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

On Mar 19, 7:56*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

It’s good that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket so that
if one breaks-down the other will still be available to use. If you’re
going to have them separate then make sure that their color or finish
will be something that you can easily find again one day if you ever
have to replace one or the other so that they will match.

On Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:41:38 -0700 (PDT), Molly Brown
wrote:

On Mar 19, 7:56*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

It’s good that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket so that
if one breaks-down the other will still be available to use. If you’re
going to have them separate then make sure that their color or finish
will be something that you can easily find again one day if you ever
have to replace one or the other so that they will match.

You mean like our first house (avocado 'fridge and harvest gold stove)?

On Mar 19, 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

If the only option is to have the oven under the counter
regardless of where it goes, then having it as one unit
would seem to have the advantage of 1/2 to 1/3 the cost
and not much disadvantage. On the other hand, if you
were talking about a counter top range and an oven
located in the wall, preferably double ovens, then I'd
say that arrangement is superior. Having the primary
oven up higher where you can access it better is a big
plus, IMO.

On Mar 19, 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

I was just over a friend's "new to him" house.

There is a gas cooktop in a peninsula that has stools for sitting on
the living room side.

He also has a gas range (cooktop and oven) on the back wall of the
kitchen.

He also has 2 kids, ages 5 and 3.

They are considering pulling the cooktop and replacing it with a
cutting board because they do not plan to use the cooktop on the
peninsula until the kids are old enough that the parents don't have to
keep constant watch on them when the cooktop is in use. The kids like
to sit/eat at the peninsula while mom and dad are cooking, so they
will not use the cooktop if the kids are anywhere near it.

I mention this just in case your guests will include kids that could
be severly injured by boiling water, splashed grease, etc.

When I first saw the cooktop in the peninsula I didn't like it because
I know what would happen in my house - and I'm only speaking for
myself: The peninsula would become a collection place for mail,
newspapers, etc. That is not a place that should be shared with flames.

"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

You really have to search for decent buys on separates. I wanted a gas
stove, electric oven.

Greg

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?

Ovens are well insulated. Your knees won't get warm while the oven is on and
you're stirring a pot.

On Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:56:22 -0400, "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

I'd go with the range. I'd rather have the cooktop on an outside wall
with a vent than a peninsula. If I'm cooking I can't be looking at my
guest, If I'm able to talk, I can turn around.

Unless you are putting on a display or filming a cooking show, I think
the splatter and mess of the range is best contained.

Ovens are well insulated and we've never found it to be too hot to
stand at the range for cooking.

If you had a wall oven, that may change things. Under the counter is
still under the counter and too low.

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

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


I don't see the value of what you are describing.

I think the only way a separate oven makes sense is if it is mounted
high. That way it is a lot easier to manipulate or remove stuff.

On Mar 19, 7:27*pm, John wrote:
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

"Check out the price of a simple thing like the difference of a
36" or 42' exhaust fan..."

I would imagine that there would be quite a price difference between a
36 inch fan and a 42 foot fan. ;-)

On Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:02:31 +0000 (UTC), gregz wrote:

"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

You really have to search for decent buys on separates. I wanted a gas
stove, electric oven.

We have a "dual fuel" oven. Works great. We'll undoubtedly buy another for
the new house but we'll have to plumb in propane, again.

On Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:20:06 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Mar 19, 7:27*pm, John wrote:
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

"Check out the price of a simple thing like the difference of a
36" or 42' exhaust fan..."

I would imagine that there would be quite a price difference between a
36 inch fan and a 42 foot fan. ;-)

http://www.bigassfans.com/residential/index.html


;-)

On Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:27:53 -0400, John wrote:


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

You make a good point and are mostly correct, but there are
differences. Oh, I'd never consider a Jenn-Air because they are
grossly over rated.

What you get with a high end model is more powerful burners. Not
everyone needs or uses them, but some of us do. Simmering a Dutch
oven or frying an egg, anything will do. Big pasta pots and the like
can utilized more power.

As for the oven, the better models are more accurate, cook more evenly
and can produce a better product. Over the years, we've used the
typical modest gas range and it made a decent meal. A couple of years
ago, we bought a Bertazzoni and WOW, what a difference in something as
simple as a roasted chicken. Rib roasts are fantastic too.

One of the features we like is the top is fully cover with a grate so
pots and pans can be slid across if need be and not lifted. This is
good for getting a pot going and when the prep is done, move it to the
back to simmer.

Depending on your real life needs, better may be good value or a
complete waste.

On Mar 19, 7:27*pm, John wrote:
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.

Wall ovens come in standard sizes of 30 and
36. Cooktops come in standard sizes too, just like
all kitchen appliances.


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).

There is no huge difference in the cost of a range
hood that is 30 or 36. Yes, the larger one will cost
somewhat more, but it's not some exponential increase.
Now if you compare a cheapo 30 that looks like hell
to a nice, stylish, high-end 36, that's a different story.





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 .

But a 36" oven is substantially larger than a 30" one.
And with dual ovens, you have two available, which if
you entertain or cook a lot is a plus. And it sure is
easier moving food into and out of a wall oven compared
to one in a standalone stove.



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

Having a seperate cook top and wall ovens isn't what
I'd call a big bling kitchen. There are modest cost
appliances that fit that bill. And for something that lasts
20 years and adds value to a house, it can be well
worth it. I just put a dual 36" wall oven in my kitchen
and it cost me $1300. More than an stove, but not a
huge expense.

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

I vote for 2 separate units and have done it that way in this house and
in my previous house (during a remodel), but a lot depends on what you
want. we mounted the wall oven higher than under the counter height
because it is easier to put stuff in and remove it. In both kitchens we
mounted the microwave over the wall oven. As we are both short and we
do use our microwave for lots of stuff, a microwave is definitely not
good over the cooktop or stove ... it's way too high. So, what we have
is a nice compromise, the oven could be a little higher and the
microwave could be a little lower, but it works well for us.
https://picasaweb.google.com/actodes...39564412068834