Best Apartment Size Electric Stoves
Finding the perfect electric stove for a small apartment kitchen can be a challenge. With limited space to work with, apartment dwellers need a compact appliance that doesn't compromise on cooking performance. The good news is that manufacturers offer apartment-friendly stoves in sizes as small as 20 inches wide. These small but mighty electric ranges and cooktops pack plenty of features into a tiny footprint.
When shopping for an electric stove for an apartment, the most important considerations are dimensions, burner count and power, oven capacity, extra features, and price. Read on for an in-depth look at what to look for when buying a stove for an apartment kitchen.
Benefits of Apartment Size Electric Stoves
Compact electric stoves designed for apartments offer a number of advantages over full-size models:
- Take up less precious floor space
- Fit in small kitchen layouts
- Lightweight for easy handling and installation
- Use less energy for potential cost savings
- Offer safety features like ADA compliance
- Range of finish options to suit any decor
While mini stoves may have reduced oven space or fewer burners, they can still handle most basic cooking tasks. And many include special features like rapid heating elements to quickly boil water or turbo-boost burners to sear meat.
Size Considerations for Small Spaces
When evaluating the size of an electric stove for apartment use, both width and depth measurements matter. Standard kitchen counters are 25 inches deep, while apartment counters may be just 24 inches. Compact stoves are typically 20 - 24 inches wide. However, some may protrude an extra few inches when the door is open.
Before purchasing, carefully measure the kitchen's openings to ensure an adequate fit. Also confirm that the electrical hookups line up with the unit's connection points. While some apartment stoves plug into standard outlets, hardwired connections are more common.
Special Safety Features
Electric stoves designed for apartment use often include extra safety features like:
- Push-to-turn knobs to prevent accidental activation
- Automatic shut-off if temps get too high
- ADA compliance for accessibility
- Certified frustration-free packaging for easy and safe delivery
These measures provide protection, reassurance, and convenience for apartments dwellers. Carefully review all safety aspects before making a buying decision.
Key Features to Look for When Buying
While shopping for the perfect electric stove for an apartment, keep these key features in mind:
Burner Size, Number, and Power
Apartment dwellers can choose between traditional electric coil ranges and smooth glass ceramic cooktops. Coil burners heat unevenly but tend to be more budget-friendly. Glass tops provide even heating for better cooking capability. Most compact models have four burners, while some units have just two. Burner sizes range from six to eight inches, with power from 1,200 to 3,000 watts. Models with a turbo boost function or rapid heating burners help save time.
Oven Capacity
Look for an oven interior height of at least four inches to fit small baking pans. Compact oven capacity typically ranges from just 1.5 to 4.3 cubic feet. While tiny, these petite ovens can still bake cookies, small pizzas, or heat up frozen meals. A few apartment stoves also include a separate broiler compartment. Check temperature settings and ranges to confirm performance.
Included Features
Nice extras to have include keep warm functions to hold foods at serving temp and hot surface indicator lights for safety. Front control panels offer easier access in small spaces than back-mounted controls. Storage drawers give apartment cooks a place to stash pans and tools right within reach. And spill-proof cooktops with raised edges corral drips and spills.
Budget
Apartment-sized electric stoves range in price from about $300 to $800. Factors impacting costs include the fuel source, burner count, extra features, and durability. Well-known brands like GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid command slight premiums. Consider costs now as well as long term based on energy efficiency and lifespan.
Aesthetics
Available finishes run the gamut from basic white to sleek stainless steel to matte black. Glass ceramic cooktops provide a modern, seamless appearance. Front color touch controls also lend elegance. Coordinate apartment stove colors and styling with existing kitchen decor.
Top Compact Electric Stove Models
With so many options on the market, zeroing in on the ideal electric stove for an apartment can get overwhelming. As a starting point, check out these three top-rated compact models.
Frigidaire Gallery 30'' Electric Stove
This stylish Frigidaire model offers both cooking power and good looks. Four ceramic glass cooktop elements provide rapid heating and even coverage. The 5.3 cubic foot capacity oven comes equipped with convection baking technology. Other highlights include a storage drawer, self-cleaning oven, and stainless or black exterior.
GE 30'' Electric Range
This slim GE freestanding range packs versatility into its small stature. Five burners include dual- and triple-ring elements plus a six-inch warming zone. The large viewing window makes monitoring the 4.3 cubic foot oven easy. The white finish coordinates beautifully with any decor.
Whirlpool 30'' Electric Stovetop
Bring functionality and aesthetics together with this low-profile Whirlpool cooktop. Four radiant burners deliver rapid heat, while the black ceramic glass surface provides easy cleaning. Red LED display with steel accents lends modern elegance ideal for urban apartment living.
In general, apartment-sized electric stoves cost notably less than full-size stoves and ranges. Exact pricing depends on the fuel source, design, extra features, and brand reputation. Compact stoves designed specifically for apartments often cost between $300 - $800. By contrast, larger electric coil stoves average $600 - $1200, while full-size glass cooktops with ovens run $1000 - $2500+.
However, inexpensive does not necessarily mean cheap. Well-made apartment stoves provide good bang for your buck. Plus apartment dwellers save on energy costs over time thanks to the smaller unit sizes. So while you may sacrifice a little performance or oven room, compact electric stoves deliver solid functionality without breaking your budget.