Best Electric Range Buying Guide

For the avid cook or baker, a kitchen oven and range is a must. They are a modern addition to any kitchen. Electric ranges provide the best possible culinary experience whether you're an amateur inspired by baking shows, or culinary school certified.

The benefit of an electric range over a gas range is that the heat is even and constant. It's provided by electric coils instead of a gas flame, making for an easy-to-use cooking experience. If you see the word "range" and "stove" used as you begin your kitchen appliance shopping experience, that's okay.

Most of us say "range" and "stove" interchangeably even though a range is technically a unit with both a stove on top and an oven below. If you see something listed as a stove and it has an oven attached, that's just us knowing you probably want to call it a stove, and we're not going to stop you.

How to Buy an Electric Range

Before buying your first electric range, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. For example:

• What do I use my range for most when cooking?
• How many people in my household will be using my electric range?
• Where in my kitchen will I install it?
• Do I want a freestanding electric range?
• Will I install my electric range between cabinets?
• Will I need installation assistance?
• How many ovens will I need? Do I need a single oven or double oven range?
• What type of power outlets are available in my kitchen?
• What's my budget?

Once you have a solid understanding of how and where you'll be using your new electric range stove, then you can begin browsing and researching with a plan. At Sam's Club, we offer a variety of models and brands at exclusive prices to our members. While shopping, you should look for a few determining factors tied directly to your answers to the above questions. These include but are not limited to:

• Cost
• Size
• Utility
• Features and Special Modes
• Voltage required
• Style
• Materials (like stainless steel)
• Ease of use (including clean-up)

What Types of Ranges Can I Choose From?

When considering an electric range stovetop, there are a variety of styles and designs to choose from. These include:

Smoothtop

This style is characterized by the smooth ceramic glass cooktop that sits above the heating elements. A sensor will tell you when the burners are on and hot -- which is important because these burners won't always glow red when turned to low heat. Some smoothtop electric ranges will scratch easily and require special cleaning care.

Electric Coil

Perhaps the most immediately recognizable electric range stove top, this style has electric coils that heat directly after converting the energy to heat. These coils can sometimes tilt, meaning the pans and pots won't heat evenly.

Induction Cooktop

Special burners in this style of electric range heat from converting electromagnetic energy. These stovetops are unique in that they don't use electric coils or gas flames to create heat. They react with cookware that has magnetic elements in it, making the safest of all options in this guide. Of course, that means you have to make sure you have all the right cookware in your kitchen to use it.

Comparing to Other Fuel Types

There are, of course, not only electric range stoves to choose from. There are also other models according to fuel type:

• Gas ranges: A stovetop and oven unit that is powered by gas. For the stovetop, each burner is a small metal frame with an open gas flame beneath it that heats your pans. While the stovetop is known for providing a constant temperature on the burners, it also takes much longer to boil large pots of water and the ovens are known for producing uneven bakes.
• Dual fuel source: Slightly more expensive than a single-source range, a dual fuel source unit uses gas power for the stovetop and electric for the oven, combining the best of both worlds.

It's worth noting that sometimes, like in the case of the dual fuel source units, the oven may not use the same fuel source as the stovetop. In some cases, it may be a true convection oven, in addition to using either gas or electricity.

What to Know: Freestanding vs. Slide-In vs. Drop-In Ranges

Each type of electric range can come in a variety of styles so that you can find the best fit for your kitchen. This is why you need to know where in your kitchen your appliance will fit, and how you plan on installing it. Different styles of ranges will need to be installed according to their make and model.

For example, the three different types of electric ranges are:

• Freestanding range: A freestanding electric is a unit that can be installed anywhere in your kitchen because it is entirely enclosed on all sides. It's functional on its own and doesn't require additional cabinetry or accessories to look cohesive in your kitchen. The controls are facing the user on a backguard behind the burners.
• Slide-in range: A slide-in electric range is made to fit within your cabinets and counters, so the back is left open so it can fit flush with your current setup. This is a front-control unit.
• Drop-in range: Similar to the slide-in unit, a drop-in electric range stovetop fits flush with all your current cabinetry with the addition of a bottom cabinet panel to make it look more seamless with the surrounding decor. Again, this is a front-control unit.

What Are the Best Stove Brands?

Sam's Club currently offers exclusive member-only deals on electric ranges from brands like LG and Samsung. These are alternatives to other brands like Frigidaire, Maytag, Kitchenaid, Bosch and GE Appliances.

How Big Are Electric Ranges?

Electric ranges vary in size, but for in-home use, they are generally between 30 and 36 inches wide. A range cooktop usually has 4 or 5 burners, with a larger range offering up to 6. A standard stove depth is about 25 inches, giving you just slightly less than that for the inside of your oven -- most likely about 3 cu ft . This depth will also affect your oven capacity, so if you need a bigger oven, then your range unit will also be larger.

Given these general measurements, you should measure for depth and width in whatever location you plan on installing the electric range. When considering a drop-in or slide-in range, you should also measure cabinet height so that the appliance sits flush with your countertops.

Features to Consider When Buying Electric Ranges

Electric ranges come with a variety of special features that may make them an even more seamless and enjoyable addition to your home. These include but are not limited to:

• Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity that will sync with your connected home devices.
• Convection fans in the back of ovens that help to circulate heat and air.
• Specialized cooking features like broilers or dehydrators.
• Any utility features like self-clean settings.
• Storage and warming pans which allow for the most efficient use of your oven.
• Temperature probes to monitor the internal temperature of your oven.
• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and black stainless steel

FAQ - Electric Ranges

What is an induction cooktop?

An induction cooktop converts electromagnetic energy into heat by reacting with magnetic elements in induction cookware.

Do you need a range hood for an electric stove?

Most residential kitchens aren't required to have a range hood for a stovetop, but you should check with your building and neighborhood requirements just in case. Many people place a matching microwave over their range instead of a hood.

What is a smoothtop?

This style of electric range stovetop is characterized by the smooth ceramic glass cooktop that sits above the heating elements.

What is an electric coil cooktop?

Electric coils convert electricity running through them into heat, heating whatever is sitting directly on top of them. This is a classic electric stovetop layout.

Which brand of electric range is best?

Sam's Club is pleased to offer several styles of electric range units from brands like LG and Samsung.

Do electric ranges come with power cords?

Depending on the type of electric range unit you decide upon, it may or may not come with a power cord. Most manufacturers choose not to include a power cord because of the voltage required for an electric range stovetop. You can purchase an adapter and cord for your electric range if you have an outlet with the correct voltage.

Does Sam's Club deliver and install electric ranges?

Sam's Club offers large kitchen appliance and installation to our members.