Finding the Right Gas Stove for Your Kitchen
Buying a new gas stove for your kitchen is an exciting purchase that can totally transform your cooking experience. However, with so many brands and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect stove for your needs and budget.
One brand that consistently tops the charts for affordable, reliable gas stoves is Magic Chef. With a wide selection of sizes and feature options, Magic Chef offers high-quality stoves perfect for any home cook.
This comprehensive buying guide will provide everything you need to know about Magic Chef gas stoves to help you find your ideal match. We’ll cover Magic Chef stove features, comparisons to other brands, prices, reviews, installation, dimensions, efficiency, warranties, maintenance, safety, cleaning, BTUs, suitability for small kitchens, durability, color options, troubleshooting, propane conversion, and more!
Let’s dive in so you can discover why a Magic Chef gas stove should be your top choice for your kitchen update!
Key Features of Magic Chef Gas Stoves
Magic Chef is known for manufacturing gas stoves with convenient features at affordable price points. Here are some of the key features you can expect with a Magic Chef stove:
- Burner types – Magic Chef stoves typically have between 4-6 sealed gas burners in a mix of power levels, including high BTU power burner(s), rapid boil, and simmer burners. Most models have both front and rear controls.
- Ignition types – Most Magic Chef models have front control knobs with electronic ignition to allow easy start-up and prevent the need for matches or lighters. Some budget models use standing pilots.
- Burner grates – Grates are often made of durable cast iron or porcelain-coated cast iron to resist corrosion and provide even heating.
- Oven features – Magic Chef ovens range from basic to more advanced options. Features can include convection cooking, delayed bake, Sabbath mode, storage drawer, and more, depending on the model.
- Size options – Available in popular standard widths like 30-inch and 20-inch configurations to fit most kitchen layouts. Larger 5-6 burner stoves are also available.
- Styling – Magic Chef stoves feature minimalist and streamlined styling in stainless steel or black finishes. Models with glass viewing windows are also available.
- Price – One of the biggest draws of Magic Chef stoves is the very affordable pricing. Models can range from $500-1,500 for high-end options with advanced features.
How Magic Chef Compares to Other Brands
Here is how Magic Chef stoves compare to some other major brands in the market:
- General Electric – Similarly priced as Magic Chef, but GE tends to offer more smart home features like WiFi connectivity in higher-end models. Durability of low-end models is mixed.
- Whirlpool – Known for reliability and quality at moderate price points. Comparable to Magic Chef in features but usually 10-30% higher in price.
- LG – Offers innovative, technology-advanced stoves but with premium pricing. Generally $500+ more than comparable Magic Chef models.
- Frigidaire – Budget-friendly brand like Magic Chef. Lower in pricing but also receives fewer positive reviews for quality and durability.
- Samsung – High-end smart home appliances with lots of bells and whistles. Significantly more expensive than most Magic Chef stoves.
Overall, Magic Chef provides a solid combination of quality, features, and value to rival both budget and more expensive brands on the market. The stoves may not include all the latest technology, but durability and performance remain impressive for the prices.
Where to Buy Magic Chef Stoves
Fortunately, Magic Chef stoves are widely available both online and in-store at major appliance retailers across the United States. Here are some of the best places to shop Magic Chef stoves:
- Home Depot – Extensive Magic Chef selection online and in Home Depot stores. Often runs sales and special deals.
- Lowe’s – Another major retailer carrying a variety of Magic Chef ranges. Discount coupons sometimes available.
- Best Buy – Surprisingly great selection of Magic Chef stoves both on their website and in stores. Price match guarantee.
- AJ Madison – Reliable appliance e-tailer with all Magic Chef models. Competitive pricing and free shipping.
- Wayfair – Large online retailer with Magic Chef stoves and many reviews available. Frequent discounts offered.
- Walmart – Budget-friendly Magic Chef models sold on their site and in stores. Limited selection but low prices.
- Amazon – Carries a variety of Magic Chef stoves from different sellers. Easy delivery and returns.
Shop smart by checking for any available discounts, coupons, or sales to get the best deal when purchasing your Magic Chef stove!
Pricing for Magic Chef Stoves
The affordable pricing of Magic Chef stoves is definitely part of their appeal. Here is an overview of the price range you can expect:
- Basic 20-inch models – Start around $500-600. Best for small kitchens. Usually 4 burners. Basic features.
- 30-inch freestanding models – Average $700-900. Best-selling size. Options like 5 burners and convection.
- Slide-in models – Approximately $850-1,200. Built-in look but with more installation flexibility.
- High-end designs – Go up to $1,200-1,500. Extra cooking options and smart controls.
- Double oven models – In the $1,400-1,800 range. Allow baking on two racks.
