You've decided what kind of new electric range you want and now head for the store. All you know about your choice is that a respected manufacturer makes it and it looks good. If any questions rise, the salesperson will answer them.

When buying an electric range, as with any other major purchase, have as much information as possible about the product you plan to buy before entering the store. Don't expect the salesperson to reveal any drawbacks. Their job is selling the merchandise.

With any product purchase, reliability is the utmost concern. Buying a reputable name can sometimes be a big plus. The item must work well and work well for years to come. How it fits into your lifestyle, its ease of use, and child safety features are other areas to consider.

At the store, the shiny glass top stoves immediately catch your eyes. A salesperson cheerfully points out their attributes. Know that to keep the like new appearance, the upkeep on a smooth top range is a major issue. The old school kitchen stove requires no more fuss than placing the soiled heating elements and heat reflectors in the dishwasher then running the cleaning cycle. If they need more elbow grease, many manufacturers of old-style ranges recommend placing the heating elements and reflectors in the oven and then starting the self-cleaning process.

A smooth top range is much more fastidious. Since it has no removable parts, the glass catches all spills and overflows. Decidedly persnickety, it calls the shots, dictating how to clean it, how often to clean it, and what conditioning creams it uses.

For owners of a ceramic top stove, the following cleaning reminders will help keep you from marring the surface. For those looking to buy a new range and considering a smooth top, before making the purchase know as much as possible about the cleaning and care requirements and how they will affect your household. Additional information on smooth tops and upgrading kitchen appliances at hubpages.com/hub/Do-Not-and-Never-Warnings-That-Come-With-Glass-Top-Stoves and hubpages.com/hub/Updating-Home-Appliances-In-an-Older-Home-Can-Add-Wiring-Costs-and-Installation-Woes will give further insight into making an informed purchase.

Clean after every use

To prevent spilled food from cooking on the stovetop, the top must be cleaned during and after each use. Do not use ammonia, citric, or abrasive cleaners of any kind. They can discolor and eat into the glass surface.

Use the right utensils

Older cookware can scratch and mar the surface. Cover frying pans with spatter screens to minimize burning on grease.

Use the lowest possible temperature setting to prevent boil-over

The cooking elements cycle on and off to hold the preset heat settings. Low settings help eliminate sudden boil-over when the element cycles on.

Stop spills before they start

Prevent spilling ingredients on the stove by measuring everything either in individual containers or measuring all dry ingredients in one bowl instead of measuring or shaking directly into the pot. Before professional chefs begin cooking, they pre-measure recipe ingredients in prep bowls and then line them up in order of use. Spilled sugar or salt on a cold glass-top shouldn't be wiped off. Dry sugar and salt can scratch the surface. Cover the spill with a damp cloth then gently lift the cloth. The stylish new soft-tipped, hand-held vacuums designed to pick up dry spills from stone countertops without harming the finish work wonders. Clean up gravies, cheeses, and sugary spills with a dry cloth or paper towel while the stove is warm.

Burned-on grease, crusty foods, and melted plastic

Use plastic sour pads to remove as much burned food as possible. Scrape off stubborn spots with a razor blade scraper. Cleaner and Conditioner made for glass bake ware and the old Corning cookware works good for removing burned-on stains and is far less expensive than cleaning creams. Wipe off Cleaner and Conditioner residue with a damp, clean cloth, and then polish with a non-ammonia glass cleaner.