When its time to purchase a new stove, many folks are starting to look at replacing their standard radiant or coil stove with an induction range. When i first started looking, I also was wondering if I could replace my existing range. Here are a few things to consider.

Standard Range Sizes

Most ovens are built in standard sizes, usually 30 inches wide or in some cases 36 inches wide. There are now even some apartment sized induction ranges that are 24 inches wide. So if you have a standard width opening designed for a standard width and depth, any of the standard induction ranges should fit just fine.

Induction-Range-Width

Stand alone versus slide in ranges

Please tell me if I am wrong, but if you are looking for a stand alone stove, you might have a harder time. All the induction ranges I found were slide in ranges meaning the sides are not really finished like a normal stand alone range. So if you are looking for a stand alone stove, you might be restricted to very specific models or have a kinda ugly range in your kitchen.

Enough Power

This should only affect you if you are in an older home but it was something I had to check before I purchased my Induction range. Ideally you want to make sure you have (at least in the USA) a 50 AMP circuit in place. You should check as some induction ranges will allow for a 40 AMP circuit but will not allow for he full power output at 40 AMPs.

Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker

If you only have a 30 AMP circuit or choose an oven that needs 50 AMPs, and you only have 40 AMPS I would recommend having a licensed electrician run a new 50 AMP line to your stove and install a new breaker. If you try and run it on a circuit that is not powerful enough, one of two things will happen. You will keep tripping your circuit breaker, making your oven essentially unusable or worse, you could cause an electrical fire.

You should be able to replace your standard electric range with induction

My advice, get a tape measure out and measure your current range, it is most likely 30 or 36 inches wide. If so, a standard slide in should work. Then take a look at your circuit breaker. The worst case a few hundred dollars for a an electrician should have you ready to install a new induction range. If you don’t have the budget or are not willing to do it, then pass on the induction stove right now and stick with a normal radiant.

Can I replace my stove with an Induction Range(1)