Are you in the market for a new stove? If you are, odds are you are going to check out customer reviews and Reddit. What better place to get honest feedback from real people?
When buying a stove you will want to focus on the type (gas, electric, or induction), size and fit, burner power, ease of cleaning, and special features.
To save you some time, we scoured Reddit to find out what everyone is looking for and determine what key questions customers are asking, and determine what Redditors identified as the most important (or useful) features.
Questions to Consider:
- Will the stove be available when you want/need it?
- Do you want/need a double oven?
- Does the door and knobs feel sturdy?
- Does the bottom drawer feel solid?
- Is the oven light bright enough to see what you’re cooking?
- Are the components removeable so you can hand wash them separately?
- Are parts readily available and made in the US? (If parts are not readily available or not manufactured in the US, it could be challenging to repair.)
- Does the brand offer a warranty? Extended warranty?
- What are the BTUs? (There isn’t a standard BTU for stoves but The Kitchn offers advice for homeowners.)
Special Features to Consider:
- Air fryer setting
- Keep warm and bread proof
- Self-cleaning seems like a popular feature people are interested in but several Redditors claim the feature destroys your oven. And if your seal is weak, you risk the char becoming flammable material.
- Bluetooth link between hood and range or Smart Connectivity
- Maximized cooking space with enough burners
- Special burners, griddles, and grills
- Cookware Compatibility: Induction stoves require specific cookware.
- Ventilation: Gas stoves need proper ventilation to avoid air quality issues.
- Cost vs. Efficiency: Induction stoves are more efficient but they are expensive.
While it is a bummer that you cannot test a stove before purchasing, relying on feedback from real life customers is a solid alternative. The Reddit contributors have suggested a culmination of brands but there isn’t a consensus on a specific brand and/or model.
Purchasing a stove can feel overwhelming because it is an appliance you will most likely use everyday and rely on for many years.