Cooking appliances

56 models top our tests for performance and value

Prices for ranges, cooktops, and other cooking mainstays have heated up this year as manufacturers passed higher materials costs down to consumers. But our tests of almost 200 models yielded an appetizing menu of top picks that won't scorch your budget.

Fast heating and superb simmering and broiling helped make Kenmore's 92163 smoothtop electric range, $1,480, a new winner. Features include a large oven with a convection mode and a separate warming drawer, along with the stainless trim many ranges offer. Want convection without the warming drawer? You'll get it in the Kenmore 92803 for about $500 less.

Double-oven ranges let you roast a turkey in the larger lower oven while baking a pie on top. But the Maytag MET8885X smoothtop, $1,300, and KitchenAid KDRS505X dual-fuel range, $2,300, were among the few double-oven models that made our winners' list. What's more, hoisting heavy meals out of the lower oven on most models takes a strong back.

A separate cooktop and wall oven add placement options. The smoothtop Whirlpool G7CE3034X, a CR Best Buy at $600, aced our simmering tests. But even our less expensive pick among wall ovens brings the total for both to $2,500. We also tested two new pro-style ranges that fit the usual 30-inch space. But as Slimmer pros aren't stellar overall shows, there's nothing small about their prices.