let's talk kitchens!

Tapthathank · October 2013

We are planning out our kitchen remodel (knocking out a wall, putting in a two-level center island...) And I'm having trouble deciding on the cooktop. We have a new SS oven & DW, so we are going to get a SS new fridge, SS small microwave and ? cooktop. The cooktop and oven will be in the center island. I haven't picked out countertops yet, but I'm envisioning light colored counters(warm color) - either granite or corian. Cabinets will be cherry with a light reddish stain.

My question: Black ceramic flat cooktop OR stainless steel gas cooktop?? I love cooking with gas, but cleaning is another story. A ceramic flat cooktop is so easy to clean. Would a black cooktop look weird in the middle of a light colored granite slab? The oven and DW have some black on them.

Another question: Would you center the cooktop in the middle of the island or have it offcenter? The island will be 6-7 feet long.

ccam · October 2013

If you're going to do it, I would go with the gas cooktop. I agree, it does suck to clean, but it looks better (when it's clean!) and I think it would be better for resale. I think the position of your cooktop would depend on the layout of your kitchen and where the other appliances are. Are you doing a hood? Having it off center would give you a better work space on one end of the island or the other though.

Good luck with your remodel! I love this stuff.

Tapthathank · October 2013

The layout is being reconfigured - though the sink will stay in the same place. Centered would give a good triangle from the cooktop, fridge, sink. We decided against a hood (super expensive!) and I didn't want it to be blocking my newly opened space. Thinking of a downdraft.... or nothing. We don't fry food and have tons of windows in the space, plus a ceiling fan. Thoughts on not having a hood or downdraft?

sdlaura · October 2013

We are also remodeling our kitchen next month. We decided on a black ceramic gas cooktop because of the cleaning issue. I don't think it would look weird in your island with light colored granite.

rp-chicago-mom · October 2013

I would never live without a gas cooktop. Never.

Tapthathank · October 2013

somehow I knew you would say that @Baker_Bride

britvahok · October 2013

Baker_Bride said:

I would never live without a gas cooktop. Never.

This. When we were looking at houses, I refused to enter if they didn't have a glass stovetop

Tapthathank · October 2013

britvahok said:

Baker_Bride said:

I would never live without a gas cooktop. Never.

This. When we were looking at houses, I refused to enter if they didn't have a glass stovetop

glass or gas? Baker said she couldn't live without a gas cooktop.

rp-chicago-mom · October 2013

Tapthathank said:

somehow I knew you would say that @Baker_Bride

Ha! And it was hard finding one in DC! I didn't realize since every apartment I have ever had in Chicago had gas. I used to nanny for people with a glass cooktop and not only did I not like working with it, it was actually pretty hard to keep clean.

vvvvvfee · October 2013

Baker_Bride said:

I would never live without a gas cooktop. Never.

this! i grew up with an electric stove and hadn't cooked on a gas stove until i moved into my own apartment. nowi would never move somewhere unless it had a gas cooktop. electric stoves barely even get hot because the heating element is always cycling on and off. with a gas stove, the oven broiler actually broils, you can use the open flame for charring tortillas and peppers, and you can use heavy duty cookware like cast iron without worrying about scratching it. plus i agree with PPs that the ease of cleaning of the glass cooktop is overrated.

britvahok · October 2013

Tapthathank said:

britvahok said:

Baker_Bride said:

I would never live without a gas cooktop. Never.

This. When we were looking at houses, I refused to enter if they didn't have a glass stovetop

glass or gas? Baker said she couldn't live without a gas cooktop.

Oopss!!! I meant gas! Go with gas!

piphigirl · October 2013

I have had all manner of stoves and while I liked the gas one, I really like our glass cooktop. I think it looks great, heats quickly, and cooks evenly. Gas is second runner up, though, and it you're looking for resale value I think buyers prefer it. A dark cooktop would look fine in a light colored counter. I love Corian! I would put the cooktop wherever gave me the most prep space on my island.

abbyful · October 2013

Gas! I hate cooking on electric. I hate the way it cooks, and I hate that it's still hot after you turn in off. When cooking several things at once, you can only use half your burners because you can't just turn it off, you have to move it to a cool spot too.

And I hate cleaning the flat tops. If you gave several pans on and one boils over, it burns under all the pans, not just the one you were using.

I cannot wait to have a gas stove again. Right now I'm stuck with an electric flat-top that I hate. (We are planning to sell our house in the next year or two, so we don't want to put a bunch of money into replacing appliances. And if we replace the stove, we also need to replace the range hood, refrigerator, and dishwasher.)

Tapthathank · October 2013

Thanks for all the opinions ladies!! I am still undecided! :-S I guess I'm worried about no venitlation with a gas stove. We won't be doing a hood....