Although LG Electronics is fairly new to the U.S. range market, its electric convection LRE30451 has such an attractive price that it can't help but lure customers. How LG manages such a low price is not a complete secret. For one thing, the LRE30451's convection oven is not what is commonly referred to as true convection. Instead of using true convection's third heating element, as LG's higher-end ranges do, the LE30451 settles for a simpler system using two heating elements and a fan.

However, just because it doesn't have true convection, you shouldn't necessarily view it as disadvantageous. In fact, this type of convection is exactly what made convection a household word. Heavily promoted by Jenn-Air, this added-fan convection has a reputation of satisfying some pretty picky bakers, and it is clearly superior to simple radiant ovens. The LRE30451's convection gives you fast, even baking and quicker roasting with more tender results.

On the downside, the LRE30451 doesn't have the three racks typical of true convection models. This is probably because the added-fan convection system isn't capable of moving the heat around that many racks. Nevertheless, if you have a strict budget, the LRE30451 makes good sense; it does offer two racks with seven rack positions.

Fortunately, the LRE30451's value isn't limited to what's going on in the oven. With five surface elements instead of the usual four, this model has many features found on ranges costing far more. One of the elements is a 6-inch/9-inch dual design, and another sports a handy low-wattage warming option for keeping completed dishes until serving time.

With an excellent set of features on top and a large 5.6-cubic-foot convection oven, you'll have to look long and hard to find another convection range as affordable as the LG Electronics LRE30451.


Pros: Large oven with convection fan, versatile cooktop, unique blue oven interior
Cons: Oven is not true convection, lacks third oven rack

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor; 5 years, surface elements and cooktop