New Range

Sara Rodriguez
by Sara Rodriguez
I need a new stove. I've had my current stove since 1992 and it's outdated and the oven is not heating. The stove is 30" wide and I also have an over the counter microwave. I have no budget for this stove and do not like credit. I would like a conventional, self cleaning oven with this stove and at least four burners. I also like to grill indoors. I want a white stove. What do you suggest?
  27 answers
  • Z Z on Oct 28, 2012
    No suggestion on what to buy, but I wouldn't recommend an indoor grill on your stove. We have a modular cooktop with a grill and though I love the idea it's a pain in the neck to keep clean. Ofcourse ours is black so the only products that actually cut the grease also mess with my allergies. As for not having a budget and not wanting to charge there's not much other choice since I've never heard of putting a stove on layaway. You might want to check a used appliance store until you can put enough aside to buy new.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Oct 28, 2012
    Whirlpool are the best and most reasonable. Whirlpool is known under Estates which both are very reasonable. Jen-air is a top brand.I would tell you never to buy a product that has all the bells and whistles that hasn't been out for more than a year. It takes that long to get out all the kinks. Used appliances are a very good option for people who are on a budget. Check the better business before dealing with a used business. Whirlpool is the brand I would stick with. You can get great deals on used appliances always ask for a warranty if they don't give one don't buy it. If you buy used from someone take a thermometer check the temperature look for cleanliness make sure no rodents have been in it. Used is great as long as your careful. Jen- air also has a grill. It is easy to clean the vents. I was in the appliance repair business with my husband until his death. For over 20 yrs. we also had a used appliance store we only sold certain products because they held up better. All appliances have a life expectancy. Whirlpool has a higher one than most along with Jen-Air. But as time goes on appliances life expectancy gets less and less. .
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Oct 28, 2012
    One more thing...make sure the clock works. The price is higher to replace the clock than to replace the range,
  • Barbara P Barbara P on Oct 28, 2012
    I had a stove that we bought in 1977, my hubby put a new oven element in , and worked like a charm, was a self cleaner , that is a lot cheaper
  • Warren G. Warren G. on Oct 28, 2012
    Well My suggestion is to save and get the element repaired in the oven. And self cleaning cost you in electricity and cost of purchase, so you pay twice for it. Save your money and use some of the suggestions on Hometalk for cleaning your oven. Also they make several different brands of table top grills that are electric, my Father has one and it cooks very well. You would be surprised, they cost under $50.00.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 28, 2012
    The average life span of appliances is 12-15 years, so I suggest to look to the future. Besides the normal wear and tear on appliances, much of their value these days is on technology -- not only on how well they perform, but how energy efficient they are. I suggest you strongly weigh repair costs to the actual value of the unit. As for what to buy next? Oh my.. your options are vast! What is most important to know first is, what is your budget exactly? without knowing that.. I would have a near impossible time offering guidance. Think about appliances like a car.. they are an investment and you need them to be dependable. But before you shop -- you typically know your budget and which showroom your going to visit. Everyone has a budget.. the key is getting the biggest bang for your buck :)
  • Z Z on Oct 28, 2012
    Oh gosh I forgot to ask if your stove is electric. I realized the photo is electric, but it's a stock photo. That was my first thought. I'm glad @Barbara P brought that up. An electric appliance life expectancy can be extended by replacing the elements. Same with an electric drier. @Warren G.'s idea of a counter top grill is a great one too. My Mom had one that had a place for water in the basin which made for very easy clean up since any grease floated in the water. That's the reason I wanted a grill on my cook top. I was greatly disappointed. I have been able to keep mine clean, but it's no where near as easy to clean as the counter top one was. If you are able to repair or save by buying used for now, get yourself a jug and start saving all your change. That's how I used to save for special things I wanted.
