Relatively new to the range industry, Bosch has expanded and refined its initial offering of ranges and added the HEI7282U slide-in electric range to its lineup. All signs are that Bosch is on the right track, as this range capitalizes on everything the company has been doing well and simply adds a slide-in design to its product.

On this model there are four easy clean glass elements that heat comparatively fast. Two of these elements are referred to as expandable, which means they can be heated to varying circumferences. One is a triple element that can be adjusted to any of three ring sizes. The second is a dual 5-inch/8-inch element that can be used in either of these two sizes. The idea is to best match the element size to the size of the selected pan, which allows for more accurate and even heating of the food in the pan. Surfaces around the heating element also stay cool, making any spillover less likely to burn onto the cooktop.

An accurate, even-heating oven is easier to find than effective surface elements and as expected, Bosch doesn't disappoint. This 4.6-cubic-foot oven offers the extra hidden element that is common to European-style convection ovens and ups the number of vents the fan can use to push hot air into the oven to eight. The results of these eight vents is even distribution of hot air and uniform baking. The oven self-cleans beautifully and offers a temperature probe that allows you to automatically cook meats to the ideal internal temperature.

Those who entertain will love the oversized, lower drawer, which offers a 1.3-cubic-foot warming area instead of storage -- although storage is possible as long as you don't inadvertently turn on the warmer. Our favorite feature of this oven is the telescopic rack. This rack is composed of sections that slide and fully extend over the oven door without tipping. They move easily and hold up to 35 pounds, which is more than what any oversized Thanksgiving turkey should weigh.

Lastly, the wattage in the broiler has been upped to 3600 watts -- an improvement over previous versions of the Bosch range. This increased wattage should provide far more satisfactory results than the anemic version offered in the first generation of ranges.

The HEI7282U is the top-of-the-line Bosch slide-in electric range, and it comes in all stainless steel. Save yourself $300 by checking out the HE7152U or the HEI7132U, which are the same models, except they come in partial stainless steel or titanium. To save even more, consider one of the less expensive Bosch ranges, also equipped with convection -- just be aware that some of the desirable little touches outlined here are not offered on those models.

We can't help but notice that Bosch is listening to customers. Just about every highly desirable feature on an electric range has been packed into the HEI7282U slide-in electric range.


Pros: Offers all the special touches shoppers are looking for -- full stainless, convection, expandable elements, warming drawer, telescopic rack
Cons: Lacks only a surface warming zone

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor