On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:20:07 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> I've been cooking on smooth-top electric ranges since 1990, and now
> we're faced with the possibility of only having a gas fuel source for
> our kitchen range. I *do not* want to give up the smooth-top cooking
> surface, but so far the best thing my searches have only yielded glass
> top sealed burner gas ranges. I want to avoid the exposed gas burners
> with grates altogether.
>
> Thre is a very remote possibility that the management where we're
> moving might install 220 volt servce for an electric range, but I'm not
> counting on it, thus my search for a gas alternative.
>
> Does anyone know if there are smooth-top gas ranges?
>
> BTW, I am not here to argue the merits of traditional gas over
> electric.

Use google, but use the "shopping" search option located between
"news" and "gmail". Smooth tops are listed. Good Luck!

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:58:44 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> On Sat 04 Sep 2010 09:03:15p, sf told us...
>
> > Use google, but use the "shopping" search option located between
> > "news" and "gmail". Smooth tops are listed. Good Luck!
> >
>
> Well, I looked, and no such luck.

Sorry to hear.

> As with all the othe searching I
> did, apparently the "gas people" consider a range top that has a
> continuous heavy cast iron grate across the entire top, yet suspended
> over 4 or 5 sealed (but exposed) burners to be a "smooth top".

Grates equal a smooth top? How odd.
>
> Not at all what I want, but what I want probably doesn't exist. I
> did, however, find one model that I might be willing to use. The
> grate is truly continuous and quite heavy, and sits over 5 sealed
> burners. I'm not that concerned over price, but it *must* fit a
> standard 30" width.
>
> Here 'tis...
>
> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...59000P?prdNo=2
> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>

I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do it with
that kind of set up.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

"sf" > ha scritto nel messaggio
<http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02266459000P?prdNo=2>>
&blockNo=2&blockType=G2>
>
> I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
> keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do it with
> that kind of set up.

I really have no problem doing it. Once in a while I put the two giant
grates into the DW, otherwise a damp cloth cleans it all up. Really heavy
grates are best for me, as you can shuffle with power and not slosh and
slop.

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote
> Not at all what I want, but what I want probably doesn't exist. I
> did, however, find one model that I might be willing to use. The
> grate is truly continuous and quite heavy, and sits over 5 sealed
> burners. I'm not that concerned over price, but it *must* fit a
> standard 30" width.
>
> Here 'tis...
>
> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...59000P?prdNo=2
> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>
>

I could not get your link to work, but there are many good ranges with a
continuous grid. It is really nice when moving pot and pans around.
This is what we have
http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range

If you want color, they are painted in the same factory as Lamborghini cars.

On Sep 5, 12:34*am, Wayne Boatwright >
wrote:


I read the specs and watched the video. It looks like a nice stove.
Convection electric oven is a big plus and the cooktop having 5
burners with one being a very high btu burner is a plus.

In article
>,
ImStillMags > wrote:

> On Sep 5, 12:34*am, Wayne Boatwright >
> wrote:
>
>
> I read the specs and watched the video. It looks like a nice stove.
> Convection electric oven is a big plus and the cooktop having 5
> burners with one being a very high btu burner is a plus.

No, it's pretty clearly a gas oven/broiler. This is a good thing, since
Wayne says there's no 220v for a stove.

It looks like a really nice stove to me. It's twice what I paid for my
gas stove, but it has twice the features (continuous grate, convection
oven, five burners, one 17,500btu burner).

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote

> Not at all what I want, but what I want probably doesn't exist. I
> did, however, find one model that I might be willing to use. The
> grate is truly continuous and quite heavy, and sits over 5 sealed
> burners. I'm not that concerned over price, but it *must* fit a
> standard 30" width.

> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...59000P?prdNo=2
> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>

Pretty much what I have here though mine is a bit bigger.

Each burner has it's own grid size so some you use for larger heat needs
(stock pot) and others for other uses. Unlike your glasstop unit, you can't
damage these. You can also use pots that aren't perfectly smooth and cast
iron.

You amy want to gently oil the grills for the first week or so as they cure.
We treated ours just like cast iron and they are well cured now after 6
months.

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote
> sf told us...

>>> As with all the othe searching I
>>> did, apparently the "gas people" consider a range top that has a
>>> continuous heavy cast iron grate across the entire top, yet
>>> suspended over 4 or 5 sealed (but exposed) burners to be a
>>> "smooth top".
>>
>> Grates equal a smooth top? How odd.
>
> That's how one brand advertises.

