Top 10 Rated Electric Ranges 2014
As we came up with a top 10 list of electric ranges, we considered several factors:1. Number and size of coil/radiant elements
2. Oven capacity and baking functions
3. Appearance and style
4. Ease of use and cleaning
5. Cooking power of stovetop
Electric Ranges Buying Guide
Best Features to Look For in a Gas or Electric Range
Some of the most expensive range models highlight their many special features and design qualities. It’s your job to know which features are truly useful or necessary in your kitchen and which are extraneous. Getting the most out of your range is a simple matter of determining which features are worth the extra cost. Here’s a guide to some of the range factors you should consider while doing your shopping.Convection oven
Many top models, both gas and electric, offer convection heating in their ovens. If you like the way convection ovens seal in flavor and give food a crispy texture, you’ll appreciate this feature. Additionally, it cuts down on baking time—always a handy benefit.
Digital display
Found on all but the most basic ranges, a digital display shows the cook time, temperature, and other helpful information. This display isn’t imperative, but it’s a convenience many people find worth the price.
If you frequently bake several dishes at once, you should look into a range with two ovens. One is typically larger than the other, but you can rearrange the racks in either oven to maximize your baking space and prepare two or more food items simultaneously.
A range should have at least one burner or element with a minimum of 15,000 BTUs. At this high heat, you can boil, sear, and fry foods efficiently and quickly, even in large quantities.
Hot surface indicator light
If you have a smooth cooktop surface, it’s especially important to have a hot surface indicator lest you unwittingly burn your hand.
Control lockout
Some electric models have a button that disables the console after you’ve set the controls. If the control panel is located at the front of the range instead of the back, you should spring for this option. If you have children with wandering fingers, a control lock is especially useful and safe.
Simmer burner
For sauces that require delicate heating, you may be happiest with a low-power burner specially designed for simmering. However, most ranges can handle simmering well without the low-power feature.
Recessed cooktop
Cleaning up spills is much easier with a lip around the cooktop to prevent drips.
Multiple rack positions
Four or five rack positions are the most ideal for fitting a variety of pans, from narrow to large, into the oven. Whatever your oven capacity, you want to maximize the space to make baking more efficient.
This is a feature that is convenient only to an extent. It’s never advisable to leave an oven on unattended, and you want to leave food sitting cold in the oven for only a short period of time.
Coils vs. smoothtops
With an electric range, you’ll find either coils or a smoothtop. Coils are more durable but take extra scrubbing to clean; they’re found almost exclusively on the least expensive models. A smoothtop is relatively easy to clean with a specially designed detergent; however, it’s more susceptible to cracks and other damage should a heavy pot fall on it. Smoothtops on many top models have expanding elements to heat up either small or large pans.
Warming drawer
Some models offer a warming drawer to keep dishes from cooling or drying out. It’s a useful feature when you’re cooking a lot of dishes for a party or a big Thanksgiving meal.
INDUCTION COOKTOPS: 24 ELECTRIC COOKTOPS
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