Electrolux EW30IF60IS 30-Inch Induction Range Review

Introduction

Despite its Scandinavian heritage, the {{product.name}} doesn't appear to be an impressive specimen of lofty design at first glance. But as we got to know this range, whose induction burners would truly be at home in a European kitchen, we fell in love with some of the finest performance we've seen. Unlike many other "European" appliances, this one's got the performance to back up its lofty $3,049 MSRP.

Design & Usability

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Electrolux delivers an mid-level design for a high price.

We've seen this design before in the overpriced EI30EF55GS, which failed to impress. In contrast to other design trends—like the industrial stainless of the gas giants (the Vikings, Thermadors, Wolfs and other "semi-pro" ranges) or modern minimalism (Dacor, Viking's D3 and many European brands)—this Electrolux is a bit awkward looking, mostly due to the useful—but cluttered—backsplash. Some users might find that the black finish offsets the stainless in a less-than-flattering way, though you can sort of imagine the futuristic design they were hoping for. It's not that bad, but people looking to consume conspicuously may not immediately assume this range is a luxury product.

Features-wise, this Electrolux has all you'd expect in a mid-level range: an array of convection modes, defrost, dehydrate, slow cook, and bread proofing options throughout the oven and warming drawer. Though this range doesn't have the almost-no-electricity-required attitude of the pro ranges, those pro ranges also don't have all these options.

It's definitely worth noting that there aren't the typical knobs that you're probably used to, but rather plus and minus buttons to control the rangetop. We stated before that we aren't fans of these on electric ranges, but they are slightly more forgivable with induction due to the lack of lag, so you'll need less effort to fine-tune the temperature.

{{photo_gallery "Vanity", "Front", "Rangetop Controls", "Oven Controls", "Burners 1", "Burners 2", "Burners Cleaning", "Upper Oven", "Upper Oven Detail", "Oven Detail", "Lower Oven Detail", "Lower Oven", "Drawer", "Broiler",}}

Rangetop

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We couldn't ask for anything more from this triumph of a rangetop.

If you're hazy on what an induction rangetop is (induction explained) as a user, it can adjust temperatures as fast as gas while maintaining the temperature range of electric. In our rangetop tests, we found ridiculously fast boiling times averaging just over three minutes for six cups of water. The Electrolux also fulfilled induction's promises of a wide temperature range, providing marvelously low simmering temperatures for delicate stove work. The upper end of the temperature range highlighted another advantage of induction: it looks out for you. During our searing temperature test, the burners automatically switched from "boost" to "high," keeping the rangetop safe. Though there's no smartphone or apps involved, this is a smart range.

Oven, Broiler, & Convection

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Finally oven performance that doesn't get shown up by the induction rangetop.

When we see a great rangetop like this, we are always a little worried the oven won't be up to snuff. Fortunately, this one aced our lab tests. The oven was spot-on when it came to maintaining 350°F using conventional heating, and the unbelievably consistent convection oven barely changed temperature during the entire test (though it was 15°F too hot). The 8-pass broiler, which wraps around on itself eight times like a snake, blew us away with an almost instant preheat. Truly impressive.

Conclusion

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If you've got the money and value performance above all, consider this range.

Thanks to its use of induction, this Electrolux combined a superb rangetop, oven and broiler into an extremely compelling package. We only found one major flaw—the price. At an MSRP of $3,049, this is an elite-level range, but its looks are merely mid-range. With performance like this, though, it's a sacrifice we're willing to make.

Science Introduction

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If you want graphs and performance details, this is the place to find them.

Oven Performance

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Hardly a weakness here.

The 350°F setting averaged exactly 351°F, hitting the target perfectly. Throughout the test the oven operated in a 36°F window, which is well within the satisfactory 40°F fluctuation window. The convection setting didn't hit the target as well—climbing up to 366°F—though it stayed even smoother, operating in a tiny 21°F range on the thermometer. The maximum setting proved to be accurate and consistent as well, staying near 500°F the entire time. The keep-warm setting was the only thing to blemish the report card, as it jumped up to 215°F after a very impressive start.

{{photo_gallery "Primary Oven Keep-Warm", "Primary Oven 350F", "Primary Oven Max", "Secondary Oven Convection", "Oven Variance"}}

Rangetop Performance

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You can watch the pot boil.

The beauty of an induction range is that you can put an early Beatles single (because they're short) on with your kettle or pasta pot and by the time you've heard the final "I wanna hold your hand," tea can be served. For the front two burners, it took just 2.6 and 2.7 minutes to boil six cups of water, and just 3.2 and 4.9 minutes for the rear two. With a rangetop like this you know you should be glad.

We found temperatures from 98°F to 122°F, which is low enough to melt chocolate, let alone simmer something. The high temperatures were equally impressive, hot enough to sear, but not so hot that we got nervous. In our tests, the burners automatically switched themselves from "boost"to "high" when they "overheated," and ended up between 457°F and 584°F. It's nice to see a rangetop that looks out for its users.

{{photo_gallery "Waterboil", "Simmer"}}

Other Tests

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Broilers are usually unremarkable—they either work great, okay, or don't. But this broiler got our sensors to 600°F in just four minutes and twenty seconds, a shockingly quick jaunt to such high temperatures. And as an 8-pass broiler twisting back and forth on the food eight times, it provides a more even distribution of heat.