" I want a reliable range that looks good less than $1000.00"

I want to date Anna Nicole Smith circa 1993.

cottagedweller,

Since my current range is about 14 yrs old, I can't say I have any recent experience w/ ranges :-) But, I did want to suggest you post your question over on the Kitchens forum also. Kitchen remodeling projects are a frequent topic there, w/ budgets ranging from three figures to five figures! So, as you can see, there will probably be a number of posters who can relate to your wants/needs. Good luck :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens Forum

Thank you jbrig.

I bought a Kenmore on clearance - it's still available but the price is higher. I paid $389 and now it's just over $500. I was pleasantly surprised to get good grates. Everything I had looked at were wimpy gray grates. These are heavy black. The oven racks are nothing to write home about. The burners don't seem to have much of a choice in flame settings but I think that might be the installer's fault and I need to address that ASAP. If you need the model number I'll have to track it down.

Snarky sarcasm aside dual fuel is not really doable in this price range though generally it is conventional wisdom electric ovens are better for baking and gas ovens are better for roasting/broiling.

Not only does dual fuel add cost but complexity and reliablity problems.

The Bosch in the link has a normal price of about $1260.

It is available delivered for $995 minus a $100 Bosch rebate.

Total $895. One of these series was number one in the new CR guide. I don't remember exactly which model though. I think this is your best bet or go bargain hunting at Sears Outlet stores or liquadators.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bosch Gas Range

Maybe I missed it, but I don't think the poster was inquiring about dual fuel; rather, she was just wanting to know whether gas or electric was recommended...

Okay, I've about given up on the less than a $1000 range. I'm sure there are reliable ones less than that, but they aren't appealing to me. We have just finished building our new cottage, all out of pocket, I might add, so our pockets are about empty. I may have to settle for a less than eye appealing (at least to me) range. These are a little over 1000 but I think I would be happy will one of the following, if they are any good, help & comments please & even snarky sarcasm lol..... Frigidaire pro style plgf659gc; Kenmore Elite pro style 7540; Premier p24s330bp; DeLonghi defsg24ss

Maybe I missed it, but I don't think the poster was inquiring about dual fuel; rather, she was just wanting to know whether gas or electric was recommended...

The OP titled the thread "best gas range" then asked if gas or electric oven is best for her(his?) type of oven use.

That seems to be asking whether gas or dual fuel is best for this situation.

Cottagedweller,

I think you have made the first tough decision. Good looking OR $1000 budget.

Next tough decision is size.

You listed two 36" ranges and two 24" ranges.

I think you should buy 24" only if you absolutely have to due to space restraints. Using more than one full size pan on a 24" is problematic.

A 30" range meets the needs of 99% of people.

A 36" range is a luxury.

A tiny cottage 30" would be great but 24" if you absolutely must.

On the 24", I was worried about it being too small even though it is only 2 to 3 people I cook for most of time. That being said I guess a 30" would be as big as I would ever need. But, if I was only concerned about need the eye appeal of "cheaper" ranges wouldn't be a problem. I just LOVE the look of those 36 inchers. Even with my small kitchen, I THINK, I would not mind sacrificing the extra counter/cabinet space to have my dream stove. Am I dreaming too big? If not, any comment on any of the less $ 36" I listed previously?

I really like the Frigidaire pro series. My sister has a mix of pro and gallery series for all her kitchen appliances. She absolutely loves them

I will get the Frigidaire pro series wall oven.

Frigidaire has a good reputation in the industry,they usually don't have cutting edge features but use very reliable components.

I would say 80% of Kenmore appliances are average or better. They do have a few turds though. I am not familiar with KenmElite pro style 7540ore or who makes it. If you do the leg work and find out who makes it I can comment more intelligently.

DeLonghi has a very high quality look and feel. My limited experience with DeLonghi is a toaster oven I hated(stupid door would not stay shut and it rattled at high temps) and friends of mine that have a DeLonghi wall oven they do not love.I do realize that DeLonghi probably rented out their name and have nothing to do with building the toaster oven but still they put their name on it. I saw the Premier at an appliance store and did not like.

Given that I would rank them this way.

