Kitchen
Scratch and dent ranges
A freestanding range slides between cabinets, so its side panels disappear the moment it is installed. The front, the cooktop and the oven door are what you look at every day.
Where the damage usually is
Outlet ranges commonly have dented side panels, a scratched storage drawer or a scuffed back guard.
Damage on the side panels is the best case. Damage on the oven door glass or a smooth ceramic cooktop is not cosmetic and should be avoided.
What to check before you buy
- On smooth-top electric ranges, inspect the glass under good light for chips or cracks, especially near the edges.
- On gas ranges, check the burner caps, the grates and the igniters. Each burner should click and light quickly.
- Open and close the oven door several times. It should close evenly and seal against the gasket all the way around.
- Make sure the anti-tip bracket is included. It keeps the range from tipping forward when the door is loaded.
Sizes
Most ranges are 30 inches wide. Compact 24-inch models are common in apartments and older kitchens and turn up regularly at outlet prices.
Example range models and prices
These listings come from this site’s earlier outlet pages and show the typical gap between retail and scratch and dent prices. They are historical references, not current offers. Models change every year; use the specs to compare with what you find today.
| Brand and model | Description | Retail | Outlet | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE RA724WW | 24" electric range, coil burners with chrome drip pans, two oven racks with broiler pan | $299 | 21% | |
| GE JGBP33DEMBB | 30" gas range, self-clean, TrueTemp oven system, high-output burner, large window | $529 | 24% |