On 27 Nov 2006 07:43:30 -0800, "ap" wrote:

Hello,
We have had a whirlpool gas range with electronic ignition. The range
is about 7 years old and gives us trouble sparking the pilot light. It
takes a while to light up and there is some gas smell.

You may be confusing the terminology. If it has electronig ignition,
then there is no pilot light.

We are considering purchasing a new range. A few questions:

Your ignition problem may be less serious than you think it is. The
fix may cost less than $50. I'd visit the manufacturer's web site and
even give them a call before I'd replace the entire range.

Which models/brands do you recommend and have worked well for you?

I have a Friginaire GLGF376DC that has performed very well during the
21 months that I have owned it. I did the homework and was happy with
the resulting purchase.

Also, with gas ranges, do you occasionally smell gas and does your
pilot light ever go out?

I almost never smell gas, unless I try to start a burner with a pot
sitting on it. Then, I might get a whiff before it ignites.

There is no pilot light because it has electronic ignition.

MC