The Best Electric Ranges and Stoves of 2024

The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovations Lab pros have tested almost 100 ranges and cooktops in the last two decades, including over 50 electric and induction models.

Before selecting the ranges we want to test, we visit brand showrooms, conduct thorough research and speak with brand representatives to select the best models to test. We have the testing capacity to test five ranges side-by-side in our Lab and are constantly rotating those out to test new models. The models recommended here were chosen based on the testing of current models and previous testing of discontinued models from high-performing brands.

The best electric ranges provide evenly cooked results every time. They are quick to reach boiling temperature, easy to use and energy efficient. Many of today's models often include added features such as self- or steam-cleaning options, as well as air fryer and convection settings. Here's what else you'll want to think about when finding the best stove for your needs:

✔️ Type: The two main types of electric ranges are traditional electric and induction, and the difference lies in how the cooktops work. A traditional electric cooktop's elements heat up after electricity passes through the burner. An induction cooktop is embedded with heating elements that are powered by electromagnetic energy that directly heats the magnetic iron in cookware. The burners themselves never get hot, but you do have to make sure you use induction-safe cookware.

✔️ Cooktop style: Electric ranges can have coil burners or smooth cooktops. Coil burners are more common in older and less expensive ranges. They’re not the most precise, as they are slow to heat and cool, so we don't recommend them. They also need to be cleaned often, as grease and crumbs can get trapped and burn. Smooth cooktops are easier to clean, but they are more delicate and can scratch — though most are built to be long-lasting.

✔️ Burner size: Look for a range that has multiple elements — many stovetops feature dual elements that can accommodate a variety of pot and pan sizes, and some have elements specifically for warming. The variety of burners is the first thing the Director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, Nicole Papantoniou, looks for when testing electric ranges. She says to start by looking for a cooktop that best accommodates the size of the pots and pans you use most often. “Consider different cooking tasks, like boiling a large pot of water for pasta or a small kettle for a single serving of tea,” she says.

✔️ Wattage of the burners: When it comes to wattage, the higher the number, the more powerful the heating element. Some ranges feature a quick-boil burner that typically has a high wattage. Look for a cooktop with a variety so you can do everything from quick boils to gentle simmers.

✔️ Oven size: If you bake often or like to cook large dishes like whole turkeys or big casseroles, look for a range with a large-capacity oven. You may also want to pick one that features multiple functions such as broiling, air frying and convection baking, which gives a quick and more even cook. Each function can help you fine-tune your cooking. “Broilers are helpful when you want to cook something quickly, like a juicy steak or fish," says Papantoniou. "They're also good for a nice finishing touch, like melting cheese, crisping edges and browning."

✔️ Self-cleaning: Most ovens feature a self-cleaning option, which traditionally uses extremely high heat to remove the grime. Newer models may feature a steam-clean option that uses water to create steam to loosen grease and baked-on messes. Steam cleaning is a much quicker process since it doesn't require as much heat and allows for a quicker cool-down time. But while it's quicker, it may not be as effective as the traditional high-heat self-cleaning method — and ultimately could require more elbow grease.

Freestanding ranges can stand alone in your kitchen or be installed between your kitchen cabinets, while slide-in ranges are designed to be built-in between cabinets for a sleek, custom look. While freestanding ranges have finished side panels, a slide-in range will usually have unfinished side panels because you won't be able to see the sides once installed. These differences do not effect performance.

The two main types of electric ranges are traditional electric and induction. The difference lies in how the cooktops work: Traditional electric ranges have burners that heat up gradually, while induction ranges have elements that will heat a pan itself quickly.

A traditional electric cooktop's elements heat up after electricity passes through the burner. Electric burners don’t respond to changes in temperatures as quickly as induction cooktops do because they require time to cool and heat. However, they are a more affordable option and do not require the use of specific cookware.

An induction cooktop is embedded with heating elements that are powered by electromagnetic energy that directly heats the magnetic iron in cookware. You also need to use induction-compatible cookware containing iron, such as cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel and stainless-plated pots and pans. Induction tends to be more expensive than traditional electric, but it also offers a super-high level of control at both low and high temperatures.

While air fry, convection, true and dual convection are similar settings that utilize a fan, they all operate a tiny bit differently. The difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is that an air fryer setting typically uses a larger, faster fan to yield crispier results than with the convection setting.

True convection uses a third heating element behind the convection fan to blow heated air onto the food. True convection is ideal for evenly baking pastries or multiple dishes on different oven racks. And dual convection utilizes two fans to create even more thorough and consistent baking.

New research published in 2022 linked gas stove pollution to negative health effects, prompting federal regulators to consider potential legislation. However, it's unclear when and whether federal consumer safety regulators will introduce new rules for gas oven and stove manufacturers.

While there won't be any changes required for those who currently use gas ranges in their home, Consumer Product Safety Commission Commissioner Rich Trumka Jr. shared the following on X, formerly known as Twitter: "For Americans who CHOOSE to switch from gas to electric, there is support available – Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes a $840 rebate."

It's your choice whether to switch from gas to electric. Gas burners heat up more quickly than traditional electric burners, but electric ovens tend to bake more evenly than gas ovens. Chefs tend to prefer gas ranges because that is what is primarily used in professional kitchens, but an electric range will certainly get the job done for home cooks. There are plenty of benefits when it comes to both gas and electric ranges, so you have to determine which is best for your personal safety and culinary needs.

If you choose a new electric range, in addition to the purchase of the range itself, you will also have to hire an electrician because making the switch will require a larger electrical wire to power the range.

Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She has rigorously tested a wide assortment of kitchen appliances, including microwaves, kitchen scales and blenders in the Lab. Eva has also tested almost a dozen ranges and interviewed many industry experts over the last two years to help determine the picks on this list. She is a trained cook — before working at Good Housekeeping, she spent quite a bit of time in front of a stove cooking for television shows, families and large events.

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013.