For some reason, my posts aren't showing up, so I'll try this *again*. >:(

Caroline - would you mind posting a pic of the new grate style so we know what we are looking for? Thank you sooo much!

Sorry I don't have a picture, but if you look at the photo posted above, on the center grate, there is an exterior square and an interior square. On the new grate, the interior square is not continuous. It has gaps between the intersecting rods. Does that make sense?

Hey Everyone,

If you go to the Caldera Cooktop Brochure, on the second page they have a picture of the updated center grate on the 36". I bought the 30" and am wondering if there was a update to that, but I can't find any info on that online, maybe i should call Eurochef.

Here is a link that might be useful: Caldera Brochure

I'm buying the 30" also - but it may be that because the fifth burner on the 30" is narrower, that it doesn't have the same problem as the one on the 36". Nevertheless, I'd like to know
as well.

Give the manufacturer a call. When I called to get my grate replaced, a real live, very helpful person answered the phone immediately! When was the last time that happened?!? The entire phone call lasted maybe 2 minutes and I had my new grate within days. It was a very pleasant customer service exerience.

I called today and Tim the service guy was out so I talked to a lady in sales. she had no idea of a update to the grates and seemed dumbfounded about new product features. I left a msg but I will try again tom.

Tanman, sorry Tim wasn't available for you. He will know what you are talking about. I called Tim on Friday, left a message, and he returned my call within 2 minutes. He knew exactly what I was talking about and referred me to Al at Caldera. Left them a message at Caldera on Friday and received a returned call yesterday. No problem whatsoever getting a new grate. I did tell them I haven't had problems yet, but that I just have the old design. They aren't making me wait until it becomes an issue.

Fantastic customer service! It will take a couple weeks to get the grate, but as long as I'm getting the newer design - I'm happy! :)

Ok, just talked to Al, he says the problem is only for the 36" units so heads up to whoever gets those. I'm going to be installing my cooktop in few weeks, I can't wait to start her up :-)

I had a feeling that was the case - that the 30's would be ok. Al is a principal in the company and the chief designer - and boy, if every company had customer service like this it would be heaven. He is so down to earth and easy to talk to. Makes me wish they made every other kind of appliance.

Hey Guys,

This question is for everyone who has bought a caldera. If you have a chimney hood, what brand/size hood do you have? I want to make sure I have one strong enough to handle the btus of this unit. Thanks

Just today I was shopping for a hood and the dealer told me that based on the BTUs of the Caldera, I should be fine with 600 CFMs.

I bought a Zephyr Tornado I (600 CFMs) under cabinet unit thinking that should be plenty. The only thing I regret is that it only has two halogen lights and they are both in the center (one behind the other). The larger Tornado II has more CFMs than I need (1200 CFMs!), but there are 3 lights across the width of the unit. My sales guy discouraged me from getting the larger one because of the noise factor. I'm kicking myself because I want the light!

Hey Dannie Gal,

I'm also leaning toward getting the Zephyr Savona but also am considering Faber Perla and Broan models. The Savona has a 684cfm so that should def be enough.

Sorry I have been out of the loop !! I am glad the issue of the grate has been resolved.

I have a 1400 cfm Tradewind liner. It is 54" as I have a deep fat fryer next to the 36" cooktop.

I will tell you what the Tradewind folks told me, and it sure was great advice. The elements that you are dealing with when cooking are HOGS...heat,odors,grease,steam. It is not enough to think about the BTU's of your cooktop. You must consider the other factors too. The kind of cooking you do makes a huge difference in how you will feel about your hood.

I have the inline sliencer as well. You cannot hear my hood on low at all and by the 3 rd level it is still what most brands are on low. I am extremely pleased with the Tradewind. You should look at all the hoods but be sure to consider the HOGS. Caroline

Update on Caldera CFMs, which I may have posted to another thread - so ignore if you've already read this. Al at Caldera told me the 30" cooktop needs only 500 CFMs and when I told him I had fallen in love with a 400 (Zephyr Tamburo) and he said it would be fine because if I didn't do a lot of frying (I don't) or have all burners on at one time (I don't) I should be okay -- he said "get what you love." I love that advice.

I am on my way to purchasing a Zephyr Venezia for a awesome price and it will be way more than enough cfms even when factoring in HOGS. Raynag, i tried to email you about the fridges but i don't know if gardenweb messaging system is working or not, so i'm not sure you received my msg. Take care

Tanman - I did get your e-mail and I answered it. Didn't you get my answer with the name of the place on L.I.?

I just sent it again.

For those of you with the 30" model, is there enough space to use a wok on the center burner while using any of the side burners, or do you think it's necessary to get the 36"?

Yeah, I guess I'm asking you to say if you made a bad choice...hmmm..36"ers, do you think it'd work almost as well in a 30"?

Anything new to add to these Caldera reviews??
Thanks.

