As often as we lose power in these parts, I've been kicking around the idea of replacing my electric cooktop with a gas cooktop. For us
no electricity = no cooking.
Since we have no natural gas line out here in the sticks, it would have to be propane.
Truth be told, I've never cooked with gas. Well, I do use an outdoor grill, but I've never "cooked" with gas.
I've been researching them. Since I have a downdraft electric cooktop now, I'd like to stick with a downdraft gas cooktop. But was wondering if affects the flame and cooking time by a lot when in use. I priced the fancier individual downdraft vent hoods. Since my countertop area is small (having only a 30" cooktop), I don't have the room for it. I also don't have the room for an overhead hood vent.
I'm undecided on a brand too. There are not a lot of downdraft cooktops to choose from. When we moved in, there was an old (coil cartridge) Jenn-air cooktop. Even though it was a dinosaur, it worked fine until the fan STB. They certainly don't make 'em like they used to.
I replaced it with a newer Jenn Air ceramic cooktop. But as I'm researching gas cooktops, I am reading horror stories about them.
I am not a fan of any GE products so I'd prefer to stay away from them. I see Kitchen Aid has some downdraft cooktops too.
I would truly LOVE a high end Wolf gas professional stovetop. But I am a realist and I don't think it's going to happen. At least not in this lifetime. ((giggle))
So I would truly appreciate any advice you have regarding this subject. Especially the products themselves.
Thanks in advance!!
Happy Sunday!
:> )
4 comments:
I have been married 47 years, and have lived in 10 different homes. Most often we made use of whatever stove was in the home.........so I do have some experience cooking with both gas and electric. I consider myself a serious cook, do a rather significant amount of canning and on an annual basis. We live in a rural area where it is not uncommon to lose electricity for hours and once even for 2 1/2 days.....At which time I was able to COOK! Here are the reasons why I far prefer gas for stove top cooking:
Gas is instant, and one quickly learns to gage the heat by the sight of the blue flame. Gas can be adjusted to a precise "in between temperature" that is not possible with electric heat. Gas allows a quick acceleration of heat when wanting to sear meats, vegetables, etc., and then quickly reduce heat to allow for a low simmer. This is not as easy to achieve with electricity. I do believe that an electric smooth top heat surface is easier to clean, but the cleaning of gas iron grates can be achieved when placing them in a dishwasher, which I do perhaps once every 2-3 weeks. I now own a newer model of Electrolux free-standing built in range with a Gas cook top and two ovens that are Electric. This Bi-Fuel
range is a dream, and I would recommend it. Baking with electricity is very stable and reliable. The racks in this Electrolux Range are on ball-bearings and slide in and out effortlessly. This is considered a mid-price range and is worth the cost. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Kathy! It does help. I did wonder about keeping the grates clean. I must admit, I love the electric cooktop because it cleans up so nicely! The Electrolux is very nice! But I don't think they make it with the downdraft like I need. Unfortunately the brands are pretty limited. I have an electric double wall oven that I absolutely love! So no baking during a power outage. But I'm okay with that. :> )
Thanks again, Kathy! I really appreciate your comment!
Here in England gas rules. Whereas in North American, most people heat their homes with furnace oil and cook with electricity, here home heating and most stove tops are natural gas. I prefer gas for the store top because it heats up immediately and cooks quicker, thereby saving energy. You do have to keep an eye on for that very reason, or you can easily overcook and burn things.
The only thing I find doesn't cook as well on a gas stove is bread i.e.: grilled cheese, French toast. Not sure why that is, but its about the only thing I can think of that electric stoves do better. I don't like gas for baking though. I can never seem to get the oven temp right. The house we bought this summer has a huge "cooker" in it. Gas stove, electric oven with a separate grill and an additional fan-driven electric oven. I'm really pleased with it
Alison
Thanks, Ali! Yes, out here in the country we heat with oil and cook with electricity. Thanks for the heads up on the grilling with gas. On occasion my sweet hubs loves his grilled cheese sandwich. I can totally understand why it would be difficult to use an oven with gas. Maybe there's some kind of technique? Since I have my two electric wall ovens I guess it really doesn't matter.
Thanks again, ladies! You're the best! ♥
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