[BobandMarilyn]

We are planning to build a new home in TV, and are looking for alternatives to the electric range which comes with the home. My wife has bonded with her gas stove and does not want to be retrained to use electric. The option of burying a propane tank and running a gas pipe through the attic is not appealing. Another option is to install an induction range which behaves much like gas.

Does anyone have experience with this technology? How do you go about selling a brand new stove without taking a bath on the price paid? We understand that the builders are not flexible in such matters.

[Ohiogirl]

I have gas both in Ohio and in TV and love cooking with gas, but a friend of mine got one of the new electric ceramic top stoves and it heats up and cools down much more quickly than the old ones - looked like almost instantly, just like gas. There was also something you can do by touching it, can't remember what. My suggestion would be to check out the latest and greatest electric cook tops first.

[BobandMarilyn]

My guess is that it is an induction range/cooktop.

[Bambi]

I have a one "burner" induction cooktop. Love it. It heats faster than a microwave and the surface stays cool. Magnetic SS cookware is a must although cast iron works well. It has a glass top so a fast wipe cleans it. The pan only get hot from the food inside it so clean up is simple- food seldom sticks.. I rarely use my gas range. The induction cooktop has ten different levels from simmer to fast boil. Since it only weighs about 2 or 3 lbs. and uses 110 - I can move it to the sink to cook and drain pasta, etc. Because there is no heat except for the temperature of the food itself - the kitchen stays cool. I have no idea of the science behind it - I just know that my next full size range- oven will be induction.

[Ohiogirl]

Approx how much does the one burner induction ring cost? And you find it anywhere that sells appliances? I've never seen one of those, sounds great for cooking in hot weather.

[Bambi]

I found my induction cooktop at Tuesday Morning about 6 months ago. Burton was the manufacturer. Mine came with a flat metal disk that is placed between the glass top and a non magnetic pan - which converts the cooking method to regular radiant heat but allows you to use your old pans. Take a refridgerator magnet and check the bottoms of your current pots to see if they are magnetic. Not all SS pans are. I had some cast iron enameled dutch ovens and fry pans which of course were. I went to Sams and bought a set of Wolfgang Pucks cookware (SS magnetic) for about $100 which was the approx. price of the cooktop. I noticed that Amazon sells different induction cooktops also. One secret is to keep a refridge. magnet in your purse while shopping and check the bottoms of pans. I am done cleaning the gas grids!! I now cook faster and cleaner. The cooktop is safe for buffets and for kids to use since it only gets warm from the food inside. I seldom use hot pads to carry the pans and I don't worry about burning the counter tops.. One drawback is that you must stir the food without lifting the pan - removing the pan turns off the unit. Of course, it is only a matter of pushing a button to turn it back on. On-line I saw a demo where someone boiled water with a paper napkin between the cooktop and pot. Since you are not wasting heat as you would with gas or electric (feel the heat escaping into the air around a pot during conventional cooking), it is supposed to be more economical.

[barb1191]

Five Disadvantages of an Induction Range (Somethings to question and/or consider.)....

The induction range is starting to gain popularity because of its many advantages. However, this type of range also has a few disadvantages. Some of these include health hazards, noise, and price.

Health Hazards

One of the first disadvantages of an induction range deals with your health. You've probably heard how microwaves and cell phones can present a health risk. Well, the induction range creates the same type of magnetic field that those other devices do. If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you would especially be at risk.

Noise

One of the next disadvantages of an induction range deals with noise. Electronic equipment is used to generate the electromagnetic fields vital for the induction process. This equipment needs to be protected from overheating. Therefore, an induction range requires a fan that can create more noise that you'd like to hear while cooking.

Price

The hefty price tag of an induction range is also a disadvantage. A gas range will usually cost between $600 and $900. The electric variety can cost between $400 and $700. The cheapest induction range will usually cost you $1400. High-end designs will approach $2000.

Power

One of the disadvantages that the induction range shares with the electric variety deals with power outages. You won't be able to cook if your supply of electricity is interrupted. It is far less likely for your gas supply to be interrupted. If you routinely experience power outages, you will need to buy a backup generator so that you can use your induction range.

Cookware

One of the final disadvantages of an induction range deals with cookware. This type of range only works with cookware that can be magnetized. Therefore, you will need to replace all or most of your cookware when you buy an induction range. It will only work with cast iron and some stainless steel pots and pans.

