A range is one of the simpler major appliances, which makes it a reasonable secondhand purchase. It also involves gas or high-voltage power, a heavy oven door and a lot of heat, so it's worth more care than a used microwave. The steps below are in the order you'd naturally do them at a seller's home, followed by what to do once it's at yours.
At the seller's
- Find the label. Most ranges have the model and serial number behind the storage drawer, on the frame around the oven door, or on the back. Photograph it.
- Look up recalls. Search the brand and model on the CPSC recall site and the manufacturer's site before you agree to buy. Some range recalls involve knobs that can turn on accidentally or wiring that can overheat.
- Check the cooktop surface. On a glass or ceramic top, look for cracks or chips, which mean the top needs replacing before use. On a coil-element range, check that each element sits firmly in its socket.
- Light or turn on every burner. Gas burners should light within a few seconds and burn mostly blue with stable flames. Yellow, lazy or lifting flames need attention. Electric elements should heat evenly.
- Test the knobs. They should turn smoothly and stay where you set them. Missing or cracked knobs are cheap to replace but are worth noting.
- Test the oven. Set it to 350°F and wait for the preheat signal. If you brought an oven thermometer, check it 20 minutes later.
- Try the broiler. Run it for a few minutes and watch the element or burner.
- Open and close the door several times. It should close firmly and stay closed. A door that drops open or closes unevenly usually has broken hinges or springs.
- Check the gasket around the oven door for tears or flattened sections.
- Look at the back. On gas units, note the condition of the connector and the regulator. On electric units, look for burn marks on the terminal block or cord.
- Ask about self-clean. Has it been used? Did it ever lock up or trip a breaker?
What a fair asking price looks like
Ranges hold up well, so a clean, mid-range model a few years old is often worth buying used. Cosmetic wear on grates or a faded knob doesn't matter much. What does matter: a cracked glass top, a failed control panel on a newer electronic model, or a gas range that's been converted to propane without the paperwork to show it. Those can cost more to fix than the range is worth. Pro-style ranges from high-end brands keep their value, but parts can be expensive, so test every burner and both ovens if it has two.
Gas or electric: check your kitchen first
Make sure what you're buying matches your kitchen's hookup. Many San Diego homes have gas service, but some kitchens, especially in condos and newer buildings, are electric-only. Converting a kitchen from one to the other is a project for a plumber or electrician. Some gas ranges can be converted between natural gas and propane with a manufacturer's kit; ask whether that has been done.
Installing it at home
- Use a new gas connector. Old flexible connectors, especially uncoated brass ones, should not be reused. Have a qualified installer connect it and leak-test the joints.
- Install the anti-tip bracket. The CPSC has long urged that freestanding ranges be installed with anti-tip brackets. A used range often arrives without one; get the right bracket for the model and confirm the rear foot engages it.
- Check the electrical supply. Electric ranges need a dedicated 240-volt circuit and the correct cord. Gas ranges still need a standard outlet for igniters, clock and lights.
- Level it. Use the leveling legs so pans don't slide and the door closes correctly.
- Test smoke and CO alarms near the kitchen.
Red flags after installation
If you smell gas at any point, turn off the burners if you can do it safely, leave the house and call SDG&E or 911 from outside. Also watch for burners that light slowly with a small puff, an oven that takes too long to preheat, scorching around controls, or tripped breakers. Our carbon monoxide and gas safety guide covers the signs of incomplete combustion.
When something isn't working right, our range technicians can diagnose the problem. Many repairs on used ranges are simple, such as an igniter, a bake element or a door hinge. For high-end models like Wolf or Viking, parts can take longer to arrive but are usually still available.
Keep it running
Once your used range is installed and tested, put it on a regular care schedule. Our monthly range and oven checklist covers burner cleaning, gasket checks and the other habits that keep it working well.