Shop Talk: The Stove
ask an expert: shopping for major appliancescanada
(Sep.28.10)
Throughout September, we've been sharing tips from Sears Canada's Brand and Trend Director on purchasing major appliances. We've found out what to look for when shopping for a fridge, washer/dryer duo and dishwasher. This week — in the final post — we take an in-depth look at buying a stove:
As head chef in your own kitchen, you have the creative challenge of preparing meals for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re a reluctant cook or a culinary whiz, there are a variety of modern range cooktops available to meet your needs. The tips below will guide you to purchase a range that will stand the test of time.
1. Before looking at brands or range models, decide where you stand on the electric vs. gas cooktop debate. Consider the following:
- Electric ranges cost less than gas cooktops.
- Coil ranges typically cost the least and are less expensive to repair.
- Smooth tops are aesthetically considered to be the most stylish.
2. Gas range: the cost to operate a gas range is generally lower and the instant on/off heat eliminates the energy that's being wasted while you're waiting for a burner to heat. However, you'll need to consider the cost of installing a gas line if you are thinking of switching from an electric to gas range.
3. There is also the option of a dual-fuel range, encompassing the gas cooktop with an electric oven.
4. If speed is your top priority, a convection oven, which uses a fan to circulate air around the food, has a faster cooking time than a standard oven.
5. If you consider yourself a chef and are looking to impress, you may want to look at a professional-sized range model. Standard size is 30 inches wide, but if your kitchen has the space consider a stainless steel option of 36 inches, 40 inches or more! Dinner parties will never be the same.
6. Look for an oven with a self-cleaning option. (Energy-saving tip: If you activate cleaning directly after regular cooking, less energy will be required to reach cleaning temperature as the oven is already hot.)
7. Another energy-saving technique is to look for an expandable element. An expandable element is a smaller element with lower wattage hidden within a larger department that can be activated on its own. It's ideal for cooking jobs that require several sized pots and temperatures.
8. The biggest energy saving feature on a range is the induction. The induction smooth top cooking option uses magnetic coils below the ceramic-glass surface to generate heat directly in the pot or pan rather than the cooking surface.
9. Watch for an oven with a built-in warming drawer. If family and friends are constantly running late, their food will be kept warm in a pull-out drawer without getting overcooked.
10. Similar to the warming drawer, you may also consider a warming zone, which keeps food warm on the cooktop glass of the range.
Cindy Jardim has been working at Sears Canada for 29 years, with over 20 years experience in the Home division. Each season, she travels throughout Canada, the USA, Asia and Europe, scouring trade fairs and factories for the best of the best in home appliances and décor.
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