It's as close as they get.

> In all fairness, it appears it would be easy to move pans around on
> such a grate, the same as it is with a glass smooth-top, unlike the
> separated grates one usually finds.

Exactly. And yes, you can slide stuff about on them with no hitches. You
can also get a special center set with a bult in 'griddle' (thin lipped but
they fit in and you can either replace your center line or you replace all
so they fit the 30 inch if yours doesnt have the center removable).

For slidefree use, you don't want the center griddle but plenty have it as a
side part the stow below and put in when they want it.

>> I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
>> keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do it
>> with that kind of set up.

> I'm sure that's true, but that's also true of glass smooth-top
> electrics as well. I find the glass easy to clean up after cooking
> when it's cool.

It's just as easy to clean these. Keep in mind you don't put them in the
dishwasher anymore than you would a cast iron well cured pan. Just wipe as
needed once cool and lift to wipe underneath (underneath cleans as quick as
a glasstop). The grills rarely need anything once cured if you are a neat
cook.

> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote
>> Not at all what I want, but what I want probably doesn't exist.


Thinking about this more, the ultimate smooth top gas range would be a
griddle. I've often thought that would be the ideal cooktop for so many
items, just as they do in restaurants. Yes, I do have one that does over
two burners, but it is not the same as the real deal.

I like the Vulcan, second one down.
http://www.griddleworld.com/index-ma...sgriddles.html

http://www.essortment.com/food/howcookgriddle_smwk.htm

On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:41:03 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
wrote:

>
>"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote
>> Not at all what I want, but what I want probably doesn't exist. I
>> did, however, find one model that I might be willing to use. The
>> grate is truly continuous and quite heavy, and sits over 5 sealed
>> burners. I'm not that concerned over price, but it *must* fit a
>> standard 30" width.
>>
>> Here 'tis...
>>
>> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...59000P?prdNo=2
>> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>
>>
>
>I could not get your link to work, but there are many good ranges with a
>continuous grid. It is really nice when moving pot and pans around.
>This is what we have
>http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range

Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.

On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:34:19 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> I'm sure that's true, but that's also true of glass smooth-top
> electrics as well. I find the glass easy to clean up after cooking
> when it's cool.

But you won't be able to do that when you're entire stovetop is a
grate.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:27:23 +0200, "Giusi" > wrote:

>
> "sf" > ha scritto nel messaggio
> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02266459000P?prdNo=2>>
> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>
> >
> > I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
> > keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do it with
> > that kind of set up.
>
> I really have no problem doing it. Once in a while I put the two giant
> grates into the DW, otherwise a damp cloth cleans it all up. Really heavy
> grates are best for me, as you can shuffle with power and not slosh and
> slop.
>
I'm talking about cleaning up the splatters as you make them, Giusi.
To do that, you have to remove the grate which is impossible if you've
got a pot on it.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Sep 5, 2:09*am, sf > wrote:
> On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:58:44 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
>
> > wrote:
> > On Sat 04 Sep 2010 09:03:15p, sf told us...
>
> > > Use google, but use the "shopping" search option located between
> > > "news" and "gmail". *Smooth tops are listed. *Good Luck!
>
> > Well, I looked, and no such luck. *
>
> Sorry to hear.
>
They don't make it because it was a stupid idea to begin with.

--Bryan

On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:01:36 -0700, sf > wrote:

>On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 10:27:23 +0200, "Giusi" > wrote:
>
>>
>> "sf" > ha scritto nel messaggio
>> <http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02266459000P?prdNo=2>>
>> &blockNo=2&blockType=G2>
>> >
>> > I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
>> > keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do it with
>> > that kind of set up.
>>
>> I really have no problem doing it. Once in a while I put the two giant
>> grates into the DW, otherwise a damp cloth cleans it all up. Really heavy
>> grates are best for me, as you can shuffle with power and not slosh and
>> slop.
>>
>I'm talking about cleaning up the splatters as you make them, Giusi.
>To do that, you have to remove the grate which is impossible if you've
>got a pot on it.

Nobody cleans a stovetop while it's still cooking, that's like
cleaning the bathtub while you're still bathing. Of course some folks
know how to cook without being a slob.