Has anyone recently tried to contact Caldera or the distributor? I am trying to get in touch with them (I am in central VA and will be in VT for Thanksgiving, and wanted to combine my trip!) and am running into disconnected numbers and no real answering machine. This is leading me to question my choice (which would bum me out as I am excited about this cooktop).

If anyone has a real contact number, if you wouldn't mind sharing I would so much appreciate it!

Thanks,

Nica

I've called this number several times and gotten through to Al. (who knows? maybe this is his home office). It's a real number.
Caldera
192 Thomas Ln
Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-3008
Let us know how you make out. I just ordered my 30" gas cooktop today from the dealer I'm buying everything else from. They don't carry Caldera but will get in touch with either the distributor or another dealer who carries it.

Raynag-

Update - I received a phone call back tonight (on Sunday!) from a message I left yesterday. Allen (Al?) was quite surprised about the disconnected number for the distributor, and he will follow up tomorrow. Needless to say, the prompt reply has me back on the "I have found my cooktop" path.

Thanks for the help. I'll post when I get more definite information as well.

Nica

Good, Nica. I'm telling you - this must be Al's home number. But I must say he has great personal service.

BTW- I just tried Euro Chef USA's number and got their usual answering machine, so it must have been a glitch of some kind. I called 1-866-844-6566.

I'm also considering the 30" cooktop SSK305. For those who have been using one, is there enough room to fit a large pot/pan on the center burner plus a large pot/pan on the outer burners? It seems like the space may be tight to fit two or more large ones at the same time. What is the width of the burners? What sized pots and pans have you used?

Hi again Coolmom1. I took my big stockpot when I went to see the Caldera 305. I didn't take a second pot (duh - who can think of everything??) but put the big pot on the middle back burner and it didn't seem to interfere with the other burners in the back, as far as I could tell. Whatever - I ordered the cooktop 'cause what are the chances of having five big pots (or even five pots at all) on the range at the same time? In my house, slim to none. Since I cook on the right front burner (I'm left handed) that is where my biggest pot is bound to be, except for the stockpot, which I don't cook in but use to steam my hand-dyed fabrics - but not when I'm cooking).

I stumbled upon this thread while gathering info on the Caldera cooktop. I am hoping to replace my current cooktop with it but have a question for you all.

The cooktop I have now has an electronic ignition system like so many today. However, it is very hard to light. I can never get it to stay lit until at least the third try. It also will randomly start to "click" like you when you turn it on for no apparent reason. I have had various repair people come out and no one can get it to stop. I've been told it is just temperamental.

How does the Caldera light? I want the one with standard knobs not the very cool but very expensive "arrows". Does any have a similar situation with their Caldera?

Thank you for all your help. I appreciate.

- robin

I have the 36" Caldera with the standard knobs. I have been using it a year now. I have no problem with the ignition. It clicks a couple times and lights. I will say that if you bump the covers out of alignment then the burners will not light properly. So when I clean the burners I always rotate them and double check that the flame is coming out all the holes evenly. Maybe that is your problem?? Anyway there is no better gas cooktop than the Caldera..IMHO. Caroline

Caroline -
Thanks for the info. It was exactly what I hoped to hear as I am in serious lust for the Caldera. It looks like it will work perfectly with my style of cooking.

Thanks also for the suggestions on getting my current cooktop to work. I've tried just about everything and at his point am ready to chuck the old one. I hope to really do so after the first of the year.

- robin

It's been only three months now, but I still *love* my Caldera! I've never had a gas range before, but this is wonderful. I did get my new grate, although I just stuck it in a drawer because I haven't had trouble with the old one. Caroline, do I remember correctly that you had trouble with the little rubber feet on your grates? When I got my new grate, a rubber foot was knocked off and I haven't gotten around to calling for a replacement, which is the real reason it's sitting in a drawer. ;) It looks like I'm going to have to get creative in digging the rubber out of the tiny hole before replacing.

My Caldera (36'') has been hooked up for just shy of a week. I LOVE it! I can put 5 of my biggest pots on it AND . . . 2 people can be cooking 2 different things on it at the same time. I am in heaven, and I also don't exactly mind the way it looks!

Yippee!

Nica

My cooktop was delivered and I sent it back because the black grate had scratched areas where the paint was missing. Sigh...waiting for the new one to come. I don't mind if I do that myself, but new - I'd like it to be perfect.

I'm so happy to find all this info on the Caldera gas cooktop. Caroline had answered my earlier post and I'm convinced that the Caldera is for me. We are building our retirement home in NC starting sometime this year--we hope. I'm so excited about the Caldera I lie awake nights thinking of the fun I'm going to have. I love to cook!!!
Oh, about the knobs, which are really cool in the pictures,are they removeable for cleaning?

I sure wish the decision for my other appliances was as easy as the choice of cooktop.

Oh, btw, not to sound too stupid but where do I purchase a simmer plate? I've never seen one. I haven't had a gas stove for over 30 years although I've wanted one. Now is my big opportunity to have what I want. Are simmer plates expensive? Are they a one size fits all?

