Stove Shopping — What I Learned

Stove Shopping — What I Learned

410044341_835bbf7017.jpg

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.


No Comments
  • Anonymous
    Posted at 20:09h, 26 November

    Dear 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 November

    Can you say “BURN”!

  • Anonymous
    Posted at 11:29h, 27 November

    I 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 November

    I 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 December

    Not 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 December

    Yikes! 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.