There’s no doubt that the kitchen, being the heart of your home, requires the most consideration when upgrading appliances. One of those appliances that can arguably make the most significant difference in your kitchen is your range. As technology advances, more homeowners are leaning into the usage of the best electric ranges for their home and rental properties, making electric ranges a hot topic. This blog post will detail some of the best electric ranges available on the market, the importance of investing in a high-quality range, and things to consider when choosing the perfect fit for your kitchen.
What are Electric Ranges and Why are They Important?
An electric range is a combination of a stove and an oven run by electricity. Unlike gas stoves that use natural gas or propane, electric ranges use heated coils to provide the cooking heat. They are a pivotal part of the kitchen, allowing you to cook, bake, roast, and even steam your favorite meals.
Advantages of the Best Electric Range
There are several benefits of having the best electric range. Some of these include:
- Ease of cleaning: Glass ceramic top electric ranges present a smooth surface that is easy to clean
- Energy efficiency: Electric ranges are considered more eco-friendly
- Even heat distribution: The oven and cooking surface heat evenly, providing better cooking results.
Features to Look for in the Best Electric Range
An important section to note, when shopping for the electric range, there are certain key features that you should keep in mind:
- Size: Standard electric ranges typically come in 30-inch wide models. While more professional-grade versions can be found in larger sizes.
- User-friendly Controls: Electric ranges with intuitive controls make it easy for users to adjust heat and cooking settings.
- Oven Capacity: Look out for a spacious oven if you often bake large items or entertain frequently.
- Additional features: Other added bonuses include a warming drawer, double oven, or a built-in air fryer.
Top 3 Electric Ranges on the Market
This section will talk about the best electric ranges available today. Each product is selected based on customer reviews, features, and overall functionality.
1. Samsung NE59M4320SS
The Samsung NE59M4320SS takes the first spot. It stands out with its self-cleaning feature and five cooking elements which let you cook multiple dishes at once.
- Oven capacity: 5.9 cubic feet
- Number of burners: 5
- Notable features: Hot surface indicator light, Auto Oven shut-off
2. GE JB645RKSS
The GE JB645RKSS is popular because of its expansive cooktop that allows for larger pots and pans, and dual-element bake for even heat distribution.
- Oven capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
- Number of burners: 4
- Notable features: Dual-element Bake, Self-clean oven
3. Frigidaire FFEH3054US
Lastly, the Frigidaire FFEH3054US is highly rated for its quick boil element and extra-large oven window for easy viewing of your dishes.
- Oven capacity: 5.0 cubic feet
- Number of burners: 5
- Notable features: Quick boil element, Extra-large viewing window
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Electric Range
What Sets the Best Electric Range Apart?
The best electric range generally offers efficient and rapid heat, an efficient layout that makes it easy to manage multiple pots or pans, and a build quality that ensures the range lasts for years. More advanced features that the best electric ranges might have include induction cooking surfaces, convection ovens, warming drawers, and oven dehydrating settings.
How to Choose the Best Electric Range for Your Kitchen?
When choosing an electric range, you should consider several factors: the size of your kitchen, your budget, the style and finish, and the features you need. The best electric range for your kitchen will be one that fits neatly into your space, matches your décor, stays within your budget, and has all the features you desire in terms of heat efficiency, capacity, and more.
What is an Induction Electric Range?
An induction electric range uses electromagnetic energy to transfer heat directly to your cookware. Induction ranges often offer efficient and rapid heat control, but they require compatible, usually magnetic cookware. If precise temperature control and energy efficiency are top priorities for you, an induction electric range could be the best choice.
What is a Slide-in Electric Range?
A slide-in electric range is designed to integrate seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. Unlike freestanding electric ranges, which have finished sides and can stand alone, slide-in ranges lack finished sides and are typically more streamlined in design. Many people consider the slide-in version a more high-end, slick look, which fits best in contemporary kitchens.
Can the Best Electric Range Also Have a Self-Cleaning Function?
Yes, many of the best electric ranges also feature a self-cleaning function. This function burns off food residue at extremely high temperatures. It’s a convenient feature that saves you the hassle of scrubbing the oven. However, keep in mind that self-cleaning functions can lead to higher electricity costs and can occasionally cause damage to oven components due to the high heat involved.
How Energy-efficient is The Best Electric Range?
The energy efficiency of an electric range can vary significantly from model to model. Some factors that affect energy efficiency include how quickly the range heats up, how well it retains heat, and whether or not it has a self-cleaning oven, which can use a lot of energy. The best electric range is one that aligns with your energy efficiency goals and cooking habits.
