34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd

Your dream kitchen for less
COOKING APPLIANCES
Buy results, not promises
pro without spending like one. Here
Manufacturers are serving up new
are the details on our latest findings:
names and claims as they prod you
Ranges: Faux pro beats real. GE’s
to spend a little more on your next
top-scoring Profile gas range heated
range, cooktop, or wall oven. But
quickly and simmered superbly. The
our tests of more than 100 models
30-inch, $1,800 model also includes
show that when it comes to good
plenty of pro-look stainless. True procooking, it often pays to pay less.
style ranges cost much more, and
You’ll find almost 30 Quick Picks
Kenmore’s $6,300 Pro 7962 dual-fuel
from Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, and
range is no exception. Sears promises
other major brands in our Ratings.
the new 36-inch-wide range will “dazSamsung, the Korean company betzle the most discriminating chef or
ter known for its cell phones and TVs,
kitchen designer.” The all-stainless
recently joined the fray with its first
stove has extra burners as well as an
smoothtop electric range. The $1,300
extra-large oven with 14 rack posistove has three convection-oven fans
A ‘Pro’ FOR LESS GE’s Profile PGB910SEM,
tions that Sears says yield more preand a steam-cleaning feature for the
$1,800, blends top performance with stainless steel,
cise, even baking. While the Kenmore
oven. Yet the steam did little to clean
continuous grates, a bridge burner, and a griddle.
outperformed most other large dualeven the small messes for which it’s
fuel models, the GE outcooked it.
intended. And as we found, the threeCooktops: Pricier isn’t better.
cost $2,000 or more, but GE’s new Profile
fan oven proved no better than a
Miele says its gas and electric cooktops
matches the best for hundreds less.
twin-fan competitor’s when we loaded it
are designed to perform to your highest
You’ll also find more big names comup with cookies. (See “The Great Cookie
expectations. While its gas model
peting at the “pro” end of the price specBake-Off,” on the facing page.)
KM3474, $1,450, was very good at fast
trum as kitchens have morphed into
Induction cooktops, which use a
heating, it was only mediocre at low-heat
places to show off as well as cook in. But
magnetic field to cook more quickly and
simmering. KitchenAid promises comour months of boiling, baking, and broilefficiently than gas or radiant-electric
plete versatility for its gas and electric
ing tests reveal that you can cook like a
models, have also made inroads. Many
lFirst things firstl Decide whether you want a stand-alone range or a cooktop/wall-oven combo.>>>
STAND-ALONE RANGE
34
Consumer reports
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 34
COOKTOP & WALL OVEN
$450 AND UP
$1,500 AND UP FOR BOTH
Best for economy. Spending
more buys slide-in styles, stainless, dual-fuel, and pro-style
models beyond 30 inches.
But all lack the flexibility of
a separate cooktop and wall
oven. Pro-style and dual-fuel
ranges are pricier without
necessarily being better;
some pro-style brands have
been repair-prone.
Best for separate cooking areas.
Some cooktop/oven combos can
cost less than some stand-alone
ranges, especially pro-style.
But a separate cooktop and
wall oven cost more to install
than a stand-alone range. You’ll
also find a growing number of
stylish and capable ranges for
less than you’d pay for many of
the cooktop/wall-oven combos.
OR
Z AUGUST 2008 • Exper t • Independent • Nonprofit
6/5/08 1:50:37 PM
S
The great cookie bake-off
do three oven fans make a difference?
models. Yet the gas model KGCC766R,
$1,050, was mediocre in our high- and lowheat tests. GE’s Monogram ZGU385NSM
gas cooktop, $1,400, met its precise simmering claims in our low-heat tests. But as
with most gas models, it was mediocre at
quick heating.
Wall ovens: Some broken promises.
We also found disappointments in the
wall-oven aisle. KitchenAid’s Superba
KEBS107S, $2,150, performed less-thansuperbly in our baking and broiling tests
despite claims of unrivaled performance.
Fisher & Paykel’s OS302 wall oven,
$2,200, yielded unevenly cooked cakes,
belying its promise of even heat distribution. Thermador’s high-priced ME301E,
$2,400, is a top performer in our tests.
But when it comes to repairs, the brand
has ranked rock-bottom in our surveys
for electric wall ovens.
Samsung says the
third convection fan in
its first-ever smoothtop electric range, the
$1,300 FTQ386LWUX,
helps ensure moreeven cooking than
you’ll get with the
usual one or two fans.