On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 13:52:52 -0700 (PDT), Bryan
> wrote:

>On Sep 5, 2:09*am, sf > wrote:
>> On Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:58:44 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
>>
>> > wrote:
>> > On Sat 04 Sep 2010 09:03:15p, sf told us...
>>
>> > > Use google, but use the "shopping" search option located between
>> > > "news" and "gmail". *Smooth tops are listed. *Good Luck!
>>
>> > Well, I looked, and no such luck. *
>>
>> Sorry to hear.
>>
>They don't make it because it was a stupid idea to begin with.

There are plenty smooth-top woodstoves.

On 9/5/2010 2:06 PM, Dan Abel wrote:
> In article
> >,
> > wrote:
>
>> On Sep 5, 12:34 am, Wayne >
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I read the specs and watched the video. It looks like a nice stove.
>> Convection electric oven is a big plus and the cooktop having 5
>> burners with one being a very high btu burner is a plus.
>
> No, it's pretty clearly a gas oven/broiler. This is a good thing, since
> Wayne says there's no 220v for a stove.
>
> It looks like a really nice stove to me. It's twice what I paid for my
> gas stove, but it has twice the features (continuous grate, convection
> oven, five burners, one 17,500btu burner).
>

We've had our Frigidaire gas range for several years now. The grate on
top is in three separate pieces that fit together, makes it easy to get
the top off to clean and they actually fit in the bottom section of the
dishwasher. The burners aren't sealed but have a top that lifts off,
everything is porcelain coated, making it easier to clean. Has a big
oven that works like a normal gas oven or you can go convection. There
is a warming drawer on the bottom that can also be used as a small oven.
Example: cooking a turkey in the big oven with sweet potatoes on the
rack too, the bottom oven has the dinner rolls or a pie crust or two in
it. Then there's the self-cleaning feature, that I love. It runs for
about two hours, gets up to about 800F if the manual is right, then you
just mop up the powder left on the floor of the oven with a dish cloth
if there's any residue. I think list price was about $1200.00 at Lowe's
but we only paid about $900.00 due to a tiny scratch on the stainless. I
wiped out the scratch with a wet finger, it was actually a smudge and no
one had tried to clean it off.

I grew up cooking with gas and then wife and I had electric stoves for
forty years, I don't ever want to go back to electric.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...

>
> I could not get your link to work, but there are many good ranges with a
> continuous grid. It is really nice when moving pot and pans around.
> This is what we have
> http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range

I like this a lot! I have electricity only, and I'd love to replace my
ancient unit soon. I like the stainless.

"brooklyn1" > wrote
>>This is what we have
http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range
>
> Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.

It's the black 30". Suppose I should take a pic of mine some day.

On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 23:34:33 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
wrote:

>
> "brooklyn1" > wrote
> >>This is what we have
> http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range
> >
> > Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.
>
> It's the black 30". Suppose I should take a pic of mine some day.

I remember when you got it. You were like the cat that swallowed the
canary.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

"sf" > wrote in message
news
> On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 23:34:33 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
> wrote:
>
>>
>> "brooklyn1" > wrote
>> >>This is what we have
>> http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range
>> >
>> > Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.
>>
>> It's the black 30". Suppose I should take a pic of mine some day.
>
> I remember when you got it. You were like the cat that swallowed the
> canary.

I still am. There are many good ranges out there, but I'm still very happy
about this one.

On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 23:34:33 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
wrote:

>
>"brooklyn1" > wrote
>>>This is what we have
>http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range
>>
>> Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.
>
>It's the black 30". Suppose I should take a pic of mine some day.

I'm disappointed. You need to do better than to be constantly talking
up the attributes of a new stove at every opportunity and then just
posting a link to a web site. Post a bunch of photos in actual use,
top, front, oven interior, and not so cropped that they may as well be
the web site image. It sounds like a very nice stove but without
seeing it situated in your kitchen it's not possible to get a real
feel for how it's different from any other stove... words and sterile
web site images really don't come close to describing what a personal
picture relates. I'm sure you didn't buy that stove from an image on
the web, I bet you went to see it in person, inspecting and feeling
before deciding. I think with pricy designer-type stoves one should
be able to take them for a test drive before buying.

On Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:23:49 -0700, sf > wrote:

>On Sun, 5 Sep 2010 23:34:33 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
>wrote:
>
>>
>> "brooklyn1" > wrote
>> >>This is what we have
>> http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/fre...rner-gas-range
>> >
>> > Oh... I was hoping to see the one you have... the one in your kitchen.
>>
>> It's the black 30". Suppose I should take a pic of mine some day.
>
>I remember when you got it. You were like the cat that swallowed the
>canary.

