Hot Point Electric Range: Not perfect, but not bad either
by
trailhound
,
in Hotels & Travel, Books at Epinions.com
,
Apr 22, 2008
Pros:
Easy controls. Seems pretty durable.
Cons:
Bottom drawer comes off track. Slow oven heatup.
The Bottom Line:
This Hot Point Range is pretty good overall. It has a few shortcomings but nothing too major.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
One of the better appliances in my apartment is the Hot Point Range Model# RB757E, which is black in color. Although it has a several shortcomings, it has worked as well as could be expected for a lower-end range for one of General Electric's appliances in its Hot Point brand lineup.
Features
This Hot Point Range has four electric coils of various sizes. The coils can easily be removed for cleaning the drip pans underneath. The control panel sits upright on the back of the stove, and has a touch-control panel for the oven and dials for the burners. The control panel has small icons for each function the button controls which are pretty self-explanatory. There is also a digital clock and small light indicating the stove or oven is ON.
The oven measures 5 cubic feet and has two adjustable wire racks. It is self-cleaning and has a light and small window for peaking in. The oven is activate by pressing the Bake button then selecting the temperature. While heating up the display panel will say 'Pre Heat' until the desired temperature is reached, them will emit a beep sound. Beneath the oven is a sliding-out drawer with can hold several cookie sheets and even a small pan or two.
Usage
In general I have had no problems using this Hot Point Range for several months. All the controls function as expected and are pretty easy to figure out. The stove is the easiest since you just turn a dial for the corresponding coil you want to use. Sometimes it’s a bit slow to heat-up, but no other problems.
The oven's controls are not difficult to use but there are a few quirks. You need to select the temperature for the oven before it will activate when you hit Start. If you want to change the temperature after it is operating there is no way to change it unless you hit CLEAR/OFF and then re-select a new temperature.
The oven is a bit slow to hear up too, especially if you want a temperature over 400 degrees. I stopped trying to pre-heat the oven before putting food in because (as instructions sometimes state) because it can take so long.
Another oddity with this range is the bottom drawer often falls off its track if you pull it out too far. Perhaps they broke something when the unit was installed (the track is made of plastic) but the drawer can get off track and one time ''jammed'' half in and half out. Also, the black color shows every little drip and spill really easily, so I would not buy a range this color in a home I owned.
Overall
I give Hot Point Range Model# RB757E high marks for ease of operation and its overall durability. Although the steel sheeting is thin the burners, door, and control panel are sturdy enough for everyday use and should last awhile. On the down side the range has some drawbacks such as a slow oven heat-up time, the temperature control feature, and the lower drawer which can come off its track.
I give this Hot Point 3 stars and recommend it. Since this appliance is in an apartment I do not know its cost. But Best Buy currently lists this unit for about $475, which is a really decent price for a range.
© trailhound. 2008.