The range’s convection oven yielded
good, relatively even
cookies in our usual
test with two racks
full of sugared cookies. But many other
models baked just as evenly with just one
or two fans and, sometimes, without a convection oven.
Would a third rack of cookies bring out
the third fan’s hidden talents? To find out,
we loaded the Samsung range with 36
cookies and stuffed
an equal amount
into the $2,000 LG
LRE30955, a similarly sized electric
smoothtop
that
baked equally well
with two fans in our
regular tests.
As the photo
shows, the Samsung
baked our test cookies evenly enough
to satisfy the most
discerning sweet tooth, even with three full
racks. But so did the two-fan LG range we
pitted it against in our tougher test.
CR’s take: A convection oven can contribute to faster roasting and more-even
multirack baking. But more convection fans
don’t necessarily guarantee better baking.
HOW TO CHOOSE
You don’t have to pay top dollar to get
cooking appliances with style and performance. See First Things First to decide
whether you prefer a stand-alone range
or a cooktop and wall oven. Also decide
whether the space an over-the-range
microwave saves on your countertop is
worth more than the better venting of a
range hood, especially if you use your
range often. Then follow these tips:
Consider your cooking. Convection
ovens can speed roasting, but you’ll typically pay $250 extra to save a few minutes.
Cooking for a crowd? Look for at least one
high-powered burner or element, expandable range or cooktop elements, and
a large oven. For baking, look for high
scores in our evenness tests—and ignore
all the hype about dual-fuel ranges, which
haven’t delivered any notable advantages
in our cooking tests.
Think twice about pro-style ranges.
Our latest survey of roughly 1,700 online
subscribers shows that owning one is a
mixed bag. While our readers liked their
pro-style ranges’ high-heat burners as
well as their broiling and searing, they
also reported more and pricier repairs.
Almost half of the pro-style models
bought during the 8-year survey were
repaired—some of them three times—
compared with only 17 percent for regu-
lar ranges. And repairs to pro-style
ranges were more than twice as likely
to cost more than $300.
Choose the right hood. If you’re an
avid cook, you’ll need an effective range
hood to handle all of the heat and steam.
Be sure the hood you choose is at least
as wide as the cooking surface it’s over.
Two CR Best Buys to consider are the
under-cabinet Kenmore 5234, $225, and
the wall-chimney Kenmore 5030, $550.
If you’re venting a kitchen-island cooktop, consider the Jenn-Air JXT8142AD,
$1,900, and the GE Monogram
ZV1050SF, $2,400. Both tested models
mount to and vent through the ceiling.
Then choose between the convenience of an over-the-range microwave and the better venting of a range hood.
OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE
RANGE HOOD
$300 AND UP
$225 AND UP
Best for convenience and saving
counter space. Many of these ovens
have a convection feature, and most
now have a sensor that prevents
under- or overcooking by adjusting
the cooking time based on the steam
the food emits as it heats.
But none of the over-the-range
microwave ovens we tested could
match the smoke-clearing ability of
an effective range hood.
Best for venting smoke, fumes,
and heat. Today’s models offer
higher style, with stainless hoods
priced under $1,000.
But you must find space for a
countertop microwave if that’s a
part of your cooking. Good undercabinet and wall-chimney range
hoods often cost $800 or less, but
island models for venting cooktops
often cost $2,000 or more.
OR
AUGUST 2008
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 35
Z www.ConsumerReports.org
35
6/5/08 1:50:40 PM
Features that count- These add convenience to ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens.
Covered oven element. Keeps spills from
encrusting element. On Quick Picks Kenmore
(1, 24) and GE (2) ranges and on Bosch (3),
GE (4), Kenmore (6), and Frigidaire (8) wall
ovens with grates. Also on Quick Pick GE (18)
cooktop.
Hot-surface light. Warns when cooktop is
still hot. On Quick Picks GE (2) and Frigidaire
(7) ranges and on Electrolux (1), Kenmore
(2), GE (3), and Whirlpool (4) cooktops.
Split oven racks. Hinged or half-width
upper racks fit stacked dishes on one
side, taller items on the other. On Quick
Pick Kenmore (55) range.
Continuous grates. These abut to slide
pots over burners. On Quick Picks GE (27,
51), Frigidaire (37), Bosch (50), and Kenmore (55) ranges and GE (15) cooktop.
