The Best Electric Stoves Are More Efficient and Cook Cleaner Than Gas
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Electric stoves burn cleaner and more efficiently than gas—in fact, per the Department of Energy, they’re about three times more energy-efficient than their gas counterparts. They’re also more straightforward to install—no gas line needed—and often feature flat, easy-to-clean, glass-ceramic cooktops. Plus, their ovens preheat quickly and provide even and consistent heat, which is ideal for anyone who loves to bake. No wonder electric stoves have become the go-to for the majority of households in the U.S.
Electric stoves and ranges come in a wide range of sizes and styles, and many models even have high-tech features such as convection baking, air frying with more room for food than countertop models, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These stoves make a great addition to any kitchen as they’re versatile, reliable, and often quite affordable, too. Plus, some even qualify for a tax rebate.
We rounded up the best of the best, so when you're ready to replace your existing electric stove—or switch from gas—you’ll know just what you need.
Best Overall: Frigidaire Freestanding Electric Range
Most Affordable: GE Appliances Freestanding Electric Range
Best Smart: Samsung Bespoke Slide-In Electric Range
Best True Convection: GE Profile Slide-in Smart Electric Range
Most Capacity: Whirlpool Freestanding Double Oven Electric Range
Size can be a significant limiting factor, so measure your stove space first. The standard width for ranges is 30 inches, but if you’re outfitting an apartment kitchen, tiny home, or RV, you’ll want to focus on the few narrower models available.
Next, choose your style: Freestanding stoves have finished sides and back guards, allowing them to stand alone. Slide-in models are designed to sit between cabinets for a seamless look; their stovetops typically sit flush to the back wall, which may require a backsplash update. Drop-in ranges need a custom cabinet base for installation.
Most electric cooktops feature smooth surfaces with heating elements housed beneath tempered glass or ceramic, though traditional coil-style options still exist and tend to be much cheaper. Smooth-top stoves are easier to clean, while coil burners are simpler to replace if one fails.
Standard electric ranges typically come with five burners (four on narrower models). One is often a warming burner, useful for timing multiple dishes. Some models also offer bridge elements, which link two burners, handy for griddles or oversized pots. If you frequently boil water, look for one with an express boil burner, designed to heat up faster.
Conventional ovens rely on stationary heating elements—one at the bottom for baking, one at the top for broiling—leading to natural heat rise and possible temperature variations. Standard convection improves on this by adding a fan to circulate hot air for more even cooking. European convection (also called “true” convection) goes a step further, with a third heating element behind the fan for uniform heat distribution across multiple racks.
For everyday cooking, conventional or standard convection works fine. But if you want more precise, even baking and roasting, true convection is worth considering. Be prepared for a slight learning curve if switching to convection, as most recipes are designed for conventional ovens. A good rule of thumb: reduce the temperature by 25°F (e.g., 450°F to 425°F, or 375°F to 350°F), or keep the same temperature but cut the cooking time by about 25%. Either way, start checking for doneness earlier than the recipe suggests. A meat thermometer can also help ensure accuracy.
Control panel placement affects both aesthetics and functionality. Backguard controls, found on most freestanding stoves, keep buttons and knobs safely out of reach of children but may be less visually streamlined. Front-control stoves, common in slide-in models, offer a sleek, built-in look and easier access to settings but can be a hazard if you have small kids or frequently lean against the stove while cooking. Many models now include touchscreen controls, which allow for precise adjustments and smart features but may require more care to keep clean.
Many newer electric stoves come with high-tech features designed to make cooking more efficient and hands-free. Wi-Fi-enabled models let you monitor and control your oven remotely via an app—preheating, adjusting temperatures, and setting timers from anywhere. Some even integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free commands.
Touchscreen controls and digital displays offer a sleek, modern look, but keep in mind that they can be more finicky than traditional knobs, especially when wet or smudged. If you prefer a more tactile experience, look for models with physical dials or a hybrid control panel.
Some ovens now include built-in air fry functions, which circulate superheated air for crispy, fried-like results without the oil. It’s a great feature for quickly roasting veggies, crisping up frozen snacks, or making healthier versions of fried favorites—no extra countertop appliance needed.
Beyond the sticker price, you’ll want to factor in some extra costs. For one, power cords aren’t usually included in the price, and you can’t reuse your old one. Lowe’s, for example, charges $39.98 to install—which includes a new power cord. Some retailers also charge a separate delivery fee. And, if you’re replacing an existing stove, you should expect to pay around $50 to have your old one hauled away and disposed of. Finally, while most stoves come with a one-year limited warranty (which typically covers manufacturing defects and basic repairs), some retailers offer extended protection plans (for an additional fee) at checkout.
When the glass top of my ancient JennAir electric stove cracked—thanks to a DIY mishap (we stood on it to paint a high part of the kitchen; lesson learned)—I had to find an unplanned replacement. Fortunately, the stovetop still worked, giving me time to explore my options. I visited my local Lowe’s and other reputable retailers to assess everything in person and quickly noticed a difference in selection. Suburban stores only carried standard 30-inch ranges, while city retailers stocked a wider variety, including smaller 24-inch models—something to keep in mind if you’re shopping for a compact space.
I assessed everything: control placement (knobs vs. touchscreen and ease of use), oven heating methods, aesthetics, and extra features like voice control (we’re a household that regularly asks Alexa for help in the kitchen). The models I selected come from trusted brands like GE, Samsung, and Frigidaire, with thousands of positive reviews attesting to their reliability and efficiency. Many are top-sellers across multiple retailers, and some incorporate the latest technology to make cooking faster and more enjoyable. I also chose options across various sizes and price points to fit different spaces and budgets—and included a few solid upgrade picks from the same brands for a slight price increase.
