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    Ranges

    Kenmore Elite 42793 range

    This standard 30-inch wide front-control smoothtop range has the following:

    • 4 surface cooking elements
    • Among surface elements, 2 high-powered element(s).
    • One or more expandable cooktop elements.
    • Convection oven mode.
    • Glass touch-screen for setting oven temperature.
    • No high-temperature oven self-cleaning function.
    • Steam cooking mode.
    • Downdraft ventilation system.

    About

    The Kenmore Elite 42793 is part of the Range test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Electric smoothtop range models like the Elite 42793 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

    Predicted reliability: Predicted reliability icons are based on estimated breakage rates for newly purchased ranges, not under service contract, within the first five years of ownership.

    Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their range to their friends and family.

    Cooktop high: This reflects how quickly the most powerful element could raise a large pot of water from room temperature to a near boil.

    Features

    Warming element on cooktop Warming element on cooktop A low-powered cooktop element in the center area of the cooktop surface designed to keep food warm.
    No
    High-power elements High-power elements The number of surface cooking elements rated at over 2,000 watts. On a smoothtop range, often one or more of the high-power elements is a dual element; you can choose the large element or a smaller element within the larger one for small pots.
    2
    Medium-power elements Medium-power elements The number of surface cooking elements rated at over 1,500 watts but not more than 2,000 watts.
    0
    Low-power elements Low-power elements The number of surface cooking elements rated from 1,200 to 1,500 watts not including warming-only elements, or those contained within larger expandable elements.
    2
    Convection mode Convection mode Has a convection feature that uses a fan or two to circulate heated air, and sometimes an extra heating element. The convection mode can be turned off if you prefer conventional cooking.
    Yes
    Slide-in Slide-in Slides between cabinets; all controls are on front panel for a built-in look. May have an unfinished exterior on the sides of the range, and typically the left and right edges of the cooktop overlap the counter.
    No
    Stainless steel available Stainless steel available Many new mainstream ranges come with stainless steel trim or offer a stainless-trim version for an additional $200 or so.
    No

    Specs

    Element wattages Element wattages Manufacturer's rated maximum wattage of surface cooking elements. Electric coil ranges have two high-power elements (8-inch coils rated 2,600 watts) and two low-power elements (6-inch coils rated 1,500 watts). For smoothtop ranges, different models have different combinations of elements. Small, low-power elements with ratings from 1,200 to 1,500 watts are sized for a small saucepan. A medium-power element (typically 1,800 watts or so) would handle a larger saucepan or small frying pan. High-power elements of 2,000 watts or more will accommodate large pots such as a stockpot. Often one or more of the high-power elements is a dual element; you can choose the large element or a smaller element within the larger one for small pots. These elements are listed as 1,000/2,500 watts (dual). A few models have triple elements, giving you even more flexibility.
    3200, 3000 (Dual), 1300, 1200
    Oven rack positions Oven rack positions Most ranges have five rack positions, and some pro-style models have just three. Six positions adds baking and broiling versatility.
    7
    Style of range Style of range Freestanding ranges can fit in the middle of a kitchen counter or at the end. Slide-ins have all controls in front (no backguard), and strive to be flush with the countertop on either side of them. Drop-ins are like slide-ins but go a step further for the built-in look; they rest atop toe-kick-level cabinetry and lack a storage drawer.
    front-control smoothtop
    Double oven Double oven Double oven models have a second oven cavity. Most have a separate small oven above the main one complete with its own controls, door, window, oven light, slide-out rack, and self-clean function. While the upper oven offers easy access, the main oven is relatively low; you'll need to crouch to remove items from lower shelf positions. Other designs offer two same-sized ovens, or convert a single oven into two using a slide-in partition (though with a shared door.)
    No
    Cooking drawer Cooking drawer Drawer below the main oven that can cook foods (up to a few inches high), as well as warm or heat serving bowls and plates. The cooking drawer has its own temperature control so can be set to cook a dish independent of the main oven. Foods must be lifted up out of the drawer (lacks a slide-out rack), and the drawer requires manual cleaning.
    No
    Warming drawer Warming drawer The drawer below the oven can keep hot foods warm or heat serving bowls and plates. It can also be used as a storage drawer.
    No