cooktop decision

19 years ago

Here's the thing. We completly gutted our kitchen. Just posted on the kitchen forum for some help on the layout.

But we purchased a 30" Jenn Air pro series convection wall oven and black 30" electric cooktop from a neighbor that was renovating and decided that she wanted to go with a range. She sold us the set for $1100. I did not know about this site at the time and my KD told me it was a steal and to get them!! So we did. Since then, I've learned about induction cooktops and would love to have one though I'm thinking my husband will definitely say it's not in our budget right now. So, here's my dilema. I have a 30" cooktop. Thinking now, that I would prefer to go with a 36" maybe. Also thinking that if I were to try and sell our Jenn air cooktop that is still in the box new and ready to be registered for warranty that I could swap it out for a lighter cooktop if I go with a light granite so as not to have the "black hole" look with a black cooktop.

I went on ebay and found two bisque cooktops. One a Jenn air exactly like the Jenn air we have, but 36" instead and the other a Kitchenaid (36" as well). The Jenn air has knobs whereas the Kitchenaid does not. Here are the links.

Which would you buy if you were choosing between these two??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=280154392601&Category=71247&_trksid=p3907.m29

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Jenn-Air-36-Bisque-Electric-Cooktop-JennAir-Biscuit_W0QQitemZ120164479174QQihZ002QQcategoryZ71248QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Jenn air would install right about our oven for sure as it's made for it. The kitchenaid - not sure - but I am currently trying to decide and get help on the kitchen forum on the subject of whether or not I should move our oven elsewhere to have the cooktop and wall oven as separate work centers in which case if I split them up it won't matter which cooktop.

Also, I would really like to keep in mind that I would like to have an induction in the future. We are having new custom cabinets made. Are cooktops all pretty standard sizes?? If I get a 36" cooktop will I easily be able to place an induction in the same cut out in the future?

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Comments (5)

outonalimb_2007
19 years ago
I can't comment much about the two cooktops you are considering, although if the KA retail price really is what the seller says it is, then I am not sure that it's not too good to be true (how can this guy sell for about 50% off?). As to your induction questions, it seems that cooktop widths are reasonably standard (ie, 30", 36", etc) but you should know that induction can require special electrical hookups that you might want to run the wiring for now, and also they require varying amounts of clearance underneath them (some more than others). If you really plan to go induction in the future, you should research carefully now (which it appears you are doing). Good luck --
foreverthankful
Original Author
19 years ago
outonalimb - thanks so much for commenting!! I'm really at the point where feedback on our kitchen is cherished. I'm getting a bit weary. But know research and lots of thought into this remodel are worth it!!
I thought the same thing about the KA. I have watched it for some time. Both the JA and KA are apparently from guys who sell appliances or maybe have an appliance store. I looked up the model # of the KA to check it out more and see if there were any reviews on epinions. There were a couple. I also found that this particular KA model has been updated and is no longer made. Maybe that has something to do with his price. The one with the Jenn air has 6 of them and keeps relisting them.
The one with the KA has more than one too as last auction I watched on this one - there was a winning bid. I emailed the winner regarding it and apparently she was happy. She had broken her glass and needed to replace her cooktop.
So, I am considering these, but not quite sure...I too am a bit skeptical although these guys have good feedback. I really do want to plan for the induction so thanks for the tips on maybe keeping some extra clearance where it concerns the depth on an induction. I will look into what the depth is on induction units. I was worried about the cut out issue because not sure you can change granite after it's been installed and all.
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outonalimb_2007
19 years ago
I think you can have the cutout on granite enlarged, but of course you could never make it smaller. If you did go with a 30" now the only dimension you would have to worry about would be depth.

If you really want induction, and are redoing your whole kitchen now, is there something you could economize on to make the induction fit into your budget? The Kenmore 36" goes on sale every couple of months for about $1800, I think, and really has had good reviews. If I weren't so darn picky (I want a flush mount and more power, but at the same time I really suspect that I would be perfectly happy with the Kenmore), I would buy that one. It's the same, for most intents and purposes, as the Electrolux (same maker).
Just a thought...

It does sound like you've done your homework on the two cooktops you are considering. IF legit, they sound like great deals.
gizmonike
19 years ago
We have friends with a 20 year old induction cooktop & they love it. We have induction now & we love it. With a granite cutout issue, I'd make it happen now rather than later.
foreverthankful
Original Author
19 years ago
gizmonike,
What brand induction do you have?
I'm sort of with outonalimb in that I think I'd prefer flush mount. Oh boy, what to do... my poor DH's head is going to spin. We're already over budget on our remodel.
It was extensive!! I'm toying with the idea of giving up getting a fireclay Rohl's farmhouse sink and that would help. I was just trying to not cause any fuss over this for now...but maybe I should try my darnest to go ahead and get induction. I'm also entertaining getting soapstone countertops and I'm thinking they wouldn't be as big of a deal in regards to changing the cut out if necessary. But then if I want to upgrade to a 36" vs. the 30" I have it's kinda makes sense to just have that money go towards an induction to begin with.

Thanks for the comments!!