Look at the size of the oven cavity and the capacity of the air‑fry basket, because larger families need more space for multiple dishes. Check the power rating of the burners and the convection fan; higher wattage and true convection provide faster, more even cooking. Also verify the control layout—front‑control panels are easier to reach while the range is in use.

Front‑control ranges place the knobs and digital interface on the front of the oven door, allowing you to adjust settings without bending over the hot stovetop. Rear‑control models keep controls on the back, which can be less convenient but sometimes offer a cleaner look. Functionally, both can provide the same cooking power; the main difference is ergonomics and user comfort.

The Emeril Lagasse Dual‑Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo boasts a 25‑quart capacity with removable dividers, giving enough room to roast a whole turkey or multiple trays simultaneously. The Kenmore Front‑Control Range provides a spacious oven with two racks and a dedicated air‑fry basket, but its overall volume is slightly smaller. For maximum flexibility, the dual‑zone combo’s separate temperature zones let you cook main dishes and sides at once.

Dual‑zone ovens let you set two different temperatures in the same appliance, which can cut cooking time when preparing multi‑component meals. The convenience of finishing a side dish while the main course finishes at a different temperature often outweighs the higher price for busy households. If you rarely cook more than one dish at a time, the added expense may not be justified.

Convection ovens circulate hot air to reduce hot spots and speed up baking, while true‑air‑fry systems add a high‑velocity fan that mimics deep‑frying with little or no oil. True‑air‑fry delivers crispier exteriors on foods like fries and chicken wings, making it ideal for health‑conscious cooks. For everyday baking and roasting, a standard convection fan is usually sufficient and more affordable.

Key safety elements include a hot‑surface indicator light, automatic shut‑off timers, and oven door cooling ventilation to keep the exterior cool. Some models also offer a keep‑warm function that prevents overheating after cooking is complete. Look for ranges with child‑lock controls if you have young kids in the kitchen.

The Kenmore offers a solid set of features—seven cooktop elements, turbo boil, and a built‑in air‑fry basket—at a typically lower price point than the high‑end Emeril combo. The Emeril model adds dual‑zone cooking, larger capacity, and premium presets, which increase its cost but also its versatility for large meals. If you prioritize a single‑oven solution with strong performance, Kenmore gives better value; if you need separate zones and extra capacity, the Emeril combo justifies the premium.

Oven liners placed on the bottom rack protect the oven floor from spills and do not interfere with the convection fan or air‑fry basket as long as they are trimmed to avoid contact with heating elements. Make sure the liner is heat‑resistant up to at least 500 °F and does not block airflow. Using a properly sized, non‑metallic liner will keep the oven clean while preserving the air‑fry function.