But, a brand new stove itself has the option of what plug to put on it. If the 3-prong plug was not legal, then the stores would only sell the 4-prong plug with the stove.
This isn't going out to make your own repairs against code, this is about buying a new appliance and having it installed - and that installation offers the choice of plugs. That is a big sign that 3-prong plugs are allowed for electric stoves IF installed correctly.
Prior to 1996, only mobile homes required 4-prong plugs. The code revision changed that so ALL newly built homes require 4-prong plugs. It did NOT change the rule for older homes. So, if all you are doing is buying and plugging in a new stove, you can continue to use the 3-prong plug. IF you update the wiring, you are required to change to the 4-prong plug.