Very true. LOL

On Sep 5, 3:18*pm, "cshenk" > wrote:
> "Wayne Boatwright" wrote
>
> > sf told us...
> >>> As with all the othe searching I
> >>> did, apparently the "gas people" consider a range top that has a
> >>> continuous heavy cast iron grate across the entire top, yet
> >>> suspended over 4 or 5 sealed (but exposed) burners to be a
> >>> "smooth top".
>
> >> Grates equal a smooth top? *How odd.
>
> > That's how one brand advertises.
>
> It's as close as they get.
>
> > In all fairness, it appears it would be easy to move pans around on
> > such a grate, the same as it is with a glass smooth-top, unlike the
> > separated grates one usually finds.
>
> Exactly. *And yes, you can slide stuff about on them with no hitches. *You
> can also get a special center set with a bult in 'griddle' (thin lipped but
> they fit in and you can either replace your center line or you replace all
> so they fit the 30 inch if yours doesnt have the center removable).
>
> For slidefree use, you don't want the center griddle but plenty have it as a
> side part the stow below and put in when they want it.
>
> >> I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes to
> >> keeping the top clean. *I like to clean as I go, but can't do it
> >> with that kind of set up.
> > I'm sure that's true, but that's also true of glass smooth-top
> > electrics as well. *I find the glass easy to clean up after cooking
> > when it's cool.
>
> It's just as easy to clean these. *Keep in mind you don't put them in the
> dishwasher anymore than you would a cast iron well cured pan. *Just wipe as
> needed once cool and lift to wipe underneath (underneath cleans as quick as
> a glasstop). *The grills rarely need anything once cured if you are a neat
> cook.

I have a continuous-grate gas range (Bosch), and the grates are
dishwasher safe. They're not bare cast iron.

I usually clean them by hand, but they go in
the dishwasher a couple of times a year. There's only two
for the entire stovetop. They don't fit in the dishwasher terribly
well; they take up pretty much all the space when they're in.

My previous continuous-grate gas range had enameled grates,
and they always went in the dishwasher. IIRC there were
five grates: one over each burner and one in the middle.
(Only four burners; that's all I usually need.)

Cindy Hamilton

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:57:29 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> The area below has sealed burners and fired
> porcelain over steel, which should be an easy wipe up if there's an
> overflow.

I've had a gas stove for a year, so the burners must be sealed... but
I don't have a clue what that means or why it's necessary. In any
case, I have porcelain over steel and I can say that the spills do
discolor black. I just can't take the stain (or whatever it's called)
off. I'm so used to cleaning my old ss cooktop that I don't even know
what to try on this discoloration. I'm thinking I'll let the whole
top get all spotty, that way I won't be looking at one or two and
stressing over them.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:37:38 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> Hmm... The ad I read said that the porcelain coated cast iron grates
> were dishwasher safe.

I never thought about it. Seems like they are too long to fit in...
unless yours are individual, mine are long and cover two burners.

> Well, anyway, I'm sure they could periodically be well cleaned in the self cleaning oven.

Wouldn't that burn the porcelain coating off?

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:47:41 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> That probably wouldn't bother me. I do not generally clean as I go
> unless it's a major spillover that would cook on. I'd rather just do
> a major cleaning when everything is over.

I hate the chore of a major clean up, so cleaning as I go is best for
me.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote

http://www.bertazzoni-italia.com/freestanding/professional-series/ranges/30-4-burner-gas-range>>>> If you want color, they are painted in the same factory as>> Lamborghini cars.>>>>>> Ed, I remember when you got your range, and it's a beauty. I looked> at the 30" model. I have to be honest and say that it is rather> beyond my budget. Also, unless I missed it, it does not have a self-> cleaning oven, when is a requirement for me.>> However, thanks for the suggestion.When I bought, they did not have self clean. They do now. I'm not sure oflatest prices either.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:37:38 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> > wrote:
>
>> Hmm... The ad I read said that the porcelain coated cast iron grates
>> were dishwasher safe.
>
> I never thought about it. Seems like they are too long to fit in...
> unless yours are individual, mine are long and cover two burners.
>
>> Well, anyway, I'm sure they could periodically be well cleaned in the
>> self cleaning oven.
>
> Wouldn't that burn the porcelain coating off?