[Bambi]

The "noise" on my cooktop is a gentle hum- much less noisy than my microwave. Not too many people refuse to use a cell phone or to have a microwave in their homes because of "dangers". I am sure they are out there, but there is "danger" in almost everything we do. I use my gas range rarely because I hate cleaning the grids and taking the thing apart. The induction range cooks cleaner, faster and does not pollute the air with un used gas. No energy is wasted. I bought it as an experiment after learning that chefs in restaurants love it. My neighbors are amazed that it boils water in about a minute or less. Yes, in a power failure I would put my old fashion coffee pot on the gas range or outside on the grill. I have to have my coffee. I was lucky that many of my old SS pots work on it but I was so impressed that I bought a whole new set so every pan can be used on any type of range. The induction top has a timer so I can put a pot of soup on simmer and not worry. With the optional converter disk, any type of pan can be used. It converts to radiant heat like an electric stove top. Maximum weight limit, I think, is 25 lbs but I don't anticipate cooking that much pasta soon. I am not promoting that everyone should rush out and buy one - I am just glad that I did.

[jmitchell]

Originally Posted by Bambi

The "noise" on my cooktop is a gentle hum- much less noisy than my microwave. Not too many people refuse to use a cell phone or to have a microwave in their homes because of "dangers". I am sure they are out there, but there is "danger" in almost everything we do. I use my gas range rarely because I hate cleaning the grids and taking the thing apart. The induction range cooks cleaner, faster and does not pollute the air with un used gas. No energy is wasted. I bought it as an experiment after learning that chefs in restaurants love it. My neighbors are amazed that it boils water in about a minute or less. Yes, in a power failure I would put my old fashion coffee pot on the gas range or outside on the grill. I have to have my coffee. I was lucky that many of my old SS pots work on it but I was so impressed that I bought a whole new set so every pan can be used on any type of range. The induction top has a timer so I can put a pot of soup on simmer and not worry. With the optional converter disk, any type of pan can be used. It converts to radiant heat like an electric stove top. Maximum weight limit, I think, is 25 lbs but I don't anticipate cooking that much pasta soon. I am not promoting that everyone should rush out and buy one - I am just glad that I did.

Bambi,

I realize this is an old thread, but we are in the process of building our home in TV and chose the new Cafe line of GE appliances which includes an induction range. May I ask what brand of induction range you purchased and if you have any more pointers -- for example the best cookware? We are so excited to cook on it! Both my husband and I love to cook. I have used gas and electric and just can't wait to use our induction range.

Thank you.

[ApplePir2]

We recently moved into TV and bought a model home. I have a professional gas range in NY but to buy a new home in TV, we were limited to an electric range. I've been looking at the induction stoves now for a couple of years and will probably change out my existing electric range for an induction range within the next couple of years. The prices have come down drastically from when I looked two years ago and I'm hoping they continue to come down as more companies are producing them. I was looking at the GE models and was wondering how you like your cafe line range. Do you need a special exhaust hood for it that vents outside or can you use a conventional range hood?

[BobandMarilyn]

We have now closed on our new house and have used the new induction range for 6 weeks. When we decided on an induction range, we contacted the appliance subcontractor (Del Air) to inquire about a changeout of the unit which came with the appliance package. The quoted cost of the upgrade was exactly the price difference at Sears between the original stove and the GE induction range. They came the day after closing and swapped units.

My wife is thrilled with all aspects of induction cooking and the build quality of the new stove. Anyone looking for cooking characteristics similar to gas will be pleased. Remember that your pots and pans must be magnetic. Ours were except for the tea kettle.

We also exchanged the Ge dishwasher for Kitchenaid, and purchased the washer and dryer from Del Air. They were price competitive and easy to deal with.

[graciegirl]

I like to cook and I cook a lot. In the distant past, I had a gas range, oven.

Other than the fast heat, no heat feature of gas, I can't think of any "magic" quality. Heat is basically heat and there is no moist heat in an oven unless it is contained in a pot with a lid on it that has moisture.

I have a convection oven choice on my ovens in Ohio, I really don't like it, it cooks faster with the air movement.

Please someone sell me on gas.

Give me science.

[batman911]

Gas has a few advantages and disadvantages. Reliable service and exact heat control (not levels you select) are advantages. Danger from fire is a disadvantage both while cooking and from having gas service in your home. In the end, it is mostly personal preferance. One note, I would be wary of buying appliances manufactured by GE. The quality of their products has gone from the top to the toilet. Research the web for complaints on any product before you part with your money.

[ApplePir2]

Thanks so much for the information. I probably should have tried to swap the conventional electric stove out for an induction before we bought the house. I had been researching GE and the reviews seemed good. Congratulations on your new home and stove.