We purchased this range just over a year ago as a part of a major remodel of our home.We originally wanted the GE Cafe' series but were talked into this new Electrolux unit by our local appliance center as being "more reliable".This range has been a nightmare from the day it was installed.We have endured multiple repair calls for various major and minor issues:
1) The first time we used the lower oven (Thanksgiving Day 2008, the day after installation) the door locked shut and could not be opened - with rolls in the oven.We shut off the heat but could still not open the door for 10-15 more minutes until the rolls were ruined.The dealer attempted to repair this issue a few times, with instruction and new parts from Electrolux techs. One repair was a six hour marathon requiring insulation to be removed and elements replaced. The oven worked a few times without locking and then the problem recurred.Two more sets of parts including replacing the lower oven door with an identically designed unit still didn't fix the problem.Electrolux techs clearly were grasping for solutions and had no clue as to how to effect the repair.
2)The main oven would take 20-22 minutes to pre-heat, even on the "rapid pre-heat setting".Were told by techs that it is the way the range is designed because of the "hidden element." The replacement range pre-heats a little more quickly.
3)Two of the four gas burners would not ignite regularly.The igniters would click but not ignite.This was an intermittent problem.The tech said that we weren't hitting "just the right spot" on the dial when turning it on.Even if correct (which I dispute - we had no problem with the other two burners) what kind of poor design requires that kind of operational precision?
4) After one month the center metal grid snapped in half while cleaning (using light pressure - honest folks!)Vendor replaced the item without question.
5) After about 10 months the electronic control panel would intermittently not work when trying to operate the main oven.The temperature could be set, but after pressing the start touchpad the temperature would reset and not turn on the oven.
I called Electrolux/Frigidaire directly and due to the long record of repairs and reported problems, and since the problems could not be fixed, they replaced the entire unit without argument.The new unit arrived in about a week and was installed by the original vendor.After one use (10 minutes of boiling eggs) all of the ignitors went out.We have been lighting the range burners with matches for a week while waiting for the repair parts.
Pros:
1) Cool, very high tech electronic touch pad control panel.
2) Attractive appearance - clever, graduated power up oven lights.
3) Very smooth gliding racks in the main oven.
4) Good self-cleaning performance.
5) Small lower oven has limited use due to size but is very convenient to have for small items and warming.
6) Efficient heating by all four gas burners.Good variation of sizes and BTU outputs.
Cons:
1) Unreliable - Doesn't work well (a pretty big con.)
2) The main oven is relatively small in capacity and shallow front to back - a large pizza won't fit unless the edge is folded up against the front door or rear of the oven. We had to remove all racks but one and set it on the lowest guiderail to accomodate a moderate sized turkey.
3) The lower over is very small (height-wise)...can't put a casserole with a lid on it in the oven.
4) Stainless surfaces scratch very easily, even with careful cleaning.A single grain of salt scratched the SS surface of the cooktop the first time we cleaned it.We have since learned to carefully daub all "specks" off of the cook top before wiping it clean.
5) The oven racks are difficult to remove and replace to adjust baking levels.All racks but the center rack must be removed if using the convection setting to allow for "proper circulation of heated air" (per owner's manual.)
6) The oven fan runs for over two hours after the unit is turned off - a cool down feature I suppose. (This may be a "pro" for some people but is annoying.)
7) The exhaust from the oven vents out the FRONT of the unit instead of the rear or rear/top which would take advantage of the overhead exhaust fan.Uncomfortable when cooking and baking at the same time and really fills the kitchen with acrid smelling fumes during the self cleaning cycle.
8) Slooooow to pre-heat.
We may just have been unlucky and received two "lemons", but with so many good alternatives on the market in this price range I would recommend looking to another manufacturer for a dual fuel slide in unit.If another breakdown occurs within the next few months we will get rid of this range at a loss and buy from another company.However,if we experience no problems I will return and edit this rating up to "three stars".
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Electrolux : EW30DS65GS 30in Slide-in Dual Fuel Range, 4 Sealed Burners, Convection - Stainless SteeProduct Description: Electrolux
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