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jk_c

Induction Range

7 years ago

Trying to choose our range for our kitchen remodel. Based on online reviews it looked like the GE was a good choice. However, reading the comments here after a search on induction ranges it seems that it is not a favorite or even a second favorite :) I am now wondering how trustworthy the reviews coming from GE are.


What choices would people here make in regard to induction ranges? We are looking for a 30" slide in. No other constraits excepts not in the $7000 range, under $4000 would be good.


Thanks

Featured Answer
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Kim -- I believe the doubleoven Kitchenaid KFID500ESS induction range also has the smaller oven on top. That said, the stove might or might not otherwise be to your liking.

    Joanna ---

    If you have not already seen it, [this recent thread here [(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ge-cafe-induction-range-questions-dsvw-vd~5031170)discusses the Cafe induction ranges and most of the posters who bought and used one have been pretty positive.

    Every stove model is a mix of engineering, design and budgetary trade-offs and compromises.

    I agree with Sophie's point that: " There are not a lot of bad choices in induction. Mostly good to very good choices." The trick is figuring out the most acceptable mix of trade-offs for you.

    Sophie mentioned considering whether you will want half-step power settings, which some of us like for finer heat control. Others find finer steps unnecessary for their cooking and are happy with 10 or so power settings. For others, it is a matter of indifference. That's a personal preference to consider. FWIW, the Electrolux induction ranges offer quarter-step increments in the low power range. For even finer control, the GE Cafe ranges offer what amounts to infinitely variable settings.

    The trade-off for getting the infinitely variable power is that the GE Cafe models do not provide the kind of digital read-out that other induction ranges offer for displaying the exact power setting in use, a feature that makes it easy to replicate a heat setting. This is neither good nor bad; it's just a trade-off.

    There can be all sorts of factors and aspects to consider depending on what matters to you and how much. For example, some of us strongly prefer rotary digital interfaces for burner controls (i.e., knobs like you find on the GE Cafe models). Others strongly prefer one or more of the kinds of touch pad controls you find on other induction ranges. Others here have no particular peference one way or the other. Some burner touchpads are integrated into the cooktop surface where other ranges segregate the controls in a rectangular panel. Some use plus and minus keys to change settings where others might use use sliders or direct access pads.

    Because there is a lot of personal preference on such things, it can be very helpful to find a stove available for demo so you can figure out what may work or not work for you. Some stoves these days offer a "demo mode" which allows customers to play with the various settings without heating anything. At the very least, it is a good idea to download the user guide/operating manual to get a sense of how the stove may or may not work for you.

    Also, check out the installation instructions, particularly the specifications for the required minimum amperage and location of the electrical connections. Some ranges, such as the Bosch & GE models, can be installed to a 40 amp circuit. Others, such as the Electrolux and LG slide-in models, specify a 50 amp circuit as the minimum. If you want a "50 amp range" and your house has a 40 Amp circuit, then you'll need to consider how easy or hard it would be to upgrade.

    Outlet location also should be checked as there is variation in where manufacturers want the outlet placed for particular stove models. I note in particular that the Bosch 800 and Benchmark models have some unique requirements for locating the electrical connections --- flush mounted into the wall at 12 or 15 inches above floor level.

    Best find those things out before buying a range. Even if you were buying new construction or doing a down-to-the studs remodel, you would want to get those things sorted while the walls are open and it is easy to place the outlet and run the kind cable you need where you will need it.

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