Ranges

What's new in ranges

If it's been a while since you bought a range, you might be surprised at some of the new features now available. Reviews say items like warming drawers and bridge burners are genuinely useful. The value of other new features, such as convection ovens and dual-fuel ranges, is a matter of preference.

Warming drawers are a feature now seen in less expensive ranges, as well as pricey ovens. In some models, the drawer keeps food warm or warms serving platters or bowls. Others allow you to cook small items in the warming drawer. In addition, more ranges now have a convection-capable oven. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, which helps food cook faster and promotes even browning.

Induction cooktops are the hottest new item in cooking technology. These use electromagnetic technology to heat only the pan, leaving the burner plate cooler than a gas or electric radiant burner. So far, induction cooktops are only available as separate units and haven't been coupled with an oven, thus we mention them only briefly in this report on ranges. See our report on cooktops for more information on induction technology.

Increasingly, ranges are available with "bridge" burners, which span the space between two regular burners. This is handy for large or odd-shaped pans, such as a griddle or large grill pan. Dual elements or burners can also be found on most ranges these days. These burners can accommodate two different-sized pots, usually from six to nine inches in diameter. A few models have a triple burner for even greater pot-size variety.

New types of timers are also cropping up. These allow you to program the range to turn on at a specific time in the future. Many of the newer models, including the KitchenAid KER1201P 30-inch range (*est. $850) have a Sabbath mode that allows owners to observe religious holidays, using the range without having to turn it on (programming far in advance), a feature that might be useful for any busy family. More ranges have three racks -- or a half rack in some models. With several rack positions available, there is more flexibility when baking.

Dual-fuel ranges are also available; these combine easy-to-regulate gas rangetop burners with even-heating electric ovens. Though they are more expensive than conventional models, dual-fuel ranges have seen some price drops. In tests, dual-fuel ranges do not perform any better than gas or electric standard ranges, so it's really a matter of personal preference and budget. Keep in mind that the majority of dual-fuel ranges require a 240-volt outlet. Some dual-fuel ranges now come with a steaming option that eliminates the need for basting. Getting this new technology is very expensive. The KitchenAid KDRP707RSS (*est. $4,250) has a gas rangetop and convection oven with “Steam-Assist” function. In testing, however, this KitchenAid rangetop wasn't as adjustable as others and had a hard time maintaining a low simmer.

Double ovens (with or without convection options) can be found more often at mid-range prices. Double ovens allow you to cook different foods at varying temperatures. High-end models, such as Thermador and Viking, offer the largest feature set and can cost several thousand dollars. One of the newest luxury ranges is the La Cornue Château range, which is hand-built to order and combines a cooktop with both gas and electric ovens. Prices for the La Cornue start at $42,500. AGA ranges are frequently seen on home and garden TV shows. These ovens have a retro look, but not retro technology. Made mostly of cast iron, the six-burner AGA A64D (*est. $7,600) has four separate ovens for baking, roasting, broiling and simmering.

As in past versions of our report, the performance of expensive "pro-style" ranges as compared to more conventional ranges is mixed. Pro ranges usually have a more heavy-duty appearance, and they often feature six or more burners, as well as convection ovens or double ovens. In tests, however, standard mainstream ranges often perform as well or better at everyday tasks. Some high-end brands are also repair-prone.

Reviews say you can get a top-performing, full-featured range for a fraction of the cost of pro models. Some ranges, like the GE Profile JGBP85DEMWW (*est. $950) , mimic the look and features of pro-style ranges, with heavy-duty square burner grates, warming drawers and varying-power burners. The GE Profile range also comes in a currently more stylish stainless-steel-on-black for an extra $250.

When shopping for a range, you'll first need to decide between an electric or gas range. If you're replacing an older range, then it's easiest to use the existing power supply (gas or electric), but if you are building or initiating a floor-to-ceiling renovation, you have a choice. Electric ranges are less expensive and more popular nationwide. Gas ranges, on the other hand, cost a bit less to operate, and many cooks find their temperature settings easier to control.

Best gas ranges

If you want a basic gas range, and you don't need a lot of extras, Hotpoint gas ranges perform well in reviews, and they also have a history of a lower rate of repairs in some owner surveys.

The Hotpoint RGB745BEHCT gas range (*est. $500) is a top choice in reviews as a budget range. At 30-inches wide, it has a large oven that competes with those of more expensive kitchen stoves. It also receives excellent marks for its baking, broiling and simmering abilities. You get two oven racks with six positions, one high-power burner, one simmer burner and two standard burners. The Hotpoint range doesn't have anything fancy like a warming drawer (though it does have a storage drawer), and its oven window is significantly smaller than those on many more-expensive ranges. This model comes in white, black and bisque, but not in stainless steel. It does have heavy cast iron grates and sealed burners for easier cleanup, and the oven is self-cleaning.

