Need a new range

[lorainfurniture]

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.

 

[combo52]

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.

 

[ea56]

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

 

[lorainfurniture]

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.

 

[washman]

<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>

 

[panthera]

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.

 

[earthling177]

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.

 

[laundromat]

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.