We recently switched to induction. I don't know about sexy, but we prefer it to gas for many reasons and haven't regretted the decision. It is sleek black on a cambrian leather black granite top and just melts into the counter. We have had two butcher blocks made that will slide over the cooktop for when we have a party that doesn't require cooking, so we can use the space for appetizers, plates, glasses, etc.

Ours is a GE Profile 36 inch. It required a 50 amp line, so take that into consideration if you need to.

Have fun designing!

I also just switched from gas to induction. I don't know if its "sexy", but it sure is fun and easy to clean. The 30 inch GE unit needs a 40 amp circuit. And in addition to the cost of the unit, you have to add for additonal countertop cost since it is a drop in. I figure I spent about $500 more for my soapstone with the drop in cooktop than if I had gone with a range.

I have truly enjoyed my G.E. Trivection electric range. The efficiency and even heat control of my new smooth cooktop is much improved over my old coil range. After we purchased our electric range, my DH climbed into the attic to run wiring for a new pendant light. While he was in the attic, he noticed that the gas line, which runs across the kitchen to the water heater, passed directly over the range. We could have switched to a gas range, but now, after using my new cooktop, I am glad I didn't.

My husband likes gas, I don't - so when we remodeled (house came with a gas stove that scared me), we changed it from gas to electric. We still have the gas line if someone needs it, but it will not be US. I'm not sure about sexy, but then again it's a range and just not something I care about of all the things in my kitchen. But, if you look around, they do have some cool ones if you want to spend the money.

I wouldn't give up gas for anything, but if I had no option for gas, I'd do an Aga Legacy electric stove. They're very pretty (I belive in pretty and preformance) and they're great stoves. In that white and black kitchen of yours it would be a huge improvement over a big hunk of stainless.

(I don't have a huge hunk of stainless for either of my places. I prefer black enamel or color verses plain ole' silver). :)

I prefer to cook on gas for the obvious reasons regarding heat control.

Since the topic has been brought up I should add that Michio Kushi from the Kushi Institute (macrobiotic founder) believes that electric stoves are not desirable for a couple of reasons.

1. In your home you spend a great amount of time standing in front of your stove. It is believed to be bad for your health to be standing in front of an electric stove for this many hours over the course of your life. Electric stoves give off a magnetic field as do other electric appliances. The Kushi Institute finds that more people with cancer have been using electric stoves versus gas. When consulting with cancer patients, one of their first recommendations is to switch to gas.

2. The macrobiotics believe that electric stoves and other electric appliances change the value of the food (as do microwave ovens), so that the food is not as beneficial for you compared to if it were cooked on gas or fire.

I don't think the industrial look is sexy. I think sleek is sexy. I guess it comes down to personal preference. My dream is of induction. Safer than gas, faster than radiant electric, sleek and sexy. But you can't cook when the power goes out.

judydel- for point 2, I'm not sure how the food knows how the heat was generated.

Judydel --

EMF's, ElectroMagnetic Fields, come from all electric appliances: microwave ovens, refrigerators, hairdryers (very high levels), clock radios, electric blankets, computers, etc, including electrical outlets throughout our homes.

If you're interested, your local gas & electric company will use a gauss meter to measure EMF's in your home. This service is free.

Also, EMF's get weaker the further you stand from the source. For example, standing just a few feet from your microwave oven, or other electric appliance, is much better than standing right in front of it.

Induction Cooktops -- their alternating magnetic currents are the equivalent of being in an MRI machine.

Gas Cooktops -- "create high levels of potentially hazardous combustion by-products such as particles(soot), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde."

"Combustion by-products can also cause eye, nose and throat irritation, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, breathing problems and trigger asthma attacks."

"Before being burned, natural gas contains benzene, which can cause neurological symptoms such as light headedness, fatigue and disorientation in addition to being a known carcinogen."

Electric stoves -- "are considered less hazardous than gas."

Self-cleaning ovens -- "produce carcinogenic polynuclear aromatics (PAHs)."

"Recommendations -- when using a gas stove/oven, use a newer model with an electric ignition system (as opposed to a pilot light), run the exhaust/hood fan or open a window, and have your stove serviced annually."

If you have to have a gas stove, "consider having a gas range and an electric oven. Never use a gas range or oven as a heat source."

"Electric stoves and other appliances are a way to avoid combustion by-products but are more costly to run."

We really enjoy cooking on both gas & induction cooktops, but we ended up choosing an electric cooktop because it is better for maintaining "healthy indoor air quality".

No carcinogenic combustion by-products from gas & no large magnetic fields from induction.

Here is a link that might be useful: Healthy Spaces

Only if you plug it in!

ccc,
You wrote "Also, EMF's get weaker the further you stand from the source. For example, standing just a few feet from your microwave oven, or other electric appliance, is much better than standing right in front of it."

I believe that is the same point that Michio Kushi makes . . . you stand directly in front of your stove for a good portion of your life. And the belief is that the emf's effect the food also. Strict macrobiotics don't use any electrical appliances because of this.

As far as gas stoves and air quality . . . naturally one must ventilate with an open window and/or a stove hood or kitchen exhaust fan, etc. to maintain good air.

Please don't shoot the messenger. Michio Kushi is world renowned for his macrobiotic diet and cancer prevention/cures. He strongly discourages electric stoves so I just thought I'd share it with this forum since the topic is up.

I have and electric slide in range-and I love it. I have cooked on both gas and electric in the past. I do like cooking on gas for the control reasons. But I do love my new range and wouldn't both spending the money you are talking about to make my kitchen take a gas range-that is why I picked mine. This is the one I got.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Aid Electric Range