1. What You Need to Know About Ranges: a Granada Hills REALTOR’s Perspective

Granada Hills REALTOR and a savvy expert, Michael Gentile, shares his knowledge about buying ranges.

Typically, homeowners make decisions in buying a range based on budget, appearance, performance and ease of use. The cost of a range starts at $350. Added cost includes delivery, installation, gas line, outlet installation, etc. Gas ranges have an average life span of 11 to 15 years.

In choosing gas or electric, it all boils down to what you have in the house. Those with natural gas line prefer a gas range, and those without choose electric. The average size of a home range is 30 inches. High-end ranges can be as big as 48 inches wide. For homes with smaller space, you can buy the 20 to 24 inches model. Standard oven compartment is 5 cubic feet. For an additional $200, homeowners can get a range with convection heat, which spreads out hot air inside the oven evenly.

Image via Wikipedia

Burner Quantity, Type and Performance

Ranges can have four to five burners. Ranges with five burners cost at least $800. With burner type, one can choose from an ultra-low burner or a central oval burner for cooking with griddle pans. A bridge burner is used for bigger heating needs (i.e. cooking with roasting pans). Gas and electric ranges that have BTU are preferable, with heating speed almost twice as effective as the standard range. Power burners have 9,000 to 15,000 BTUs. The upgrade will cost you an extra $200.

Pro ranges that emulate those that are used in restaurants have a tag price of $4,000 to $10,000. Ranges like these have multiple large ovens, ultra-high powered burners, etc.

New ranges either have a warming drawer to keep the food warm or a small extra oven for cooking multiple items at the same time. Such models cost $1,000 to $1,200 at least. For an additional $100 each, you get halogen lighting, smooth-glide racks, and porcelain-coated racks.

Ranges with temperature probes (starts at $1,300) tell you that your food is cooked enough. An alternative is to buy a battery-powered probe that cost $30.

Image via WikipediaAny contemporary range (except the cheapest) has smooth ceramic cook top design and sealed burner design for easy cleaning. For models as low as $350, you get a self-cleaning oven feature. Expect to change oven bulbs periodically. Glass top replacement costs around $250. Electric control panel replacement can cost you $250 plus labor. Coil-style electric burners that fail often will make you shell out $50, excluding labor.

Related articles

• Strategies for Remodeling Your Kitchen: From Beginning to End from a Los Angeles REALTOR (thelaspecialist.com)
• Consult a Granada Hills Realtor in Considering Your Pet before Moving In (thebestgranadahillsrealtor.com)
• Repair or Replacement of Heating Equipment? Living Green and Saving Money From a Los Angeles REALTOR (thelaspecialist.com)
• Storm Windows and Doors Tax Credit: Green Living From The Best Pasadena REALTOR Tells All (yourpasadenarealtor.com)
• Pros and Cons of Tax Credits for Residential Fuel Cells: Green Living from a Los Angeles REALTOR (thelaspecialist.com)