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Appliances
August 2008
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Features that count
These features add convenience to ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens

Samsung electric range
 
1
Touchpad oven controls. Push buttons, digital readouts, and touch screens make setting precise temperatures easier. On all of the tested ranges and wall ovens.

2
Warming element. Uses low wattage to keep food warm. On Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2] and Maytag MER5752BA[W] ranges.

3
Expandable elements. Concentric rings let you power outer ones for larger cookware. On Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2] and 9611[2]; GE JBP81SL[SS]; and Frigidaire Gallery GLEF369D[S] ranges and Electrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS] and Kenmore (Sears) 4273[2] cooktops.

Turkey and pie in the Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7946[3] range, with split oven racks
Split oven racks. Hinged or half-width upper racks fit stacked dishes on one side, taller items on the other. On the Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7946[3] range.

Gas on glass. Burners are set on or into a smooth ceramic surface, with grates. On GE JGP637WEJ[WW] cooktop.

Covered oven element. Keeps spills from encrusting element. On Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2], Kenmore (Sears) 9421[2], and GE JBP81SL[SS] ranges and on Bosch HBL54[50]UC, GE JTP70SM[SS], Kenmore (Sears) Pro 4100[3], and Frigidaire Gallery GLEB30S9F[S] wall ovens with grates. Also on GE JGP637WEJ[WW] cooktop.

Pot of lobsters on a gas range with continuous grates
Continuous grates. These abut to slide pots over burners. On the GE Profile PGB910SEM[SS], GE Profile J2B918WEK[WW], Frigidaire Gallery GLGF386D[S], Bosch HDS71[5]2, and Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7946[3] ranges and GE JGP975WEK[WW] cooktop.

Hot-surface light. Warns when cooktop is still hot. On GE JBP81SL[SS] and Frigidaire Gallery GLEF369D[S] ranges and on Electrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS], Kenmore (Sears) 4273[2], GE Profile PP945BMBB, and Whirlpool RCC3024L[Q] cooktops.

Sealed burners. Prevent spills from falling inside. On GE Profile PGB910SEM[SS] and J2B918WEK[WW], Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW], Frigidaire Gallery GLGF386D[S], Bosch HDS71[5]2, and Kenmore (Sears) Elite 7946[3]ranges and GE JGP975WEK[WW] and GE JGP637WEJ[WW] cooktops.

Bridge element or burner. Merges two elements for oversized cookware. On the GE Profile PGB910SEM[SS] gas range.

Warming drawer. Keeps plates and food warm. On Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2], 9421[2], and Elite 7946[3]; GE JBP81SL[SS], Profile PGB910SEM[SS], and Profile J2B918WEK[WW]; and Bosch HDS71[5]2 ranges.