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Yosemite under Orion's gaze

Monday, January 8, 2024

New Stove



My G.E. Spectra oven is about sixteen years old. It was a good oven in its day but now has its problems. Once I received my new probe thermometer I realized that the ambient temperature was nowhere near where it was supposed to be.

Yesterday morning I attempted to adjust the thermostat, to little avail. My next step was replacing the thermostat unit and changing the element. I realized at that point that it was probably time to just get a new unit, not that I can afford it.

We are out in the boonies and don't have access to natural gas or a propane tank. I decided to go online and see what glass top freestanding oven the ratings services liked. I can never get through the Consumer Reports paywall so settled on Good Housekeeping. I would see what got their seal of approval?

I landed on this page, their best electric ovens of 2024. Their top rated range was this one, a five burner with convection, air fry and a host of other features including a three in one top burner. It also has its own internal temperature probe and a quick boil element.


I checked the Walmart price and it was $1147. That is a bit out of my price range. I know my rich friends will pay seven thousand dollars for their Wolf or Viking oven but we don't have that kind of money and wouldn't if I did.

So I was a little blown away when I clicked on Lowe's price and they were blowing it out for $624. For two more days.

Sold.

We bought it instantly on line, both chipping in. I needed to buy a new toilet for the shop so I drove up to Lowes and decided to check the range out on the floor but they didn't have one. No big.

I have never used convection, I know that temps have to be adjusted. I have never had an air fryer either, I went ahead and bought the optional air fryer rack that works with this oven. What the hell, I bought it for near half price. 

I look forward to figuring out how to use this thing. Leslie says that I am overdue for a new batch of scones. I am also thinking about this roast recipe.

It gets delivered tomorrow, I am very excited. Any baking tips with convection greatly appreciated.

3 comments:

Blue Heron said...


I cannot post a comment on your page.
My stove/oven is at least 40 years old!
A friend gifted me an air fryer a few years ago. The only thing I use it for is for sweet potato fries. Depending on the thickness and quantity around 20 mins at 380 degrees.

Jon Harwood said...

We got a convection range not so long ago. Very responsive, reminds me of gas. Keep an eye on it though as the same responsiveness can burn stuff, don't turn your back on it until you really know it. Pans must be ferric. When you turn it up the pan can vibrate. I have been trying to get a cheap thrill out of that to no avail.

Jeff Nichols said...

Nice find! You’ll love convection cooking. Fast and efficient. Great for roasting vegetables.