LG aims to stand out in the crowded range aisle by offering innovative features. Their ProBake convection is impressive engineering, but what does it mean to you, the shopper, the cook? Consumer Reports tested two LG ranges with ProBake and other add-ons to help you decide.
We bought the $1,800 LG LDE4415ST electric smoothtop range and the $2,000 LG LDG4315ST gas model and put them through our kitchen range tests for simmering, baking cakes and cookies, broiling burgers, and self-cleaning a very dirty oven. We measured oven capacity and timed how long the most powerful burner brought a 6-quart pot of water to a near boil.
These are double-oven ranges, pairing a smaller top oven with a larger oven below. Both made our top range picks—the gas range is top rated and very good overall; the electric range scored excellent. Keep in mind that the best gas ranges do not perform as well overall as the top electric ranges in Consumer Reports' tests. Typically that's because the high-powered gas burners aren't as fast as the fastest high-powered electric elements, and broiling isn't as good. That's true with these LG ranges too. Here's a look at the added features that make both ranges expensive and attention grabbing.
ProBake convection
LG claims this is groundbreaking technology to help you bake like a pro. They've moved the lower oven's heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall, claiming even, precise heat on every rack. This is the first time we've seen this on a freestanding gas range, although for years we've seen a variation of this on electric ranges. Be ready to bend down very low for that second rack of cookies since ProBake is in the lower oven. The upper oven operates like a typical range with the burner under the oven's floor and is for single rack cooking.
In the LG LDG4315ST gas range, ProBake delivered a blazing fast 4 minute preheat to 325° F using convection bake. Baking was very good, consistently serving up evenly browned cookies and cakes, says Tara Casaregola, the engineer who oversees Consumer Reports' tests of cooking appliances. The LG LDE4415ST electric smoothtop range took 8 minutes to preheat—not really noteworthy. Baking was very good overall, turning out evenly browned cakes and cookies.
EasyClean
For small messes and light splatters, LG promises a clean oven in 10 minutes without chemical odors or high heat. But the manual's 11-step process includes scraping debris from the oven cavity with a plastic spatula, spraying with water, and wiping dry. Both ranges also have a regular self-clean option and you'll see the self-cleaning scores in our Ratings.
Smart features
You'll see a Smart ThinQ logo on the control panel of both ranges, referring to its Tag On capabilties that work with Android smartphones with NFC (near-field communication). We tried Tag On and changed display settings and beep volume. The real usefulness of this feature seems to be when the range isn't working properly and you can try and solve the problem with LG's Smart Diagnosis. Fortunately, the ranges we tested didn't have any problems so we couldn't put Smart Diagnosis to the test. The manual does say that features can be added or deleted when the LG Smart Oven application is updated.
Need help finding a new range?
Then see our range Ratings. We've tested dozens of electric smoothtops, induction, coil tops, gas, dual-fuel, and pro-style ranges. Check the range buying guide to help you get started. Use the Ratings' range selector to narrow your choices, the features & specs tab to compare, and the brand reliability data to learn which brands are more repair prone. Questions? Email me at kjaneway@consumer.org.
