Upgrading an outdated kitchen stove will instantly provide you with the features you need to take some of the stress out of cooking for holiday gatherings. Modern ranges offer sufficient oven space, professional-grade performance, precise cooking temperatures, and extra burners, plus the advantages of smart technology. They’re well-equipped to make any kind of meal prep easier, more organized—and all-around better.
If you’re in the market for an oven upgrade, The Home Depot’s Fall Appliance event has eye-catching deals on ranges with all of the above qualities and more. Convection ovens? Check. Built-in air fryers? Check. Here’s what to look for in a new cooker ahead of the holidays.
Oven Capacity for Every Holiday Dish
A larger oven is a must during the holidays, whether you’re cooking a centerpiece roast, a massive sheet-pan dinner, or enough cookies for the entire extended family. The LG Electric Single Smart Oven Range w/ Air Fry Fan Convection is a leader in this category with 6.3 cubic feet of space—that’s enough to accommodate a 30-lb turkey.
Convection for Faster, More Even Cooking
A convection oven uses a fan to circulate the hot air it produces, cooking food faster and more evenly than a conventional oven. Convection ovens can also cook several dishes at the same time, an obvious plus for hosting large holiday gatherings. Finally, with their faster cook times and lower required temperatures, convection ovens also conserve energy. The Samsung 5-Burner Element Smart Electric Range w/ No Preheat Air Fry is a highly-rated option in this category.
Built-In Air Fryer to Reduce Countertop Clutter
Modern ranges have air fryers built into them now—a breakthrough that deserves more attention. This means you can get rid of your bulky countertop unit, but still serve up plenty of delicious, crispy, and oil-free snacks. Need some ideas for air-fryer holiday treats? Try bacon-wrapped scallops, jalapeño popper balls, or broccoli cheese bites. For festive sweet treats, go for cinnamon roll bites and any number of seasonal cookies. The LG Electric Single Smart Oven Range with Air Fry can have these all ready in minutes thanks to its built-in air fryer.
Smart Tech for Greater Control and Convenience
Most contemporary stoves feature smart technology that enables remote control via smartphone. With cutting-edge units like the GE Smart Slide-In Induction and Convection Range, you can relax with the family in front of a holiday movie and still preheat, monitor, or adjust your oven temperature from across the house via an app on your phone or tablet. It’s pinpoint control without having to hover in the kitchen.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance With Less Scrubbing
Cleanup is one of the downsides of both everyday and holiday meal prep. This new generation of ranges takes that on, too. The GE Freestanding Gas Range with Griddle features dishwasher-safe grates and an oven that can be steam-cleaned using tap water, no special solutions, kit, or extra steps involved. Multiple current models allow water-only cleaning, taking the hassle out of post-meal time and general maintenance.
Heading into November with an outdated, unreliable range is a gamble. It could work out, or it could go completely sideways. While the ruined holiday meal is a staple of countless classic movies, trust us, it’s much funnier onscreen than it is in real life. Don’t risk it; upgrade to an oven that works as hard as you do, so you can spend more time celebrating.
