range dilemma

17 years ago

I posted in the appliance forum, but they don't have quite the number of supporters, so I came over here to ask you. We had a pretty minor remodel - probably because I didn't discover this forum until after everything was set in stone. But maybe that's a good thing. :) At this point, I'm looking for a freestanding range, but I've heard some rumors/tales that maybe you can help me with.

First, I know someone with a 10 year old smoothtop, and she hates it because it runs too hot. She can't do any simmering - things are either boiling or off the burner. There is no in between. So, do I need to look for a separate simmering unit? I've seen just a couple, but it's not a common feature. Or do the current models have more sensitive controls?

Another thing that bothers me is I heard the broiler element comes on during the bake cycle to help regulate the temperature. I know it is used during the preheat, but doesn't the use during baking brown/burn the food? I found one model (Whirlpool Gold) that lets you turn off the broil element during the bake cycle.

And I was also advised to make sure the ceramic top is a Schott Ceran. What do you think?

If you have any other hints, I'd love to hear them.

This range decision is almost as bad as my backsplash decision!

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

suzp
17 years ago
Personally.... I'd get an induction range. I understand Kenmore has them on the market. I purchased an induction cooktop and a wall oven to go underneath, just because I wanted the induction. After I made the purchase I discovered Kenmore (Sears) makes an induction range. I love my induction cooktop; more responsive than my old gas range.
Buehl
17 years ago
I posted on your thread on the Appliances Forum.
Related Professionals
Middletown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · North Platte Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cedar Rapids Kitchen Remodelers · Champaign Kitchen Remodelers · Rochester Kitchen Remodelers · Sioux Falls Kitchen Remodelers · San Bernardino Kitchen Remodelers · San Luis Obispo Kitchen Remodelers · Santa Rosa Kitchen Remodelers · Billings Kitchen Remodelers · Portsmouth Custom Countertops · Columbia Custom Countertops · Grand Island Custom Countertops · Bakersfield Custom Countertops · Merced Custom Countertops
rjr220
17 years ago
my smoothtop is a 4 y/o Kenmore: one of the higher priced versions (new when we moved in). I do not like it because like your friends, it does not simmer. Cooking rice is a problem: it boils over no matter how low I put the heat on. There seems to be no "medium high", it's medium, or it's high. It shows every little spot on the top, although Mr. Clean magic erasers are now my best friend. I want gas, although I'm intriged by induction . . . . The oven is also inconsistent in temp, but that's another issue.
boxerpups
17 years ago
The hardest part of my kitchen renovation was the
appliances. Especially my range. I lost sleep, worried,
asked everyone I knew, I shopped endless hours...
I wanted them to last and be the work horse of my
kitchen. I am also very particular about my money
and wanted the best for my dollar.

I searched on a great web site called Epinions. Prepare
yourself for some annoying ads. There are some personal
comments from people. What they love, hate or wouldn't do
again. This really helped me more than consumer reports
did. You have to dig deep into the site to find the
specifics. In fact it might be better when you narrow
down your three favorites; be they Induction or Gas then
go to Epinions to see what those who have bought them
have to say. I also learned more specific things I would
never have learned by shopping. I bought my stuff before
I found GW.

http://www.epinions.com/Kitchen_Cooktops--fuel_type_electric--price_range_1090_1670

I have a Bosch range, duel fuel, double ovens (warming
drawer) and I love it. But, if I were to do it again I
might look into an induction. I have heard some wonderful
things about them. I am not getting rid of my range since
I truly enjoy cooking on it.

Best of luck on your search.
sapphirestitch
17 years ago
I have a Kenmore smoothtop range that was made by Frigidaire. I've had it for 4 years now, and I like it a lot. I've had no problem cooking rice or any other simmering task. BUT...after I bought the range I had to buy new pans because my old ones were not 100% flat on the bottom. My new ones have very heavy flat disk bottoms, and that probably helps mediate the heat a little so that foods simmer instead of burn.

When making rice, I almost always use my 5 qt enameled cast iron pot (LeCreuset knock-off) and it turns out perfect.