Pro tip: Look for Magic Chef sales around major holidays for discounts up to 30% off or more for additional savings!
Reviews of Magic Chef Stove Performance
It’s always helpful to read reviews before making a major purchase like a stove. Here’s an overview of what professional testers and home owners are saying about Magic Chef gas stoves:
- Good Housekeeping – Positive review of MCST30W3 30″ model. Praised even heat distribution, precise burners, and overall quality for the price.
- Reviewed – Recommended the MCSFG31DF model for boil speed and low simmering capability. Some concerns with temperature regulation.
- Home Depot – Across hundreds of buyer reviews, Magic Chef models consistently average between 4-4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Lowe’s – The majority of Magic Chef ranges get high marks for value. Some report issues with reliability over time.
- CNET – Called out Magic Chef for affordable prices but being just “middle of the road” for features compared to higher-end brands.
While feedback isn’t perfect, most reviews highlight the solid performance you can get from a Magic Chef stove, especially given the budget-friendly prices. Be sure to review the return policy wherever you buy.
Installation Tips for your Magic Chef Stove
Installing your new Magic Chef gas stove doesn’t have to be a difficult process, especially if you select a freestanding range. Here are some useful tips for getting your stove installed properly and safely:
- Review the Magic Chef installation manual thoroughly before getting started. Follow all safety notes.
- Confirm your gas supply is compatible – either natural gas or propane. A conversion kit is needed to switch fuel types after purchase.
- Standard magic chef stoves require a 120V power connection for ignition. Some slide-ins use 240V.
- Measure carefully to ensure the new stove will fit the existing cutout space. Magic Chef’s range in width from 20-36 inches.
- Magic Chef stoves must be installed with minimum clearance on all sides to ensure proper ventilation. Usually 1-2 inches.
- Use a new gas supply line to connect to your existing shut-off valve. Don’t reuse old supply lines.
- Perform a leak test once installed by spraying soapy water and looking for bubbles. Fix any leaks.
- Have an assistant to help move the heavy stove (100-200 lbs) into place. Use an appliance dolly if needed.
Follow all local building codes and never remove factory-installed anti-tip brackets. With proper planning, your Magic Chef stove can be cooking in no time!
Dimensions to Ensure a Perfect Fit
It’s critical to understand the sizing dimensions of any Magic Chef stove you are considering to guarantee it will fit your existing kitchen layout.
Here are the main Magic Chef range sizes to choose from:
- 20-inch wide – Ideal for apartment kitchens or small spaces. Typical dimensions of 20″ W x 28-35″ H x 22-25″ D.
- 24-inch wide – Accommodates very tight kitchens. Usually 24″ W x 27-33″ H x 24-28″ D.
- 30-inch wide – By far the most common. Ranges from 30-31″ W x 27-36″ H x 25-29″ D.
- 36-inch wide – Provides more burner space. Approx. 36″ W x 27-33″ H x 25-29″ D.
- Freestanding – Legs allow flexibility. Measure cutouts for slide-ins.
Knowing the configurations Magic Chef offers is key to finding the right fit for your existing kitchen layout and available space. Never hesitate to confirm all dimensions.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
In today’s era of rising energy costs, an energy-efficient gas stove provides real savings over time. How energy-efficient are Magic Chef gas stoves?
- AUX savings – Magic Chef stoves average 40-45% AUX efficiency ratings. This is the thermal efficiency based on gas usage.
- Electronic ignition – Models with electric ignition use less gas for stove lighting versus older standing pilot models.
- Improved insulation – Added oven insulation compared to older stoves reduces heat loss when cooking and baking.
- Sealed burners – Prevent spills and debris from falling below the cooktop to maintain flame efficiency.
- Convection cooking – Available in some models, convection fans distribute heat more evenly using less energy.
While they may not match ultra high-efficiency brands, Magic Chef stoves are definitely designed with energy savings in mind. Choosing the right size and features for your household can optimize the stove’s efficiency.
Warranty Coverage for Your Investment
Making a sizable investment in a new stove understandably raises questions around warranty coverage. What kind of warranty do Magic Chef gas stoves come with?
- 1 year limited parts & labor – Covers any manufacturer defects or malfunctions during the first 12 months.
- 5 years limited parts – Component parts like burners, ignition, clock, etc. are covered for 5 years if they fail. But you pay any labor costs.
- 30 days replacement – If your stove is irreparably defective in the first 30 days, retailers will often replace it.
- Read the full warranty details to confirm what is and isn’t covered. Cosmetic damage and improper installation usually void the warranty.
