Most homeowners prefer gas ranges because of the high heat that they create, ease of heat adjustment and the moment off and on. Gas range buyers have a choice between open and sealed burners. There are important differences between these two burner types that could impact your choice on which type to purchase.
Differing Cleanup
An open burner includes a space around every burner. Spills can drip down beneath the burner during the open area. Ranges with open burners have drip trays beneath the burners to catch drips and spills. With the majority of ranges, then you have to lift up the stovetop to get the drip trays for cleaning. With sealed burners, the cooktop goes straight up into the burner so there isn’t any open space around the burner. Drips and spills remain on the stovetop where they could be easily wiped up.
Heat Differences
Open and sealed burners fluctuate in their heat output. A normal open burner on a family range creates approximately 9,000 British thermal units of heat per hour. Open burners on commercial ranges may create 16,000 Btu per hour. Small sealed burners may create 5,000 Btu per hour, while big ones can create around 12,500 Btu per hour. Some ranges may have a big 12,500-Btu sealed burner for quick food heating, and lots of small 5,000-Btu burners for simmering.