Honest opinions about how to buy Appliances and Lighting.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

How to...Buy an Electric Cooktop

Why do we have 20 or so electric cooktops on display? An electric cooktop is basically a sheet of glass. That sheet of glass until a few years ago emanated from one company, the venerable Schott Glass company. So the longevity and even the look is basically the same.

Until a few years ago....Now there is induction, which is basically a magnetic heat. Induction is faster than professional gas with better simmer capability. It is also 90% efficient versus 60% for gas and 55% for electric, so there is less residual heat in your kitchen. Induction is also much safer than either gas or electric as heat will only transfer to a magnetic surface.

Our chef explains some of the benefits of induction cooking:



A few products to consider:

The Electrolux E30I 30 inch or E36I in a 36 inch 5 burner model:

Icon Induction

Thermador has a super high burner at a higher price:

Thermador Induction

I realize that most consumers do not have $1800 to spend on a cooktop. If you are still looking for a convential electric cooktop, then there are a couple of considerations-

Frigidaire manufactures a very good quality, yet affordable cooktop:

Frigidaire cooktop

GE of all companies has a unit with a bridge element and an extra large burner:

GE cooktop

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