Sealed burners. Prevent spills from falling
inside. On Quick Picks GE (27, 51), Hotpoint
(28), Frigidaire (37), Bosch (50), and Kenmore (55) ranges and GE (15, 18) cooktops.
Bridge element or burner. Merges two
elements for oversized cookware. On Quick
Pick GE (27) gas range.
Touchpad oven
controls. Push
buttons, digital
readouts, and
touch screens
make setting precise temperatures
easier. On all of the
tested ranges and
wall ovens.
Warming drawer. Keeps plates and food
warm. On Quick Picks Kenmore (1, 24, 55),
GE (2, 27, 51), and Bosch (50) ranges.
Warming element. Uses low wattage
to keep food warm. On Quick Picks
Kenmore (1) and Maytag (11) ranges.
Gas on glass.
Burners are set
on or into a
smooth ceramic
surface, with
grates. On Quick
Pick GE (18)
cooktop.
Expandable elements. Concentric rings let you power outer
ones for larger cookware. On
Quick Picks Kenmore (1, 9), GE
(2), and Frigidaire (7) ranges
and Electrolux (1) and Kenmore
(2) cooktops.
Brand repair history l Readers report on more than 90,000 electric and gas ranges.
The graphs show the percentage of the indicated brands of electric and gas ranges
bought between 2001 and 2007 that have
ever been repaired or had a serious problem.
Differences of less than 3 points are not
meaningful. Jenn-Air and KitchenAid have
been the most repair-prone brands for electric ranges, while Amana, KitchenAid, and
Maytag have been the most repair-prone for
gas. We lacked enough data to include Viking
gas ranges or any dual-fuel brands in the
chart, but the data we have indicate that
Viking gas ranges and Dacor dual-fuel ranges
have been repair-prone, while Frigidaire, GE,
Jenn-Air, and Kenmore dual-fuel ranges have
not. Note that models within a brand may
vary, and changes in design or manufacture
may affect reliability. Still, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of getting a reliable model.
36
Consumer reports
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 36
gas ranges
electric ranges
í More
repairs
Fewer ë
repairs
Hotpoint
GE
Whirlpool
3
7
11
10
14
16
Amana
15
16
10%
11
Maytag
12
5%
8
Kenmore (Sears)
Whirlpool
KitchenAid
Jenn-Air
0%
8
Frigidaire
8
8
Frigidaire
Kenmore (Sears)
Maytag
Amana
7
Hotpoint
GE
5
í More
repairs
Fewer ë
repairs
15%
17
KitchenAid
0%
20%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
25%
Data are based on reader responses to the Annual Product Reliability Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National
Research Center on more than 61,000 electric ranges and 29,000 gas ranges. Data are adjusted to eliminate differences
linked solely to age of the product. Electric and gas ranges were analyzed separately, so data aren’t directly comparable.
Z AUGUST 2008 • Exper t • Independent • Nonprofit
6/5/08 1:50:43 PM
Ratings
ranges
Z BX BC BV B
1
Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2] 9642[]
$ 750
81
2
GE JBP81SL[SS] Ï
1,100
79
3
Samsung FTQ386LWUX
1,300
79
4
LG LRE30955[ST]
2,000
77
5
GE Profile JB968TK[WW]
1,550
76
6
GE PB970SM[SS] ⁄
1,750
76
JBP81SM[]
7
Frigidaire Gallery GLEF369D[S]
8
Maytag Gemini MER6765BA[S] ⁄
9
Kenmore (Sears) 9611[2] 9612[]
10 GE PB975SM[SS] ⁄
11 Maytag MER5752BA[W]
700
76
1,400
76
580
76
1,950
76
550
74
12 Jenn-Air JER8885RA[S]
1,500
74
13 GE JSP42WK[WW] €
1,000
72
14 Maytag MES5775BA[S] €
1,650
71
15 KitchenAid Architect Series KERS807S[SS] 1,700
70
16 Hotpoint RB787WH[WW]
69
500
17 Jenn-Air JES8850BA[W] €
1,750
69
600
68
19 Bosch HES71[5]2 HES72[8]2
1,600
66
20 Whirlpool Gold GR773LXS[Q]
1,150
63
700
63
18 Ikea Hemkar 800.919.87
21 Whirlpool RF367LXS[Q]
22 Sharp InsightPro KB-3425LS ‹
2,000
61
23 Viking VESC306-4B[SS]
4,000
30-inch ELECTRIC COIL MODELS
24 Kenmore (Sears) 9421[2]
530
60
25 Hotpoint RB757WH[WW]
400
26 Whirlpool RF264LXS[Q]
30-inch GAS MODELS
27 GE Profile PGB910SEM[SS]
500
28 Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW]
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Stainless avail.
