Shopping for a new range involves balancing reliability, features, and affordability. Criterion, Menards' exclusive appliance brand, offers a line of ranges that combine performance, functionality, and budget-friendly pricing, making it an excellent choice for households of all types. Whether you’re in the market for a gas or electric model, Criterion ranges offer a solid selection of features to help you cook efficiently and consistently. This guide highlights the advantages of Criterion ranges, how they compare to other brands, and what makes them a great option for your kitchen.

1. Overview of Criterion Ranges

Criterion is well-regarded for producing quality appliances that deliver excellent value. The brand’s ranges are no exception, offering homeowners reliable cooking performance at an affordable price. From basic models with essential functions to more advanced options with additional features, Criterion ranges are designed to meet a variety of cooking needs and budgets.

2. Benefits of Choosing a Criterion Range Over Other Brands

Budget-Friendly without Compromising Quality

Criterion ranges offer quality materials and functionality at a more affordable price compared to many other brands. This makes them ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a durable, high-performing appliance. Criterion’s competitive pricing allows homeowners to enjoy premium features often found in more expensive brands, such as convection baking and digital controls.

Versatile Cooking Options

Criterion ranges provide multiple cooking options, including burners and ovens with adjustable temperature settings. Many models feature different burner sizes for various cooking tasks, whether you need high heat for searing or a gentle simmer for sauces. Select models also offer convection baking, providing faster and more even cooking, which is a feature usually found on more expensive brands.

Energy Efficiency

Many Criterion models are designed with energy efficiency in mind, which not only helps lower your monthly utility costs but also reduces your environmental impact. For electric ranges, Criterion’s heating elements are optimized to heat quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, helping you save energy during cooking.

Easy-to-Use Controls and Features

Criterion ranges prioritize straightforward, user-friendly controls. The control panels on most Criterion models feature simple knobs or touch controls that are easy to understand and use. This makes Criterion a great choice for households looking for an uncomplicated cooking experience that anyone in the family can operate.

3. Types of Criterion Ranges: Gas and Electric Models

Criterion Gas Ranges

Gas ranges are popular for their responsive temperature control and are preferred by many cooks who want quick heat adjustments. Criterion gas ranges provide all the benefits of gas cooking at a reasonable price, making them a great option for budget-conscious chefs who prefer this type of range.

• Quick Temperature Adjustments
  Gas ranges allow for fast and precise temperature changes, ideal for dishes requiring precise control. Criterion gas ranges include burners with different BTU levels, providing versatility for tasks from high-heat searing to low-heat simmering.

• Continuous Grates
  Many Criterion gas ranges feature continuous grates that make it easy to slide pots and pans from one burner to another without lifting. This feature is particularly convenient for busy cooking sessions that require multitasking.

• Example Model: Criterion® 30-Inch Gas Range - Model #CRT30GR

• SKU: 1234567

• Features: Four burners with varying BTUs, continuous cast-iron grates, broil function, and spacious oven.

Criterion Electric Ranges

Electric ranges from Criterion provide even heat distribution, which is especially beneficial for baking. These ranges offer a variety of heating elements that cater to different cooking needs, and they’re designed to provide efficient and consistent performance.

• Smooth Glass Cooktops
  Criterion electric ranges feature smooth glass cooktops, which make cleaning up spills and splatters easy. This design also adds a sleek, modern look to the kitchen and provides a stable surface for all types of cookware.

• Convection Oven Option
  Some Criterion electric models include convection ovens, which use a fan to circulate hot air and reduce cooking times. This feature is excellent for faster, more even baking and is typically found in more premium-priced brands, giving Criterion a competitive edge in its price range.

• Example Model: Criterion® 30-Inch Electric Range - Model #CRT30ER

• SKU: 2345678

• Features: Smooth glass cooktop, convection baking option, multiple heating elements, and easy-to-use digital controls.

4. Standout Features of Criterion Ranges

Multiple Burner Sizes and Heating Elements

Criterion ranges often come equipped with burners of varying sizes and BTUs, allowing you to choose the right heat level for different cooking tasks. This feature is valuable for home chefs who frequently switch between boiling, sautéing, and simmering.