A similar model is the Frigidaire FGF368GQ (*est. $650). This range has almost identical features to the Hotpoint range above, but it does come in a wider range of colors. In addition to white, black and bisque, it’s also available in silver mist ( Frigidaire FGF368GM , *est. $725 ), which is a faux stainless steel (painted silver metal), and actual stainless steel (with black trim) as the Frigidaire FGF368GC (*est. $775) . A similar model that does well in tests is the Frigidaire Gallery GLGF386DS (*est. $900) , which has five burners instead of the four of the Frigidaire FGF368GQ, It also has a convection option in the oven, five rack positions and continuous cast iron grates -- helpful for sliding pots from position to position. While this model does not have a warming drawer (it has a storage drawer instead), it does have two high-powered burners. The GLGF386D comes in white, black, bisque and stainless steel (the Frigidaire GLGFZ386FC, *est. $1,150 ).

If you'd like a few more features, the GE JGBP85DEMWW gas range (*est. $950) simmers, bakes and broils as well as more expensive models -- and as well as the cheaper Hotpoint and Frigidaire ranges. However, this GE has a few helpful extra features for the price. Like the Frigidaire GLGF386DS, the GE gas range has continuous grates, which makes it easier to slide pots from burner to burner. Also included are a lower warming drawer, a smooth-number keypad and sealed burners for easier clean-up and provides one high-power burner. It comes in white, bisque and black. Stainless steel is available, but it costs about $200 more.

A couple of similar models are also good bets, with comparable performance. The GE JGBP86DEMWW (*est. $1,000) adds a fifth oval-shaped burner in the center, along with an included nonstick griddle that fits over the middle burner. It also has a manual oven lock. Otherwise, features are similar, with one high-power burner and a lower warming drawer. It comes in white, black (the GE JGBP86DEMBB , *est. $1,000 ) and stainless steel (the GE JGBP86SEMKSS , *est. $1,250 ).

Convection ovens are popular for a good reason -- they speed roasting and baking times, and they promote even browning. Convection ovens have an internal fan that circulates hot air throughout the oven. The fan takes up some space, so total oven capacity is decreased a bit. The Maytag MGR5875QDW (*est. $1,150) has a convection oven, along with a five-burner cooktop (including a center simmer burner) and a two-piece grate. The oven has three racks, including a half-rack. Other features including three self-cleaning cycles, a keep-warm setting, a Sabbath timer and a 12-hour auto-shutoff (with override). There's also a lower storage drawer (not a warming drawer). This Maytag gas range comes in white, black and bisque. Stainless steel costs about $200 more.

The Maytag MGR5751BDW (*est. $500) is a basic gas range that performs well in tests. The MGR5751BDW has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, which is smaller than the MGR5875QDWW above, which has a larger 5.3 cu. ft. capacity. The less expensive Maytag range does not have a warming drawer or a convection oven, but it does come with one high-powered burner and five oven rack positions. The Maytag MGR5751BDW is available in white, black and bisque. Its stainless steel version (*est. $650) is one of the least expensive stainless steel gas ranges currently available. Maytag ranges were the top choice in customer satisfaction in J.D. Powers’ recent survey (though other surveys don't find Maytag performs any better than others over the long term).

Even more fully featured is the GE Profile PGB918DEMWW range (*est. $1,600) , which has two ovens. One is a full-size convection oven. The second oven looks a lot like a warming drawer, but it’s actually capable of temperatures from 150° to 450°, so you can use it for baking, though it only has a 1-cu. ft. capacity. The cooktop has five elements (most gas ranges have four). Continuous grates allow you to easily move pots from burner to burner, or to use a large pan over two burners. A nonstick griddle for the center element is included. Experts also like the gas-fueled Profile's extra conveniences, including three oven racks (with six possible positions), automatic oven shut-off, large oven window, self-cleaning feature, smooth number keypad and removable burner heads. The convection oven has a larger capacity than most (about 5 cubic feet), with two convection fan speeds.

The GE Profile gas range also has varying-BTU burners, a feature that's quickly becoming popular on both gas and electric ranges. It has one high-power burner (great for searing meats and stir-frying), two standard burners and two lower-power burners. The GE Profile is available in white, bisque, black or stainless steel (the GE Profile PGB918SEMSS , *est. $2,000 ).

Best electric ranges

If you decide on an electric range, you must choose between a smoothtop and a traditional coil burner. Most reviews and consumers say smoothtop burners are easy to clean, but they're sometimes more expensive and require flat-bottom cookware -- coil burners are less expensive to repair and replace. Both types of ranges heat up a pot quickly, though most reviews agree that electric rangetops heat up a bit faster. As with gas ranges, a higher price gets you a classier design and extra features, but performance differences between high-end and lower-end electric ranges are often small.

Reviews most often recommend Kenmore electric ranges, saying the smoothtop Kenmore 96412 (*est. $750) is a good value. It has lots of features for the price, along with typically excellent Kenmore cooking performance. One advantage of the Kenmore electric range is flexibility. This model not only has high-power and simmer burners, but it also has one dual burner -- meaning you can use it as either a six-inch or a nine-inch burner. Additional perks include quick heating (due to a 3,000-watt element), a stovetop warming zone and a warming drawer. This Kenmore range broils particularly well, according to reviews. A similar model, the Kenmore 96112 (*est. $580) will save you a couple hundred dollars, but it skips the warming zone and warming drawer.