1)Frigidaire pro style plgf659gc
2)KenmElite pro style 7540ore
3)DeLonghi defsg24ss
4)Premier p24s330bp

I would not buy a 24" range unless I had no choice.

ok, scratch the Delonghi & Premier. According to the site AnswerBag.com, Frigidaire makes Kenmore Elite ranges! So, basically they may be the same range, more or less, with differing brand names. They look very similar. Both are 36" & stainless steel. I just don't want to buy a piece of junk whether it's inexpensive or pricey. We've been working hard to finish this house & the kitchen is about all we like. It got "saved" for last because of my indecision/lack of knowledge/fear on most every aspect of it. It's time though; I must take the plunge. I do appreciate all the input & patience from folks here trying to help!

My sister has a Frigidaire gas slide in with convection that she got at a clearance/overstock for less than $1,000. She is very happy with it, and she does a lot of holiday baking.

You are probably going to find the best selection in 30" ranges.

You may want to check out places like Sears Outlet.

If that is the case then save yourself some cash and get the Frigidaire at the best possible internet price.

Would you have guessed snarky curmudgeon Deeageaux to be the most helpful?

Dearest Deeageaux, you have been the most helpful! Sometimes a little snarkiness doesn't hurt, if it's the truth. I'll shop around online, thanks again!

While shopping online I have stumbled upon an used 36" Five star, 4 burner w griddle in the center, white & stainless for $2000. Ad says it is in excellent condition, cost $8000 new. It looks great in the pic. What do you think?

Is it local?

Can you inspect it before buying?

It's not exactly local but within 100 miles, a fairly short drive, if it's a good deal. I know diddly-squat about Five Star, or any other brand, as you well know by now. But I'll definitely ask to see it before I buy, what do I need to be looking out for?

It can be seen on Nashville,Tn.'s craiglist.

That range is about $4k knew not $8K.

It is made by Brown Stove Works under contract for Five Star. This same company used to make ranges for Viking too.

You might get a kick out of knowing that Brown Stove Works was founded by Grover Cleveland Brown in 1935 in Cleveland , TN.

Rick Bayless uses the Five Star on his show "Mexico, One Plate at a Time." The Five Star is a simple uncomplicated range. No fancy computer boards with fancy features to break down.

I would caution that any used range like a used car is a gamble.Maybe you win and maybe you lose. Fifteen years from now you may be laughing all the way to bank at all those idiots on GW paying full price for luxury ranges. Or you make $1000+ in repairs kicking youself on why you were such an idiot buying a used range.

If you can accept the risk with eyes wide open and accept with stoicism any future repairs then I say go for it. Inspect the range first hand for any obvious faults. Ask for an original receipt to confirm the range is not too old.

If you have the kind of personality that when a gamble goes south you beat yourself up forever and stew in you own broth so to speak then let the Moby Dick of a deal swim on.

Let it go.

This is not a Frigidaire; a regular range with the look of a pro/luxury range. The Five Star is the real deal. Parts will be priced like luxury parts. Service techs will want to charge luxury prices for repairs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Brown Stove Works

We just bought a KA True convection gas range (Freestanding) for around $850. I know people around here don't like KA ovens, but for this price, I figure it'll work. Sears has it for $1000 and wait for one of their Family and Friends nights and it'll come down another 10%

Try Premier....can light the oven without power (if this important). Been building ranges since 1912.

Here is a link that might be useful: Premier ranges

This is a nice one. I did a complete kitchen for a place I had to sell quick with lower end KitchenAid. It's a nice stove for the price:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_91462-46-KGRS205TSS_0?productId=3110155&Ntt=kitchenaid%20gas%20range&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0_s?newSearch=true$Ntt=kitchenaid%20gas%20range$y=0$x=0

Here is a link that might be useful: KitchenAid Range

Any thoughts on a Viking 24 inch model # VGIC2454BK or "SS; or the jenn-air pro style prg3010np. Thinking about the premier because of it's lack of electronics. Seen some pics of it in an actual kitchen, doesn't look half bad, if it performs well, but I can get the Viking 24 inch in black & ss for not much more. It's beautiful but the negative reviews here are a bit scary even though they are old posts. I do not want to know a repairman on a first name basis.

I am little confused as to what size range you are looking for but if its a 36" on a budget I'd take a look at the NXR ranges. You might also like their 30" pro style looking range.

I love the 36"s but my cottage kitchen may be overwhwelmed with that size. We are empty-nesters & eat out mostly, since I usually only cook for 2 when I do, the 24"s would probably be big enough & be the best fit. Just finding a 24" I like visually & that doesn't cost a small fortune has turned into quite the treasure hunt. I do not cook elaborate meals or desire too, we are pretty simple folk. That was why I was considering the 24" Premier pro style. I've only been able to find just a few reviews, though mostly good, about them; which makes me a little leary of such an unknown brand(at least to me). I found a pretty good deal on a 24" Viking, which I love the look of, but after reading all the terrible things here about them I'm scared to lay down that much money for a range that will need repairs that end up costing more than it did.

