15 replies to this topic

[Suzanne F]

There is no question but that I MUST replace my stove before it kills us.

There is, however, a question as to how long we might stay in our apartment. I really don't want to sell and move, but may have to. Or not. At this point, we don't know. The whole thing gives me agita.

So: I need a stove that I can stand to use possibly for the rest of my life, but that won't mean I threw my money away if we do sell. That means it has to be better than the Magic Chef POS that came with the place in 1980, and also better than the Maytag that I replaced it with in 1996, but doesn't have to be the stove (or cooktop+separate oven) of my dreams. I can probably do with a floor sample.

Requirements are:

• Gas
• 30 inches wide
• Presentable to a buyer who will throw it out when completely renovating the kitchen after purchase
• Cheap(ish), i.e., not what I deserve

Preferences:

• NO sealed burners (zealous cleaning means they don't just become unsealed; they spew gas all around the actual vents
• At least one high-BTU burner
• Good broiling capability

Things I don't care about:

• Self-cleaning or not
• Color
• Sabbath feature (nice when oven-drying vegetables, but not essential)

Every day I fear for our lives (and fear the wrath of our neighbor, who has already complained about the gas smell leaking into his kitchen). But I am too upset about the whole thing to think clearly. Help, please. TIA!

[Lippy]

You night want to ask Bloviatrix, who recently bought a new range, I think.

[Stone]

There was this stove recommendation in the dishwasher thread, although the link no longer works.

[Eatmywords]

Hi Susan, what’s the budget? Do you want professional grade i.e Vulcan, Wolf, Blue Star, 5Star, Thermador, Capital, DCS etc or more consumer basic GE, Bosch, Maytag, Amana etc?

For resale buyers are always looking for stainless steel. I would start there

Really on the unsealed burners? I understand the flame on the unsealed can produce stronger and more even heat but sealed much easier to clean - a more apt feature for home use?

When buying consider Number1Direct In my research their pricing has edged the comps on just about everything I’ve checked. Good response time on customer service and no tax and shipping to NYC too.

I’ve been looking at stoves as well I want something a little bigger for our new place. I’m just about set on a 48" Five Star with 6 sealed burner and double ovens. For what we need the value and setup will work well for us. (And Rick Bayless endorses them…. ).

[GordonCooks]

What's the price range for cheapish? I usually put Maytag/Amana in my rentals (600.00-700.00) - very durable, stainless for a few $$ more, 1 high BTU and 1 simmer, self cleaning, etc.

Also, maybe a good used? You may be able to get something for your old one in trade.

[memesuze]

I put in a GE Profile SS Dual Fuel free-standing range in my new kitchen, and am very happy with it. Price has gone up some - US Appliance has it for $2200. That may be more than you want to spend.

[Suzanne F]

Thanks, all, so far. Keep those cards and letters coming.

In response:

• $2200? Um, no way.
• My current stove has no blue book value, I'm sure: it is 16 years old, burnt in places (don't ask), neither the ignition nor the broiler work, and the oven is iffy. Oh, and the "sealed burners" have gaping holes in them from overzealous work by my cleaner. (So much for being "easy to clean.") But thanks for the recommendation (although current one is a Maytag and it only had maybe 10 good years when new; I might need something for 20+ years, if I live that long). Maybe could get used; would have to look carefully.
• What I want bears no relation to what I should get. Anyone who buys the place will rip it out anyway and do a whole renovation on the kitchen. And I will have to pay as little as possible since the whole point of selling is that we come off with a big chunk o' change. But I'll check out that source, thanks.

See, it's a Catch-22: I'll be wasting money if I buy something good and we sell; but I could be stuck for a POS if we don't. (Unless I can buy a POS and trade it in later. )

[Orik]

Buy something you're happy with and then state the buyer has to pay for it or you're taking it with you?

[Eatmywords]

Yea, sellers do that often. If not I hear the no frills GE’s are pretty good. This 30" GE 4 burner for $650 might suit you. Another $65 gets you an extra burner which I’m sure you’d make great use of. Both sealed though.

[Suzanne F]

Buy something you're happy with and then state the buyer has to pay for it or you're taking it with you?

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

[Rail Paul]

Buy something you're happy with and then state the buyer has to pay for it or you're taking it with you?

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

Sears often has excellent prices on a wide range of makers (GE, Frigidaire, Kenmore, etc). They don't carry the top lines like Dacor, Paykel, etc, but their deals can be impressive. Deep discounts on sale stuff, then they'll offer another 10% if you take out their credit card, and they'll give you a $50 gift certificate. Free delivery, setup, and removal too, at least in NJ.

[AaronS]

our new apartment came with a frigidaire that meets your criteria and is better than the cheap stoves in the last two places I've lived.

it's stainless steel and looks nice enough.

no model designation that I can see.

[AaronS]

eta: I don't think we got the user's manual but I don't think it self cleans or has a sabbath feature.

[Suzanne F]

eta: I don't think we got the user's manual but I don't think it self cleans or has a sabbath feature.

That's okay; those are features I don't care about.

(It's interesting to see how people are--or are not--reading the OP.)

[AaronS]

right, I figured the stove would be cheaper without those features.

also I guess I should add that I'd be shocked if my landlord paid more than he had to for something.