In the market for other large appliances? Check out our stories on the best refrigerators, dryers, and front-load washers.
Frigidaire makes several lines of well-regarded electric stoves. This 30-inch freestanding model strikes a balance between affordability and modern features like air fry, standard convection, and a user-friendly mix of four stove-top control knobs and an oven touch screen. It’s also available as a slide-in version.
The spacious oven ensures even baking and roasting, with ample room between pans. It also lets you switch between standard baking and convection, making it ideal for those new to convection cooking. The built-in air fry function delivers crisp results without excess oil, and many customers report the fan is surprisingly quiet.
There are a few minor drawbacks: While the storage drawer is roomier than some, it feels quite flimsy. And you’ll need to purchase the air fry tray separately. Still, for the price, it’s hard to beat. You can also upgrade to the brand’s Gallery range for a fifth knob, synchronized burner, and European convection for just a bit more.
$779.00 at lowes.com
You can outfit your kitchen on a budget with this freestanding electric range from GE. The no-frills appliance has coil burners and limited features, but it still performs reliably, earning high praise from reviewers. It also comes in white.
The stove has four coil burners designed to meet safety standards for electric ranges while still delivering the power you want from a cooktop. Dual bake elements in the oven provide more-even cooking. There’s also a full-width storage drawer at the bottom. If you just need your electric stove to handle the essentials at a low price point, look no further.
$579.00 at lowes.com
This smart Samsung oven combines cutting-edge technology with premium design in an impressive slide-in package. Standout features include large, front control knobs that are easy to grip—and which light up when in use and lock when the cooktop is off for safety. Inside, a smart oven camera lets you monitor your meals from anywhere. Wi-Fi and app compatibility, along with an intuitive LCD display, make controlling settings a breeze. You can also choose from three attractive finishes: stainless, matte black steel, and white glass.
The stovetop features five powerful burners, including an outstanding 3600-watt element that lets you quickly switch from rapid boiling to a true simmer. The large European convection oven—measuring an impressive 6.3 cubic feet (versus the 5.3 common to most standard ovens)—is packed with innovative features like air sous vide to lock in flavor and moisture; air fry for healthier fried foods (with air fry tray included); and a convection vegetable setting that crisps veggies quickly.
While this stove’s bottom storage drawer is shallower than others we tested, it feels significantly sturdier. Surprisingly for an electric stove of this caliber, it doesn’t have a stovetop bridge element. Otherwise, it’s the perfect blend of style, technology, and performance.
$1099.00 at
A top choice for tech-savvy home cooks looking for a sleek, high-performance stove with cutting-edge features, this slide-in GE Profile range includes no-preheat air-fry mode and built-in Wi-Fi that lets you control oven functions remotely via the SmartHQ app, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, iOS, and Android.
The five-burner cooktop offers versatile heating, and includes a 12-inch/9-inch/6-inch power boil element for rapid heating, plus synchronized burners for large cookware and griddles. Inside, European convection ensures even baking and roasting. The fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish keeps it looking pristine outside; a 30-minute steam-clean cycle handles messes inside.
All of these bells and whistles make it a pricier option. And, its glide touch controls, which contribute to the stove’s ultra-modern aesthetic, means that every function is operated via touch—much like swiping on an iPad. If you prefer to use physical knobs, this will not be the best fit.
$2449.00 at
Built for speed and convenience, this freestanding double oven is a great choice for busy kitchens and home chefs who need flexibility, extra cooking space, and power.
Its five burners include a triple-radiant element that adapts to different cookware sizes while the extra-large European convection double oven—at 6.3 cubic feet, one of the largest in this size—ensures faster, even cooking.
A no-preheat setting lets you cook frozen favorites like pizza and lasagna straight from the freezer, saving time on weeknight meals, and a 50-minute steam-cleaning cycle tackles grime. The only downsides? No Wi-Fi or app support, and surprisingly, no air fry.
$219.00 at
While most electric stoves on the market span 30 inches, this sleek freestanding GE model maxes out at just 24 inches across—making it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t skimp on functionality: The front controls are easy to reach, the smooth ceramic glass cooktop wipes clean in seconds, and, thanks to its modular backguard, you can choose to install it with a traditional backguard or flip it down to create a slide-in look.
While there are only four burners, no timer, and a smallish standard (not convection) oven, it’s a stylish, efficient choice for studio apartments, small homes, or anyone cooking for one. It also has a 30-minute steam-clean cycle and a built-in storage drawer that’s deeper than many other stoves on the market. (And if your kitchen can handle a standard-sized stove, GE’s 30-inch free-standing range is a solid, very affordable, choice.)
$1169.00 at lowes.com
If you need a stove that’s even more compact than the 24-inch GE, the freestanding 19.5-inch Avanti stove offers serious space efficiency and decent functionality at a very low price. Available in stainless or white, it easily tucks into small kitchens, RVs, and tiny homes. Plus, its retro aesthetic adds a vintage touch.
The four old-school coil burners—three 6-inch and one 8-inch—feature chrome reflector bowls and temperature safety sensors for efficient cooking. While they lack the modern sleekness of a glass cooktop, users report they heat up fast. Inside, the 2.1 cubic feet of oven capacity is roomy enough for one-pan baking and roasting and comes with a broiling pan.
That said, this stove is as basic as it gets. It’s perfect for simple fry-ups and one-pan roasts, but serious home cooks will definitely want more precision and features. If size is your limiting factor, Avanti also makes a more-expensive 19.5-inch glass-top electric stove, which some users say is worth the extra cost, as it provides more even contact with cookware for better heat distribution.
$490.00 at amazon.com
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