Buying guide for Best GE ranges
Whether you’re baking casseroles and brownies or frying up a steak, you need a high-quality range in your kitchen to make preparing all your favorite recipes as easy as possible. While there are plenty of options to choose from, GE makes some of the most feature-packed, innovative ranges on the market.
Because GE offers such a diverse line, there’s a model for every kitchen. You can choose from electric and gas options, as well as different installation styles to customize how the range looks in your kitchen. GE also offers ranges of different sizes, so you can find one that’s large enough to cook for one or a crowd. But more importantly, GE ranges have a variety of features that help make cooking quicker and easier, such as convection oven baking and induction stovetop cooking. Most models are easy to clean, too, so you don’t have to worry when splatters and drips occur.
Confused by all the choices? Our buying guide can help you select the best GE range for your kitchen. If you’re still unsure, we’ve included several product recommendations to get your shopping started.
Key considerations
Electric vs. gas
GE offers both electric and gas ranges. If you’re replacing an existing range, it’s best to stick to the fuel type you currently have. That’s because a gas range requires a natural gas or propane connection in your home. Electric ranges generally work in any kitchen as long as you have a 220-volt outlet in your kitchen. If you decide to switch from one fuel type to the other, you’ll need a licensed plumber or electrician to install new lines.
If you’re trying to decide between an electric and gas range, think about the type of cooking you do most often.
Electric: An electric range has an oven that maintains a more consistent temperature, which makes it ideal for baking.
Gas: A gas range has more precise and powerful burners on the cooktop, which is better for recipes that involved sauteing, boiling, simmering, and frying.
Dual fuel: If you have a gas line in your home, a dual fuel range provides the benefits of both gas and electric with a gas cooktop and an electric oven. You get speed and power in your gas stovetop and more precise, consistent baking in the electric oven. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more for a GE dual-fuel range.
Installation
GE offers ranges in several different installation styles. The one you choose will affect the range’s appearance in your kitchen.
Freestanding: These ranges can be installed in any spot in your kitchen because they have finished panels on both sides. They typically have an attached backsplash that holds the controls. Many electric freestanding models have a storage drawer at the bottom, while gas models have a broiler drawer.
Slide-in: These ranges are installed so they’re flush with the countertop, which gives them a built-in look. The back and sides of the range aren’t finished because they’re meant to be enclosed by a cabinet on either side. The controls are usually found on the front of the range above the door. Some models have a bottom storage drawer, while others have a warming drawer.
Drop-in: These ranges are installed by “dropping” them in, so the cooktop overlaps the countertop on either side. Like slide-in ranges, the back and sides aren’t finished, but a drop-in range usually has a cabinet front panel rather than a storage or warming drawer. This type of range requires custom cabinets.
Double oven: These ranges feature two ovens that can be set at different temperatures. They’re ideal for anyone who entertains regularly or does a lot of baking
Size
Width: Most GE ranges are 30 inches wide, which is fairly standard for both electric and gas ranges. That means nearly any range you choose should fit in your kitchen.
Capacity: You can choose from options that range from 5.3 cubic feet to 6.7 cubic feet. Keep in mind that the large models have two ovens and cost more. If you’re cooking for a family, an oven capacity of about 5 cubic feet is usually sufficient.
Features
Display and controls
Many GE ranges have an electronic display with a digital clock and timer. Having an electronic display makes operation easier and more convenient. Note, however, that some lower-priced models do not have digital displays.
Most GE ranges have knob controls for the burners and oven that are easy to use and clean. However, some high-end models have touchscreen controls that make operating the range even easier because you only need to press a button to turn on the oven or burners.
Delayed start: Some GE ranges feature a delayed start setting, which allows you to choose a time for the oven to start and stop cooking. It can be handy if you have a busy schedule and worry that you won’t remember to put dinner in the oven on time.
Self-clean mode: Splattering or dripping food can dirty your oven in a hurry. Most GE ranges have a self-cleaning feature that runs through a specific cycle to help remove any baked-on food. You only have to wipe away the residue with a damp cloth or sponge when the cycle is done.