While the warranty is not the longest in the appliance industry, it does provide reasonable protection – especially if purchased with a credit card that extends it. As always, proper care and maintenance will maximize lifespan.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Stove in Great Shape
Performing regular maintenance is the best way to keep your Magic Chef gas stove working like new for years. Follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Clean the cooktop – Use ceramic glass cleaner to remove baked-on spills. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Degrease the oven – Remove grease buildup with all-purpose cleaner and a scrub brush.
- Clear burner ports – Use a safety pin to clear any food or debris clogging the burner ports.
- Replace igniters – Replace any spark igniters that stop producing a click and visible spark.
- Inspect seals – Check that door and drawer seals are intact. Replace worn seals to retain heat.
- Clean burners – Lift off burners to clean residue underneath that can cause inefficient flame.
- Descale oven – Use store-bought descaler or a baking soda paste to remove mineral deposits.
- Clean broiler pan – Avoid grease drips by frequently cleaning the broiler pan in warm, soapy water.
Regularly maintaining your Magic Chef stove ensures optimal cooking results and extends the usable life of your investment.
Key Safety Features
Safety should be your number one priority when operating any gas stove. Magic Chef stoves include these key safety features:
- Anti-tip brackets – Prevents the stove from tipping over if excessive weight is applied to an open door. Critical for households with kids.
- Gas shut-off valve – Allows quickly turning off gas supply to the unit in an emergency.
- Oven door lock – Locks the oven door closed to prevent accidental opening or burns.
- Storage drawer – Provides safe, enclosed storage instead of open space beneath oven which can overheat items.
- Cool-touch exterior – Keeps outer surfaces like the oven door cooler when the oven is hot to prevent burns.
- Oven “off” indicator – Glows bright red when the oven cavity is still hot after turning off to prevent injury.
- LP conversion kit – Easily converts from natural gas to propane fuel with the right conversion kit if needed.
Following the safety precautions in the user manual and supervising kids around any stove are also critical for prevention.
Cleaning Tips for a Spotless Stove
It’s important to properly clean your Magic Chef gas stove inside and out on a regular basis not only for appearances but also for sanitary reasons. Here are some effective cleaning tips:
- Clean reflector pans – Remove burners to clean dirty reflector pans with hot, soapy water and a soft brush. Thoroughly dry before replacing burners.
- Degrease the oven – Mix together baking soda and water into a spreadable paste. Apply to oven interior, allow to sit for 15 minutes, then scrub clean.
- Scour grates – Place cast iron grates in your kitchen sink and scrub with steel wool and hot water to remove burnt-on food.
- Clean glass surfaces – Apply undiluted white vinegar to cooktop or oven window. Wipe away greasy residue with a cloth.
- Freshen burner drip pans – Remove stubborn stains with a baking soda and water paste. Or run drip pans through the dishwasher.
- Sanitize exterior – Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner or mild soap and warm water.
- Unclog stubborn grease – Pour a mix of 1/4 cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar down any grease-clogged openings. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse.
With proper cleaning techniques, your Magic Chef stove will continue looking like new for many years.
Understanding BTU Outputs
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and indicates the heat intensity of a stove burner. Knowing the BTU output of Magic Chef stove burners helps match the right burner size to your cooking needs.
- Standard burners – Deliver around 7,000 to 9,500 BTUs. Great for general purpose boiling, simmering, and pan movement.
- Power burners – Range from 12,000 to 18,000+ BTUs. Quickly boil large amounts of liquid or maintain high heat for wok cooking.
- Low-heat burners – Just 500 to 1,000 BTUs. Designed for delicate foods, simmering, and melting.
- Griddles – Some models offer a built-in griddle burner around 5,000-8,000 BTUs.
- Oven ranges – Oven BTUs are 14,000 to 18,000+. Higher for convection models.
Choose a Magic Chef stove with burners that align with your cooking requirements. Just keep in mind that bigger BTUs don’t always mean better performance and efficiency.
Perfect for Small Kitchens
One great advantage of Magic Chef stoves is that they make an excellent choice for small kitchens where space is limited. Here’s why:
- Compact 20-inch stoves – Magic Chef offers 20-inch wide models perfect for fitting in tight spots while still providing 4 burners.
- Space-saving design – Features like front-mounted controls maximize cooktop space on 30-inch stoves.
- Retractable downdraft – Some models have a retractable downdraft to reduce ventilation space needed against a rear wall.
- Fits tight corners – The rounded corner design allows sliding a Magic Chef stove tightly into corners.
- Storage drawer – Rather than an open bottom requiring clearance, the optional storage drawer can be flush with wall.
- LP conversion – Easily convert a Magic Chef stove to propane with a kit for off-grid homes.
Don’t let space constraints keep you from picking the perfect stove. With multiple size options, Magic Chef makes it easy to find the right fit.
