TOUGH DECISION GAS OR ELECTRIC COOK TOPS FOR SPEC HOMES?
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Ya can't win.
You might toss this question over on CooksTalk too.
jt8
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where?
I would ask LOCAL real estate agents that handle home in the AREA and PRICE RANGE that this spec will be.
It makes no sense getting suggestions from someone builting a $2.5 custom home in S. CA while you are building an $129k entry level home in MO. Or vice versa.
Dude, why are you shouting all your questions? Using All Caps does not make your question clearer or easier to read.
To answer your question: I've found the glass top stoves cook great. Since they are perfectly flat also give you a little extra counter space when you need it, like when unloading your groceries.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Magnetic and infared cook-tops limit your choices of cookware. Gourmet's need gas, kids should use electric, it's a really tough choice.
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
So probably if it has a real or wannabe gourmet kitchen it should be gas, otherwise the glass-top electric units look cool and are popular with busy moms.Presumably since you're saying "cooktop" you don't want the absolute cheapest unit, as that would be a low-end range.
People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt. --Otto von Bismarck
Personally, I prefer gas. For my clients, most want gas. Senior citizens seem to want electric.
I lost a home sale to a 65year old lady because she didn't want gas applianceseven though I had gas/electric stubbed out at each location. She was afraid of explosions
Personally I would stub in both at all locations
Edited 11/21/2006 11:52 am by migraine
Yeah, its definitley the type of house and the location. With houses below 400K in MA it seems most but not all, have electric. Most over this price have gas; this shows that wealthy people prefer gas which is the choice of chefs and home chefs. I jsut converted this year in my own kitchen remodel and there is no comparison.
You could stub both and that is a wise suggestion, but if there is gas to the house already, go gas. There are GREAT inexpensive GE models of gas stoves, under $800.
It's funny, around here, everyone brings their own appliances (starter homes and condos often come with); I hear in the US that appliances are bought for, and stay with, the home. Our fridge, stove, and freeezer are on their third home.
In any case, would this be a wise place to offer an option (either a credit, or a choice of two) and let the client decide ?
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
Around here a common approach is to provide an appliance budget for DW, range, and maybe fridge and over-range microwave. Buyer can select what he wants, and kick in more if he wants.But for a cooktop it's probably a lot easier to sell the place with one in place, so that folks can get a better sense of the layout.
People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt. --Otto von Bismarck
I have to agree on this one. I think with the appliances in place (at least a stove) you get a better feel for the layout. A wise brother once told me (and still does!) so many people lack imagination that you really have to "put it out right in front of their eyes"
I would put in an inexpensive stove. Other appliances can be imagined by the perspective buyers.
around here, everyone brings their own appliances
Different. The tradition I'm used to is you bring only fridge and washer & dryer (those three appliances being a pretty stout hurdle for those coming out of apartments).
Bring-your-own-kitchen stuff, to me, would suggest also not having fixed cabinetry either--to really follow the european model. But, that's just me (and I'm picky about my own cooking environment--others are less so).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
where is "here?"
I never heard of anyone bring there own BUILTIN appliance.
Except for ultra high-ends, builtins get chucked and the new owner gets new, or installs free-standing. low-end counter-tops are almost exclussively condo. Installing builtin ovens, half-highs, warmers, or microwaves is just throwing away money.
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
Here (Colorado) appliances may or may not be included in a home sale.If it's plumbed in, such as a frig with an ice maker or a gas range, it's technically real estate and has to be specifically excluded from the sale contract if it is to go with the seller. The rule is that if it requires tools to remove it, it is real estate and no longer personal property.
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd."
~ Voltaire
I would think about the local of the house. I live on the Gulf Coast and have gas appliances. Hurricanes bring power outages for periods of at least a week. Would be nice to have hot water for that nice shower and be able to cook. Up north with the ice storms power also gets knocked out.
Semper Fi
New low to mid-priced homes will often have the appliances supplied at a low-mid price if it's a spec home. If it's designed for the owner, obviously they'll be in the budget. Existing homes can be either but built-in probably aren't gonna move (never heard of someone being THAT attached to their cooktop or oven). High-end will probably just buy new since a lot of them don't want to use someone else's used appliances. Also, one of the first things they remodel is the kitchen, anyway.If mama ain't happy, nobody's happy!"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 11/22/2006 12:58 pm by highfigh
Gas for more expensive homes, electric for starter or one step up homes. Gas appliances are generally more expensive to purchase and definately more expensive to install. Many people prefer gas cooktops and electric ovens.
my wife took decades to learn how to not burn food. she greatly improved when she got an electric stove. she cooks by some combination of time and boredom.. What food should taste like seems to be of little interest to her.
If I were to switch to a gas stove I'd lose a lot of weight, from food not eatin, and climbing up on the step ladder to turn off the smoke detector, plus monthly repaintings of the kitchen..
Just have to add my point-o-view...
A poster said "homes over $400K seem to all have gas". This is so they can have their trophy Vikings and Wolf gas cooktops. These HO's talk about how much "power" their cooktops have like it some point to brag about.
For those who are in the know, nothing beats an induction cooktop. The power and control of these units, especially European ones, are far superior to gas units at any price. Sure they have to use magnetic cookware, but I bet their prized All-Clad stuff already fits the bill.
Sticking my neck out: Most people with trophy gas units are posers. Cooks that need real power and control go with induction.