Best Apartment Size Electric Stoves This Year
Finding the right electric stove for a small apartment can be a challenge. With limited counter space and tight layouts, apartment dwellers need a compact appliance that can still cook up delicious meals. The good news is that appliance manufacturers offer a wide variety of electric stoves specifically designed for apartments and other cozy spaces.
Key Considerations When Buying an Apartment Size Electric Stove
When shopping for an electric stove for an apartment, keep these key factors in mind:
Size and Dimensions for Small Kitchen Spaces
First and foremost, confirm that the stove will physically fit in your kitchen. Apartment kitchens generally require a 22-30 inch wide free-standing or slide-in electric range. Measure your existing cut-out or counter depth. Standard apartment stove depths are around 25-30 inches. Height, including backguards, averages 35-40 inches.
Opt for a smoothtop electric range over coils for a streamlined appearance. Flat surface models feature edges that align flush with countertops for a built-in look. Just make sure to account for required clearance from walls or cabinets--usually 30 inches minimum.
Burner Types and Size Options
Electric ranges offer different kinds of burners suitable for apartment cooking needs:
- Coil elements are exposed spiraled wires that heat up to cook food. They're affordable but harder to clean.
- Smooth glass tops have electric coils underneath for even heating. Spills wipe up easily.
- Induction burners use magnetic energy for precision temperature control, speed, and safety.
Look for a 30-inch stove with at least 4 burners. Optimal setups include:
- One large (8-9 inch) rapid heating burner
- One small (5-6 inch) simmering burner
- Two standard (6 inch) burners
This versatile burner configuration lets you boil water quickly, melt chocolate gently, and cook main dishes with ease.
Oven Capacity Based on Apartment Occupancy
Consider apartment occupancy when deciding on oven capacity. Studios and one-bedrooms can get by with a small 2.5 cubic foot oven. An electric range with an oven around 3 cubic feet accommodates couples or roommates cooking larger batches.
Opt for a model with an electric self-cleaning oven cycle to easily burn off spills. Convection cooking is also ideal for apartment dwellers--it uses a fan to circulate hot air and deliver up to 25% faster baking.
Safety Features Like Auto Shut-Off and Child Locks
Electric stoves pack high heat output into a small package--so safety comes first. Essential apartment stove features include:
- Individual burner auto shut-off if left on too long
- Control lockout to prevent accidental activation
- Oven door auto-close to avoid burns
A surface hot indicator light alerts you if burners are still warm to the touch after use. These smart features give apartment dwellers with children peace of mind.
Budget - Cheaper Initial Cost But Higher Electricity Bills
Electric models tend to cost less upfront than gas stoves. However, using resistive electric elements to generate cooking heat costs more than gas over time. Expect around a 30% spike in energy bills if switching from gas.
On the plus side, since apartments usually have electric hook-ups already, electric ranges don't require special installs. Just plug into the existing kitchen outlet and you're ready to get cooking!
Top Features to Look for in an Electric Stove for Apartments
Here are ideal electric range features for open floor plan apartments and condos:
Smoothtop Surface That's Easy to Clean
Electric smoothtops offer apartment dwellers convenience, style, and simplicity. Their streamlined glass surface makes the stove appear built-in for a polished look. Solid surface burners also allow for easy wipe-down after meals.
Front Controls for Easy Access
Models with controls up front keep all settings within reach. This makes the stove highly functional for different users, apartment layouts, and during cooking prep. Front knobs also prevent having to reach over hot burners.
Self-Cleaning Oven to Reduce Maintenance
Self-clean ranges use extremely high heat to incinerate food spills into ash that you can wipe out with ease. This apartment must-have feature saves hours of scrubbing a small oven.
Convection Cooking for Faster Baking
Convection ovens utilize an internal fan that circulates hot air for lightning fast heating. Ideal for impatient apartment dwellers, convection settings cut cooking times by 20-30% with deliciously even browning.
Storage Drawer to Maximize Space
Extra storage is a priceless commodity in a small apartment kitchen. Stoves with a handy drawer at the base provide a convenient home for pots, pans, oven mitts and more. It's also a clever spot to stash small appliances when not in use.
Best Apartment Size Electric Stove Reviews
Ready to purchase an electric range for your apartment? Here are top-rated compact models to consider:
Frigidaire FFEC3025UB: 30-Inch Smoothtop with 5 Burners
This 30-inch Frigidaire flat-top range comes highly rated for apartment living. It delivers plenty of power with five burners including an 8-inch rapid heating oval element. The 3.2 cubic foot oven bakes cookies, casseroles, and 12-inch pizzas evenly.
One-touch options include convection conversion and self-clean. The smooth ceramic glass surface wipes clean easily after use. And the dishwasher safe cooktop grates plus storage drawer simplify maintenance.
GE JB655SKSS: 30-Inch Coil Cooktop with 5 Burners
GE's affordable JB655SKSS model suits studio and one-bedroom apartments. Five coil elements ranging from 6 to 8 inches diameter allow flexible cooking. The spacious 5.3 cubic foot oven features two racks and a unique fifth heating element for extra crispness.
This GE electric stove comes recommended for its traditional operation and budget price point. The recessed cooktop contains spills for quick wiping. Durable cast iron grates deliver even heating. And factory installed anti-tip brackets provide peace of mind.
Whirlpool WEE510S0FS: 30-Inch Smoothtop with Ribbon Heating
Whirlpool's WEE510S0FS 30-inch electric range is a best buy for open concept apartments. Its distinctive ribbon heating element provides tremendous power with gorgeous visual appeal. The synchronized element neatly alternates 18 heating zones between bold and delicate for maximum flexibility.
This smart electric stove adapts to cookware, directing more heat to the pan base as needed. The 5.3 cubic foot self-cleaning oven provides apartment-sized baking capacity. And the downdraft ventilation conveniently eliminates steam and smoke.
Bosch's 30-inch induction cooktop brings technological innovation to compact apartments. Magnetism instantly heats pans while the glass surface stays cooler for safety and easy cleaning. FlexInduction zones automatically adjust to pan sizes for efficiency.
Precision cooking lets you simmer sauces or stir fry with exact control. And there's no wasted energy since zones only heat where cookware makes contact. For tech-loving apartment dwellers, induction offers the ultimate in modern electric cooking.