If “the kitchen is the heart of a home”, then the cooking appliances are where the heartbeat comes from. Range/ovens are the most common style of this appliance. They have, as the name implies, both an oven compartment for baking and roasting and a cooktop surface. Range/ovens can be all-electric, all-gas, or a gas cooktop with an electric oven. Electric cooking requires a 240 volt connection; gas-only models just need 120 volts. Most units are completely free-standing on their own legs. “Drop-in” models fit into a cut-out in the countertop, and generally rest on a platform.
Range/Ovens share many inspection concerns with the components “Oven” and “Cooktop.” Safety and functionality are key. The top defect with free-standing units is a missing anti-tip bracket: this is a potential life safety issue. Always check inside the oven before testing it to ensure nothing’s in there, and never walk away from the appliance when operating the cooktop or oven. Assess the doors, door seals and handles, and convection fans when present (they may take a few minutes to start). Inspect for damage to a glass cooktop, missing cooktop or oven racks, and overall condition.
The range/oven’s anti-tip device is missing or improperly installed. This is a safety hazard that can allow the appliance to fall forward. Install an anti-tip device.
The range/oven is loose within its cabinet. This is a safety concern. Secure the range/oven.
The range/oven has one or more inoperative elements. This affects proper function. Repair or replace the elements.
The range/oven is inoperative. This prevents normal use. Repair or replace the range/oven.
The cooktop glass is broken. This affects proper operation and is a safety concern. Replace the glass.
The range/oven door glass is cracked. This is a safety concern. Repair or replace the glass or door.
The range/oven’s convection fan does not turn on during operation. This affects proper operation. Repair or replace the fan.
The range/oven door is broken. This is a safety concern. Repair or replace the door.
The range/oven door seal has failed. This affects proper operation. Replace the door seal.
The range/oven door springs are broken. This is a safety concern. Repair or replace the springs.
The range/oven door handle is broken or missing. This is a safety concern. Repair or replace the door handle.
The range/oven has significant interior damage or corrosion. This is a safety and reliability concern. Replace the range/oven.
The range/oven has one or more damaged or missing control knobs. This affects proper function. Replace the control knobs.
The range/oven has one or more missing racks. This affects normal use. Replace the racks.
