Knowing what appliances work best for you is a vital part of the kitchen planning process. Here is a simple breakdown so you can see some of the options available. Stay tuned for more Appliance 101.
The Range:
Ranges have burners: Gas or Electric
Standard Size is 30" but may be as large as 48" depending on the style and brand you chooose

30" Freestanding Range: cost effective, functional, less attractive
General Electric GE Monogram® 30" All Gas Professional Range with 4 Burners

30" Slide-In Range: has a more built-in look, countertop continues behind range so backsplash is obstructed and has something to sit on, controls are at the top or front, drawer below oven
Viking 30" Gas Self-Clean Range, Natural Gas, Chrome

30" Drop-In Range: built in look of a slide in, but more integrated because the drawer is eliminated and toe-kick continuous
General Electric GE Profile Series 30" Drop-In Electric Range

36" Range: more of a commercial look, typically gas but some electric burners, oven below
Viking 36" Custom Sealed Burner Range, Natural Gas

48" Range: typically two ovens below, one larger, one smaller, most costly
Viking 48" Custom Sealed Burner Range, Propane Gas, Brass Accent
The Cooktop:
Cooking surface- either gas or electric which are cut into the countertop surrounding it front and back giving it a very integrated look
Typically 30" and 36" -Smaller and Larger Versions Available

Miele Gas Cooktop (Natural Gas)
The Rangetop:
A range minus the oven
Typically gas

Wolf 48" Sealed Burner Rangetop - 6 burners, Charbroiler
The Oven:
If you have a chosen or cooktop or rangetop- you will also need to choose an oven
Typically electric, but can be gas
Combinations may include- a double oven- warming drawer and an oven- microwave and an oven

Thermador 30 inch Professional Series Triple Oven (oven, convection microwave and warming drawer)

Viking 27" Double Custom Electric Select Oven, No Brass Accent