electrolux icon/ge cafe

16 years ago

I've been looking for help on the Appliance Forum choosing between a 30" Electrolux ICON or GE Cafe gas range. The only response I got was from someone also intersted in the question who suggested that I post here as well. So here goes (abbreviated):

Need a new 30" range for very small (8' long x 7' wide!) kitchen. No window, so outdoor venting and true pro range are not possible. Would like a good pro-style range with over the range microwave (some say the recirculating fans are useless, but it's the best I can do) and have narrowed search to GE Cafe (CGS980SEMSS) and Electrolux ICON Professional(E30GF74HPS).

Love the way the Electrolux looks, love the ball bearing racks, like that it has few electronics to break (but the downside of that is that the oven just has an old fashioned/less accurate dial for setting the temperature, no timer, etc.), might miss the second oven, but over the range microwave (only 950 watts) has a convection oven. Seems like glass cooktop surface might be easier to clean. I know there was a recall last year for carbon monoxide problems, but assume that's been corrected.

GE is good (but maybe not as good) looking, has two ovens (some say the second isn't much use) and a griddle (also criticized by some for being underpowered), self cleaning racks, larger oven than Electrolux, digital oven controls (I know, repairs) so I'll hear a beep when oven reaches temp (plus other conveniences that come with that) and more powerful (1100 watts), larger (2.0 cu ft) OTR microwave. Really concerned about things I've read regarding issues with microwave handle getting burning hot and control power blanking out or breaking altogether from stove heat (though not sure why all OTR microwaves wouldn't have this problem). Stainless top prone to scratching.

I haven't been able to find too much recently posted on line from people who own and like (or hate) either of these ranges/microwaves. Does anyone own one and have any advice to share? Thanks so much.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

happytobehome
16 years ago
I have a GE Cafe dual fuel range. I'm very happy with it. To address your questions/concerns:

* I do find the second oven very useful. I use it often as a warming oven and it's great for holidays when you need the extra room -- a 9x13 baking dish fits easily. It heats to 400 degrees.

* I don't think the griddle is underpowered, however it is smallish, so I'm more likely to use my electric skillet because it's bigger.

* I also have the GE Cafe OTR microwave. Yes, the handle does get warm and the control panel "fades" momentarily when a pot is boiling on high on the right front burner, but I haven't found it to be a big problem and I wouldn't hesitate to buy both appliances again.

* I'm in love with the probe feature of the oven. Perfectly cooked meat every time!

* I haven't had a problem with scratching the stainless. I wash the top with hot soapy water, then dry with a clean dish towel. It still looks great after a year and a half.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your choice!
chris45ny
16 years ago
The GE cafe was a stove I was considering but worried about the stainless cooktop area getting scratched up, so bought a stove with a black cooktop, rest stainless.

If you type in either GE cafe stove or Electrolux icon stove in the search feature at the bottom of the page it will bring up posts either about those stoves or posts that mention them. Maybe that will help with your decision. Good luck!!
Related Professionals
Charlottesville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · South Bend Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Augusta Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Traverse City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Poughkeepsie Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lima Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Riverton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jacksonville Kitchen Remodelers · New Orleans Kitchen Remodelers · Florence Kitchen Remodelers · Medford Kitchen Remodelers · Honolulu Kitchen Remodelers · Ocala Custom Countertops · Columbia Custom Countertops · Sioux City Custom Countertops
BeckyJoTX
16 years ago
Interesting post. I just bought the Icon, was strongly considering the GE Cafe. Mainly b/c of the double oven. I had room to purchase the 36" so that is the direction I went. But would have bought the Cafe for the second oven feature. I guess it all boils down to personal preference. I don't think you will go wrong with either. You'll make the right decision!!!
teresa518
16 years ago
I have the electrolux Icon 36". It does beep when the oven reaches temperature and the oven is very consistent in temperature (I have the all gas model). I LOVE it.

I too considered the GE Cafe but settled on the Electrolux Icon for the extra burners and because I had the space for the 36". My cousin has the GE Cafe and likes it as well. I know the GE Cafe is significantly cheaper so that may be a consideration for you. I wish I could be of more help. I would say you can't go wrong with either....

Good luck with your search.
michaelct
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone! This is all very helpful. I think it really is personal preference, but I'm still conflicted (tortured?). So glad to hear that The GE Cafe OTR microwave heat issue isn't a deal breaker. Also glad to hear that the Electrolux beeps! I haven't found the price differential so great, so that's not helping me lean one way or the other. I have a feeling that the GE is a better choice for me in my tiny kitchen, but I can't stop fantasizing about those rolling racks in the Electrolux and the simplicity which could save a lot in repairs in years to come. Back to obsessing about the details ...