At a Glance:
The History of the Electric Range
5 Reasons to Choose Electric Ranges Over Gas
Top Electric Ranges for Your Home
Electric ranges are becoming one of the most popular cooking options for consumers. Electric models are more affordable and easier to install than their gas counterparts. It is also easier for new homeowners and people who are just learning to cook to use electric burners instead of trying to figure out gas.
The best part of buying an electric range is that you can still shop from your favorite brands without spending a lot of money. It’s possible to take home a brand-new range for less than $900. Here are a few reasons to love electric cooking, along with three 30-inch electric range models that you will love to have in your home.
Explore Electric Ranges
Looking for an electric range to fit your kitchen? Discover ranges from LG, Bosch, Wolf, Frigidaire, and more at Spencer's TV & Appliance!
See All Electric RangesThe History of the Electric Range
While electric ranges might be common in households across the United States, they are one of the newest cooking models to be invented and spread across the world. For centuries, people cooked over fire and coals. While there are stove models as old as the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC, the modern stove didn’t start to take shape until Benjamin Franklin designed a creation made of wood and iron during the 1700s.
Wood was the standard for stove fuel until the 1800s. This is when inventors started developing gas ovens and gas cooktops to replace the need for people to use wood. Gas cooktops provided a more even cooking experience and meant the chef didn’t need to constantly handle wood and coals when preparing meals.
Eventually, electric hookups started to spread across the United States – and the world. Most American households didn’t receive electric wiring until the early 1900s. However, inventors were already using this technology to develop new products. The first patent for the electric stove was awarded to William Hadaway in 1896. By the 1920s, electric stoves were on the market and competing with their gas counterparts.
Today, electric stoves are often preferred by home cooks for their ease of use and affordability. If a home doesn’t have a gas connection, then it definitely has an electric or induction stove.
5 Reasons to Choose Electric Ranges Over Gas
If you are still on the fence about choosing electric vs. gas, know that there are multiple benefits to having an electric cooktop in your home. Here are just a few reasons why a homeowner might install an electric stove over a gas model.
- Electric ranges are often less expensive to buy and install. This is ideal for shoppers on a budget.
- These cooktops are easier to clean. You don’t have to deal with burners or protective grates. Instead, wipe down a flat surface or easily remove the coils.
- The base is more stable. You don’t have to worry about a pot leaning off the protective grates.
- It is easier to control low heat. While gas ranges are ideal for high-power cooking, electric cooktops are better for simmering or melting ingredients.
- Electric might be your only option. If you don’t already have a gas connection, you will need to pay to install one.
Electric ranges are often used to furnish apartments, rental properties, and starter homes. If you first used an electric range when you moved away from your parents and lived alone, you might feel more comfortable using this heat source instead of cooking with gas.
Learn more: 3 Best Electric Ranges of 2023
Top Electric Ranges for Your Home
Electric ranges are highly affordable and it is possible to find quality models for less than $900. Here are the top picks on the market today and the benefits they offer home cooks.
GE® 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Electric Range
This 30-inch electric range has more than 10,000 reviews and a 92% recommendation rate by customers.
This GE electric range comes with the smooth flat surface that more customers look for in their electric ranges. There are no coils to deal with which makes clean-up easy. While there are four total burners, two come with small and large heating options for greater flexibility.
One reviewer writes, “It is made in America, and that's what attracted me first, but it performs great. Also, I love that the front burner gives you 2 options, either large or small pans can be used.”
LG 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Electric Range
Shop this LG 30" Electric Range
It’s possible to get an electric range at an affordable price that still comes with modern technology elements. This LG electric range connects to the ThinQ® app and comes with protective customer care. The large capacity oven and the multiple burner sizes make it the best 30-inch electric range for large families.
The online reviews of this LG 30-inch electric range can give you an idea of what people think about this appliance. One person writes, “I really love how quickly I can boil water for soups using the two designated elements up front. I also love how I can alternate between small pots to wide pans, making it easy to work around different pan sizes without unwanted energy and heat.”
Samsung 30" Stainless Steel Smart Freestanding Electric Range
Shop this Samsung 30" Smart Electric Range
This Samsung electric range also offers impressive features and technology. It comes with WiFi connectivity so you can easily control your range from your smartphone. You can even connect your range to your smart assistant (like Amazon Alexa) and use voice commands to set timers and adjust the heat.
This Samsung 30-inch electric range has a 95% recommendation rate in its reviews. One customer writes, “In no time at all my water is boiling especially if I have it on the double burner. It is easy to clean once it has cooled off. And looks nice in my kitchen with my other Samsung products.”
GE 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Electric Range
Shop this GE 30" Electric Range
This range proves that you can find a quality electric stove for far less than $900. There are four coil burners on the top along with five cubic feet of storage capacity in the oven. This is a good family stove that can accommodate large meals.
More than 91% of customers would recommend this GE 30" electric range to other people (out of more than 1,000 reviews). One person writes, “Love it. Easy for me to use and I’m 74. The big knobs are very straightforward like my previous white one that I had for 26 years.”
Hotpoint® 30" White Free Standing Electric Range
Shop this Hotpoint® 30" Electric Range
This Hotpoint electric range comes in two colors (black or white) so you can choose the best option for your kitchen design. It also comes with coil burners that are easy to remove and replace when you need to clean your stove. The five cubic feet of oven capacity allows you to heat more dishes at once, which is ideal for preparing a family meal.
There are several online reviews that speak highly of this slide-in 30-inch electric range and talk about its functionality and ease of use.
Whirlpool® 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Range
Shop this Whirlpool® 30" Electric Range
This Whirlpool 30-inch electric range is another base model that you can choose for your home. It comes in black, white, or stainless steel and is meant to be placed anywhere in the kitchen. There are four coil burners on the top and enough space in the oven to store 4.8 cubic feet of pots and pans. This model will be an asset to any home cook.
Read online reviews to see what people think about this Whirlpool electric range and how they use the burners and oven space.
FAQ
Are electric stoves more energy efficient than gas?
Gas stove tops are cheaper to use than electric models; however, electric stoves are more energy-efficient. You will waste more energy when you cook with gas than if you use an electric model. An electric range is a great option if you want to reduce your energy consumption while saving money on the appliance itself.
Are 30-inch electric ranges suitable for all kitchens?
While 30-inch electric ranges are a popular choice, it's essential to measure your kitchen space before purchasing one. Ensure you have enough clearance for the range's width and depth, considering factors like cabinetry, countertops, and ventilation. It's also worth checking the electrical requirements and confirming that your kitchen has the necessary electrical supply for the range.
How do I clean and maintain a 30-inch electric range?
To clean your electric range, wipe down the cooktop after each use with mild soapy water or with your favorite range-appropriate cleaning products. For the oven, be sure to use oven-specific cleaning products or a mixture of baking soda and water. To maintain your range, regularly check and replace worn-out or malfunctioning parts according to the manufacturer's instructions or consider scheduling professional maintenance periodically to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the range.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Electric Ranges at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop electric ranges online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the perfect 30-inch electric range for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn more: 5 Tips for Choosing Your KitchenAid Range