Any experience or knowledge out there concerning the Fisher & Paykel brand?

OK... Gotta add my request, too, for small gas range opinions... This should be fun as I'm seeking something in the higher-end.

Apologies if I have stepped on the original request and should post to a separate thread.

The site is a small (microscopic) old (ANCIENT! - gas street lamps) Boston condo that has 60A service - the range must be, therefore, gas.

My requirements are:
Pyrolytic cleaning of the oven - I'm a lazy slob.
Reliable - I will stay there on weekends only.
small (itsy-bitsy ... just like the condo).
Yeah, it has to be a "range" and not a separated oven and cooktop.

Obviously, I won't be cooking for much more than 375 people at a time: that means breakfast for one, at most two, and, for dinner ... I'll make reservations. Still, I'd like the appliance to be functional, eye-catching without being gaudy, and very reliable (immolating the place is neither an option nor good neighborliness).

Thank you!

I understand you wanted to stay within a $1000 budget but then mentioned going up some. If this is still possible let me mention the NXR. It's priced at $1999 from AusTex which is an appliance dealer in Austin, TX. I spoke at lenght with the sales person yesterday and he said it's by far the best gas range produced under $3000. He said NO electronics to fail and very reliable. He said he'd purchase this over anything made right now. They have free shipping as well. AJ Madison also carries them but slightly higher in price.
I think as far as others you'd be OK with GE, KitchenAide or Frigidaire. From what I'm finding after months of research they all haveoth good and bad reviews depending on where you check.
What ever your decision I hope it works out wonderful for you. Also, as some one else mentioned the kitchen forum would be a great place to post this question, too.
Sunny

Okay if someone doesn't change my tortured mind TODAY, I'm going with the Premier(sigh). My husband is very weary of my indecision & wants me to buy one, TODAY. He could really careless as long as it's a stove in the house. But after much thought, fact-considering, review-reading, soul-searching & reality-checking etc., I think(hope) the Premier is really all we need. It'll boil water & fry the chicken & no I'm not talking about stir fry. As I said in a previous post we're simple folk, who like good ole southern style country food i.e. never used a wok & sorry, but we don't even like Asian food. Maybe in our next house I will find the justification for a more expensive range (Aga, my dream) just because it's pretty to look at it. Thanks everyone who has posted your comments, I REALLY do appreciate them all!

To the original poster, did you get the Premier? How is it performing?

Don't buy KitchenAid. The oven blows up after the cleaning cycle.

Here is a link that might be useful: Don't buy KitehenAid Ranges

I need a 24" gas range and was too considering the premier. recommendations? yay or nay? just want something that will do the job with relatively little to no maintenance.

I am not too impressed with the Premier. Summit also makes a 24" range that is similar (but is heavier). Avanti makes a bunch of cheap 24" ranges (lightweight) but they work and look better than some other cheap apartment ranges.

Avanti also used to sell a model called Elba. It's much nicer and is made in the same factory as the DeLonghi/Fisher-Paykel.

I just looked up Avanti Elba- they sell for about $1365-if you do a Google search. I noticed Amazon sells it for $1565 and it got good reviews. This will be the nicest looking one for the money...

In the expensive price there is Viking (very small oven) and Bluestar (highly recommended- but very expensive).

Hey if you get the Elba, let us know what you think of it.

I just noticed that AJ Madison is having a sale (till tomorrow?) They have the Fisher Paykel 24" Gas range for $1530, free shipping and no sales tax.

This is like the range range I mentioned above (the Elba) only with more features, including a convection fan and even a wok stand...

Here is a link that might be useful: Fisher Paykel 24

Help !!!! I am redoing my kitchen and can't figure out which slide-in gas range to get. After reading all the posts my head is going to explode. I fell in love with the 36" GE Monogram(sp) but realistically, it's way to expensive at over $6,000.
I can't figure out if people like Premier, NRX, Bosch....
I love to cook and want 5-6 burners and an oven that can accomodate a large cookie sheet and don't want the computerized gadgets on the range. I have a GE range and the first thing to go within the year was the computerized panel. GE replaced it with an anolog clock. I spent last night in the library pouring over Consumer Reports. No help.
Any help and opinion would be greatly appreciated!