EmailWhen shopping for a range, your first decision will be between an electric, gas or dual-fuel range. Electric ranges are less expensive than gas ranges and more popular nationwide. Gas ranges, on the other hand, cost a bit less to operate. Dual-fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds, but tend to be much more expensive. In addition, few homes have both 240-volt and gas connections for a range, so additional work is often required to install them. Owners say the required modifications can cost $1,000 or more.
Manufacturers usually offer a family of ranges within a series. This means ranges with similar model numbers might only differ in one or two small features, such as color or burner style, but they might also have major differences, for example a second oven. Either way, these alterations can result in widely differing prices, sometimes without much change in performance. In some cases, models in the same series that have fewer features are more reliable than their feature-packed cousins.
Experts say to consider the following when buying a range:
- Look for sealed burners, a self-cleaning oven and removable burner pans and caps. Reviews say a self-cleaning feature is virtually standard now in electric ovens, but quite a few gas ovens still lack this feature. Other easy-to-clean features include upswept burners and back guards, as well as smooth controls and knobs. Consumers also like smoothtop electric ranges for their easy clean-up, although special cleaners are often recommended to prevent scratches -- especially on dark surfaces.
- Oven windows with black mesh usually offer the clearest view. All-white ranges often have a white screen or grid that obscures visibility. A large, well-lit oven window can prevent accidental overcooking and will reduce the need to open the oven (lowering the temperature) to check on items.
- Dual-fuel ranges are appealing, but they tend to perform more poorly than regular electric and gas ranges. They can also be very expensive to install, since they require both a gas line and 240-volt wiring. Electric ranges have the best overall performance in professional tests, but gas ranges are slightly better for stovetop cooking.
- Check that the oven door opens and shuts smoothly. You should also count the number of oven racks, and make sure they're substantial enough to hold heavy items. Check the bar spacing on oven racks as well; wide gaps between bars can make baking small dishes impractical.
- Electronic control panels offer extra features, but are less reliable than manual knobs. Pre-programmed settings for roasting, baking, and temperature calibration simplify cooking, but failures of computerized control panels are a common complaint. Knobs rarely break, and when they do, they're inexpensive to replace.
- Choose based on your cooking style and your design preferences. Most people probably don't need a range with six extra-large burners and a grill. If price is important, don't buy more product than you'll use. Price can be affected by the style you choose. For example, if your design preference is for stainless steel, that option costs an additional $200 or so.
Other conveniences include knobs that allow enough of a range between settings that you don't turn off the flame while trying to lower it, an easy-to-reach control panel and room for venting, especially if you're buying a professional-style range. Also, if you have small children, experts say to consider putting child safety latches on the oven door.