Smooth Cooktops

[janette]

I'm going to be doing some updates in my kitchen and I'm shopping Appliances. I've narrowed down my selection to 2, they are both GE which is rated as reliable by consumer reports. The decision would be easier but my cooktop is in an island with a downdraft that limits the choice. This is what I have to decide:

36" CleanDesign Cooktop - this has some really nice features like a pan sensor that would turn it off automatically and comes in the 2 tone color black / bisque and has no knobs. This is the one I like best downside is that I'd have to add a pop up downdraft that makes it about $1000 more than the other option.

30" Downdraft Electric Cooktop - this one has the downdraft built in, smaller but not a disadvantage as I'm not much of a cook. It is available in black / black which I've heard is harder to clean. Advantage is price about $1000 than the other option but it doesn't have as nice of features.

What do you think? Which would you choose and why?

TIA

 

[rhanditresmom]

Of the two, I would choose the Cleandesign, simply because I have a downdraft similar to the one in the second picture and it is a nightmare to clean. Now, maybe I haven't figured out the best way to clean it, but I've had it for 9 years and I just hate cleaning it. I have a friend who has a popup vent and she really likes hers. She never complains about cleaning it.

Can't wait to get a new kitchen......*someday!*

 

[janette]

I have a downdraft now and it does get nasty, the vent is bigger than the one shown and white so the different one would be better but yes the pop up would eliminate all the little bits of junk that get into the vented downdraft.

 

[ukwildcat]

My opinion is that going with the 36 inch will increase the value of your house by more than the extra cash you are going to put out. Just my 2 cents. Plus, I just like the way the 36 inch looks. Good luck.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have the 36 inch and it is a sweet little cooktop. That 5th burner is handy. It is a warming burner. The cooktop has the pan senser which I use as well as a lock. I like it a lot, and it looks nice in my kitchen. I have the 36 inch microwave above it which enhances the look.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Rule of thumb when doing your kitchen is to do something that is an "upgrade".

Yes it does cost more to start but it may pay off in the end.