HomeHome and GardenKitchen RangesKenmore Free-Standing Dual Fuel Range
Opinion Summary
Beautiful Waste of Money - AND DANGEROUS!
by tomjones | Jan 03 '03
Pros: Five burner design, convection oven, secondary oven. Looks nice. Cheaper than some similar ranges.
Cons: Completely unreliable. Poor service by Sears.

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OVERALL RATING
Product Rating: 1.0



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Comments on Beautiful Waste of Money - AND DANGEROUS!" (10 total)  
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Date Written
I totally disagree with the previous comment (Reply to this comment)
by patrincia
I own this unit and would definitely purchase it again. It works great, looks great, I just love it. I have owned it for 6 months, and use it on a daily basis for both stove top and oven use.

I use the ovens regularly and the gaskets on both doors are just fine. The convection in the larger oven really roasts faster (20-25% faster) with perfect results (no uneven spots). Baked goods bake faster too. Cakes are evenly browned, cookies are okay but don't think you can bake more than two sheets at a time, they won't brown evenly on top without having to turn the sheets half way through cooking (a step I try to avoid at all costs), but even if you only bake one sheet at a time, they bake 25% faster, so you still are saving time.

The easy to clean enamel on my grates is in wonderful condition after many many many washings both in the dishwasher and scrubbing by hand. I have banged them together (accidentally of course) and there is no sign of the enamel flaking off.

The electronic ignition works wonderfully. The flame is very easy to adjust. This is the standard push and turn function every gas stove I've ever owned had (4 in the past 15 years). I have not had any problem turning the burners off. I love the high output burners (2 front)....they are great for fast heating. The simmer burner (center back) is great for sauces or just keeping something warm while waiting for other dishes to finish cooking.

The electronic timer is same standard electronic timer you find on many stoves regardless of the manufacturer. 1. push timer 2. push arrow up to the desired time 3. push start (pretty simple).

The ceramic stove top is really easy to clean, however polishing it with the polish provided is a chore reserved for company only. I find it to be a task that I just don't enjoy....if you use too much polish, you have a real mess on your hands. Most of the time I just use glass cleaner.....no mess, no streaks, no white chalky stuff to dig out of the cracks.

The stainless steel looks great but again, save yourself the aggrivation of constantly having to polish it with the special "stainless polish".....if you wash all the stainless with soapy water, then rinse, rinse, rinse (until all the residue is gone) then all you have to do is wipe with a damp cloth and it will dry streak free. If you don't have all the residue off it will dry with a blotchy and streaky appearance. Keep in mind, if you want to use the stainless polish, one fingerprint means polishing the whole surface again (touching up doesn't work), but if you get all the polish off and get a fingerprint, just one wipe with a clean, damp cloth is all you need.

Bye the way, the storage drawer is HUGE! I can put several 8 quart stockpots in there standing up. actually the whole range is tall. The ceramic cooktop is flush with my counters, but the burner grates are on top of that, making the pots and pans an inch or two higher than normal. I am only 5 feet tall and noticed the difference at first, but am quite used to it by now.
Jun 05 '03
3:32 pm PDT

No issues with new range... (Reply to this comment)
by tomjones
I like it. It's apparently made by Frigidaire, which does not have the best reputation these days, but I cannot complain. A definite improvement over the old range. The burners have caused no problems, but I must add that they are not as precise as they could be: In lowering the power from High to Low the flame height actually increases as you go pass from 6 to 4. But I always judge by eye anyway...

Tom
Apr 28 '03
7:34 am PDT

Re: Re: I was seriously considering this range... (Reply to this comment)
by jeffreyone
I was really interested in this range, but your comments have me concerned. Since it's now been about three months since you've had the replacement range (new model) how has that been?
Apr 27 '03
11:42 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: I was seriously considering this range... (Reply to this comment)
by tomjones
I am loathe to recommend the range, but do believe the new version is a significant improvement over the one we originally purchased. We have had no problems. I would seriously urge anyone buying one to purchase a maintenance plan and keep it current. If you have a credit card that automatically extends warrantees, use it!
Mar 18 '03
7:04 am PST

Re: Re: I was seriously considering this range... (Reply to this comment)
by sroan
I have read your comments and am curious to find out if your new replacement has been satisfactory now that you have had it for a couple of months? I have been considering purchasing this oven for all the same reasons that you originally did but now I'm very hesitant to try it.
Mar 17 '03
11:42 am PST

Re: I was seriously considering this range... (Reply to this comment)
by tomjones
After many months, dozens of phone calls and letters to executives and National Customer Service, we finally received a replacement - the updated version. And it's worth a look. It has all-new burners (hmm, maybe they received some other complaints?), new grates, a new top that is much easier to clean and improved latching on the side oven door. No problems yet after a month. How to tell which version is which? Simple. The new (and one would hope truly improved) range has a system of three interlocking grates that cover the five burners, as opposed to five individual cast-iron grates the oder version had. It also now says "Dual Fuel" on the right of the top panel.

Then again, there's the issue of Sears' service...
Feb 27 '03
6:59 am PST

Re: I am really surprised (Reply to this comment)
by tomjones
I agree - this situation is quite unbelievable. Not only is the range a Sears product, but the Master Protection Agreement was sold to us by Sears, too.
Jan 05 '03
7:10 am PST

I am really surprised (Reply to this comment)
by mountainhigh, mountainhigh is an Advisor on Epinions in Home and Garden
that Sear's is giving you the run around. Does their extended warranty go thru them or another company? This range is too expensive to have to go thru all the hassle that you have gone through. Please keep us updated on your situation.

Kathy
Jan 03 '03
9:38 pm PST

Re: Gee! (Reply to this comment)
by tomjones
Thanks for the read and comment. I have yet to give up the fight!
Jan 03 '03
9:41 am PST

Gee! (Reply to this comment)
by sweetsue_98
When the consumer gets upset, they usually get results. I would have thought they would have picked it up, and given you a complete refund.
Jan 03 '03
9:32 am PST