🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <weissmanD8MtBu.248@netcom.com>, weissman@netcom.com (Bob Weissman) says:
>
>My wife and I are shopping for an electric range for the first time, to
>replace the piece of junk which came with our home.
>
>We find the main choices to be
>
>        * smooth top vs. conventional coils
>        * convection oven vs. conventional oven
>
>We have no experience with smooth tops or convection ovens, but I'll bet
>many of you out there in Net Land have.
>
>One particular item we're worried about is that all the smooth top
>ranges come with a special cleaning liquid.  What are the implications
>of this?  Does it mean standard cleaners like Windex or 409 will damage
>the cook top?

>Thanks,
>-- Bob

I shopped with my mother-in-law quite a bit at the beginning of the year
when she was making the same types of decision.  After *much* looking she
decided on a Kitchen-Aid with the black ceran(?) smooth top and also the
convection oven.  She has been very happy with it.  The top does take a
little longer to heat up but I haven't noticed a longer cool down and I
cook on it quite often.  The cook top cleans up very nicely.  The stove
did come with special cleaner but the store where it was purchased from
said that Softscrub would work just as well and sure enough the 
consistency was the same and it works the same.  Also, what the cleaner
doesn't get up, a sharp razor blade will (which they also recommended). 
Either way, it cleans up much easier than a major spilled mess on a coil
burner.

As far as the convection goes, she uses it *all* the time.  It preheats
quicker and also browns and cooks in less time.  She is particularly 
happy with how it cooks roasts.  It convection seems to seal in the 
juices.

Just my .02 worth.

Melody