  • Barbara P Barbara P on Oct 28, 2012
    of course my hubby did all the repairs and saved us money, but he is no longer with us now so have to hire someone to repair, he passed on 4 years ago
  • Barbara P Barbara P on Oct 28, 2012
    I had that range for 25 years, was a GE
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 29, 2012
    @Barbara - I grew up in Marquette! Remember Rajala's Kitchens? :)
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 29, 2012
    @Designs by BSB : Do you know any mid-range stoves that have analog controls? All these digital read-outs ruin the mid-century vibe I am trying to capture.
  • Z Z on Oct 29, 2012
    @Douglas Hunt do you live in an MCM home? I love MCM. If you do I'd love to see photos of your home.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 29, 2012
    I do, @Z It was built in 1960. Here are a couple of photos.
  • Z Z on Oct 29, 2012
    Oh WOW @Douglas Hunt! What a lovely MCM home you have. The living room furnishings are awesome. I guess growing up in that era surrounded by that style is why I love it so much. Brings back wonderful childhood memories. I'm sure you'd love some of the pieces I've found over the years. Just three that I feel are prized possessions though. The Lane Acclaim coffee table and student desk and the Broyhill Brasilia dresser. Though I wouldn't use it's mirrors over it since it's in my Lady's Parlor, I do wish I had them.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 29, 2012
    @Douglas Hunt great home! Sorry no-- the only analog controls are in low end or real high end that I know of. crazy!
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 29, 2012
    @Douglas Hunt you need to check out Big Chill or Smeg appliances :)
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 30, 2012
    Thanks, @Z Your Broyhill Brasilia is definitely a prize. Did you know Broyhill is coming out with a new line similar to Brasilia? It's called Mardella. @Designs by BSB : Thanks. I actually recently visited the Smeg showroom in New York. They have gorgeous appliances. But have they been around long enough to have any idea about their quality?
  • Z Z on Oct 30, 2012
    No I didn't @Douglas Hunt. I'll have to keep my eye out for that. Thanks for the heads up!
  • Z Z on Oct 30, 2012
    I just Googled it and WOW I love it! I'm sure they'll find that was a very wise more for them as it's such a popular style "find" these days. I wonder how well they are built. Have you seen any in person?
  • Becky H Becky H on Oct 30, 2012
    Wow @Douglas Hunt your yard is impecable!! Someone did a perfect job of trimming your palms!
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 31, 2012
    Sorry, I have not had a lot of experience with Smeg -- such a small elite client that is interested in such uniqueness! ~BeckySue
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 31, 2012
    @Z : No, I have not seen that line in person. I tend to buy vintage. @Becky H: That was when the yard went in a couple of years ago. There was nothing but sand and weeds when I bought the house. I really should take a new photo. Things have greatly filled in in that time.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Oct 31, 2012
    @Designs by BSB : I have never been accused of not having particular tastes!
  • Z Z on Oct 31, 2012
    I do the same when it comes to wood furniture too @Douglas Hunt. I just can't see spending good money on poorly made furniture. Plus I like the styles of the past better than what I've seen in the stores.
  • Sara Rodriguez Sara Rodriguez on Nov 08, 2012
    Gosh thanks for all the attention! Sherrie, you insight is helpful. I value your opinion because of your experience with appliance repairs and believe you probably do have a good idea about which brand outlasts the others. Beck Sue, I value your opinion because you are a certified specialist. What do I need? Well, I'm a busy person that likes to cook. In the winter I like to wake up in the morning and bake something that makes my house smell good all day. In the summer I cook late night dinners that are quick and easy, so a stove top grip comes in handy. I use an electric stove. I live in a townhouse and I want durability and low maintenance items. I am getting older and kneeling on the floor and scraping out the oven with oven cleaner fumes is not my cup of tea. Therefore, I think I'll go for self-cleaning. I may at some point in time, rent out my place and would like something economical that a tenant would have a difficult time damaging.
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Oct 20, 2015
    Craigslist.. I got a white slide in 5 burner, gas stove that though had to be cleaned is wonderful. I could not spend alot, I got it for 80.00. Keep an eye on Craigslist...I am a huge fan of it..
  • Sara Rodriguez Sara Rodriguez on Oct 21, 2015
    Thank you! I've had a new stove for a few months now and it's great! I love it.