Convection Oven for Faster Cooking

For select electric models, Criterion includes a convection oven option. Convection cooking helps distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, making it ideal for baking and roasting. This feature not only saves time but also enhances cooking consistency.

Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

Criterion gas ranges feature easy-to-clean grates, and the electric ranges come with smooth glass cooktops, allowing for hassle-free cleanup. Many models also include a self-cleaning oven function, which simplifies deep cleaning and reduces the need for harsh chemicals.

Spacious Oven Cavity

With Criterion ranges, you’ll often find generously sized ovens that can accommodate large meals, making these ranges suitable for families and anyone who enjoys entertaining. The spacious oven design is beneficial when cooking multiple dishes at once or preparing larger portions.

User-Friendly Controls and Digital Displays

Criterion ranges are designed with simplicity in mind. The controls, whether they’re traditional knobs or digital panels, are intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to set oven temperatures, timers, and other functions with minimal effort.

5. Advantages of Criterion Ranges Over Competing Brands

Competitive Price Point

Compared to other brands with similar features, Criterion ranges are often available at a lower price, providing excellent value for the quality and features included. While other brands may require a premium for features like convection ovens or glass cooktops, Criterion makes these options accessible to more customers.

Energy Efficiency and Lower Operating Costs

Criterion ranges are designed with energy-efficient elements and insulated ovens that help reduce heat loss, making them cost-effective over time. This can be an advantage over brands with similar prices but less efficient designs, especially for frequent cooks looking to keep utility bills low.

Durability and Solid Construction

Criterion appliances are built with durable materials like cast iron (for gas range grates) and ceramic glass (for electric cooktops). These materials are designed to withstand daily use, giving Criterion ranges a level of durability comparable to more expensive brands.

Convenient Features Found in Premium Models

Criterion ranges include premium features like convection baking, self-cleaning ovens, and touchpad controls in select models, which can be rare in other budget-friendly brands. These added functions make Criterion competitive with mid-range models from other brands without the higher price.

6. Tips for Choosing the Right Criterion Range for Your Kitchen

Consider Fuel Type and Kitchen Setup

Decide whether a gas or electric range is the best fit for your kitchen. Gas ranges offer precise temperature control, while electric ranges provide even heating, which is often better for baking. Ensure you have the appropriate hookups (gas or electric) or check with a professional if modifications are necessary.

Evaluate Your Cooking Needs

If you do a lot of baking, consider a Criterion electric range with convection baking. For those who prefer stovetop cooking, a gas model with various burner sizes might be the better choice. Families or those who host often will benefit from Criterion’s larger oven models.

Look for Easy Cleaning Features

Choose a Criterion model with a smooth glass cooktop or self-cleaning oven feature for easier maintenance. These options save time and reduce the need for extra cleaning supplies.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

If energy savings are important, look for Criterion models that are designed with energy-efficient features, particularly in the electric range category. These models offer savings over time and are an environmentally friendly choice.

7. Recommended Accessories for Criterion Ranges

To optimize the use of your Criterion range, consider the following accessories:

• Cooktop Cleaner for Glass Surfaces – A specialty cleaner for smooth cooktops helps prevent scratches and keeps the surface shining.

• Range Hood – A range hood is essential for ventilating smoke, steam, and cooking odors, especially for high-heat cooking on gas ranges.

• Baking Sheets and Oven Thermometer – Baking sheets and an oven thermometer enhance baking precision and help ensure your oven is operating at the correct temperature.

Conclusion

Criterion ranges provide exceptional value for households looking for a reliable, affordable, and versatile cooking appliance. With options for gas and electric models, features like convection ovens, self-cleaning, and user-friendly controls, Criterion meets the needs of home cooks with various preferences and budgets. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or setting up a new one, Criterion offers a balance of quality and affordability that makes it a solid choice in the range market.

Explore the full selection of Criterion ranges available exclusively at Menards.com and find the right model to suit your cooking style and kitchen layout.