Nice oven IF installed
Written: Nov 30 '05 (Updated Dec 01 '05)
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Pros: Nice oven, if a bit tiny.
Cons: Difficult installation; smaller top is self-cleaning; bottom is larger, manual clean.
The Bottom Line: If you're stuck with this smaller width, this is probably the best double oven to buy ( no knobs ); the KitchenAid is convection and $300 more.
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| PollyEster's Full Review: Kenmore 47733 Electric Double Oven |
It was time; when we remodelled our kitchen five years ago, there were plenty of double wall ovens in the 24-27" range. Now, there are basically 4 ( KitchenAid which is convection, Kenmore, Maytag and GE ). So we figured that we'd better get going and replace our older oven before that size disappeared entirely...it was cheaper than replacing the cabinets ( even though we would have loved having the wide-sized ovens ).
So here's the rub. Our old oven was a snap to install. 4 screws, slide it out, unplug and done. Putting in the next one was exactly the reverse...a breeze. NOT this oven. First off, determine if you have a plug receptacle ( 240 amp ). If so, you're out of luck. The Kenmore/Sears comes with loose wires ( while they appear too small, they are insulated with the latest material so can carry a higher load )...no plug. If you're not sure, pay for installation! Trust me on this.
Next, check your bottom panel of your cabinetry. If there is any sort of a drop from the front of the panel ( mine was 3/4" ) you'll have to make a false platform. The Kenmore oven comes with side riser panels but they are not enough to compensate for a drop. If you're not sure on this ( that is, you've never removed your oven ), pay for installation.
Finally, the bottom decorative vent does not align. This is common to many models due to the structure of cabinets. But the plastic is highly prone to snap ( as mine did, luckily as the technician was putting it in ). Also, do NOT use anything but a Robert's head screwdriver ( if you don't know what this is --and I didn't-- pay for installation ).
Here's the bottom line. Sears makes it tough for you. What should have been a simple install is now made difficult. And they likely want it that way so that they can check everything out and not have to come back. At least, this is what the technician told us ( his warranty-paid call would have been $200! $147 for the labor/service call and $50 for the plastic vent ). However, the installers of Sam's Wholesale Club ( for an electric dryer ) were basically drivers and miswired the entire appliance, costing my time and Sam's/Whirlpool MORE than the appliance itself in repairs.
UPDATE: Okay, what about the oven itself? What's nice about this oven vs. the few others that you have to choose from is its appearance. Rather than knobs for controls ( as on all the others EXCEPT the KitchenAid ), this is a flush, digital panel. Features not only include the usual light, temps, timed cook and such, but also an oven lock feature that can lock the oven doors either when cooking or when away ( great child safety feature ). But there are a few drawbacks...
First off, you may be surprised to discover that the upper oven is substantially smaller than the lower one. This is likely due to the self-cleaning features which requires high temps and thus greater insulation ( the bottom oven, as on all the other models, is manual cleaning ). And by smaller, I mean that large roasting pans, cookie sheets and such will have to go in the lower oven. Yes, THAT small. So determine how many large roasts and such you cook...if it's mainly pies and casseroles, you're fine on the top. But two turkeys might be pushing it.
Another possible drawback are the racks themselves which feature a sloped back. This is again a safety feature that makes it difficult to pull out a rack ( but nice if you're checking on your cooking since you can slide out the entire rack without fear of it "tipping," even with weight ). The downside is that the slope prevents you from utilizing the entire depth of the oven; thus, your roasting pan will fit, but just barely ( same for the cookie sheet ). We even tried to utilize our old oven racks and no luck. Kenmore has made the slotted grooves basically unique to their oven racks.
Still, the appearance matches the cooking, the digital temp controls proving quite accurate, the oven shutting off on schedule when cooking say, a turkey for 3 hours ( and it's easy to add more time with it's "add a minute" feature ). And if you just want a reminder, there is yet another timer that is just that...just a timer. The digital clock is fairly bright and easy to read; and the large viewing windows let you see your foods clearly ( some of the other models had smaller windows...see if this is important to you ).
One more thing, with this size oven, you'll likely have to order online as we did, which also means that almost nobody carries these in the store for side-by-side comparing ( possibly a specialty appliance store, such as a Maytag or KitchenAid dealer, might have their specific models ). And unfortunately, the online photos aren't much of a help. But at least Kenmore allowed you to enlarge and reposition their picture ( so that you can actually see the controls ).
So now after several meals, do I enjoy the oven? Of course! It now looks and cooks great ( still no vent as it was mail-ordered ). But would I have the next one installed? Without a doubt!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200.00
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Epinions.com ID:
PollyEster
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Location: Salt Lake, UT
Reviews written: 235
Trusted by: 27 members
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