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blueberrybundtcake

Talk to me about ranges ...

Our range is definitely starting to reach either the end of its life and/or the end of our patience ... so we're starting to look into replacing it. Any strong opinions about non-gas ranges? (No gas to the house, and we don't really like gas anyways.) I don't need to hear about hoods or anything ... just the ranges, please. There isn't a budget per se, but we're not looking to pay 20k either.


What we want:

  • black or black-stainless (no stainless, no white; colors might be okay)
  • side-panel available or free standing (only one side has a cabinet - rearrangement not happening)
  • controls on the front (no reaching over the burners/food to change the temp)
  • must have convention oven option
  • smooth top (we lean towards radiant, but induction isn't ruled out - no coils)
  • not Kitchenaid ... our current one has been a pain, and we'd rather not deal with that again
  • 30" width (bigger will not fit)
  • full sized oven (not one of those ones with two puny little things)
  • self-cleaning option desired

Thanks,

BlueberryBundtcake

Comments (24)

  • 5 years ago

    I understand the mechanism, benefits, and caveats of induction ... is there a specific range/brand that you recommend?

  • 5 years ago

    You will find most ranges with front controls are slide-in, and don't have side panels. Most ranges with side panels (free standing) have controls at the back. You will pay a huge premium, and have very few options, if you want a free standing with front controls in black. I think llve, Bertazzoni, and Fischer Paykel make them that way.


    If you can, go with induction instead of a standard electric.

    BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA thanked Toronto Veterinarian
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Great summary above and here a brief overview of the selection process.

    The very good news is that in general, what you are looking for( 30" slide-in with one oven and electric) is the most used and readily available category. The fact that you need side panels limits your options further. Hardly any slide-in will have the side panels come standard, it is likely that you will have to purchase those separate. Availability is the main concern now in pandemic times as supply and retail chains have been disrupted.

    The color you are looking for is the next limiting factor for your choices as stainless steel is still the most available option. True colors are a category in itself, and considered a luxury/customization so expect to pay more for color.

    Now back to black choices. In addition to the stainless black that looks a bit different depending on brand, there is the good old shinny textured Black around for decades(limited choices as not so popular anymore) and the "newer" matte Black as mentioned above in the GE Cafe line.

    Technical specification aside, if you are like most ppl you would likely prefer to see the appliance in person (or one similar at least) to vet the overall look and general feel.

    I am currently recommending the following process:

    1.decide price range and if you are in the market for a mass product or luxury

    2.narrow down your local list of stores/suppliers for the desired category and look through their available choices; depending on your location you find that you have to look hard and wait long for a unit.

    3.once you shortlisted always check specs and reviews online before heading to store to see.

    A general note: in the mass category most brands share similar technical specs and features. Be aware that if you choose induction you may have to get all new pots and pans. Self cleaning is with the odd exception a standard feature these days. Convection oven is also popular.


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The side panels will need to be purchased separately for the slide in range. Here is an example to match the first slide in above: https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/c/p.side-panel.uxa1100aab.html

  • PRO
    5 years ago



  • PRO
    5 years ago

    This is a canadian source as an example, you may need to find an alternate source depending on your location

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Or maytag


  • 5 years ago

    I'm wary of Whirlpool and Maytag, being that they are part of the Kitchenaid family ... I had been looking at Jenn-air, as we had one years ago that we liked, but I'm seeing it's now owned by the same conglomerate ... has it retained its autonomy and quality, or has it slipped. The others I've found that look like they meet what we're looking for are Viking, Bertazzoni, Café, and Ilve (which I hadnt heard of before, thanks Toronto Veterinarian). They range in price pretty considerably, but I'm not sure which are worth it and which are just overpriced. We're willing to pay more if it will make us happier, but we don't care about prestigious names if the cheaper one is just as good.


    Finding some of them in showrooms is another matter, but I'd like to figure which are worth seeking out, as I don't think one place is going to have all of them on display.

  • 5 years ago

    Definitely willing to order side panels, just need them to be available, and it rules out some that either aren't compatible with side panels or don't offer them.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    All of the big companies are part of same or similar conglomerates these days...pretty much all the same. Hence the quality....That being said you have to define your most important features and choose based on that. Research online and reviews. As pros we try not to endorse any particular brand as each client has their own preferences for appliances. In my own house I put all GE Cafe appliances this year as they were the only ones that had the particular look I wanted(in Matte white with copper/brass trim btw- the newest best seller). See first what is available in your area though. If you get super specific you may end up having to wait up to one year for your stove to come

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    My advice stands: pick a couple of stores and inquire about black stoves with available panels to order. You may be surprised to see there will be 1 or 2 of them...

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The color and side panels reduces your choices considerably. GE cafe has the panels I believe if you like their Stainless steel look thiugh. The Matte Black comes with stainless steel trim. You can order the copper/brass trim but its pricey.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    They have design but dont expect perfection quality- its GE

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    And agree any stove over 3-4000k its overpriced. I dont care what it does...it's a stove.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    It does its job well but they are not as strongly build as the old ones. Had a Maytag slide in for 20 yrs was built like a tank

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    It comes in Black


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    For the brass trim add $499


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    What color is your kitchen/other appliances?

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The white I have has finish sides in Charcoal. I believe the Black has Charcoal sides too which means you may not need a side panel after all.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The induction option is more expensive


  • 5 years ago

    All the appliances are black currently: Fisher&Paykel dishwasher (drawers), GE microwave, Amana fridge, and the Kitchenaid range. Cabinets are dark wood w/ glass panels in the uppers; counters are white/cream Corian except the small, freestanding island which has black granite (it's more a piece of furniture than a traditional island); floors are medium wood (fir) with a beige-y rug (not married to it); walls read cream (hints of pink, purple, and yellow if you get close to them).