On 3/19/2012 10:56 AM, Snowy wrote:
Hi,

We could use advice from someone who has already made a choice between a
range and separate cooktop and oven. We were going to have a separate
cooktop and under the counter oven installed in an apartment being
finished. The cooktop will be on a peninsula so I will be able to face
guests while cooking. Having the oven separate so my knees aren't being
baked nor blocking the oven seemed like a good idea. However, the cost
will be about two or three times that of a slide in range. The apartment
is in Ecuador and availability is less and costs are higher. Could we
get some input?

Thanks,
Gary



Unfortunately we have made that choice in a kitchen remodel done about 6
years ago. Basically separate appliances (oven separate from cook top as
a starting point) are just a money pit. So called standard sizes go out
the window. Check out the price of a simple thing like the difference of
a 36" or 42' exhaust fan (or microwave/exhaust combo) vs. a common 30"
big box unit if you are in doubt (3x-10x).

Believe me they don't work any better, the cheapo 30" unit will cook
your food every bit as good as the 'Jen-Air' crap . Do what you want but
be prepared to spend *big bucks* for the *big bling* kitchen. Turn off
the tube and quit watching the 'what is the latest' in home design and
just use common sense.

John