Kenmore 96412

Professional and user reviews say the Kenmore 96412 is a good value for a 30-inch smooth-top electric range. Experts say smooth-tops are easier to clean than coil-top electric ranges and are a little faster at cooking. Coil-tops are cheaper to repair and replace, but Kenmore scores well for reliability in owner surveys. Reviews say the Kenmore 96412 is no slouch below – it broils well, and there's a warming drawer. Owner reviews at Sears.com (Kenmore is a house brand) are mostly positive. Most of the complaints are about defective models, but the number of complaints is too small to be a fair sampling. If you want a coil-top electric range, reviews favor the Hotpoint RB757WHWW (*est. $430).

Consumer Reports magazine is easily the best reviewer of ovens and ranges. Results of a large survey by J.D. Power and Associates show good general information on brand satisfaction, but no individual models are rated. We found about 30 owner reviews at Sears.com – not a huge sampling, but worth a look.