Control lockout: If you’re worried about your kids accidentally turning on your range, opt for a GE model with a control lockout feature. It allows you to disable the controls so the range can’t be turned on. It’s an especially helpful feature if you choose a GE range with its controls on the front rather than the back panel.
Convection oven
Many GE ranges have a convection oven, which uses a fan to circulate air over and around the food so it cooks up to 30% faster. You’re able to choose between regular baking/roasting and convection baking/roasting, which is helpful to avoid overcooking more delicate recipes.
Induction cooktop
Some GE electric ranges have an induction cooktop, which uses electromagnetism to heat up the burners. That means they heat more quickly and provide more consistent heat. Induction cooktops are also easier to clean than traditional burners. Note that you must use special cookware on an induction cooktop, because the bottom of the pot or pan must be magnetic.
Warming drawer
When you’re entertaining and preparing multiple dishes at once, it helps to have a GE range with a warming drawer. You can keep food warm inside it or heat up serving plates and bowls for the table. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about your food drying out because the drawer warms food without cooking it any further.
Racks
For the most versatility, choose a GE range that offers a flexible rack system that allows you to adjust the position of the racks in the oven and slide them out for easier loading. Some also have removable half-racks that enable you to fit deeper dishes in the oven.
Temperature probes
Some high-end GE models offer built-in temperature probes that can detect the internal temperature of the meat or other food that you’re cooking. This means you don’t have to open the oven to manually check the food’s temperature, potentially allowing heat to escape.
WiFi
If you’re a techie who always wants the latest in smart appliances, you may want to look into a GE model with WiFi connectivity. You’ll be able to use an app on your smartphone to remotely control the range, so you can preheat the oven, set the timer, or adjust the oven temperature without getting off the couch.
Did you know?
As many as 70% to 90% of the parts used for most GE ranges are made in the United States.
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GE range prices
GE ranges vary in price based on the fuel type, installation style, and features that they offer. Most models cost between $450 and $3,300.
Inexpensive
GE electric ranges are typically the most affordable, costing from $450 to $2,700. Basic freestanding models that don’t have electronic controls or many special features are the least expensive.
Mid-range
GE gas ranges usually fall in the middle of the price spectrum. Most models cost between $500 and $2,800, with the most expensive being slide-in models with electronic controls and special features like convection cooking and self-cleaning mode.
Expensive
The most expensive GE ranges are dual-fuel models and double-oven options. Double-oven models typically cost from $1,600 to $3,300, while dual fuel ranges usually cost between $2,300 and $2,900.
Tips
- Don’t forget to preheat. When using an electric range, preheating is extremely important. It can sometimes take as long as 15 minutes for the stovetop and oven to reach your desired temperature, so turn the range on while you’re doing prep work to give it time to heat fully.
- Use the right cookware. With an induction cooktop, you have to be sure to use magnetic cookware. With a gas stove, you can use pretty much any type of cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, carbon steel, and ceramic.
- Be careful with a glass cooktop. If you opt for a GE range with a smooth or glass cooktop, it’s best to avoid cast iron cookware. Cast iron pans are often abrasive and can scratch the surface.
FAQ
Q. Can I be sure that a GE 30-inch range will fit where my current 30-inch range is?
A. If you have a freestanding range, a GE 30-inch freestanding range will fit. When it comes to slide-in models, GE offers a fit guarantee for many of its models, which guarantees that a 30-inch GE slide-in range will fit in your existing freestanding range’s space or GE will pay up to $300 to make the necessary modifications.
Q. What electrical requirements does a dual fuel range have?
A. In addition to a gas line, a dual fuel range typically requires a 220-volt electrical outlet.
Q. Do I need a GE double-oven range?
A. If you’re someone who entertains regularly, you’ll probably appreciate the convenience of a double-oven range. Not only can you prepare more food at one time, but the separate ovens allow you to prepare different dishes at different temperatures. You’re also able to prepare meals more quickly because you have so much more oven space, which comes in particularly handy for large holiday gatherings.