Overall100
score
pfg vge
30-inch ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
0
Poor
Features
Convection
Key number
Similar models, in small type, are
comparable to tested model.
Test results
Oven capacity
Overall score
Broiling
Price
Baking
Brand & model
Fair
Cooktop low
Excellent Very Good
good
Cooktop high
• Availability Most models at stores through December 2008.
76
73
63
1,800
72
500
72
29 Maytag MGS5775BD[S] €
1,600
70
30 Thermador Professional PG304B[S]
4,100
69
31 GE Profile JGBP918WEK[WW] Ï PGB918DEM[] 1,600
69
32 Kenmore (Sears) 7136[2]
650
68
33 Kenmore (Sears) 7138[2]
700
67
1,700
66
34 Bosch HGS71[5]2
35 Maytag MGR5751AD[W] Ï
550
66
580
65
37 Frigidaire Gallery GLGF386D[S]
1,000
65
38 GE Café CGS980SEM[SS]
2,500
65
39 Kenmore (Sears) 7140[2]
900
65
MGR5751BD[]
36 Frigidaire FGF368G[S]
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1 Kenmore
CR Quick Recommendations
As the scores show, some of the topperforming gas and electric ranges were
by no means the priciest on the market.
Our Ratings rank ranges by overall score.
Quick Picks are models that blend performance and value, and, where data are
available, come from reliable brands.
QUICK PICKS
Best electric ranges:
1 Kenmore $750, CR Best Buy
2 GE $1,100, CR Best Buy
7 Frigidaire $700, CR Best Buy
9 Kenmore $580, CR Best Buy
11 Maytag $550, CR Best Buy
24 Kenmore $530
25 Hotpoint $400, CR Best Buy
The smoothtop Kenmore (1) and Maytag
have warming elements; the GE adds oven
capacity. Among coil ranges, choose the
Kenmore (24) if you value broiling, the
Hotpoint if stainless isn’t a priority. Also
consider the GE (6, 10) and Maytag (8) if
you want dual ovens for different meals.
Top gas ranges:
27 GE $1,800
28 Hotpoint $500, CR Best Buy
37 Frigidaire $1,000
The GE blends performance and style. The
low-priced Hotpoint broils superbly, while
the Frigidaire includes convection. Also
consider the Jenn-Air (42) and Maytag
(47) if you value dual ovens and are willing
to live with uninspired baking and broiling,
especially for the Maytag model.
If you want dual-fuel or pro-style:
50 Bosch $2,000
5 1 GE $1,700
55 Kenmore $1,800
Our extensive tests have revealed no clear
benefits to dual-fuel ranges. But if you
want one of those models, consider the
Bosch and Kenmore for their broiling performance, the GE for its faster cooktop
heating. Pro-style ranges have been a
poor value overall. But if you want a prostyle range, consider the Thermador (59)
for its fine performance, the lower-priced
Frigidaire (62) if you’re willing to trade
some oven space for a lower price.
•
AUGUST 2008
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 37
28 Hotpoint
Z www.ConsumerReports.org
37
6/5/08 1:50:45 PM
Ratings
ranges
LOOK FOR the
HIDDEN DEALS
38
Consumer reports
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 38
Price
Overall score
Cooktop low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Overall100
score
pfg vge
Poor
Features
Cooktop high
Key number
0
Fair
Test results
Similar models, in small type, are
comparable to tested model.
• Time your shopping. When you buy
can save you hundreds of dollars. That’s
because retailers typically discount cooking and other appliances for holiday
weekends such as July Fourth and Labor
Day. Stores also tend to clear out older
models in September and October
because that’s when the new models typically arrive from manufacturers.
• Get an inside deal. Sears periodically
offers a 10 percent discount to family
and friends. Those events typically
apply to kitchen appliances and other
items, even if they’re already on sale.
Don’t know anyone at Sears or its sister chain, Kmart? Sears says they don’t
check IDs at the door, and if you show
up, you’re a friend. Ask a sales
associate or check Web sites
such as www.fatwallet.com
/forums/deal-discussion or
www.forums.slickdeals.net
to get a heads up on those
periodic sales.
