Self cleaning ovens with hidden bake element

[mrb627]

GE Ranges

I have been looking at the GE Ranges, myself. My Kenmore Elite is about on its last legs. Ideally, I would prefer to go the induction route and eliminate the gas. But that may not be cost effective.

Thanks for posting the pics and your impressions.

Malcolm

 

[iheartmaytag]

Having only had it for two weeks I have not had much chance to use the warming drawer except yesterday.
It came in handy keeping things warm while others were baking, however, it is a little small to use for anything with any depth.

The two front burners are multi-sized. The one on the left has two sizes and has a power boil feature that gets water going quickly. It is supposed to allow the temperature to go higher for a certain amount of time longer before the thermal limiter kicks in. The one on the right has three rings 13, 8, 6, and is certified to handle a pressure canner up to 100 lbs.

Mrb--I wanted an induction burner too, but my checkbook said no as it was almost double the cost of this range. I am going get a counter top induction unit at a later date to use with my Iron cookware and deep frying, as you can precisely control the temp of the oil I've been told.

I have been very happy with the performance so far. I was a little worried at first, but the more I use it, the more at ease I become.

I always have used Cook's Smooth top cleaner, but this range was packaged with Crema Brite (I think that's how it was spelled). The cleaners are supposed to leave a protective coating that will help condition the top and prevent nasty spills from sticking. The black top left the house looking as good as it did the day it was new. So far the white top has cleaned up very well, but there haven't been any boil overs--Yet. Main thing with any smooth top, careful of sugary spills and acid spills. They will permanently damage the top.

 

[DADoES]

Steam Clean Ovens

 
I've run across complaints that the steam clean process doesn't do anything useful but maybe that depends on the soiling level.

 

[iheartmaytag]

depends on the soiling level.

This is what I was told when purchasing as well. One reason for choosing this range over the Whirlpool sourced units (Maytag) was you have the option of High heat cleaning for severe messes. The aqua-lift units did not offer the high heat option.

I did the steam last night as a touch up hoping to prevent a massive cleaning. Let's see what happens the first time a cherry pie boils over.

 

[DADoES]

 
Ohhh.  Steam cleaning and AquaLift are different methods.  The complaints I've read apparently are targeted to the AquaLift models.

 

[iheartmaytag]

GE's steam clean cycle is much like the Whirlpool system. You pour a cup of distilled water in the well at the bottom of the oven. Set the Steam cycle and 30 minutes later it tells you to wipe oven. You wipe up the excess water on the floor and I basically dried the oven with a towel.

Like I said the oven wasn't too bad, but had some ham splatters etc that just curled up and wiped right off.

The Aqua-lift system is similar but they have a propitiatory coating that is supposed to lift off the stains in the presence of water. They do not have the high heat option for bad stains.

I felt this was a devolution of the self-clean process, but do like the ability to touch up without having to heat up the kitchen and use the electricity.

 

[mitch]

That is slick!

I would think the steam would help a lot!

Thanks for the recommendation on a stove top cleaner--will give that a try.

 

[iheartmaytag]

It has been a month

We made it through a holiday dinner, and I must say I love the new stove. Cooks perfectly, browns evenly, temperature is on point. Easy clean up.

I had my Maytag for 17 years and was never unhappy with it, however, the last few years it got to be a little hard to live with at times. But, the performance between the two is very noticeable , all in the GE's favor.

Only major getting used to point is the surface controls. The multi size burners on the front use a split control for the unit, if you are not careful and pay close attention you can edge it from low on the smaller size to high on the larger sized surface unit. There is a click when it makes the jump, but If you don't pay attention, as I did not, you can end up with scorched Good Friday Salmon Patties.

Did a batch of banana oatmeal cookies tonight, new recipe--next time I will cook a little longer. But did four racks at one time, all came out in about 15 minutes. Preheat time is a little slower as discussed, but is not a major show stopper.

One thing I must definitively mention, the wonderful, understanding people on GE's website. They took all the questions that a slightly neurotic, OCD person that just spent a lot of money could come up with, and answered them all completely, honestly, and welcomed you to ask more. My hats off to them and Dear Donna at Sear's Towne West for a great buying experience.

 

[mitch]

Glad to hear you like it!

I know what you mean about those multi-sized burners and making sure you have the correct section selected .

Mitch