- If you haven't shopped for a range in 10-plus years, a lot has changed with new double-oven ranges, induction and controlling your oven via smartphone
- Before you shop for a range, several factors should be considered to help ensure your selection fits your lifestyle
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Sept. 26, 2013 --- (NYSE: GE) --- The range is where magic often happens in the home. It's the central appliance in many kitchens, setting the stage for meals---from Monday night's rushed dinner to a Thanksgiving feast. Buying a new range is an important process most consumers face at some point, and choosing the right type of range from a plethora of options can make cooking a snap or have you pulling out your hair.
When deciding on the right range or wall oven, keep in mind the following considerations:
- Size
- Heat (electric or gas)
- Price range
- Your cooking habits
- How often do you entertain
- Technology preferences
- Style
- Finish or colors
Start with the basics: size, heat and price
Ranges fit a variety of kitchens. They can fit in a space with a width as small as 24" and can fill a space as large as 48", but the standard, free-standing range found in most homes is 30" wide. If you're simply replacing your current range, size is essentially already set in stone, whereas shoppers that are remodeling or building a new home have more flexibility.
Once you determine the size range you need, narrow your search by choosing gas (natural or liquid propane) or electric heat. With an electric range, you have the option of a smoothtop surface or traditional coils. A smoothtop surface provides ease of cleaning while traditional tends to be less expensive.
Instead of an electric range with a radiant smoothtop cooking surface or coils, a newer option is an induction cooking surface on top and an electric oven below. At 101 seconds, induction boils water very quickly. The range gives tremendous control and is easy to clean when you're finished cooking.
Determining a budget is always an important step in the shopping process. Manufacturers such as GE offer many different ranges available in models such as GE®, Profile™, Café™ and Monogram™, meaning you have an option depending on the price range you seek. Monogram is best if you're looking for top-tier luxury. If you want a restaurant-inspired, high-end range, check out the Café line, and if contemporary design speaks to you, the Profile series might suit your tastes. A unique, new choice from GE is the affordable Artistry™ line, a stylishly sensible option with design emphasis placed on consumer touch points.
Focus on features: consider your routines and lifestyle
When deciding on your must-have range features, consider your lifestyle. Are you someone who cooks for a family or do you fly solo at dinnertime? Do you love baking? Are you a simple, let's sauté then eat kind of cook, or do you tend to be more adventurous? Do you entertain often? Is technology your friend or foe? Depending on your kitchen habits, you may want to explore feature-laden options.
Below are some ranges that could fit your technology preferences.
- Baking enthusiasts: Look for ranges with convection technology for more even baking. A side benefit ... cooking times are typically reduced by 25 percent.
- Time-clock keepers: Check out ranges with an induction cooktop. They heat up and cook fastest.
- Built-in griddles: Many gas ranges offer griddles that fit on the range top like grates, perfect for pancakes, eggs and bacon. GE's Chef's Griddle with inch-deep sides is ideal for stir fry.
- Crowd pleaser: Shop for double oven ranges that can bake dishes at two different temperatures at the same time. Delight your guests by serving dinner dishes all at one time instead of juggling, trying to keep the turkey warm while the rolls finish baking.
- Technology gurus: While you're range shopping, take a peek at GE wall ovens. The newest models come with Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you control your oven from anywhere in the home or yard.
Stake out style
GE's appliances are designed with style in mind. With so many options, how do you decide what's right for you? To begin, think about the finish. Imagine how different finishes will look next to your cabinets and in the kitchen's overall color scheme. GE's Slate premium finish is an appealing alternative to stainless steel, and complements many kitchen design themes. If you're looking for a color, many GE ranges are available in a variety of other finishes, including stainless, white and black.
When considering how a range will look in your kitchen, also think about your design style. Is your kitchen style minimal, traditional or transitional? Shop for appliances that will complement your décor, not divert from it. In terms of range format, you can choose from free-standing, slide-in or drop-in ranges. The latter two will have a more custom look than the traditional free-standing range. See the difference by using the Shop by Range Installation guide.
Choosing a range that fits your lifestyle can modernize cooking in ways you might not imagine. Let this shopping guide help you revive cooking in your kitchen.
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GE Appliances
GE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people's lives. GE Appliances' products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.
Kim Freeman
GE Consumer & Industrial - Americas
[email protected]
502-452-7819