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jp10558

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Southern Tier, NY, USA
So my 17 yr old GE that came with the place now has a slow propane leak, and the repair person suggested that it's not really worth repairing. Given that, I'm looking at new propane ranges at 30" size. I'm not really sure if a new GE on sale from Lowes is the right answer or not. They do have a reasonable one for $539, though I can't tell if it actually has a broiler or not, and that would be a deal-breaker for me. Would a random new range tend to last about as long?

What's recommended? I have also looked at the "insane price" but claimed to be well made and performing Blue Star entry level open burner for ~ $3500 on ABT.com etc. However, unlike Speed Queen in washing machines, that's many times competitors prices, not just 30% higher, and I'm not looking to replace something that seemed to die somewhat quickly like the kenmore washing set. I don't know if there *is* a "Speed Queen for ranges" or if the lifetime difference would even make sense. 17 years is decent - if I got that out of every $600 range, I'd die before I broke even.

Anyway, I'm looking for something that will not die in 5 years, preferably last closer to the 17 or more years with minor repairs or no repairs, is propane, 30", has a broiler, and a largish oven.

I'd prefer to spend less in this current situation unless there was noticeable performance and reliability benefits - of which I'm unsure of in the "expensive" options. If I am paying "a lot", i.e. $700 or more, I'd want it noticeably better than the sale GE, if it's $2k or more I'd prefer made in the US, and designed to be repairable with parts available etc.

I guess either scare me off of the cheap range, or tell me why I should pay "big bucks" for a range.
 
The GE is good for the price as long as it has a self clean oven. Frigidaire gas sc ranges are good for the money. Electronic oven controls are a weak spot on Frigidaire ranges. Maytag/Whirlpool have a direct spark ignition system, which is very responsive. Click,click and the oven burner is lit. It is controlled by its own computer board,however.
 
Check out Premier Ranges. I happened to come across their products during some idle web surfing. They sell a basic 30" gas range that according to what read is ready for either nat gat or LP, with no conversion kit required. They do have boilers and are very reto looking in my opinion. And the are manufactured in Illinois.
Eddie

http://www.premierrange.com/index.php
 
Ge - jgb700 is a pretty good unit. It has a proper broiler (in oven), a small griddle, and self clean. It has a basic "glow style" ignitor, very easy to replace. I think it has all the ingredients to be a 15-20 year stove.

I don't really care for those premier ranges,
 
Eugene, I only know what I've read online about the Premier Ranges. Since I think you have more knowledge than I about them I'm curious what it is that you don't like about them? And is it only their gas ranges, or is it their electric ranges as well that you don't care for? I like the simplicity, retro look and the lower profile. But I wonder about them otherwise. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Eddie
 
The metal is thin, so much so that the tops crack, and rust prematurely. Also the electric ignition system runs off of batteries.

The fit and finish is just not good. It feels cheap, and looks cheap.

Worst of all, finding parts for it is the biggest pain in the ass.
 
Premier Ranges

I've installed quite of a few of their electric ranges in low-end of the range rentals. High turnover, no great interest in cleaning or care of the appliances by a never ending stream of high turnover renters.

They've held up just as well as the MOL GE and Whirlpool ranges.

 

I can't imagine the gas ranges would be much different - but doesn't Menards carry them? One could look at one.

 

Personally, I'd be comfortable buying one.

 
 
I would not buy Premier...

I know of a social program that has 2 side by side electric Premier ranges. I believe Premier does a lot of business with government and public housing, and the program is federally funded. That must be the reason the company is still in business. They may be 6 years old and look terrible, the oven is very inaccurate, the elements are slow and they give off much more heat than any other electric range. Oh, and they are VERY expensive, over $600 for a non self clean range (there must be discounts).

My mom has the GE Artistry gas range that she seems happy with for about $400 but it is kind of tinny and no self clean. But it did come with a broiler pan!
 
Thanks Eugene, Keven and Robert for your feedback on the Premier ranges. It's always good to hear what others that have first hand knowledge have to say. Like the old Packard ads used to say, "Ask the man that owns one".
Eddie
 
So it sounds like Premier is a bust, and looking online it didn't get good reviews really either.

In the GE vs Whirlpool at lowes, I wonder if anyone knows some details:

JGBS66REKSS was the model I was looking at from GE. I can't really see what I'm getting in the JGB700EEJES as recommended above for the additional $170. Maybe the broiler?

The Whirlpool WFG540H0ES is a little compelling because of the larger oven, though that one also doesn't look like it has a broiler?? Maybe the lowes web site just assumes you know all ranges have a broiler? I'm not too sure about the weird bent lower rack though, while it sort of might give you more room vertically, I personally would prefer a second "regular" rack. I guess I could buy one, or maybe save one from my old oven - are they generally a standard size / shape?

Thanks for any info on these. I do see there's apparently no love for the "expensive" models, and the main difference I see (aside from made in USA / China) between the ~$700 GE/Whirlpool and the BlueStar $3500 is open vs sealed burners, and I've used sealed burners for 17 years so probably not a really big deal. At least the specs on the site claim some pretty high BTUs on at least one burner even on the cheap ranges, and really - I have done fine with a basic "regular" burner forever anyway.
 
one of these

You might consider one of these:

http://uniqueoffgrid.com/

Fetchable through menards and they are quite reliable. They do not need electricity if there is no power, which is a selling point for me.

I've had one for a couple of years and like it a lot - mine's a 24" white one.
 
Also the Premier ranges don't have a clean cycle, from what I read, you clean it the old fashioned way.
 