As I hone in on the kitchen of my dreams I'm finding this site invaluable. Reading posts has become one of my favorite activities.
Margaret

Had not checked this thread in a while...good thing I looked ! Answer to questions:
Dannie: Yes the little feet came off and yes they are a "@$^%^" to get out of the hole and replace. It only happened at the very beginning a year ago on one grate and never since then. I havenot bothered , they sent me a whole bag of them> It has scratched a little on the cooktop from no feet on one grid but...

raynag: I am sorry you sent it back for those little scratches. They are present I think on all the grids in a tiny way and believe me you don't notice except when you unpack. I was worried and took pics and sent the pics to Vermont etc. The black coating is in no way injured because of the white marks come off when you clean the grids with a nonscratch green pad. So don't worry if the next one has them. The "real" finish on the grids is not possible to scratch.

Margaret: yes the knobs come off easily but I don't usually take them off as it is easy to clean around them.

Here is the link for heat diffusers:

http://www.fantes.com/trivets.htm#flame

Oh, thanks, Trailrunner. The next one is coming tomorrow. Of course, it will sit here till who knows when, but at least I know now that the white marks will come off. And I will check to make sure the little rubber feet are on ok. Will follow up and let you know how I make out. If I had only known...
Rayna

Yes, the replacement Caldera came this morning and it looks fine. Thanks, Caroline, for your moral support!

Thanks Caroline. I will go to the website and check out the diffusers. Apreciate your help.
Margaret

I am interested in the 30 inch Caldera. I live in southeast PA. Is there a place nearby to see it? Also I need a downdraft fan/vent for it. Any suggestions?

I am not sure you can have a down draft with a gas cook top....I think not but maybe I am wrong. I am not sure how to see the Caldera. I never did and am so pleased with mine. I never saw any of my appliances before purchase except the Miele ovens. I was lucky I guess. c

Does anyone know anything about the new Arrow Series?
It looks pretty cool and easy to clean...any info would be appreciated, thanks!

Rosie - my daughter has a gas cooktop in her island and a downdraft. It's a KA, not a Caldera, but I don't think that makes any difference.

I have a new Caldera 36 and a new Downdraft from Thermador. The Thermador is a 'popup', so it works loads better than our old jennair center mount downdraft. We opted for the taller popup, it seems to do a great job pulling all the steam from the back burners, and most of the steam from the front burners just using the lower settings. Thanks to all on the forum, we love the Caldera for the price!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cooktop pics

Hi. Sorry to post and not be an owner, but I am interested in purchasing the SSK305 and was wondering if anyone has an opinion on it.

I was also trying to find the best place to order on-line. Any recommendations?

Thanks, Gina

qkslvr, thanks for the pics, it looks great!

The Arrow series looks very interesting. If I was just starting out I would really consider it. I love my Caldera, as I have already said LOTS of times LOL. We use it all the time for messy stuff . Clean up is a breeze. I was reading the woes of folks with some other gas cook tops on this forum and the kitchen forum and I would never trade my Caldera for the work they have to go through to clean their cooktop. The stainless steel is wiped off in seconds. The grates also. They have a coating on them that prevents anything , and I mean anything form sticking. Did I say I love my Caldera.

There are a number of dealers listed on Google. I would not use HomeClick just because I have heard others have had problems. Otherwise I think the rest of the dealers are good. Good luck. Caroline

trailrunner, I really appreciate your input regarding the Caldera, because reviews of this cooktop are scarce, other than the string I've found on this forum. From reading the few additional comments I've found through Google, cons have been relatively minor; it seems that this cooktop is very reliable and consistent, yes? My biggest concern is finding someone who can service the unit should anything mechanical go wrong. Other than that, though, it's at the top of my list!

Raynag on the Kitchen forum is just about to have hers hooked up ,by the weekend.

As to service this isn't an issue since there are no parts to go bad that are exclusive to the Caldera. You have nothing but the ignitor and it is the same for all gas cooktops. There are no other parts. So if that is your only concern then it isn't a problem. Our burners have been on/off a thousand times and they are still perfect so I don't see it as a concern. You will definitely not be sorry if you get a Caldera. Caroline

trailrunner Caroline, Thank you! I'll be ordering one very soon. Thanks, too, to everyone else on the forum who've given feedback regarding their Calderas - you've all been such a big help in my search for a cooktop I'll be happy with, from stir-frying to simmering, with the space that's needed for big pots and pans, and easy clean-up, at a great price!

Great. You will have to post pics. On my page there are a bunch of pics with DH stirfrying, if you haven't seen them...look under food pics. on the photobucket acct. C.

Caroline, great pics of your husband cooking and of the Caldera. These photos give me a good idea of the burner sizes - not to mention the photos made me hungry! It looks like you do a lot of great cooking...And I love the photos of the breads you've baked - beautiful!

Thanks again -

Swongco: glad you liked them. We do love our kitchen and give it a good workout! Hope you get your Caldera soon and please post pics. Good Luck. c