If you want a top-rated electric range with convection capability, you might want to take a close look at the smoothtop Kenmore Elite 96622 (*est. $1,400). This kitchen stove comes with a large 5.4 cubic foot self-cleaning convection oven and a smooth ceramic-glass cooktop. It also features a warming drawer and three porcelain-coated oven racks with seven rack positions. The cooktop has four elements, including two dual 6-inch/9-inch elements. This model comes in white, black and stainless steel (for an extra $250).

Another electric range with convection option is the Jenn-Air JER8885RA (*est.$1,400), a 30-inch electric smoothtop range. The Jenn-Air has a couple of unique features, including a bread-proofing cycle. With 5.3 cubic feet of cooking space and automatic convection conversion, the Jenn-Air does an excellent job of baking, broiling and roasting in testing. There are five elements, a glass ceramic surface and 3 oven racks. There is one triple element (12", 9", 6") and a warming drawer. In addition to an electronic clock, there are also two timers. This model is available in white or black, with a stainless steel finish costing about $200 more. The downside is that, according to owner surveys, Jenn-Air has a historically higher rate of repair than Kenmore, Hotpoint and others. Owners report that about 15% of Jenn-Air electric ranges end up needing major repairs. That's higher than the repair rate of Hotpoint, GE, Kenmore, Whirlpool or Frigidaire.

If you want a very basic smoothtop range, the Hotpoint RB787WHWW (*est. $580) has four burners, a self-clean feature, electronic oven controls, five oven rack positions and a small oven window. The Hotpoint doesn't do as well as other models in testing for broiling or boiling, but it's very good at baking and simmering. It comes in white, black and bisque.

Electric coil ranges are less expensive than smoothtop electric ranges. Although they seem to be losing the popularity race, they also perform well in comparison to smoothtop ranges. If you want the most basic of electric ranges, you may want to look at the Hotpoint RB757WHWW (*est. $430). This model performs well, and its features include 2 oven racks, electronic controls, electronic clock and timer, audible preheat signal and automatic oven shut-off, as well as the important self-cleaning benefit. Reviews say the oven window on this electric range is inconveniently small, but if price matters above all else, the Hotpoint is a good, reliable, no-frills choice. It comes in white and bisque.

Dual-fuel ranges

Prices have dropped for some dual-fuel ranges, and though they still can cost twice as much or more than gas or electric ranges, there are several models available for less than $2,000. The advantage of a dual-fuel range is that it couples an easy-to-control gas cooktop with an even-heating electric convection oven. Keep in mind that most dual-fuel ranges require a 240-volt outlet.

The GE Profile J2B918DEMWW (*est. $1,800) is nearly identical to the all-gas GE Profile JGB918WEKWW, but it has a gas cooktop coupled with an electric convection oven. It still has a lower second oven, plus a fifth element on top and an included nonstick griddle that fits over the center burner. It comes in white, bisque and black. It's also available in stainless steel as the GE Profile J2B918SEMSS (*est. $2,050).

The Kenmore Elite 79462 range (*est. $1,610) combines gas burners up top with an electric convection oven and warming drawer. The dual-fuel Kenmore range has five burners: Two high-powered burners, two standard burners and one low-powered burner. The top grates are continuous, so you can slide a pot from the front to the back without lifting it, and the grates are dishwasher safe. The Kenmore range has a large oven window and a warming drawer on the bottom. In tests, the Kenmore Elite 79462 gets good scores in reviews for cooking, baking and broiling, but some experts think there are few real benefits to dual-fuel ranges. Kenmore Elite ranges also have one of the highest overall satisfaction scores in the survey at J.D. Power and Associates.

Professional-style ranges are for serious cooks and ambitious hosts, as well as style mavens who like their look. You can buy them in standard 30-inch sizes, but also available are 36-, 48- and 60-inch models with six or eight burners, a grill or griddle, and/or a double oven. The rangetop is almost always gas, and a gas or electric convection oven is standard. Professional-style ranges are high-powered and versatile. They are also more difficult to clean, require a special venting system, and are extremely expensive. In addition, testing shows that they don't necessarily perform any better and may actually be more repair-prone than regular kitchen stoves. Viking, Wolf, Dacor, Bosch, AGA, Blue Star, DCS and Jade offer some higher-end options. However, as they're not generally a good value for most home cooking needs, we don't include any professional-style models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers.

Important Features: Ranges

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.

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. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Hotpoint (*est. $350 to $700)	details
3	Kenmore (*est. $400 to $1,700)	-
3	GE (*est. $450 to $1,800)	-
3	Maytag (*est. $400 to $1,750)	details
3	Frigidaire (*est. $350 to $2,300)	details
1 each	KitchenAid , Blue Star , Aga , La Cornue, Bosch , LG

Hotpoint ranges get good scores among budget brands, but they don't have many extra features. Kenmore electric ranges and GE gas ranges both get high ratings and have a historically lower rate of repair than Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana or Viking ranges. Frigidaire sits somewhere in the middle, with especially good scores for mid-range models with mainly basic features, plus one or two extras.

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