No, it can take a lot of heat. The interior of the oven is porcelain coated
and it is fired on in the 1500 degree range IIRC.

Grates on a gas range are self cleaning. Most I've ever done was wipe off
some grease with a paper towel.

Here is more than you ever wanted to know about frit application on
appliances from Engineer's Handbook

Porcelain Enamel begins as a blend of minerals smelted in much the same
manner as common glass. During this process (known as "fritting"), the
red-hot, molten mixture is poured from a smelter and quenched between
water-cooled rollers. This quick-cooled ribbon of glass is then shattered
forming a particulate known as "frit".

Frit is applied to metal using either a wet or dry method and fired at very
high temperatures - generally ranging from 1100 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
While in the furnace, the frit melts...bonding with the metal to create more
than a coating. It forms an inseparable compound merging the chemical makeup
of the frit and metal; resulting in a new, chemically unique, finish.

On Thu, 9 Sep 2010 23:19:19 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski" >
wrote:

> No, it can take a lot of heat. The interior of the oven is porcelain coated
> and it is fired on in the 1500 degree range IIRC.
>
> Grates on a gas range are self cleaning. Most I've ever done was wipe off
> some grease with a paper towel.
>
> Here is more than you ever wanted to know about frit application on
> appliances from Engineer's Handbook
>
> Porcelain Enamel begins as a blend of minerals smelted in much the same
> manner as common glass. During this process (known as "fritting"), the
> red-hot, molten mixture is poured from a smelter and quenched between
> water-cooled rollers. This quick-cooled ribbon of glass is then shattered
> forming a particulate known as "frit".
>
> Frit is applied to metal using either a wet or dry method and fired at very
> high temperatures - generally ranging from 1100 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
> While in the furnace, the frit melts...bonding with the metal to create more
> than a coating. It forms an inseparable compound merging the chemical makeup
> of the frit and metal; resulting in a new, chemically unique, finish.

Wow, thanks Ed! What insight do you have about the discolorations
that I have on the surface of the stove underneath the grates? I'm
thinking maybe I should buy one of those Mr. Clean "Erasers" and try
that.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:36:26 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> No. I periodically put my porcelain coated cast iron gas grill grids
> through a self-cleaning cycle. Once the ash is rinse off they look
> like new. I also did this once with a Le Creuset dutch oven that I
> had badly burned something in. Again, it looked like new after the
> ash was washed off. Remember, porcelain is fired only metal at
> probably twice the temperature that any self-cleaning oven reaches.

That was useful information, thanks!

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:40:01 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> I guess we're just the opposite. I hate the fiddly little bits of
> cleaning while I'm concentrating on the cooking. I might even leave
> the cleaning until the next day, but then it's a dedicated task. I
> don't mind.

I'm just talking about wiping up spills and splatters with a paper
towel as they occur, not mopping the floor and reorganizing the
cupboards...

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:32:55 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> You might try Barkeeper's Friend (it won't scratch the porcelain).

Thanks, didn't think of that one.

> You might also try a Magic Eraser sponge.

I wondered about that, think it would work? I've never used one. I
was wondering if it would scratch the surface.


--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Sep 9, 6:10*pm, sf > wrote:
> On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:57:29 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
>
> > wrote:
> > The area below has sealed burners and fired
> > porcelain over steel, which should be an easy wipe up if there's an
> > overflow.
>
> I've had a gas stove for a year, so the burners must be sealed... but
> I don't have a clue what that means or why it's necessary. *

Unsealed gas burners allow spills to flow below the stovetop.
Old gas stoves had hinged stovetops that you could lift up
to clean down where the gas pipes (and--at that time--pilot
lights) were.

