Vox Humana wrote:
> "Dave Tuchlinsky" > wrote in message
> .. .
>
>>We are looking to purchase an electric range and the model we selected
>>has a "Hidden Bake Element" (the bake element is hidden under to floor
>>of the oven). A salesman warned us that they take 20 minutes longer to
>>preheat the oven. Does anyone have experience with a hidden element?
>>Does it increase preheating time? Effect cooking?
>
>
> Maybe 20 minutes, but not 20 minutes longer! I haven't noticed any
> difference between my mother's KA oven with a hidden bake element versus my
> JennAir with an exposed element. I think there are so many variables that
> it would be difficult to compare two ovens. There are differences in size,
> insulation, and power. Some ovens activate all the elements in pre-heat
> mode and others don't. My small, true convention oven with a hidden element
> takes about 6 minutes to pre-heat to 350 while my large JennAir oven takes
> about 15 minutes. What matters is the actual pre-heating time for the oven
> you decide to buy. If you can find a showroom with a working oven, you
> could time it yourself. I would think the manufacturer could also supply
> that data.
>
> I like the hidden element because it is easier to keep the oven clean and if
> you should desire, you could put a baking stone on the oven floor (or a pan
> with water for steam).
>
> What ovens are your looking at?
>
>

Thanks for the response.

We're looking at a Whirlpool WERP4120P (self-cleaning, expandable
elements, ceramic top). This product line is also rebranded by Kenmore.
Whirlpool also makes a version without the hidden element, but it is
not available with the expandable stovetop elements.