● Check stores for pricematch offers. Many retailers advertise that they’ll
match a lower price from another
retailer. Some stores will also match
another store’s lower price even if they
don’t tout such deals in their ads. What’s
more, you can often get a refund even if
you already bought a range or other
kitchen appliance if the same model you
bought goes on sale at that retailer or
another retailer within 30 days of your
purchase.
• Inspect package deals closely. You’ll
probably get a volume discount if you buy
two or more major kitchen appliances of
the same brand. But because performance often varies by appliance, even
within the same brand, such package
deals could give you a stellar cooktop and
a subpar fridge or dishwasher if you
aren’t careful. Check our Ratings to be
sure you’re getting top performers for all
of the brand’s products you’re considering. Also ask the retailer whether you can
create your own package of appliances
from the same or different brands—and
then push for that volume discount as a
condition to your buying at that retailer.
Brand & model
Z BX BC BV B
Excellent Very Good
good
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Stainless avail.
• Availability Most models at stores through December 2008.
Convection
Where to save
30-INCH GAS MODELS continued
40 Ikea Hemkar 400.919.89
$ 850
64
41 LG LRG30355ST[SB]
1,300
64
42 Jenn-Air JGR8890AD[P] ⁄
2,150
64
43 Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7942[3]
1,600
63
750
63
44 Whirlpool SF367LXS[Q]
45 Viking Professional VGSC307-4B[SS]
4,100
62
550
61
47 Maytag Gemini MGR6775BD[S] ⁄
1,450
59
48 Whirlpool Gold GS773LXS[Q]
1,000
53
49 KitchenAid Architect Series KGRS807S[SS] 1,700
49
46 Whirlpool SF265LXT[Q]
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&
X
&
X
&
C
&
C
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
30-INCH DUAL-FUEL MODELS
50 Bosch HDS71[5]2
2,000
71
5 1 GE Profile J2B918WEK[WW] Ï
P2B918DEM[]
1,700
70
52 GE Profile J2B912WEK[WW] Ï
P2B912DEM[]
1,400
69
53 Kenmore (Sears) Pro 7952[3]
4,000
67
54 Wolf DF304
5,200
67
55 Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7946[3]
1,800
66
56 GE Café C2S980SEM[SS]
2,600
64
57 Jenn-Air JDS8850BD[P]
2,650
61
58 KitchenAid Architect Series KDRP707R[SS] 4,250
36-INCH GAS & DUAL-FUEL MODELS
59 Thermador Pro Grand PG366B[S]
5,900
PG364GEBS; PG364GLBS
60 Kenmore (Sears) Pro 7962[7] ›
61 GE Monogram ZDP36N6H[SS]›
ZDP36N4DM[SS]; ZDP36N4RH[ss]
49
•
6,300
63
&X Z
&
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
C
&
Z
5,000
60
&C &Z &C &C &C
•
•
57
&C C
&
&
X
&
X
&
V
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
C
•
•
•
•
62 Frigidaire Professional PLGF659E[C]
2,100
63 Viking Professional Series VGSC367-6B[SS] 5,600
VGSC367-4G; VGSC367-4Q
68
56
49
64 KitchenAid Architect Series KDRP462L[SS] 6,050
&C &V &C &X &C
KDRP463L[SS]; KDRP467K[SS] ›
Ï Discontinued; similar models available. ⁄Dual ovens. €Slide-in design. ‹Includes microwave oven. ›Dual-fuel.
•
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, and oven selfcleaning, as well as surface temperature and other safety issues. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Cooktop high is how quickly the
­h ighest-powered element or burner heated water to near-boiling in our tests. Cooktop low is
how well the ­lowest-powered element or burner melted and held chocolate without scorching it
and how well the highest burner, set on low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Baking reflects
whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks were evenly browned in our tests. Broiling
denotes even browning of a pan of burgers as well as high-heat searing ability. Oven capacity
is our measure of usable space. Price is approximate retail. Under brand & model, note that
brackets show color codes.
Z AUGUST 2008 • Exper t • Independent • Nonprofit
6/5/08 1:50:47 PM
Ratings
cooktops
• Availability Most models at stores through December 2008.
Overall score
Test results Features
CR Quick Recommendations
Our Ratings rank gas and electric cooktop models by overall score. Quick Picks
are tested models that combine high performance and value, and, where data are
available, come from brands that have
been reliable in our repair surveys.
