Cookaholics Bulletin Board

We will remodel the kitchen; it is turning into work!

I need counselling on the 'best' 36" gas rangetop or stovetop

HELP!

Bill, I don't really know the difference between a cooktop and a rangetop, but I've got a Bosch 36" gas cooktop that works great. One big burner in the center and 2 on each side. I asked the same question you did a couple of years ago when my smooth-top G.E. piece of cr*p cracked (3rd one to do that) and at the time the consensus was that open burners are the way to go. However that wasn't in our budget so mine are sealed burner. It must be one of those cases where you don't know what you're missing, b/c I've been totally happy with mine. But of course, I was coming from that G.E. piece of... . The only thing that would be awesome would be to have 2 big burners, as when I'm cooking for a crowd I'm often using a big saute pan and a big french skillet, etc. But that would take a space bigger than 36", at least as far as I know. Good luck!

Emilie

A cooktop is inserted into a hole into the surface of the counter; a rangetop is slid into a cut out of the countertop and the counter front such that the controls of the rangetop are below the countertop and directly in front. Theoretically, but not usually, this gives more room on top for more burners or more space between burners so that the problem you described is dealt with. The reality, I'm finding, is that the ideal is rarely attained.....

I've had a Bosch 36 inch induction cooktop for 2 years. A large center burner & 4 other burners. I really like it, no problems, gas wasn't an option.

I also love my induction and gas was not an option for me, either. When I use others gas tops, I like the induction even better because: easier to clean, no open flame, easier to control, power boost and timer.
When we do a new kitchen, this is the one I am jonsing over:
http://www.gaggenau.com/gb/product/CX480

Mary

Mary, that is the coolest thing I've ever seen!!

Oh my gosh, cool is right!! We were able to get a propane tank installed in order to have gas (no natural gas where we live) but gas can't compare to that. That cooktop and a steam oven would be complete cooking nirvana!

Emilie

Mary, when I look at that stove, my reaction is one "run the other way". I have a horror of computer-controlled stoves. My in-laws had one of the earlier models of computer-controlled halogen stove. Which was great ... except that computers hate two things: heat and moisture. Eventually, the sealant and/or insulation on the stove computer failed, and the stove became completely non-operational. The day before Thanksgiving, of course.

For that matter, I worked one place which had a computer-controlled induction range ... where the designer had failed to insulate sufficiently between the induction magnets and the computer. So when it got up to peak temperature, the stove would go haywire, the burners turning off and on at random, and going up and down. Also, as a software engineer, I am keenly aware of how crappy the embedded software in appliances is.

So, just saying ... it'll be at least another decade before I consider one of these "smart" stoves. You do it first and tell me how it goes.

I have great things about the Gaggenau but this isn't going to happen right away so I can save my pennies and they can work the bugs out.

Mary

I have a neighbor who loves her Bluestar rangetop but it is EXPEN$IVE.

http://www.bluestarcooking.com/products/rangetops/platinum-rangetop-series

For my kitchen redo I'll probably end up with a range due to space considerations. Someday.

I have a Thermador cooktop now and it has lasted forever.....way too long!