Gas Cooktops: GE vs Bosch...Is GE's 20K tri-ring underperformer?

9 years ago

I'm trying to decide between two 30-inch gas cooktops: GE Cafe CGP350SETSS ($1350) and Bosch 800 series (NGM8055UC, $800). Since I do a lot of stir-frying, I was leaning toward the GE because it has 20,000 btu tri-ring burner, but after reading some online reviews, I am worried that the 20,000 may potentially be less powerful than 18,000 btu burners on other models.

Is it possible for an 18K btu burner to have better high heat performance than a 20K burner?

GE Cafe burners: one 20K tri-ring, two 9.1K, two 5.5K
Bosch 800 burners: one 18K, three 12K, one 5.5K

GE Cafe pros:

20,000 btu tri-ring but potentially underperforming "power burner" (Bosch has 18,000 non-tri-ring)
many online user reviews available; generally mixed, but average is 4 out of 5 stars
comes with free griddle

GE Cafe cons:

expensive ($550 more than Bosch)
mediocre performance of tri-ring burner, according to reviewed.com (took 5 min to boil 6c water; average high only 421ÃÂ°F)
online complaints of grates being too high from flame
uneven placement/layout of burners (can't fit as many pots and pans)
online complaints re: knob durability and finish
doesn't look as sleek or streamlined as Bosch

GE Cafe neutral:

GE Cafe considered more upscale?
Blue light around knobs
American

http://blog.yaleappliance.com/bid/93181/Bosch-NGM8054UC-vs-GE-Profile-PGP959SETSS-5-Burner-30-Inch-Gas-Cooktops

How reliable are reviewed.com reviews? Do these people actually know what they're talking about?

Here is a link that might be useful: http://ovens.reviewed.com/content/ge-cafe-cgp350setss-30-inch-gas-cooktop-review

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Comments (5)

hvtech42
9 years ago
I don't know how credible Reviewed.com is. I can't imagine how the Cafe 20K burner would do worse than other sealed burners. I can totally see how it would do worse than open burners though. There are Cafe owners here, maybe they can comment on the performance of that burner.

BTW Bosch 800 is made in the USA. GE Cafe is made in Mexico. I'd call the 800 more American even if the company is owned by the Germans.

This post was edited by hvtech42 on Thu, Jul 24, 14 at 14:53
Maine Susan
9 years ago
I am looking for a gas cooktop in that price range myself. I love the look of the Bosch and it seems to get good reviews... just reading your comments above it sounds like you prefer the Bosch.... js. One thing I have noticed about all reviews on things is that often the same review is on different sites... wondered if they were shared or something. I think one can find negatives attract even more of them. Hope to hear more from others about what cooktop they might prefer... just started looking here at appliances myself.
Maine Susan
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I also find for myself that the horror review sticks in my mind more BUT when you look at the avg the (whatever) is very comparable or good with others.
Maine Susan
9 years ago
There is a model of Bosch that has a 20K burner... two sizes.
http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooktops/gas-cooktops.html?filter=dual-stacked-burner~1262115&min=799&max=1399
Jakvis
9 years ago
BTU output and burner efficiency do not always go hand in hand. A lower BTU burner that efficiently send all or most of the heat to the bottom of the pan will out perform a higher BTU burner that sends the heat too far out and goes around the sides of a pan.