At a Glance
Right now could be the worst time to replace any appliance. Although I am writing this during the Coronavirus (Covid-19), any time is tough for an unforeseen expense, not just now.
For electric ranges, you do not have to spend a fortune to buy a good product.
In this article, you will learn how to buy inexpensive products without sacrificing features and reliability.
You will see reliability stats based on 35,256 service calls plus brands and products worth considering.
First, let’s talk about when to buy. Then we will look at the best features to look for in an electric range.
There is the best time to buy an appliance. Wait for a holiday to save 10-35%. Here are the best times: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Black Friday.
Black Friday is now all of November. The others are usually two weeks in that month.
Coil tops aren’t widely purchased anymore. Ceran tops are much easier to clean and are about the same price.
You won’t typically save much money if any by choosing a coil. The ceran will wear better, because the elements are protected by a thick piece of glass.
You will save some money by buying black or white. However, the difference isn’t that big because stainless is so popular and marketed.
You should stay away from designer finishes like the more expensive Black Stainless.
Most ranges are self-cleaning, but you will save $50-100 by buying a non-self-cleaning range.
For gas ranges, self-cleaning is important because the broiler is inside the oven versus a drawer. The outputs are better in a gas self-cleaning as well.
In electric, other than aesthetics, non-self-cleaning performs the same as self-cleaning.
These ranges are different in appearance, but there is a big difference in price.
Let me describe each and then show you what is less for you to buy:
A Slide-in range has controls on the front and the cooktop sits over the counter. It’s much easier to clean because there are no seams between the cabinet and the range.
Front control has the controls on the front but fits in a 30-inch space. You have the seams on either side.
The difference between front control and a slide-in is the installation. Slide-ins fit over the cabinet whereas freestanding do not. Typically people buy slide-ins for new construction and front controls to replace a regular 30-inch range.
Both look the same, so be careful before you buy.
Now the least expensive type of range is freestanding. These ranges are the most popular and have the controls on the back versus the front on the other two types.
These ranges have similar features, but freestanding is the cheapest of the three.
Induction is magnetic heat. It’s faster than electric or gas with a better simmer. Induction is the most child-safe and requires the least amount of venting.
However, most decent manufacturers of induction ranges start at $1500. I like the product, but it’s expensive.
Most Reliable Electric Ranges for 2020
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Jenn-Air | 28 | 63 | 44.44% |
| KitchenAid | 31 | 89 | 34.83% |
| GE Profile | 2 | 18 | 11.11% |
| Café Appliances | 3 | 28 | 10.71% |
| Bosch Appliances | 10 | 154 | 6.49% |
| Samsung | 27 | 754 | 3.58% |
| Whirlpool | 12 | 1269 | 0.95% |
| LG Electronics | 0 | 62 | 0.00% |
| Premier | 0 | 19 | 0.00% |
| Blomberg | 0 | 17 | 0.00% |
| Avanti | 0 | 17 | 0.00% |
| Grand Total | 114 | 2513% | 4.54% |
Electric ranges are the most reliable major appliance you can buy. LG and Whirlpool are sold mostly to builders. However, the most reliable brands are Samsung, Bosch, and Whirlpool.
The average appliance breaks 13.1% versus just 4.54% for electric ranges. Most brands are pretty good.
Many brands cannot handle issues once they happen. You may find limited service in your area. Check before you buy it.
So lets like at some decent electric ranges.
Samsung is stylish and self-cleaning. The reliability is excellent. However, be careful with Samsung. Check to see if there is local service.
We do not sell many non-self-cleaning electric ranges. Amana would be the least expensive for a name.
This unit adds convection, a fan-forced heat for more even temperature and better baking.
Whirlpool adds two larger burners to accommodate bigger pots and pans.
Samsung has true convection or air blown in through the back versus the bottom and circulated. True Convection is technically better and eliminates any taste cross over.
You also have the expandable burners to fit larger pots and pans.
It’s not hard to be a decent inexpensive range.
Stay with a freestanding range in a basic finish like stainless, black or white.
Then you pick features. Stainless steel is $499 with convection and better burners being more.
Most electric ranges are reliable. You don’t have to worry about buying an extended warranty.
However, pick a serviceable brand in your area. Service is a big problem in this industry.
Don’t find out after the fact.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Induction Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips every induction cooktop and range from Wolf, Thermador, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Jenn-Air, Bosch, and more. Well over 680,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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