QUICK PICKS
30-inch electric cooktops:
1 Electrolux $1,200
2 Kenmore $580, CR Best Buy
3 GE $1,000
4 Whirlpool $470
The Kenmore and Whirlpool offer fine
performance for less; the Kenmore has a
3,000-watt element with slightly faster
cooking. Paying more for the Electrolux
buys five elements instead of four; the GE
adds touch controls.
36-inch gas cooktops:
15 GE $1,200
18 GE $650, CR Best Buy
Paying more for the GE (15) buys higherpowered burners. The lower-priced GE
(18) trades some simmering performance
for a much lower price.
30-inch induction cooktops:
Induction cooktops cook using a magnetic field for faster heating than gas
or electric versions, though you need
magnetic cookwear. The Thermador
and GE cost less than many; the Thermador includes electric elements. The
Kenmore costs little more and has
three high-powered elements, but lessconvenient controls.
1
Electrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS]
2
Kenmore (Sears) 4273[2]
3
GE Profile PP945BMBB
4
Whirlpool RCC3024L[Q] Ï
5
GE Profile JP930TK[WW]
6
Kenmore Elite 4281[3]
7
Jenn-Air JEC9530BD[F]
8
9
$1,200
85
580
82
1,000
81
470
80
800
80
1,450
79
800
79
Whirlpool Gold GJC3034R[P]
630
78
Bosch NET75[5]2
900
78
RCC3024R[]
10 Frigidaire FEC30S6A[S]
580
11 KitchenAid KECC506R[SS]
800
73
12 GE Profile JP950WK[WW]
1,300
72
13 Viking DECU105 [SB]
1,450
78
66
Cooktop low
30-inch Electric cooktops
15 GE
Overall100
score
pfg vge
Cooktop high
Key number
2 Kenmore
0
Poor
&X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
X
&
X
&
X
&X
&
C
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
C
&
C
&Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
C
&
V
&
C
&
V
&
B
&
B
&Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
X
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
1
2
2
•
2
0
2
•
2
0
2
•
1
1
2
1
2
1
•
1
2
1
•
1
1
2
•
1
2
1
•
1
2
1
•
2
0
2
1
1
2
•
2
1
1
•
1
2
1
•
2
2
1
1
2
2
•
3
2
0
•
3
2
0
•
1
2
2
3
2
0
•
2
1
2
•
2
1
2
•
3
2
0
•
2
2
1
•
Expandable elements/
continuous grates
Price
Similar models, in small type,
are comparable to tested model.
Low-power burners
Brand & model
Fair
Medium-power burners
Z BX BC BV B
Excellent Very Good
good
High-power burners
1 Electrolux
36-INCH Gas cooktops
14 Viking DGCU1655B[SB]
1,500
15 GE JGP975WEK[WW]
1,200
16 Dacor Preference PGM365
1,470
79
17 GE Monogram ZGU385NSM[SS]
1,400
77
18 GE JGP637WEJ[WW]
84
79
650
65
19 Miele KM3474[SS]
1,450
63
20 Jenn-Air JGC9536BD[S]
1,170
21 KitchenAid KGCC766R[SS]
1,050
57
22 Whirlpool Gold GLS3665R[S]
1,000
55
950
54
23 Frigidaire GLGC36S9E[W]
24 Bosch PGL98[5]
25 Kenmore (Sears) Elite 3323[3]
26 Whirlpool Gold GLT3657R[Q]
63
900
52
1,000
38
830
34
1
3
1
•
2
2
1
•
2
1
2
•
3
1
0
2
1
1
2
2
0
30-INCH Induction cooktops
27 Electrolux Icon E30IC75F[SS]
2,000
96
28 Thermador CIT302D[S]
1,725
94
29 GE Profile PHP900DM[BB]
1,700
92
30 Kenmore (Sears) Elite 4280[0]
1,800
91
31 Diva DDP-40
2,700
89
32 KitchenAid KICU508[S]
2,100
89
33 Viking Professional VCCU105-4B[SS] 2,200
88
34 LG LCE30845
88
2,000
3
1
0
4
0
0
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
•
•
Ï Discontinued; similar models available.
For Guide to the Ratings, see facing page.
AUGUST 2008
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 39
Z www.ConsumerReports.org
39
6/5/08 1:50:49 PM
• Availability Most models at stores through December 2008.
