KitchenAid Double Oven Gas Range

KitchenAid KFGD500ESS Double Oven Gas Range — Gas Precision Meets Dual-Oven Versatility

The gas version of KitchenAid's double oven range addresses the primary complaint about the electric model: cooktop responsiveness. Gas burners provide instant heat adjustment that electric elements can't match. At approximately $2,200-2,800, it's the premium option for cooks who want both gas flame control and the flexibility of two independent ovens. The layout mirrors the electric version: smaller upper oven (2.5 cu. ft.) and larger lower oven (4.2 cu. ft.), both with True Convection.

Gas Cooktop: Five Burners

Five sealed gas burners with a useful BTU spread: one 17,000 BTU power burner for rapid boiling and high-heat searing, one 15,000 BTU burner for large pots, two 9,500 BTU burners for everyday cooking, and one dedicated 5,000 BTU simmer burner that holds truly low heat. Continuous cast iron grates span the full surface, allowing pots to slide between burners without lifting.

The 17,000 BTU power burner is the standout — it boils water noticeably faster than standard 12,000-15,000 BTU burners and produces enough heat for proper wok cooking and fast searing. The simmer burner, as with GE's lower-priced model, holds a genuine simmer without cycling — a feature that cheaper gas ranges often can't deliver consistently.

Electronic ignition is fast and reliable. Front-mounted knobs with metal construction and clear markings. The knobs have a premium feel — heavier and more precisely machined than those on GE or Frigidaire ranges.

Dual Oven Performance

Both ovens are gas-fired with True Convection (separate heating element plus fan). Gas ovens inherently produce more moisture than electric ovens, which can be an advantage for roasting (keeps meat moist) or a disadvantage for baking (can affect crust crispness). The convection fan helps circulate air evenly and compensates for the natural temperature variation in gas ovens.

The upper oven (2.5 cu. ft.) handles side dishes, baking sheets, and small casseroles. The lower oven (4.2 cu. ft.) fits a full turkey, large roasts, and multiple rack positions for batch baking. Independent temperature control means you can run both simultaneously at different temperatures — the core value proposition of a double oven.

Preheat times: upper oven reaches 350°F in about 10 minutes; lower oven takes 14-16 minutes. Gas ovens generally preheat slightly slower than electric equivalents. Self-clean is available for both cavities (high-heat cycle only — no AquaLift steam clean on the gas model).

Build Quality

KitchenAid's signature build: heavy-gauge stainless steel, satin-finish handles, smooth-gliding racks, and precise control knobs. The overall construction feel is a clear step above mid-range brands. The oven doors seal well, the racks have multiple position options with security stops (they don't slide out unexpectedly), and the storage drawer below the lower oven accommodates baking sheets.

Gas vs. Electric: The Real Decision

If your kitchen has a gas line and you prefer gas cooking (instant heat control, visible flame feedback, lower operating cost in most regions), this is the version to buy. If your kitchen only has a 240V electric outlet, or if you prefer the easier-clean flat ceramic cooktop, the electric version (KFED500ESS) is the choice. The ovens perform similarly; the difference is entirely on the cooktop.

What Works

• 17,000 BTU power burner provides genuinely fast boiling and high-heat capability.
• Gas burners offer instant, precise heat adjustment — the primary advantage over electric.
• Two independent True Convection ovens with separate temperature control solve multi-dish cooking challenges.
• Continuous cast iron grates are heavy, stable, and allow easy cookware repositioning.
• KitchenAid build quality (knobs, handles, racks, steel gauge) is noticeably premium.
• The 5,000 BTU simmer burner holds genuinely low heat for delicate cooking tasks.

What Doesn't

• $2,200-2,800 is a substantial investment — significantly more than capable single-oven gas ranges at $700-1,200.
• Gas cooktop with cast iron grates is harder to clean than a flat ceramic electric surface.
• The upper oven is too small for most main-course items — limited to sides and baking.
• Gas oven moisture can affect some baking results (pie crusts, bread) compared to electric.
• No AquaLift steam-clean option — only the high-heat self-clean cycle, which generates smoke.
• Requires both a gas line and a 120V electrical outlet for ignition and controls.

The Verdict

The KitchenAid double oven gas range is the premium choice for serious home cooks who want gas flame control and dual-oven flexibility in a single 30" footprint. It's justified for households that regularly cook multi-component meals — the ability to roast at one temperature while baking at another, simultaneously, is a genuine workflow improvement. For everyday single-dish cooking, the $2,000+ premium over a quality single-oven gas range is hard to justify. The build quality is excellent, the burner range is versatile, and KitchenAid's reliability in the gas range category is consistently strong.