How did ovens become part of the kitchen stove design?

The evolution of the kitchen stove into a multi-functional appliance was a gradual process. Initially, stoves were primarily space heaters, but by the early 19th century, they were adapted for food preparation by incorporating holes with removable covers to hold pots for boiling.1

The integration of the oven followed as part of these design improvements. Early versions of the oven were positioned above the stove top, but the design eventually shifted to locate the oven beneath the cooking surface. These advancements, combined with the development of thermostats throughout the 19th century, allowed for effective temperature control, transforming the stove into a comprehensive cooking range. By the mid-20th century, these steel ranges, powered by natural gas or electricity, had largely replaced older iron stoves that relied on wood, charcoal, or coal.12