Kitchen Range Pricing Considerations and Maintenance

A basic gas or electric, freestanding 30" range costs as a low as $250, while a 30" freestanding electric range with induction cooking can cost upwards of $2,500. A 30" gas range with double ovens can cost from $1,200 to $2,400. For larger size gas ranges, 48" and wider, prices can reach $8,000 and higher!

The more features and options you choose, the higher the price, so it's important to evaluate which features are important to you.

As for maintenance, wiping up spills as soon as they occur is the best way to maintain any range. If that's not possible, wipe down the surface with a warm, wet towel and appropriate cooktop surface cleaner - if you have a glass cooktop, make sure the cleaner is designed to be used on a glass cooktop.

Never use steel wool or other abrasives on your cooktop, glass or otherwise; check your owner's manual to see if other cleaning materials are safe to use. Also, give your cooktop a good wipe down once a week to help it retain it's lustre.

• Most conventional ranges are made of porcelain enamel, which is very durable allowing hot pans to be set on them. However, cold items or liquids should not be placed on them when they are hot - this will crack the surface from thermal shock.

• Control knobs can be washed in warm soapy water with a cloth; touchpad controls can be wiped down with a wet towel.

• Gas burners and grates can be removed for cleaning. Soak grates in very hot water and detergent if they are very dirty, then scrub with a brush. A little ammonia may be added to the soaking solution if they are very greasy. Clean burners with a brush and rinse in hot water and allow them to dry before replacing them.

• Reflector bowls under burners may be taken out and washed in hot soapy water. Allow them to soak for several minutes to loosen heavy dirt and grease. Stubborn spots on chrome bowls and rings can be washed using baking soda and water and a plastic mesh pad. Never put chrome bowls in the dishwasher or in a self-cleaning oven. Porcelain reflector bowls can be washed in either soapy water or in a dishwasher. If your manual allows it, porcelain bowls can be cleaned in a self-cleaning oven cycle.

• Self-cleaning ovens - once considered a luxury, most range models now come standard with a self-cleaning oven; this feature as it can save you plenty of time in weekly maintenance.

Range warranties are generally one year for parts and labor. Occasionally, manufacturers offer a longer warranty or a variation, but this is uncommon. Manufacturers also usually provide a toll-free customer service number you can call for advice before making a customer service call for repair. This ensures you get the problem fixed right the first time.