Kenmore Range - Gas Model 790 Review

Overall 4.50 of 5 view all 2 reviews

bkovacs
Annandale, VA

Cooking on yesterday's stove

thrifty, value conscious

Pros

either natural gas or propane, simple controls, doesn't show stains

Cons

not much to look at

MAR

2009

Kenmore Range - Gas Model 790 —

We needed a new stove for the house in the mountains, and we weren't looking for anything fancy. All we needed was a basic stove that would be easy to use, easy to clean and get the job done. We ended up with a Kenmore model 790 gas range, for which we paid about $350.

What it is

The Kenmore 790 gas range is a basic free-standing stove, with four burners and a large oven. Under the oven is a broiler drawer, and the backsplash has a clock and electronic controls for the oven. The four burners are controlled by traditional knobs on the front of the stove. Of the four burners, three provide low-to-medium heat and one is substantially larger for big heating tasks.

The Kenmore 790 gas range came fitted up for natural gas. We needed to have it set up for propane and I was pleased to see that the stove came with the components and directions to modify it for propane. Making the modification took about 45 minutes, and that was taking it slow and careful.

We wanted a stove with black pot supports and burner caps, as they hide stains better than lighter shades. Overall, the Kenmore 790 is no beauty but it works well for us. In fact, it reminds me of the stove my mom used to prepare meals when I was a kid -- except for the modest digital oven controls, this stove looks like it could be a new stove from 40 years ago.

Using it

In fact, the Kenmore 790 gas range has worked perfectly for us. The ignitors for the burners work properly and fire the burners quickly. It's easy to control the flame level and everything feels to be of decent quality. The oven is also easy to ignite and the temperature seems to be well controlled. I don't think we've used the oven for more than a batch of brownies or two in the couple of years we've owned the stove.

Adjusting the oven and setting the timer is simple on the basic controls. I know there are much fancier stoves out there, but one benefit of a basic stove is that even I can figure it out in a few seconds. That is the case with the Kenmore 790 gas range.

Cleaning is quick with the thick porcelain finish. As I expected, stains do not show on the black pot supports and burner caps. I've not yet had to clean the oven, which still looks new at this point.

Summary

The Kenmore 790 gas range is an easy-to-use and reliable -- but basic -- gas stove. It does all the basics easily and there's never a fuss. It doesn't look like much, but it's easy to keep clean and does all the cooking needs we have in my household. I also like the fact that it can be quickly set up for either natural gas or propane.

I recommend the Kenmore 790 gas range.

Last edited on Mar 21, 2009