If you have an independent appliance store near you they can be a great resource. At least mine has some employees that have been there decades and know which brands tend to last better than others.

Some appliances are damaged during transport, ask all the independents if they have any "scratch & dent" items. If the blemish won't be seen after placement in your kitchen you'll score a huge discount.

I agree with looking for scratch and dent or leftover models from an indy. I’d also look at local listings like Craigslist, a bit of a gamble but they can be cheap enough to make it worth it.

I can’t make any specific recommendations but if you’re looking at smoothtops, I’d see if I could get the LOW burner ratings from the mfr. When I switched from Frigidaire cooktop to Bosch range, my biggest complaint was the simmer was too high on the range. Also, when comparing the ranges look at the size of the burners to see which line up best with your preferred cookware. This can vary fairly significantly and if the power burner is three rings but your stockpot only takes up two, you won’t get full use.

Ask the people who work on the appliances to see which ones need repair the most. And there is no reason why you can't get this range from Lowes or Home Depot, after you found the one you want. And they'll bring it to you and set it up and offer a warranty if you want it. (NO I do not work for them.)

Thank you kindly to all who have responded with such great ideas. I really appreciate your thoughts. Will let you know the outcome!

I bought a GE drop in range about 4 years ago and so far happy with it. Limited choices with drop in ranges but my choices were GE and frigidaire. I chose the GE because I just couldn't stand the big badging of the frigidaire range with the word frigidaire in such big letters across the front. Lucky for me GE does pretty well making ranges and didn't do much research on frigidaire brand.

following as I am in the same boat and wondering on the quality of GE and the like. I’m very interested in the GE Cafe series but have read mixed reviews. Hoping more people will answer! :)

We have a Frigidaire Gallery gas range/oven slide in as well as matching dishwasher. Been very pleased with them the last 8 years.

I have a Whirlpool freestanding electric range. 20 years old and still going.

I was just out a couple of days ago to our local appliance store. They've been here 50+ years so I trust them. I need/want to get all new appliances as I hope to sign up our contractor for a new kitchen next week. So I think I've narrowed it down to a GE freestanding range. Actually all of them are GE (we have a 20+ year old Frigidaire that still works great).

It is a real self-clean oven which I must have. It also has a "steam clean" which I won't use. It's a convection range with no pre-heat air fry which I guess is the new thing???? (I cook mainly with my toaster oven lol). It's about $800.

Thank you all so much for your helpful responses! You have given me some great options in my price range. I am leaning toward the GE but will look at Whirlpool. I know Frigidaire Gallery is a great line but delivery estimates are months out and I’m worried there could be further delays.

@debbie1000 I think I’m looking at the same range. I like that it has convection and not having the air fry to me just means that is one less thing that can go wrong! :-D

Many thanks to all who responded.

Up your budget enough to go with the Frigidaire Induction range. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frigidaire-Self-Clean-Induction-Range/1002747002