December 2007
Cooking appliances
Putting "pro" over performance. Our tests continue to show that $4,000-plus professional-style ranges perform no better than conventional models and are often
out-cooked by mainstream ranges that cost thousands less. Some new pro-branded, $2,000 wall ovens also had teething pains,
despite their high price. Another reason not to go pro: Toney brands like Dacor and Viking have often been repair-prone in
our surveys.
Believing oven-capacity claims. Manufacturers' measurements inflate the capacity of ranges and microwave ovens by including wasted, unusable space in the corners. Actual cubic feet of usable space can be 30 to 50 percent of those claims.
Paying for features you don't need. Bigger might seem better when it comes to smoothtop-electric range elements. But those 12-inch-diameter elements are larger than most pots and are likely to be more than you need. Faster isn't necessarily better, either. While convection can speed roasting, it's pricey (an extra $250 or so) and the fans it uses could steal oven space.
Choosing a microwave oven without a sensor. It might be tempting to choose a less-expensive microwave that lacks that feature. But you're likely to be sorry because sensors help prevent over- or undercooking by determining when food is done based on infrared light or the steam food emits.
Buying a wimpy range hood. Proper venting is especially critical with more burners on gas ranges and higher-heat elements on electric models. Downdraft hoods, which try to reverse the direction of rising smoke and fumes and exhaust them through ducts running towards the floor, might look sleek. But they have proved among the least effective in our ventilation tests. And while over-the-range microwave ovens might save counter space, even the best can't match a competent range hood when it comes to clearing the air.
Not investing in safety. Electric range and cooktop elements can stay hot long after you've turned them off.
Not reading the fine print. Ordinary, 120-volt circuits are fine for ordinary gas ranges. But you'll typically need 240 volts if you decide on a dual-fuel range with a gas cooktop and electric oven--a major expense if your kitchen isn't equipped for it. You might also need to strengthen the floor if you buy a heavyweight pro-style range.
Like the ultrafast heating speed of an induction cooktop? Along with the $1,800 or so you'll pay for the cooktop, you might have to spring for a new set of cookware if yours isn't magnetic--a requirement for those new-tech devices.
For more information. Read our money-saving advice on buying a range, cooktop, wall oven, range hood, or microwave.
Ratings of gas and electric ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, and range hoods are available to subscribers.
Smart move: Choose a high-performing, midpriced range or wall oven with stainless-steel trim and other pro-style features for a fraction
of the cost.
Believing oven-capacity claims. Manufacturers' measurements inflate the capacity of ranges and microwave ovens by including wasted, unusable space in the corners. Actual cubic feet of usable space can be 30 to 50 percent of those claims.
Smart move: Check the usable-space column in Consumer Reports' ratings of microwave ovens, which is based on our in-lab measurements. Also check our capacity scores for range ovens. And
bring your favorite casserole or other cooking plate to the store to see that it fits the microwave oven you are considering
and can move with the turntable or sliding tray.
Paying for features you don't need. Bigger might seem better when it comes to smoothtop-electric range elements. But those 12-inch-diameter elements are larger than most pots and are likely to be more than you need. Faster isn't necessarily better, either. While convection can speed roasting, it's pricey (an extra $250 or so) and the fans it uses could steal oven space.
Smart move: Decide how much range you really need. And look for labor-savers such as continuous grates for sliding heavy pots, expandable
elements for different-sized cookware, and digital readouts for more precise oven temperatures.
Choosing a microwave oven without a sensor. It might be tempting to choose a less-expensive microwave that lacks that feature. But you're likely to be sorry because sensors help prevent over- or undercooking by determining when food is done based on infrared light or the steam food emits.
Smart move: Pay a bit more up front for a sensor-equipped model.
Buying a wimpy range hood. Proper venting is especially critical with more burners on gas ranges and higher-heat elements on electric models. Downdraft hoods, which try to reverse the direction of rising smoke and fumes and exhaust them through ducts running towards the floor, might look sleek. But they have proved among the least effective in our ventilation tests. And while over-the-range microwave ovens might save counter space, even the best can't match a competent range hood when it comes to clearing the air.
Smart move: Check our Ratings for an under-cabinet, wall-chimney, or island range hood that performed well in our tests. And when it
comes to venting smoke and fumes, consider buying a countertop microwave oven instead of an over-the-range model if counter
space is plentiful.
Not investing in safety. Electric range and cooktop elements can stay hot long after you've turned them off.
Smart move: Look for an electric range and cooktop with a hot-surface warning light that shows when elements you've turned off are still
too hot to touch--that is especially important if you have kids. Also look for a microwave oven with child lockout, especially
on a convection model in which inside surfaces can get very hot.
Not reading the fine print. Ordinary, 120-volt circuits are fine for ordinary gas ranges. But you'll typically need 240 volts if you decide on a dual-fuel range with a gas cooktop and electric oven--a major expense if your kitchen isn't equipped for it. You might also need to strengthen the floor if you buy a heavyweight pro-style range.
Like the ultrafast heating speed of an induction cooktop? Along with the $1,800 or so you'll pay for the cooktop, you might have to spring for a new set of cookware if yours isn't magnetic--a requirement for those new-tech devices.
Smart move: Check the manufacturer's specs and requirements carefully at the store before signing the dotted line.
For more information. Read our money-saving advice on buying a range, cooktop, wall oven, range hood, or microwave.
Ratings of gas and electric ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, and range hoods are available to subscribers.
