Samsung FE710DRS/XXA Flex Duo Electric Oven Review

Range Performance Overall

Samsung put two solid power burners into the Flex Duo FE710DRS/XXA, both able to boil water quickly. In spite of the advantages of a gas cooktop, all three burners are capable of temperatures cooler than almost everything we've seen. The extreme temperature of the front left burner left us very impressed but a bit scared, so we are absolutely positive that this can and will sear, burn, and char.

Water Boiling

The front right triple-element power burners boiled very quickly, rolling six cups of water in four minutes thirty-eight seconds--the same time it takes to listen to Misty Mountain Hop. If you're in the mood for Mozart, the front left dual-element burner will be boiling when you finish the seven and a half minutes Molto Allegro. The back burners are back burners, and should be used accordingly. But if you must use them to boil, you'll be pleased to know it'll only take twelve minutes. Still, faster than Frampton.

Low Temperature Cooking

While the burners sure do run hot, this thing can simmer down when it needs to, with two burners delivering temperatures as low as 106°F, and the coolest at 101°F. The fourth didn't do so hot either, showing us a very respectable 121°F. These excellent simmering temperatures often come in handy for keeping things warm, melting chocolate or butter without a double boiler, or simmering small quantities.

Range-top Temperature Range

High Temperature Cooking

The Samsung Flex Duo FE710DRS/XXA has a bit of a temper, having two burners that can run a bit too hot. The front left burner managed to heat our sensor to 823°F, a hellish temperature far too hot for safe use. This is far enough above the flash points of kitchen oils that it approaches their autoignition temperatures. A piece of pine will spontaneously ignite above 800°F. Operate with care and consider locking out the upper ends of both left burners. The right burners, while cooler and safer to use, are plenty hot enough to sear and brown. Fortunately this means that this range doesn't have to work hard at all on medium settings, like a Ferrari going the speed limit.