We need a new oven. I live with my in-laws and the oven they have is a Hotpoint and is about 33 years old. It pooped out a few weeks ago (yes, I am having oven withdrawal) and on the rare occasions we use it (for frozen pizza) we have to put it at 500 degrees and babysit it constantly. I am checking out ovens online (the only appliances I have ever bought are washer/dryer and microwaves) and there are so many different kinds. I do bake a lot of breads (quick breads, mostly), pies, and cakes. I use the broiler quite a bit too. It needs to be a wall oven. And, I would like it to be energy efficient. What brands does anyone use? Any favorites? Any duds? Thanks!
If you want economic and don't care how the outside looks, there might be a used appliance place near you. Sometime places like Sears have scratch and dents for sale. As far as brand, that depends on whether you have gas or electric. I have a gas Magic Chef that's going on 13 years old and still works great. I don't use the broiler but I do bake ALOT of bread. I don't know if that helps but I hope it does. Marty ps: I should say it's natural gas, not liquid propane.
The oven we have is electric. I was looking at Kitchen Aid ovens but they are pretty expensive. Thanks for the heads up about the Frigidaire. GE looks good. But our last microwave was GE it lasted about 2 years before it died. I think that dislike appliance shopping as much as I dislike car shopping.
Sheila, have you called a repair shop? If it's only the element (or thermostat), it may be able to be replaced. It's worth a call - I called when our dishwasher died. They couldn't fix it, but they told me over the phone so I wouldn't be charged for the service visit.
No, we haven't called a repair place. My FIL is the one who does that. He figured it was time to get a oven. Since I have lived here (almost 12 years) the oven has always cooked very hot. We have always needed to adjust the temp during baking.
For a medium priced brand, I have really liked my Whirlpool appliances. I'd encourage you to get on the Consumer Reports website. They do all the research for all styles and brands and then give you their best buys for the features you need. I usually check them out, especially since the best buys are often the meduim to lower priced brands.
I hate the thought of doing it ($$$), but the repairman that fixed our stove really recommended buying extended warranties on appliances now. He said he's repaired high end appliances that were less than 2 years old. "They just don't make things like they used to."
