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Hi all - after a decade and a half of using a barely functional stove/oven from the 1970s, I’ve decided that it’s time to up my game. I’ve got a vintage GE double oven combo situation that consists of an oven, a coiled electric stove top, a smaller oven on top, and an exhaust fan (that’s never worked btw), all wrapped up in one hideous brown piece 😄. If you google it, look for the brown double decker one.

For background, I’d thought about doing this 10 years ago and even purchased a freestanding range, but I canceled my order when I realized just how much work would need to go into this project. I know what you’re thinking: what’s so complicated about replacing an old range with a new one? Well... here are my excuses: 

- the unit is likely not a plug-in but rather is hardwired to the electrical box, so I’d need to hire an electrician 

- I’d have to buy a new exhaust fan and get it installed

- I’d have to put in a new backsplash for the wall that the old unit was covering

- Did I mention that the current range is *just* under 30” with no room to spare on either side, and with today’s 30” ranges, the existing tile and cabinetry would likely have to be taken out/replaced

Honestly, I’d love to just tear down the whole thing and have a brand-spanking new kitchen to play in, but that’s even more of an ordeal because of cost and because of dealing with contractors and managing that kind of project. (I know to some it doesn’t sound so bad to manage a reno, but it’s not my cup of rum). @lebowits - you recently re-did your kitchen, right? Want to manage a kitchen reno?!!! j/k 😄 

ANYHOW... my question is (sorry for the long intro):

Can someone recommend a really good electric range and electric oven combo? Here are the specs I’m looking for:

 1. A ceramic cooktop would be a nice update from coils, BUT a type of coating that didn’t scratch easily would be great.

 2. The heat emitted from this cooktop should be hot enough to puff up a roti (odd request, but necessary). 🙃

 3. An AMAZEBALLS convection oven. I do A LOT LOT LOT of baking and an oven that heats up quickly and evenly is of utmost importance. Also, an oven that is “strong like bull” is necessary, so that when I create steam for my artisan breads, neither the light bulb nor the glass door will shatter (the former has happened and it’s not fun to clean and throw out what you’re baking).

 4. Finally, and this is a wishlist thing but not a dealbreaker - oven racks that glide in and out would be awesome. I use a lot of heavy baking steels, stones, and cast iron cookware so it’d be nice if they came out to me instead of me having to yank them out from the depths of the kiln.

 5. And for price... I’d say something that’s mid-range. I definitely don’t want to go above 2k and would prefer something closer to the 1k mark, especially since the fan and cost of the electrician/contractor will add up in a hurry. (Is that even considered mid-range??!) 😁 I’d love to get something super fancy like a Miele or Bosch, but given that the rest of my kitchen is from the 70s, I don’t want the brown dishwasher to get jealous.

Thanks so much for reading and for your opinions.