How Durable is the Best Electric Range?
The durability of the best electric range is usually associated with its build quality. Factors to consider include the robustness of the control knobs, the quality of the finish, and how well the oven door seals. Brands known for their durability and build quality often offer longer warranties on their products.
How Easy is it to Install the Best Electric Range?
Typically, an electric range is fairly easy to install. Most electric ranges simply need a dedicated electrical circuit and the ability to plug in the range. However, for slide-in designs or custom modifications, you might need professional help. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting the installation process.
Pros of the Best Electric Range
Versatility in Cooking Options
A top-rated electric range offers a wide array of cooking options - it combines multiple functions into one unit. It can serve as an oven, stovetop, and sometimes even has a warming drawer. This provides greater versatility and promotes efficient cooking.
Smooth and Easy Cleaning
Ceramic-glass Cooktop
The smooth surface of the cooktop is one of the strong points that make the best electric range a go-to option. This ceramic-glass surface is less likely to harbor food particles and residues as compared to traditional gas burners. A simple wipe with a cleaner is often enough to maintain its pristine look.
Self-cleaning Feature
The best models of electric ranges now come with a self-cleaning feature, a high-heat process that burns off food residues. This eliminates the need for heavy-duty scrubbing which saves time and effort.
Even Heat Distribution
Unlike gas burners that may offer uneven temperature distribution, an electric range provides consistently even heat. This ensures every part of your dish cooks at the same rate, improving the overall cooking results.
Updated Features and Technology
Digital Control Panel
Most electric ranges now incorporate digital control panels for accurate settings and better control over temperature. Plus, it gives a modern, sleek look to your kitchen.
Convection Oven
The convection oven feature in most high-end electric ranges is a game-changer. The fan in a convection oven distributes heat evenly, allowing food to cook faster and more uniformly. Baking and roasting have never been better!
Cons of the Best Electric Range
High Initial Cost
The feature-packed nature of the most efficient electric ranges results in a high upfront cost. While this might put off some consumers, it’s important to remember that you’re also paying for quality and durability.
Power Consumption
Electric ranges tend to use more energy than their gas counterparts. This is especially true for models with highly advanced features. Therefore, you might notice a slight increase in your monthly energy bills.
Cooking Time
Electric ranges typically take more time to heat up and cool down than gas ranges. This means waiting a bit longer for the range to reach the desired temperature and also allowing extra time to cool down before cleaning.
Dependency on Electricity
Lastly, electric ranges are useless during a power outage. Unless you have a backup generator, there may be unexpected interruptions in using the range. Meanwhile, gas ranges can still function with a match or lighter during a blackout.
Installation Requirements
The best electric ranges often call for specific electrical wiring and outlets, which can add to the initial cost. It’s crucial to ensure that your home's electrical system can support your electric range before installation.
Summary
So there you have it, when it comes to choosing the best electric range, it's all about size, design, features, and of course, performance. High precision cooking, energy efficiency, and advanced features like self-cleaning are all important considerations for any home cook. At the end of the day, whether you go for a slide-in model or a freestanding one, the best electric range is the one that meets your cooking needs and fits perfectly into your kitchen setup.
Cooking fanatics and anyone who simply values convenience in the kitchen know how important having the best electric range is. From easy, accurate temperature control to multiple burners for multitasking, these ranges can make cooking a breeze. Just remember, just because it has a sleek design and impressive features doesn't mean it's the right fit for you. Analyze your cooking habits and needs before making a selection.
We've talked about what makes the best electric range, now it's your move. Remember, we are talking about a relatively expensive appliance that you'll be using almost daily. So, take your time in making a decision. It is crucial to make sure that the range you pick is the most functional and practical for you. After all, you don’t need a gourmet range to cook gourmet meals, you just need the best electric range for you.
About Sagan Electric
Meet Sagan Electric, your friendly neighborhood electricians straight out of Sacramento, CA. We bring a spark of innovation and an unbeatable commitment to quality, ensuring all your electrical needs are met with top-tier expertise. The heart of our company revolves around providing outstanding customer service, and ensuring that all your wiring, lighting, and general electric needs are dealt with swiftly and proficiently. We strive to illuminate your lives in the safest and most efficient way possible, because here at Sagan Electric, we truly believe in energy that works for you.
Tags: cooking, kitchen appliances, electric stoves,
