<p>My main tip is to measure carefully so your appliance fits well in its intended slot. There is nothing worse than having to readjust everything in case it doesn’t fit nicely. I know most things are a standard size, but would still measure carefully. </p>
<p>We paid an independent to get our glass cooktop and install it rather than the big box places. He had to trim one of our drawers under cooktop to make it fit properly. </p>
<p>Personally I much prefer the glass cooktop over coils. We got black with a design so spills are better hidden.</p>
<p>Thumper, my mechanical clock with roller numbers died years ago. Let it grind away and it will finish dying and freeze up soon. Stove and oven work still. ;)</p>
<p>I had a glass-top cook top in my old kitchen for 13 years and generally liked it. (Although this time I’m going with propane.) I found it was easy and enjoyable to keep clean and shiny.</p>
<p>We have gas so I’m no help on your replacement. Just wishing you luck.
We are still learning how to use our now 10 yr old ‘new’ Kitchenaid range. I kid you not.
DH made a fresh ham for Easter. Together, the two of us plus range manual figured out how to use the built in temperature probe thingy that plugs into the side wall of the oven and then into your roast. Viola, set it and forget it. When temp in roast = 175, the oven beeps and turns off. Who knew??</p>
<p>Treetopleaf…if the cleaning function still works, then letting the clock die is an option…but I think the clock mechanism needs to operate to clean the oven.</p>
<p>During the long, slow death of our original Thermador wall ovens, I discovered that you can turn the cleaning function on and off manually, if need be.</p>
<p>I have renovated a few kitchens along the way. I currently have a Fridgidaire range/stove and it is a hunk of junk - waste of money. Nothing on it ever seems to work correctly - sometimes the burners heat up sometimes they do not, the stainless finish is starting to pit and rust in several small spots, there seem to be hot spots in the oven that I can not figure out because they are different each time I use the oven. I need to replace this piece of equipment but it is not a current priority (separate issue but I have a Fridgidaire refrigerator as well and it is an equal hunk of junk)</p>
<p>In my previous kitchens I had a Kitchenaid range/stove with convection oven and the temperature probe MusicMom mentions. I loved this range/stove the first time around so I went with it the second time. I plan to replace, at some point, the above mentioned Fridgidaire with a Kitchenaid.</p>
<p>Do you have a Best Buy in your area? Sometimes you can play Sears & Best Buy against each other with price negotiations (discounts, free delivery etc…)</p>
<p>Be very careful if you buy a Kenmore. I told the sales person when I was shopping that I did not want anything LG. I looked at several refrigerators and got a Kenmore. I have a smaller space for my refrigerator so I am limited to the width. I thought I purchased a whirlpool because it was an elite version. I am still ticked off that I paid almost 2k for a LG. Did not know it was an LG until I got it delivered and was able to check the model number. You can check the model number and find out who makes the appliance. Do that before you buy. </p>
<p>Also, I will never buy from Home Depot again. I bought six appliances 7 years ago. I have replaced 3 of them already and need to replace 3 more soon. Even though the models look the same don’t be fooled. There are codes behind the model number that give you more information about the level of quality. I know I am not explaining this well but believe me you pay less because you are getting less.</p>
<p>You’re correct, momof3. Home Depot has lower-quality models made for them by the manufacturers, which is one reason they can sell them cheaper. Anderson windows is an example of this. But the HD info will never tell you that.</p>
<p>I used a Miele smooth glass cooktop at a friend’s house recently; I was really impressed with it–very easy to move from medium to low to high. I’ve always been a fan of gas and would never have considered an electric stove. However, I’m remodeling the kitchen in our vacation home and would definitely consider this after trying it. I believe this is only a cooktop–not a full stove–so I don’t know if it would work in your kitchen space.</p>
<p>Well…more info from me. I want a plain old “range”. I’m not going to pay extra for convection especially since this would mean replacing all of my cookware. I will be getting plain old white…I like white appliances and do not want stainless or black. </p>
<p>Our sears appliance store will match the best buy price all the time. I’m going to go look today. </p>
<p>Our local place is closed on Mondays but I’ll check them out tomorrow!</p>
<p>thumper, do you mean convection, or induction? I know that with induction you need to replace all your pots, but I didn’t think you needed to do that with convection.</p>
<p>IIRC, induction is the stove-top method where only the food gets hot. Convection is the oven method where the hot air is circulated so food roasts faster.</p>
<p>Thumper1, I’ve had good luck with Lowe’s for appliances. They have a Whirlpool electric range with the Ceran top (smooth glass - not induction) for $550. It’s model #WFE510S0AW. A quick check showed over a dozen of the same model available from Sear’s outlet store. Those are reconditioned units and prices start at $402. I don’t know if Sears will transfer an outlet item to a store near you for delivery, but it could be worth a call.</p>
<p>I’m surprised they still make ovens that aren’t self cleaning. Of course I’m also surprised that they still make freezers that you have to defrost by hand…</p>
<p>This is really only true for some sorts of pots and pans. Yes, if you have inexpensive aluminum pots and pans, then yes, you will have to replace them (same if you have really fancy ones that are copper on the bottom). However, if you have stainless, carbon steel, cast iron, or some types of nonstick (depends on what it’s adhered to) you’ll be fine with induction. To see if it’ll be a hassle, just take a refrigerator magnet and see which pans you have it’s attracted to. Those will work with induction. I have gas at home now, but I have a little induction guy that plugs into the wall which I bought for $50. I love it since it boils a huge pot of water faster than my stove, and it seems to maintain the perfect temperature for 20 minutes while cooking my oatmeal in the morning.</p>
<p>I’ll also second Best Buy for appliances. Sears was very expensive near me, and they wanted $150 for delivery over two weeks away. Best Buy had $50 for delivery next day (within a two hour window) and cheaper prices. Was buying my fridge during a non-sale season, so nobody really seemed to care about offering discounts on shipping.</p>
<p>You can also shop for the specific appliance in stores, then look online to see where it’s available for cheaper. I bought my range from appliancesconnection.com during a black friday sale since they had the same model as everyone else, but for about 20% cheaper (plus free shipping). It arrived with a dent on a side panel, called 'em on the phone, and they gave me the option of 10% extra off, returning it and waiting for a new one, or accepting the unit and they’d pay to replace the dented panel. I went with fix the panel, and they took care of just about everything (repair place called me to set up the appointment, did it on weekends so I didn’t have to miss work).</p>
<p>My oven has a convection option but since I am reticent to change, I have never used it.
Don’t be alarmed if you find a great stove/ oven and this is an option…you can be like me and ignore half of the features you have.
I have stainless appliance set up in my kitchen, mostly for aesthetics but my second choice would be white…black is terrible…shows every smear and fingerprint</p>
<p>Well…I went and looked today and actually liked a Kenmore I saw. But then I read the reviews that went from “fabulous” to “this is the worst range I’ve ever owned.” </p>
<p>So I think I will keep on looking.</p>
<p>And yes, convection adds almost $1000 to the cost of the range.</p>