Price
Brand & model
Z BX BC BV B
Excellent Very Good
good
Overall score
Test results
CR Quick Recommendations
Our Ratings rank electric wall ovens by
overall score. Quick Picks are models
that combine performance and value,
and, where data are available, come from
brands that have been reliable in our
repair surveys.
QUICK PICKS
30-inch electric wall ovens:
3 Bosch $2,100
4 GE $1,600
6 Kenmore $1,900
8 Frigidaire $1,400
Paying more for the Bosch and Kenmore
buys well-rounded performance and a temperature probe. Consider the lower-priced
GE if you’re willing to give up some evenness, the Frigidaire if you can do with a bit
less capacity.
Thermador ME301E[S]
$2,400
71
2
Viking Professional VES0130[SS]
2,400
70
3
Bosch HBL54[50]UC
2,100
69
4
GE JTP70SM[SS]
1,600
67
5
Electrolux Icon E30EW75E[SS]
2,250
67
6
Kenmore (Sears) Pro 4100[3]
1,900
66
7
GE Monogram ZET1SOL1[SS]
2,500
63
8
Frigidaire Gallery GLEB30S9F[S]
1,400
61
9
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 4789[3]
2,000
61
10 Whirlpool Gold GBS307PR[Q]
1,300
58
950
57
12 KitchenAid Superba KEBS107S[SS]
2,150
55
13 Fisher & Paykel OS302[SS]
2,200
50
14 GE Profile JT930WH[WW]
2,200
46
11 Kenmore (Sears) 4783[2]
Capacity
30-INCH ELECTRIC WALL OVENS
1
Broiling
6 Kenmore
Overall100
score
pfg vge
Baking
Key number
Similar models, in small type, are
comparable to tested model.
0
Fair
&X
&
C
&
X
&
C
&
Z
&
X
&
Z
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
C
&
V
&
C
&X
&
Z
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
C
&
X
&
C
&X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
V
&
X
&
C
&
C
&
C
&
C
&
V
&
C
&
X
&
V
Poor
Features
Convection mode
wall ovens
Covered element
Ratings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, and oven self-cleaning in our tests, as well as surface temperature and other safety issues. Displayed scores are
rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Baking reflects whether cakes and
cookies baked on two oven racks were evenly browned. Broiling denotes even browning of a pan
of burgers as well as high-heat searing ability. Capacity is our measure of usable space. Price is
the approximate retail. Under brand & model, note that brackets show color codes.
Brand repair historyl Readers report on more than 38,000 cooktops and wall ovens.
The graphs show the percentages of the
indicated brands of electric and gas cooktops bought between 2004 and 2007 and
electric wall ovens bought between 2003
and 2007 that have ever been repaired or
had a serious problem. Differences of less
than 4 points are not meaningful. Jenn-Air
has been the most repair-prone brand of
electric cooktops, while Dacor and Viking
have been among the more repair-prone
brands of gas cooktops. Thermador, followed by Jenn-Air and Dacor, has been the
most repair-prone among wall ovens. Models within a brand may vary, and changes
in design or manufacture may affect reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good
repair history can improve your odds of
getting a reliable cooktop or wall oven.
Gas & electric cooktops
Fewer
repairs
Kenmore (Sears)
GE
Frigidaire
GE Monogram
Maytag
3
4
Whirlpool
KitchenAid
Kenmore (Sears)
GE
5
5
5
10
4
Consumer reports
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 40
5
GE
5
5
More
repairs
7
7
9
9
13
17
Thermador
5
6
0%
24
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
6
7
9
Data are based on over 19,000 reader responses concerning electric and gas cooktops and almost 19,000 responses
concerning wall ovens to the Annual Product Reliability
Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National
Research Center. Data have been adjusted to eliminate differences linked solely to the age of the product.
10
11
Jenn-Air
Dacor
Viking
14
15
5%
10%
15%
ELECTRIC
40
Kenmore (Sears)
KitchenAid
Dacor
Jenn-Air
6
Wolf
GE Monogram
Thermador
0%
Fewer
repairs
Frigidaire
Maytag
Whirlpool
GE Monogram
5
Whirlpool
KitchenAid
Jenn-Air
wall ovens
More
repairs
20%
25%
GAS
Z AUGUST 2008 • Exper t • Independent • Nonprofit
6/5/08 1:50:53 PM
Ratings
SELECT
1 LG
Top picks from among more
than 30 tested.
over-the-range
microwave ovens
Z BX BC BV B
• Availability Most models at stores through December 2008.
