An electric range is a kitchen appliance that uses electricity to heat up and cook food. It typically consists of a cooktop with heating elements and an oven for baking or roasting. Electric ranges are popular because they are easy to use, efficient, and provide consistent heat. They also tend to be safer than gas ranges because there is no open flame, and they are easier to clean because there are no grates or burners to remove. However, they may require a higher initial investment and can take longer to heat up and cool down compared to gas ranges.
Here are some additional points about electric ranges:
- Electric ranges can be powered by either 240 volts or 120 volts, with the former being more common in modern homes.
- Electric ranges come in a variety of styles, including freestanding, slide-in, and drop-in, each with its own installation requirements and design features.
- The heating elements on an electric range can be made of either coiled metal or smooth glass ceramic, with the latter being easier to clean and more aesthetically pleasing.
- The oven on an electric range can be conventional or convection, with the latter using a fan to circulate hot air for more even cooking.
- Some electric ranges feature additional cooking modes, such as a warming drawer or a fast preheat function.
- When purchasing an electric range, it’s important to consider factors such as size, power, and features to ensure that it meets your cooking needs and fits in your kitchen space.
Benefits of Electric Range:
There are several benefits to using an electric range in your kitchen:
- Easy to use: Electric ranges are straightforward to operate, with simple temperature controls and heating elements that heat up quickly and evenly.
- Safe: Electric ranges are generally considered safer than gas ranges, as there is no open flame, and the heating elements only produce heat when turned on.
- Energy-efficient: Electric ranges are generally more energy-efficient than gas ranges, as they convert more of the energy they consume into heat, and they do not lose heat through the venting process.
- Easy to clean: Electric ranges are generally easier to clean than gas ranges, as there are no grates or burners to remove, and the smooth surface of the heating elements makes it easier to wipe away spills and splatters.
- Versatile: Electric ranges come in a variety of styles, sizes, and configurations, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your cooking needs and kitchen space.
- Consistent cooking results: Electric ranges provide consistent heat, which can help ensure that your food cooks evenly and is not over or undercooked.
- No need for gas hookup: If your home is not equipped with a gas line, an electric range is a convenient option, as it only requires an electrical outlet to function.
- Reduced risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: Since electric ranges do not emit gas fumes or carbon monoxide, they are safer to use in poorly ventilated spaces, which can help protect you and your family from the risks associated with gas ranges.
- More precise temperature control: Electric ranges provide precise temperature control, which can be beneficial when cooking dishes that require exact cooking temperatures or when using specialized cookware, such as induction cookware.
- Quieter operation: Electric ranges tend to be quieter than gas ranges, as they do not produce the hissing or clicking sounds that are typical of gas burners.
- Lower installation costs: Unlike gas ranges, electric ranges do not require a gas line to be installed, which can help lower the overall installation costs and make them a more affordable option for homeowners.
- Flexibility: Electric ranges can be installed in a wider range of locations than gas ranges, as they do not require a vent to exhaust fumes, which can be helpful in spaces where venting is difficult or impossible.
- No pilot light: Unlike gas ranges, electric ranges do not have a pilot light, which can save you money on your energy bill and help reduce the risk of accidental fires.
- Child safety features: Many modern electric ranges come with child safety features, such as automatic shut-off and lockout functions, which can help keep children safe when in the kitchen.
10 Best Electric Ranges:
Here are 10 of the best electric ranges currently available, along with their specifications and prices (as of February 2023):
- Samsung NE63T8711SS: This 30-inch electric range features a true convection oven with a built-in air fryer, a flexible cooktop with five heating elements, and a Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen control panel. It costs around $1,599.
- GE JB735SPSS: This 30-inch electric range features a convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five burners, and a built-in storage drawer. It costs around $999.
- LG LREL6325F: This 30-inch electric range features a fan convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a storage drawer. It costs around $1,299.
- KitchenAid KFEG500ESS: This 30-inch electric range features a convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a storage drawer. It costs around $1,299.
- Frigidaire FGEH3047VF: This 30-inch electric range features a true convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a built-in air fryer. It costs around $1,799.
- Bosch HEI8056U: This 30-inch electric range features a convection oven, a smooth-top cooking surface with five heating elements, and a warming drawer. It costs around $1,299.
- Whirlpool WFE535S0JS: This 30-inch electric range features a fan convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a storage drawer. It costs around $999.
- Maytag MER8800FZ: This 30-inch electric range features a true convection oven, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a storage drawer. It costs around $1,299.
- Electrolux EI30EF45QS: This 30-inch electric range features a convection oven, a smooth-top cooking surface with five heating elements, and a warming drawer. It costs around $1,799.
- LG LSE4616ST: This 30-inch electric range features a slide-in design, a ceramic glass cooktop with five heating elements, and a convection oven with a built-in air fryer. It costs around $2,999.
It’s important to note that the specific features and prices of each electric range will vary, so be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