Proven Durability People Rely On
Investing in a major kitchen appliance like a stove means you want it to last. Here’s why Magic Chef stoves deliver long-lasting quality and durability:
- Long company history – Magic Chef has manufactured trusted kitchen appliances for over 100 years.
- Quality materials – Magic Chef uses metals like stainless steel and cast iron that resist corrosion and last for years.
- Robust construction – From the cooktop to the leg brackets, sturdy craftsmanship prevents swaying and wobbling.
- Reliable components – Laboratory testing ensures the burner valves, igniters, and other components withstand constant use.
- Warranty protection – The included 1-year limited warranty provides repair coverage for manufacturer defects.
- Great value pricing – The affordable prices reflect great value rather than cheap quality.
- Ongoing support – Customers praise Magic Chef’s responsive customer service team.
For home chefs that plan to cook meal after meal on their stoves for years to come, Magic Chef stoves deliver lifelong performance you can trust.
Stylish Color Options
While stainless steel remains the most popular finish, Magic Chef does offer its gas stove models in a choice of stylish colors:
- Sleek stainless steel – Iconic silver stainless boasts a timeless look and durability. Hides smudges and fingerprints.
- Elegant black – Sophisticated black finish provides a modern, upscale appearance.
- Clean white – Only offered on select models but white gives a fresh, light feel.
- Bold bisque – Warm bisque tone brings vintage charm to a kitchen. Available on older Magic Chef models.
- Two-tone combinations – Some stoves feature a black or white door paired with silver body.
- Custom color match – Painting professionals can often apply custom color finishes to match your kitchen decor.
While color options are not Magic Chef’s main focus, you can find a finish that complements your existing kitchen design and style.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While Magic Chef stoves are fairly reliable, occasional issues can arise. Here are tips for troubleshooting some common problems:
Burners not igniting? Check that the electrical outlet is on and stove is plugged in securely. Replace any bad surface igniters. Clean dirty igniter ports.
Oven not heating properly? Confirm the oven knob is set to the correct temperature. Inspect the bake igniter and replace if not visibly glowing.
Temperature swings up and down? Try recalibrating the oven temperature setting per the manual instructions. If issue persists, a faulty oven thermostat likely needs professional replacement.
Flames not fully surrounding pots? Remove blocked burner head ports with a pin. Also clean any debris under burners. Ensure your cookware is flat on the grate.
Gas smell present? Immediately shut off gas supply and call technicians to inspect for leaks. Never ignore a gas odor!
Refer to troubleshooting guidance in your Magic Chef stove’s user manual for additional tips. Contact customer service for replacement parts or repairs.
Converting to Propane Fuel
Natural gas is the standard for most Magic Chef stoves. However, they can be converted to propane fuel with a proper OEM conversion kit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Only convert with the manufacturer-approved Magic Chef LP kit designed for your specific model.
- The kit includes new propane-rated oven and surface burner orifices to replace the natural gas factory orifices.
- A propane conversion should be performed by qualified professionals unless you have experience.
- Expect to pay $75-150 for the conversion kit plus separate labor costs for installation if you hire it done.
- Propane adds portability for off-grid homes. It may also be cheaper than natural gas in some rural regions.
- Magic Chef stoves cannot convert in the opposite direction from propane back to natural gas.
With the right LP conversion kit, your Magic Chef stove can be customized to the available fuel supply in your home.
Helpful User Manuals Online
Confused about a specific feature of your Magic Chef gas stove? Luckily every model has a detailed user manual available on the company website:
- Search for your model – Use the model number search bar to pull up your exact stove manual.
- User tips – Manuals provide operating instructions, cleaning advice, troubleshooting guides, warranty info, and more.
- Safety warnings – Critical safety notes explain proper installation and operation. Review and follow all warnings.
- Installation diagrams – Dimension specifications plus electrical and gas connection diagrams assist with professional installation.
- Parts breakdowns – Exploded view diagrams label every stove part to aid with replacements or repairs.
- Access digitally – Download and store PDF manuals on your computer or mobile device for quick access.
Magic Chef user manuals provide detailed insights into your stove that you won’t find on a store spec sheet. Keep appliances running their best by always consulting the manufacturer recommendations.
Your Ideal Magic Chef Gas Stove Awaits!
With a wide selection of quality gas stoves offering convenient features at budget prices, Magic Chef is a top brand to consider when upgrading your kitchen. Taking the time to understand Magic Chef’s product options will help you zero in on the perfect model to match your cooking needs, design style and budget.
Reliable performance, impressive durability and great value make Magic Chef one of the leading gas stove brands trusted by households across America. We hope this comprehensive buying guide gives you the knowledge you need to find your ideal Magic Chef gas stove match!
