Buying guide for Best electric ranges
Ever since Ben Franklin tied a key to his kite, electricity has been all the rage. Among the many things old Ben gave us is the Franklin stove, an innovative alternative to the open fireplace and a forerunner of the modern kitchen appliance known as the electric range.
The electric range started gaining popularity in the 1930s thanks to its ease of use and the declining cost of electricity. Today, electric ranges can be found from sea to shining sea. The modern styles and variations of electric stoves are much too numerous to count, encompassing everything from convection ovens to induction burners. Even Franklin, with all his wisdom, would have a hard time deciphering which stove was best for his kitchen. And if a founding father needs help, you might too. That’s where we come in.
At BestReviews, we strive to give buyers all of the information they need to make the purchase that’s right for them. We never take freebies from manufacturers, so you can be sure that our recommendations are without bias. If you would like to learn more about how we selected what we consider to be the best electric ranges on the market, read our shopping guide below. If you’re ready to buy, check out the product list above for a quick look at our favorites.
Electric vs. gas ranges
Which is better: an electric range or a gas range? It’s an argument that evokes passionate viewpoints from both acclaimed chefs and home cooks. If you’ve already made up your mind, we’re probably not going to change it. Still, let’s look at the facts.
Gas and electric ranges typically work the same way. Both have stovetops; both have ovens. The controls on each are generally the same. Gas ranges tend to heat up and cool down faster. They’re also more eco-friendly than electric models. Gas ranges usually cost more initially, but much of that money is recouped in lower electric bills.
An electric range can typically be purchased for less money than a gas range. These appliances are also usually easier to install. There’s no risk of gas leaks, but your electric bill will go up, and your range won’t work in the event of a power outage.
Despite the differences, one can cook equally well on either style of range. It all comes down to personal preference, whether you’re an Iron Chef or a home cook baking your first souffle.
We understand that different kitchens have different space allotments. For this reason, when selecting electric ranges for in-depth review, we look at models in a variety of widths.
An important area consideration when we review electric ranges is where the controls are located and how easy they are to use.
Because a range is more than just the stovetop, we explore the capacities and features of each electric range oven to make sure it’s useful and reliable.
We learn about the materials with which electric ranges are made, noting how easy each material is to clean and how well it resists fingerprints.
When deciding which electric ranges to recommend, we consider freestanding models with built-in backsplashes and slide-in models that can really streamline a kitchen.
In our quest to find the best, we examine electric ranges with advanced features such as an oven convection fan, warming drawer, timer, and power burners.
In our study of electric ranges, we explore traditional models that use radiant heat as well as advanced options that use induction heating.
Precision is key when it comes to temperature readings. We research this element of each electric range on our list.
We look for powerful electric ranges with helpful controls and effective convection systems.
For electric ranges with comprehensive touch controls, we scrutinize the layout of the control panel for user-friendliness.
Electric range stovetops
Most electric ranges sold today come with a smooth, ceramic glass cooktop. This replaces the metal, coil-style burners that used to dominate the industry. Because pots and pans are kept on a flat surface, a ceramic glass stovetop won’t bend or warp your cookware the way metal coils can.
Some newer electric ranges come with expandable burners; the size of the heating element changes based on the size of the cookware sitting on it. Some of these burners can expand from as little as six inches in diameter to as much as 12 inches in diameter. This is an important feature if your cooktop frequently needs to accommodate large pots or pans.
The wattage on smooth cooktops is usually higher than on stovetops with metal coil burners. This means the cooking surface will heat up faster. Some electric ranges come with a “power boil” feature that can use as much as 3,000 watts to quickly boil water and other liquids like stocks or broths.
Did you know?
In a range with a double oven, the top oven will usually have about half the capacity of the bottom oven.
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Electric range ovens
Size matters when it comes to the ovens in electric ranges. Oven size can vary from two to six cubic feet. Obviously, the oven size you need depends on the size of what you will typically be cooking.
If you need even more room – or if you’re cooking two things in the oven at different temperatures – be advised that some electric ranges come with double ovens.
A relatively new upgrade to the electric range is the convection oven. A convection oven works by using fans to circulate hot air around whatever you’re cooking. This eliminates cold spots and, in theory, produces more evenly cooked food.
Electric ranges with double ovens or a convection oven cost more than those with one standard oven.
Did you know?
Electric ovens tend to brown food more evenly than gas ovens.
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Price
Because of all the optional features new electric ranges have to offer, prices vary significantly.
Here’s a general guideline as to what you can expect for your money.
$300 to $400
The least-expensive electric ranges you will find run between $300 and $400. These ranges typically have cooktops with coil burners. The oven capacity will be around five cubic feet, and they will not be self-cleaning.
"Some electric ranges will shut off automatically after 12 hours if accidentally left on."
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$400 to $500
For $400 to $500, look for ranges with ceramic glass stovetops and ovens with capacities greater than five cubic feet. Some models in this price range will feature self-cleaning ovens.
$500 to $600
Electric ranges between $500 and $600 should offer ovens with capacities close to six cubic feet. They should also be self-cleaning. Some will have fingerprint-resistant cooktops. A few ranges at this price point will have convection ovens.
"Burner coils are also called “radiant heating elements.”"
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$600 to $700
For $600 to $700, you should get a convection oven and a fingerprint-resistant cooktop, plus other bells and whistles like a capacity near six cubic feet, touch-screen controls, and expandable burners.
Over $700
If you want to spend over $700, you’ll probably want a double oven and a stovetop with at least six burners. For this price, you can get the size and quality of a professional-grade range.
Tips
There are special cleaners for smooth, ceramic glass cooktops that add shine while removing debris. These smooth cooktops are much easier to clean than coil-burner stovetops.
Don’t leave your electric oven unattended during a self-cleaning session.
All common cookware is safe for use with an electric range: aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, copper.
Freestanding electric ranges can be placed anywhere in your kitchen and have control panels that stick up from the cooktop and in front of your backsplash. Slide-in ranges have unfinished sides and are meant to fit in between cabinets. The controls are usually at the front of the cooktop.
The burners on an electric stove won’t always turn red when the heat is low, so use caution when you work around them.
Some electric ranges feature a warming drawer that’s great for pizzas and other foods with rising dough.
Many electric range manufacturers offer warranties on their products, most of which last one year.
FAQ
Q. How does a self-cleaning electric oven clean itself?
A. When in cleaning mode, the oven heats to a very high temperature – almost 900ºF. The food inside the oven decomposes at this temperature and leaves behind a small amount of ash. Once the cleaning cycle is over, simply wipe up the ash. The cleaning cycle usually takes several hours to complete.
Q. Why do many professional chefs prefer gas ranges?
A. A gas stovetop allows for better control of the heat: turn the knob one way to increase the flame and the other way to turn it off. Since chefs typically work on the cooktop more than in the oven, this is seen as an advantage. Many professional bakers trend the other way; they like the even heat of an electric oven.
Q. What is a dual fuel range?
A. Some high-priced ranges employ two types of power: gas to heat the stovetop and electricity for the oven. This gives the user the direct, easy-to-control heat of a gas burner as well as the even cooking of an electric oven.
