3 Gas Range Brands To Avoid (Buy These Brands Instead!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Your gas range is the epicenter of your kitchen, right? And during the holiday season, it also becomes Grand Central Station – your kitchen that is. But there, kicking out pies, rolls, immaculate Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, is your gas range. This is why knowing you can rely on and trust your gas range is important. And the only thing as important as knowing what brands and types of ranges to buy, is knowing what brands to avoid.

When choosing a gas range, avoid purchasing Samsung, Frigidaire, and Kenmore products. These brands have been tied to customer complaints, potentially dangerous operating hazards, and faulty parts. Instead, consider buying from proven and reliable brands such as GE and Whirlpool, or higher-end brands like Fisher.

A kitchen without a safe, reliable, and trustworthy gas range is like a vehicle without an engine. It might look good, but you aren’t going to get anything out of it or go anywhere either. As we bake the casserole while prepping the mashed potatoes, as we stir the pudding now boiling and ready to be cooled, how much more do we appreciate having this wonderful appliance? And refrigerators are wonderful, but the food they store for us comes from where?

Here is a look at the gas ranges that have either raised some questions, doubt, or that have created a reason to look elsewhere for our next gas range.

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The Problem with Samsung Gas Ranges

Safety defects are the primary concern that should give consumers pause when considering Samsung gas ranges. Like most products and brands, if they are fortunate enough to have been in business long enough, then they are likely to encounter some type of product or service issues. Samsung has been that kind of company but recent issues will require them to take a back seat at the moment.

Like that popular and successful vehicle manufacturer that was having serious issues with their automobiles, people didn’t abandon them, they just shopped elsewhere for a while. At least, that is, until those problems were resolved. So, this isn’t a ban on Samsung, as much as it is a reason for caution. And maybe a reason for looking at other brands for your next gas range too.

Reportedly, the problem with Samsung gas ranges that is causing the concern involves the heat sensors. Class-action lawsuits have been filed against the gas range manufacturer over this problem. The problem allegedly causes burners and ovens to get too hot as a result of control board failures. This means burners may not reflect the heat setting the user selects, creating burn risks and other potential dangers.

The Problem with Frigidaire Electrolux Gas Ranges

Not unlike the aforementioned appliance brand Samsung, Frigidaire is no stranger to the appliance and gas range market. It appears, however, and also not unlike Samsung gas ranges, some issues with Frigidaire Electrolux gas ranges has reared its ugly head. And to make matters worse, some customers suggest that the company even knows about these issues.

This only compounds the issues and puts Frigidaire Electrolux gas ranges on the list of gas range brands to avoid. At least for now. Specifically, these could be cited as issues that are a result of not being user-friendly, compounded with customer services issues. Or in this case, a lack of customer service.

The Frigidaire Electrolux gas range is reportedly said to have known risks when doing basic maintenance, such as changing the oven bulb. In addition to the owner’s manual citing these known dangers, customers have also stated that the service department offers little or no recourse.

The Problem with Kenmore Gas Ranges

Kenmore makes the list of gas range brands to avoid bases almost solely on reliability concerns. The curious part about the Kenmore gas range concerns, however, isn’t so much ado about these appliances lasting or working but breaking. And by breaking we mean a variety of fixable but costly or time-consuming problems.

The leading and most common issue with Kenmore gas ranges is igniter problems. These, as previously mentioned, however, are only a few of the reported issues with Kenmore gas ranges. Here is a list of some of the other more common complaints from Kenmore customers:

  • Broil element
  • Thermal fuses
  • Wire connection problems
  • Bake element
  • Control board malfunctions
  • Broil spark electrodes
  • Burning wire risks

Although there doesn’t seem to be that “one” major problem with Kenmore gas ranges, it is the multitude of issues that have become the big problem. And that is also why Kenmore is on the list of gas range brands to avoid until these issues are addressed.

Does Brand Really Matter When It Comes To Gas Ranges?

There are two answers to this question, and both answers are yes. For those who aren’t professional chefs, the answer is yes. Anyone who uses a gas range with any regularity will become familiar with certain aspects of brands they use. That familiarity and comfort also typically leads to a bias, and that matters.

For those who make a living in the kitchen, the answer is also yes. Professional chefs know and appreciate appliances that heat evenly, respond properly, and that are made well.

It is also no secret, however, that even a manufacturer or brand with a poor reputation or problems can produce a good appliance. And in the exact same way, a top-notch brand can always produce a dud every once in a great while too.

What Should I Look For When Buying a Gas Range?

If you are wondering what types of features or aspects need to be considered when buying a gas range, begin by paying attention to the gas range brands to avoid. Many other considerations, however, will be a matter of preference. So considerations such as cost or special considerations (e.g. duel-fuel ranges, double ranges), can’t be specified.

There are some staples that every gas range should include, however, and those should include features such as performance, quality, and ease of use. These are some of the basic staples that should be found and evaluated on every gas range:

Burners

There should be no fewer than four burners on a basic gas range, more burners can be included with more expensive types of ranges. The burners should burn evenly and respond appropriately to user controls.

Storage Drawers

Gas ranges traditionally come with a storage drawer or compartment, typically used to store items like pans and cooking accessories.

Burner and Oven Control Knobs

From more modern digital range panels to traditional dials and knobs, it is important to check these features when considering your next gas range. Do they operate easily, are the controls easy to understand, and are the knob readings simple to follow and see? There is nothing more aggravating than coming back to the range top 20 minutes later to realize the wrong burner was engaged!

Oven Windows

Another standard feature on most gas ranges is an oven window. As a rule, the size of these windows will get larger with the price of the range. While this isn’t typically a deal-breaker type consideration, it is a nice convenience.

What Brands of Gas Ranges Should I Buy?

In addition to knowing what gas range brands to avoid it is also good to know what gas range brands to consider. Here are a few of the top brands for gas ranges and a few options for those in the market.

GE 30″ Slide-In Models

This popular gas range cost between $1,499 and $1,599 and comes with many features. a few of those include:

  • Expanded edge-to-edge cooktop area
  • Built-in integrated non-stick griddle
  • Special steam cleaning features for easier and quicker cleanup

Whirlpool 30″ Freestanding Gas Range

This affordable and reliable gas range typically retails between $849 to $999 and offers many additional features:

  • Oval burner located in the center of the stovetop for larger griddle needs
  • Oven warmer settings
  • Self-Cleaning technology for more convenient and easier cleaning

These are a couple of the many brands that offer reliable and quality appliances like gas ranges. Do your homework, read the reviews, and compare. No one brand or gas range is right for everyone, but there is a gas range that is right for you.

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Related Questions

Kitchens would not be kitchens without them, and they are in homes and used by families, people, and businesses everywhere. That also leads to a lot of questions about these trusted and needed appliances. Here are a few of the more frequently asked questions regarding gas ranges.

How Long Should a Gas Range Last?

If you are looking for a gas range or need to replace one, the good news it gas ranges have a life expectancy of 15 years. That means you won’t need to replace one anytime soon. Gas ranges also can boast of having one the longest life spans of any kitchen appliances. Compare the longevity of a gas range to that of a microwave oven or dishwashing machine that average 9 years, and it looks like an even better investment.

How Do You Know if Your Gas Range is Dying?

Is your dinner not cooking completely in the oven, or not cooking correctly? Does it look like your countertops have been scorched? Having problems turning the Pilot Light on? These could all be signs that your gas range is, at the very least, in need of immediate repair. Unfortunately, these are also signs that your gas range could very well be dying too.

Gas ranges can pose very serious and potentially dangerous risks. If you are having problems like these or operating your gas range, these are issues that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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