatile, easier to install, usually less expensive.
Cons: May not offer as sleek a look as slide-ins.

Slide-In Ranges

Pros: Sleek, built-in look, controls in front for easy access, often higher-end features.
Cons: Typically more expensive, may require precise installation.

Professional-Style Ranges

Pros: Heavy-duty burners, larger capacity, luxury appearance.
Cons: Higher cost, can require custom kitchen ventilation.

Choosing the Best Range for Your Family

The best range for the holidays is the one that fits both your cooking habits and your kitchen. Families who bake often may prioritize electric or dual fuel models with convection. Large households might want a double oven or 36-inch range. For frequent entertainers, smart features and warming drawers can keep meals on track.

The key is to think not only about the holidays but also about everyday cooking. That way, your investment serves you year-round.

Find the Best Range for the Holidays at Silica

The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and share meals with loved ones. The right range can be the difference between a stressful cooking marathon and a smooth, enjoyable holiday experience. Whether you opt for a gas, electric, or dual fuel range, focus on features like double ovens, convection cooking, and high-output burners to make your holiday meals shine. At Silica, we’re here to help you find the perfect range for your kitchen. From everyday dinners to holiday feasts, the right appliance makes all the difference.

We offer a variety of cooking appliances from top brands in the industry to help you find the right appliances for your home with confidence. Shop from a selection of wall ovens, cooktops, and combination ovens to find the right appliances for your family during the holidays and beyond.

Experience personalized expert advice, and professional installation services to help you find the perfect range for the holidays. Visit one of our appliance stores today in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, WI, and let our team guide you toward a range that’s ready to handle every celebration.

We also offer financing options to help you find the best range that suits your needs without hurting your holiday shopping budget.

FAQs: How to Find the Best Range for the Holidays

How much should I spend on a range for holiday cooking?

Quality ranges start around $800 for basic models and can climb to $5,000 or more for pro-style options. Focus on features you’ll use most, like convection or double ovens.

Is a double oven worth it if I only cook big meals twice a year?

If you bake or cook often, yes, it will pay off beyond the holidays. Even if you host big meals only occasionally, the convenience during those times is hard to beat.

Do I need smart features?

Not necessarily, but they can make multitasking easier. Remote preheating or monitoring can free up time to focus on your guests.

Gas or electric, what’s better for baking holiday treats?

Electric ovens generally deliver more even heat for baked goods, while gas excels at stovetop cooking. Dual fuel gives you the best of both.