Sure, taming fire was revolutionary, but there’s a lot to be said about harnessing the power of electricity to run our appliances. But, while the majority of home appliances depend on the fuel source, electric ranges are considered a compromise to gas and induction ranges, which boast impressive heat output and precision. However, that doesn’t mean electric ranges are obsolete. In fact, for many shoppers, going electric is still the more economic and user-friendly choice, especially when it comes to the best electric range under $1000. Follow along in this article as we go over a brief summary of electric stoves to help you determine a cheap electric range from an affordable electric range that meets your needs.
At a Glance:
Best Overall: GE® 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Convection Range (JB735SPSS)
Best Slide In: Samsung 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Front Control Slide-In Electric Range (NE63T8111SS)
Best Range with Air Fry: LG 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Convection Smart Range with Air Fry (LREL6323S)
Best Convection Range: Samsung 30" Black Free Standing Electric Range (NE59T4321SB)
Best Single Oven: Amana® 30" Black on Stainless Free Standing Electric Range (AER6303MFS)
Best Freestanding: Frigidaire® 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Range (FFEF3054TS)
An Intro to Electric Ranges
So, if gas and induction are deemed the superior options, why are electric ranges still around? The answer is simple: Electric ranges are still great appliances that fulfill their purpose. Additionally, newer electric range models provide a cleaner appearance than gas ranges with smooth, ceramic cooking surface cooktops that require less maintenance than a gas burner and grates. What’s more, since electric-powered ranges cost less than gas models (and even less than induction) and hookup to a standard 220-volt socket, electric ranges are easier on the wallet and simpler to install into homes.
That being said, all these perks come with a tradeoff: performance. Apples to apples, watt power cannot compare to a live flame or the electromagnetism of induction. As a result, it takes longer to cook on an electric range and foods may not have the same sears than cooking on a gas or induction stove. However, the opposite is true when it comes to an electric oven. In fact, gas ovens switch a flame on and off to keep oven climates consistent, but that leads to inefficient energy use, often with uneven results. On the other hand, electricity doesn’t need to be switched off alternatively, meaning the heat output is consistent, requiring less rotation of cookware and trays, and with quicker result times.
Electric Range Features
Keep a lookout for some of these features along your search. Whether it’s one or several of these add-ons, their function helps to improve the experience of an electric range.
Expandable Elements: Cookware comes in many sizes, which is why a flexible heating element can be a lifesaver when it comes to configuring a fully occupied cooktop. By expanding anywhere from 6 – 12 inches, you have more ways to fit pots and pans regardless of the burner.
WiFi Connectivity: The good news is ranges are one of the most common kitchen appliances to include WiFi-enabled features, so adding the feature to an electric range won’t jack up the price.
Convection: Luckily, convection baking — the process of circulating heat with a fan — is mostly found on electric ranges, so chances are you can find this bonus on a wide scale of price points.
Air Fry: The cousin to convection, this feature is ideal for whipping up fried favorites without the mess or extra calories from excessive oil.
Self-clean Cycle: Life is already busy enough to add “clean the oven” to the to-do list, but a self-clean oven cycle can do the task for you, often in as little as a few hours.
Our Electric Range Picks
In this roundup of 30-inch electric ranges under $1,000, our experts compared and contrasted the best features, function, and affordability, providing a list of standout models that pack a bang for your buck. Here are our favorites.
Best Overall: GE® 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Convection Range
Product testers have given this GE electric range a whopping 4.7 out of 5 stars thanks to its series of useful features all at a price point of under $950. Install this smooth top range into your kitchen and enjoy preparing meals with the convenience of five heating elements, including dual burners with the flexibility to power 9 – 12-inch cookware. The glossy stovetop finish continues on the interior of a 5.3 cubic-foot oven with the power to cook meals with rapid preheat, Air Fry technology, and convection baking complete with easy and automatic temperature conversion.
Best Slide In: Samsung 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Front Control Slide-In Electric Range
Let your backsplash shine with this Samsung slide in electric range crafted in a sleek profile with a streamlined cooktop and front controls for an even neater presentation. What’s better, this model comes with smooth performance to match, including voice-enabled WiFi connectivity and management, and fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel accent that add a pop of modern appeal. Five heating elements help simplify multitasking during mealtime, and with the dual ring technology, you have more liberty for where to use nearly any size cookware. As a final perk, Samsung also equips this smart electric oven with a 6.3 cubic-foot oven — the largest in its class — with easy maintenance thanks to Self & Steam Clean technology.
Best Range with Air Fry: LG 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Convection Smart Range with Air Fry
This LG electric range makes enjoying pub favorites at home easy with built-in Air Fry heating. Simply select the setting for crispy, golden foods minus the oil or mess, or use the convection mode for better browning and results for main entrees and bakes. Built with capacity in mind, this 30-inch smart electric range also features five heating elements and a spacious 6.3 cubic-foot oven complete with convenient user features like EasyClean self-cleaning, plus ThinQ WiFi comp ability for mobile programming from a smart device.
Best Convection Range: Samsung 30" Black Free Standing Electric Range
For flaky, flavorful, succulent bakes and roasts, consider this Samsung electric range that comes complete with fan convection. The addition of convection technology means every surface of the oven is blanketed in even heat, so no matter which racks items are placed, great results are ensured. Framed in black from knob to interior, this range is the epitome of sleek and sophisticated style, which is further accentuated by a smooth cooktop with flexible heating elements.
Best Single Oven: Amana® 30" Black on Stainless Free Standing Electric Range
Households with simple cooking needs will get plenty of use out of this Amana electric range oven with a 4.8 cubic-foot oven ideal for cooking multiple meals at once. This 30-inch freestanding range also comes with Temp Assure Cooking System for convection-like oven results, plus Bake Assist temperature presets that let you skip pre-heating by setting the oven to optimum conditions according to temperature setting. Throw in a versatile cooktop with up to 1,800-watt output, a warming drawer, and sleek stainless-steel trimming and this affordable electric range is a major bargain every range shopper should consider.
Best Freestanding: Frigidaire® 30" Stainless Steel Free Standing Electric Range
Successful meals begin with this Frigidaire electric range designed with the flexibility and performance to handle every occasion. The hallmark of this freestanding electric range is a powerful Quick Boil heating element capable of producing 3,000 watts of output for quicker boils and pronounced sears. It’s the perfect complement to the SpaceWise Expandable Elements that accommodate pots and pans up to 12 inches. A color-coordinated oven door with a wide window design stylishly frames a generous oven with 5.3 cubic feet of capacity, while one-touch self-cleaning presets in 2- and 3-hour cycles ensure the interior stays just as presentable as the outside.
Shop Electric Ranges at Don’s Appliances
As the Pittsburgh-area’s premier supplier of home appliances since 1971, Don’s Appliances knows a thing or two about matching appliances with our customers’ needs. For that reason, we proudly carry electric ranges that satisfy your budget and fuel your passion for cooking. Regardless of whether you’re shopping for new or replacing, our entire stock of appliances is full of reliable brands and models you can trust and we’re proud to sell.
Shop online, by phone at 1-866-544-1711, or at one of our 10 showrooms throughout Pittsburgh to experience our Exceptional Brands and Service today!