Buying A Stove? AVOID THIS BRAND (and Get This Instead!)

Choosing a new stove can be a big decision for your home. It's not just about cooking; it's about making memories and finding a reliable appliance that will last. This guide will help you understand the different types of stoves, what features really matter, and which brands tend to be the most dependable, so you can pick the best one for your kitchen.

Electric Ranges: Glass Top and Coil Top

When it comes to electric ranges, you'll mostly find glass-top or coil-top models. Many years ago, people thought glass-top stoves were a nightmare to fix and broke all the time. But that's not really true anymore. Most stoves, including glass tops, are pretty reliable, often lasting 10 to 15 years.

Features That Matter (And Don't)

One of the most important things to think about is features. It's easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles, but extra features often mean extra cost and more things that can break. For example, Wi-Fi connectivity might sound cool, but do you really need your stove to connect to the internet? Sometimes, brands charge hundreds more for this, while others, like LG, include it for free. But seriously, how smart does your stove need to be?

What really matters are features like:

• A large oven

• A double oven

• Large capacity burners

• Convection oven (often called "air fryer" now, but it's the same thing and usually cheaper if it's just called "convection")

Adding too many complex features, especially those that rely on advanced control boards, can lead to expensive repairs down the road. If a control board fails, it can be very costly to replace, or sometimes the part isn't even available anymore. Look for stoves with physical knobs that feel smooth to turn. If a stove relies entirely on a touch screen for controls, that's another point of failure that can be very expensive to fix.

Recommended Electric Models

For glass-top stoves, GE is a good choice. The GE JBS60RKSS is a solid, affordable option. If you can spend a bit more, the GE JB735SPSS has a convection fan, which is the same as an air fryer but often costs less. The Frigidaire GCRE3060AF is another good model, even though it's labeled as an air fryer.

If you want a double oven, the LG LDE4413ST is an affordable model with physical controls. While LG's secondary relay boards can sometimes fail, they are usually cheaper and easier to replace than the main board.

Slide-in ranges tend to be more expensive, but if you're going for one, consider reliable brands like Bosch or Miele. They might cost more upfront, but their reliability can make up for it.

Overall Brand Reliability (Electric Stoves)

Based on experience and feedback from other technicians, here's a general ranking for electric stove brands:

1. GE

2. Bosch

3. LG

4. Frigidaire

Samsung stoves look nice but can be less reliable. Whirlpool is generally not recommended due to expensive and hard-to-replace parts. Hisense is a brand to watch; their smooth-top stoves have a low warranty failure rate, and future models might be great.

Gas Stoves

Gas stoves are often the most reliable appliance you'll buy for your kitchen. They are built to last. While there's been talk about gas bans, they are unlikely to be completely phased out, unless you live in certain areas like California.

Recommended Gas Models

Brand recommendations for gas stoves are similar to electric ones, but LG often has an edge because they make many of their own parts, leading to longer-lasting units. The LG LRGL5825F, Frigidaire FFGF3054TS, and GE JGBS66REKSS are all good models.

For high-end gas stoves, Thermador and Viking are top choices in the U.S. They are expensive, and parts can be costly, but they can last two or three times longer than other brands.

If you need a budget gas stove, the Hotpoint RGBS3000 is a very basic but well-built option with just five knobs and no extra features.

Venting for Gas Stoves

It's important to remember that gas stoves produce particles like nitrogen dioxide. Good ventilation is key. If you have a ducted range hood that vents outside, that's best. If not, make sure your non-ducted hood has an activated charcoal filter. If you can't have a vent, a small air purifier with an activated charcoal filter, like a Levoit Mini Air Purifier, can help circulate air.

Induction Ranges

Induction stoves are very efficient and good for the environment, but they can have issues with part failures. Many induction ranges have multiple large circuit boards that control several burners, and these boards can be very expensive to replace (hundreds to over a thousand dollars).

If possible, consider getting an induction cooktop instead of a combined range (cooktop and oven). If an individual cooktop breaks, it's often easier and cheaper to replace just that part. Brands like Empava offer cooktops with individual generator boards for each burner, which is a big advantage for repairs.

Recommended Induction Models

If you must have an induction range, Bosch or Miele are generally the best, though they are expensive. A Bosch 800 series induction range might not be much more than a mid-range GE or Whirlpool.

For a cheaper induction range, a Samsung model around $1,000 might seem like a good deal. While Samsung isn't always the most reliable, you could buy several of these for the price of one Bosch or Miele, and it might balance out in the long run.

Coil-Top Stoves

Coil-top stoves are less common now. While they are durable, especially for landlords who worry about glass breaking, they often feel cheaply made. The Hotpoint RBS160D is a better option if you want a coil-top stove. As long as you don't put heavy objects directly on a glass-top stove, it should be fine.

Wall Ovens

Wall ovens are generally more expensive to repair because technicians have to remove the unit to diagnose it. This can add $100-$200 to a service call. So, it's worth investing in a quality brand.

GE, Miele, and Bosch are top choices for wall ovens. They've been making ovens for a long time, and their quality can save you money on service calls. The higher-end Cafe line from GE is also good. Empava units are a good moderate-to-low-end option, often coming with a longer warranty, which suggests the company believes in their durability. For commercial-grade baking, Viking ovens are excellent, though very expensive.

Microwaves

Here's a little secret about microwaves: most of them, regardless of the brand name (GE, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Maytag, Sharp, etc.), are made by the same company, Midea. The only major exceptions are Samsung and LG.

When buying a microwave, focus on the features you need and don't overpay for "smart" features that add complexity. The biggest tip for microwave reliability is to never open the door while it's running. The door switches handle a lot of power, and opening the door prematurely causes sparks and damage. If you need to stop it, turn it off first. This simple habit can save you from common and expensive door switch repairs.