Unique off grid

The unique off grid ones do not have clean cycle either - OTOH in my opinion it keeps the enamel from getting heat stressed. And it isn't that big of a deal just to clean manually - 15 minutes or so.
 
James, the model you're considering has a broiler, but it's below the oven in a separate drawer--like where storage drawers are now and where all gas broilers used to be before gas self cleanbing ovens.  It's not in the oven cavity.  Also, it only uses steam for "cleaning".  Not good.  the 700 gives you an 18,000 btu power burner vs. 15,000.  Also broiler in the oven cavity and self cleaning oven.  Everything else is pretty much the same between the two models. 
 
Appnut is right

The 700 has in oven broiler, better burners and proper self clean oven.

The s66 I believe has the broiler in the bottom, worthless steam clean feature, (it's actually not that bad) and wimpy burners.

It's definitely worth the extra $170 to go with the 700 series.
 
The whirlpool is a dsi ignition, it has a control board, dsi spark board, and a gas valve that is more like a solenoid than the traditional type. It's a bit more energy efficient, may even have a slightly more accurate oven. I don't think it's going to be a reliable oven in the long term.
 
Having the broiler in the oven is more convenient than getting on your knees to broil a steak. Ultimately it just a matter of preference.

The brown stove is kind of in the same boat as premier. Same battery ignition system and parts are difficult to source.

Difficulty of servicing is something you should consider when choosing an appliance. The ge parts network is big, and technicians can easily repair the few common wear parts.

Avoid frigidaire, they are garbage. Off brand stuff should be avoided due to parts sourcing. "Boutique appliances are a no no unless you have a good technician that is familiar with the unit you plan to buy.

At sub $800, really your only choices are ge, whirlpool, and, well, that's about it. If reliability is the main concern, that leaves only the ge unit.
 
Best 30" Self-Clean Gas Range

Its either GE- Hotpoint Or Whirlpool-Maytag, the GEs are built in Mexico, the WP products are built in Tulsa Oklahoma.

 

The GEs use hot surface igniter for the oven, these often have to be replaced if you use the oven at least a few times a week in less than ten years. The WP products use the more energy efficient faster igniting spark ignition for oven and broiler burners, this system is much more reliable overall, most ranges with it will never experience a problem in the 10-25 year life of the range.

 

Frigidaire is the only other brand that is even worth considering, but it is not as good as the two above. The Premiers are total junk in comparison.

 

I know you asked about Gas Ranges to be used on Propane and that is probably want you want or have to have, but keep in mind an electric range will be cheaper to operate, do a better job cooking in almost respects, keep the kitchen much cooler and last an average of about 5 years longer than a gas range.
 
I ditto John's recommendation for an electric range. If you've got the 220 electric line its much easier in the long run. I've cooked on both gas and electric over my life time. The older gas stoves were much better. The new electric ranges are very good, not as well made as older models, but still very good. But in the end it's a matter of preference, mine is for electric, but if I only had gas available I could do that too.
Eddie
 
I agree also with John regarding the electric range, but would disagree with him about the whirlpool direct spark ignition being a 20 year system.

Ge uses a hot surface ignition system, very basic, easy to repair, parts are cheap. You should expect to replace the igniter every 7 ish years. The system is tried and true, but is not as energy efficient as the dsi system.

An igniter repair by a tech will run you about $200 out the door. You could do it yourself for about $40.

The whirlpool dsi system is great. It preheats faster, more energy efficient (electric use), and I would bet it keeps a more accurate temperature than the old system. Reliability I can't say it's better than the old system. There are a few components to make the oven work, and are all subject to failure.

Dsi board is a $400 repair
Dsi valve is a $400 repair
If your lucky and it's just the igniter tip, you can get a away less than $200

It will likely need a repair in the 5-7 year range and when it breaks, it will be expensive.
 
<blockquote>
<a name="preview"></a><strong>A name from the past, that's still around.
</strong>

 

 

<strong>Had one of these in an apartment I rented in college. It was brown, color and name and it was as basic a stove you could get.</strong>

</blockquote>
 
Oh, for goodness sake

As much as I dislike Whirlpool, their gas ovens have reliable temperatures.

As to the ignition systems - if you don't worry about losing line voltage, it's nice not to have to replace batteries.

If, however, you'd have to put in an extra outlet, etc., then the battery systems have strong advantages.

As to the Premier being bad quality - that has not been my experience with the stoves we've had in the high-turnover rentals. We are, to be honest, not typical users.

 

I've replaced lots more GE ignition components than Whirlpool. There's definitely something to that.
 
Well, if we are even thinking about taking a look at high performance and things on the more expensive side, I would lose my card and reputation here if I failed to suggest forget anything propane and get yourself a decent induction range. It will have all the advantages of gas with all the advantages of smooth top glass (easy of cleaning, easy of use, speed, responsiveness etc).

When people remind you that you won't be able to cook if there's a power failure, you have at the very least a couple of options: you can keep a portable camping stove (one or two burners), like most people do, or you can tell them that's your chance to eat out and shut them up.

Good luck!
   -- Paulo.
 
Premiere. Gas

I sold numerous models of this brand and they are not reliable. They rust,they chip easily and are way overpriced. No self clean ovens and energy hogs due to pilot lights. GE or LG are much better quality and either more expensive or the same price. The LGs have a three level baked on ,blue porcelain interior and ,like the Frigidaires,have the thermal door seal on the oven frame,not on the door itself where you have to clean by hand the surrounding metal frame. That limits the life of the seal. The heat is mote evenly distributed and the LGS are available with true convection under $1000. The grates are more durable and the burners real precise on heat levels.Highly rated in CR with good frequency of repair records.
 

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