Brand & model
Price
Overall score
Excellent Very Good
good
Test results
Fair
Poor
Capacity Features
Best for most; fine performance:
The LG offers the most performance for
the price, though the similarly sized Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, and Frigidaire perform
comparably for little more money. Cooking for a crowd? Consider the roomy Kenmore (2), which trades the usual turntable
for a sliding tray that adds usable space
by keeping wide plates moving for more
even cooking. For fitting large plates, also
consider the $430 LG Glide & Cook
LMVM2055[ST], not shown, which also
uses a sliding tray to expand the cooking
area, but cooked less evenly in our tests.
If you’re willing to pay for convection:
The Kenmore (3) and Frigidaire models
are similar in price and performance. Both
were among our top scorers overall and
performed better in our gamut of cooking
tests than other over-the-range microwave ovens equipped with a convection
mode. Both of those pricier ovens also
come with halogen bulbs that contribute
to speedier cooking and some browning
on certain foods.
Size (HxWxD in.)
Speed cook
Convection
Usable (cu. ft.)
Claimed (cu. ft.)
30-inch over-the-range microwave ovens
LG LMV2053[SB]
$300
78
2
Kenmore Elite 8083[9]
530
77
3
Kenmore Elite 8082[9]
630
77
4
Whirlpool Gold GH4155XP[B]
470
76
5
GE Adora DVM1850DM[BB]
400
6
Maytag MMV4205BA[B]
Frigidaire Gallery GLMV169D[B]Ï
300
67
300
67
Professional PLMVZ169G[]
74
&X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&
X
&Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
X
&
Z
&
X
&X
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
Z
&
X
&
X
2.0 0.9
17x30x18
2.0 1.6
17x30x18
1.7 0.8
1.5 0.8
• •
17x30x18
16x30x15
1.8 0.9
17x30x17
2.0 0.9
17x30x17
1.6 0.8
16x30x17
Ï Discontinued; similar models available.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score is based mainly on cooking evenness, defrosting, and convenience. Displayed
scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Evenness is uniform
heating of cold mashed potatoes. Auto defrost is how completely and evenly the program
defrosted 1 pound of frozen ground beef. Ease of use denotes ease of setting without the owner’s manual. Capacity claimed is per manufacturer; usable is based on our measurement of
what fits the turntable or sliding tray. Price is approximate retail. Under brand & model, the
color code is bracketed. Note that all tested over-the-range models are 30 inches wide.
Brand repair historyl Readers report on over 20,000 microwaves.
over-the-range
The graph shows the percentages of the
microwave
ovens
following brands of over-the-range (OTR)
microwave ovens bought between 2003
Fewer ë
í More
repairs
repairs
through 2007 that have ever been repaired
4
Frigidaire
or had a serious problem. Differences of
6
Whirlpool
less than 3 points are not meaningful.
7
Maytag
KitchenAid has been the most repair-prone
7
Amana
brand. While we lacked enough data for all
7
GE
years to include Sharp in the chart, we have
7
Kenmore
(Sears)
sufficient data to conclude that it has also
12
KitchenAid
been a repair-prone brand. Note that models within a brand may vary, and that
0%
5%
10% 15% 20% 25%
changes in design or manufacture may
affect a brand’s reliability. Still, choosing a
Data are based on over 20,000 reader responses about
brand with a good repair history in our sur- OTR microwave ovens to the Annual Product Reliability
veys can improve your odds of getting a Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National
Research Center. Data are adjusted to eliminate differreliable model.
ences linked solely to age and usage of the product.
AUGUST 2008
34-41 COOKING APPLIANCES 08-08.indd 41
Ease of use
100
pfg vge
1
7
QUICK PICKS
0
Auto defrost
Our Select Ratings focus on tested overthe-range microwave ovens with the performance and value required to make our
Quick Picks list. All of those over-therange microwaves include sensors that
help prevent under- or overcooking by
measuring the steam emitted from foods
as they’re being heated. They’re also available with stainless-steel trim, and where
data are available, come from brands that
have been reliable in our repair surveys.
Evenness
CR Quick Recommendations
Key number
2 Kenmore
Z www.ConsumerReports.org
41
6/5/08 1:50:57 PM