26 Nov Stove Shopping — What I Learned
Yesterday, I went stove shopping. Many hours and several stores later, I learned:
- Very few manufacturers make 24″ gas stoves.
- Those who do make bare-bones models.
- You have your choice of white, white, white or white.
Today, I went shopping again and learned:
- When it comes to a 24″ gas range, you can buy bare-bones (see above) OR professional grade. There is nothing, repeat NOTHING in between.
- One line has so many colour options their paint chips look like a Pantone colour book.
- Even professional grade gas ovens do not come self-cleaning.
- This isn’t a big deal since the moist heat means you can clean spills easily.
- This will soon become a big deal if you are not prone to wiping up spills. (Faithful readers will know that I am not inclined to wipe up spills.)
- For safety reasons, gas stoves require a vented hood, not a circulating fan.
- The fact I have cooked on a gas stove with a circulating hood fan for 15 years means Someone Very Important likes me — a lot.
- That and we have a really, really drafty house.
- Pro stoves don’t have timers.
- I’m willing to compromise on the timer issue.
It seems rotisseries went out with Avocado, Chocolate Brown and Harvest Gold appliances. As Cheryl suggested, I can buy a $30 stovetop griddle in lieu of a grill feature. But the question remains, is a pro stove worth four crappy ones? I’m not good at math. Does anyone know the square root of value?
Photos © butkaj. Published under a Creative Commons License.
Anonymous
Posted at 20:09h, 26 NovemberDear Charmain,
Wow, you go on the road for a few days and look what you miss. I have now caught up with the last 4 blog posts.
Shopping is never as much fun as the TV makes it out to be!! All I can say is be sure to get the features that allow fluffy an delicious scones on Xmas morn.
Love,
Your ancient sister.
Debbie
Posted at 20:44h, 26 NovemberCan you say “BURN”!
Anonymous
Posted at 11:29h, 27 NovemberI notice that in your profile (under your picture) you’ve listed ‘food’ before all else. This is a sign. Make the investment!
JJ
Dana McCauley
Posted at 15:13h, 28 NovemberI have cooked on a variety of stoves from cheap and bare bones to professional. I love the heavy duty burners that you get on the more professional stoves but truthfully, you can make a great meal on any stove if you are a good cook.
Don’t sweat it (pun intended). Buy the one that will fit the space, our budget and your cooking style.
Carolyn T at tastingspoons.com
Posted at 12:23h, 03 DecemberNot everyone would get the belly laughs out of your post like I did . . . maybe only people who have had to make the decision you’re faced with. Fortunately I was able to choose a middle-of-the-road cooktop (gas, Dacor). I do love the high btu burner I have, and have not regretted the extra dollars spent. Enjoyed your post very much!
Christie's Corner
Posted at 09:23h, 04 DecemberYikes! I have been remiss in responding. Sorry, all.
Ancient Sister, who I will not name, there will be fluffy scones. New stove must wait for bank account to catch up to ambitions, but one way or another, there will be scones.
Debbie, I can say BURN, and BOOM, and BUGGER.
JJ, I like the way you think.
Dana, I have been cooking on an clunker for years. However, I am not willing to buy another clunker and am working on ways of finding a stove that fits the kitchen and my budget. Not an easy task.
Carolyn, glad you got a laugh. I’m hoping I get the last laugh when this frustration is over.