Need a new range

[jp10558]

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.

 

[coldspot66]

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.

 

[ea56]

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

 

[appnut]

GE & Whirlpool $584 ranges on sale at Lowes are both similar & comparable. 

 

[lorainfurniture]

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,

 

[ea56]

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

 

[lorainfurniture]

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.

 

[panthera]

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.

 

 

[neptunebob]

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!

 

[ea56]

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

 

[jp10558]

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.

 

[hunter]

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.

 

[washman]

Also the Premier ranges don't have a clean cycle, from what I read, you clean it the old fashioned way.

 

[hunter]

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.

 

[appnut]

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. 

 

[lorainfurniture]

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.

 

[lorainfurniture]

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.

 

[jp10558]

One more question - why do I want the broiler in the oven? All the stoves I've ever had had the broiler in the door under the oven.

 

[goatfarmer]

A name from the past, that's still around.

Brown Stove Works - Quality Cooking Appliances

Discover our American-made cooking appliances since 1935. Explore our wide range of electric and gas ranges, wall ovens, and built-in cooktops. We are the leading stove range manufacturer in the United States, committed to quality and exceptional customer service for over 8 decades.

www.brownstoveworksinc.com