Cindy Hamilton

On 9/9/2010 4:37 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Sun 05 Sep 2010 12:18:36p, cshenk told us...
>
>> "Wayne Boatwright" wrote
>>> sf told us...
>>
>>>>> As with all the othe searching I
>>>>> did, apparently the "gas people" consider a range top that has
>>>>> a continuous heavy cast iron grate across the entire top, yet
>>>>> suspended over 4 or 5 sealed (but exposed) burners to be a
>>>>> "smooth top".
>>>>
>>>> Grates equal a smooth top? How odd.
>>>
>>> That's how one brand advertises.
>>
>> It's as close as they get.
>
> Yes, I've come to that conclusion.
>
>>> In all fairness, it appears it would be easy to move pans around
>>> on such a grate, the same as it is with a glass smooth-top,
>>> unlike the separated grates one usually finds.
>>
>> Exactly. And yes, you can slide stuff about on them with no
>> hitches. You can also get a special center set with a bult in
>> 'griddle' (thin lipped but they fit in and you can either replace
>> your center line or you replace all so they fit the 30 inch if
>> yours doesnt have the center removable).
>
> I have no desire for a griddle to use on the range, either separate or
> as part of the unit. I have a large electric griddle that I use
> outside.
>
>> For slidefree use, you don't want the center griddle but plenty
>> have it as a side part the stow below and put in when they want
>> it.
>>
>>>> I like the looks of the grate, but they're a pain when it comes
>>>> to keeping the top clean. I like to clean as I go, but can't do
>>>> it with that kind of set up.
>>
>>> I'm sure that's true, but that's also true of glass smooth-top
>>> electrics as well. I find the glass easy to clean up after
>>> cooking when it's cool.
>>
>> It's just as easy to clean these. Keep in mind you don't put them
>> in the dishwasher anymore than you would a cast iron well cured
>> pan. Just wipe as needed once cool and lift to wipe underneath
>> (underneath cleans as quick as a glasstop). The grills rarely
>> need anything once cured if you are a neat cook.
>
> Hmm... The ad I read said that the porcelain coated cast iron grates
> were dishwasher safe. Well, anyway, I'm sure they could periodically
> be well cleaned in the self cleaning oven.
>
>
>
I have the porcelain coated cast iron grates Wayne and they are
dishwasher safe. My Frigidaire manual says NOT to put them in the
self-cleaning oven and even recommends taking the oven racks out before
running the self-clean feature. I do like the convection oven accessory,
you can run it either way but foods tend to cook quicker with the
convection.

The top grates on my stove are in three pieces, a large one on either
side and a smaller one in the middle. They fit together close enough
that I can slide pots around with ease. The burners are not sealed but
have a top that lifts off so you can clean those too. The "pan" around
the burners is also porcelain coated and is easy to clean. The rest of
the stove is stainless steel. There are five burners, ranging from 5000
btu to 16,000 btu in heat capacity. The big burner works great with the
pressure canner and the big boiling water kettle and I have used my
10-quart stainless pot to make a big gumbo for church functions with ease.

I looked for the stove I wanted for nearly a year before I chose the
Frigidaire as we were converting from electric to gas so I had time.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:06:17 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> Use the original one, not the extra heav duty one. I even use it on
> glass, so it shouldn't scratch.

I never think to look at them, didn't even know there were two types
now. What's the heavy duty one meant for?

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:15:08 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

> Tougher jobs where there are heavy deposits on the surface. I
> suspect they might scratch a highly polished porcelain surface, but I
> haven't tried that.

Ah, okay. These aren't hardened gunk, they're more like a stain
(discoloration). I'll try the original one first.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote

> Carol,

> This is a very similar product to the one I used to use on my solid
> plate cast iron hobs:
>
> <http://www.lehmans.com/store/Stoves_...y_Maintenance_
> __Lehman_s__Best_Stove_Black_and_Polish___BSB?Args =>

Classic! That would do perfectly, also for any non-food touching cast iron
(bottoms of pans and such).

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote
> cshenk told us...

>> Exactly. And yes, you can slide stuff about on them with no
>> hitches. You can also get a special center set with a bult in
>> 'griddle' (thin lipped but they fit in and you can either replace
>> your center line or you replace all so they fit the 30 inch if
>> yours doesnt have the center removable).

> I have no desire for a griddle to use on the range, either separate or
> as part of the unit. I have a large electric griddle that I use
> outside.

I've been looking at some of the 2 burner griddle inserts. You just tuck
the regular ones off to the side, drop in and use then swap back when done.
We haven't seen just the right one yet as I want it to come with a grease
trap I can empty easy off to the side before lifting the whole unit.

There's plenty of types I can just set over the existing grates if I decide
that route.

> Hmm... The ad I read said that the porcelain coated cast iron grates
> were dishwasher safe. Well, anyway, I'm sure they could periodically
> be well cleaned in the self cleaning oven.

I believe they can be but you'll see in the other note the good and bad of
them. Also, they only had white when I was needing to replace our gas range
oven.