topic Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven? in Kitchen

Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Starpolisher — Thu, 10 May 2018 11:26:51 GMT

After twenty years, I'm looking to remodel my kitchen. We had our first presentation with a company yesterday. We will be getting ideas and estimates from several companies. I liked this reps ideas. I'd asked to have a wall oven and microwave along with a stove and wall mounted hood. She suggested a counter "Cook top" (no stove) and a microwave with a convection oven underneath. I don't have any experience at all with a counter "Cook top" or "convection oven" and would love to hear your opinions. I wanted a stove and a wall oven so that I would have two ovens. I also just wanted a plain wall mounted microwave(with an oven underneath). Do I need convection? Are counter "Cook Tops" as good as a stove cook top?

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Eileen in Virginia — Thu, 10 May 2018 12:46:29 GMT

It’s hard to answer your question without knowing how much you cook and what kinds of foods you like to cook. One of my good friends is a big baker and she loves the fact that she’s got 2 ovens (1 in her full-sized range and another in her large wall oven). Also, how big is your kitchen and how much room do you have for storage? Any kitchen designer you consult should ask you all kinds of questions about how you and your family will use your new kitchen before making design suggestions.

We have a galley (ie, small) kitchen with an electric ceramic cooktop and a 22” electric wall oven with convection capability. Storage is a key consideration due to our small kitchen. I’ve seen the microwave/wall oven configuration you described in newly remodeled kitchens and they look interesting. It wouldn’t work for us because we need the cabinet space. I’ve used the convection feature of our oven, mainly when baking Christmas cookies, but don’t use it that often (actually, I forget what it’s supposed to be used for). I think the internal depth of a convection oven is a little bit smaller to accommodate the fan in the back. We’ve always had counter cooktops in this house (2 or 3 in 34 years) and they’re fine. You can get them in electric, electric induction or gas. Electric induction is supposed to provide the control of gas without the bother and cost of running a gas line. However, only certain magnetic cookware will work on an induction cooktop. My friend the baker’s range has a gas cooktop with an electric oven, to give her the best of both worlds. I’m green with envy!

As you consult with various kitchen designers, the others will probably make additional suggestions, too. Ask them the reasons they’re suggesting variations from what you requested. Their suggestions may be based on their experience with other customers whose needs are similar to yours. OR, they might be trying to sell you surplus inventory that didn’t sell well. If this is something you want or need, that’s fine. If not, don’t accept it. Also, make sure they give you a line item cost breakdown in their estimate. This will enable you to make an apples-to-apples comparison when deciding who to select. Good luck!

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

faeriemoon — Thu, 10 May 2018 12:56:58 GMT

I have a dual fuel range with two ovens (side by side.) I wasn't into the wall oven thing because I was concerned about the height of two ovens above and below each other. Both ovens are convection; I think you would be hard pressed to find ovens that are not convection these days. In the event that you didn't know, you don't have to use the convection feature if you don't want to.

My microwave is the drawer style. There is another thread here somewhere on the subject. Some posters had concerns about them, but I love that it's not on the counter. I know some people like them mounted above the stove, but I don't think it's great to have that radiation beaming at your head when you're cooking on your stove. There is always a high magnetic field around microwaves even when they are not in use.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Fressa — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:43:41 GMT

First: think about what YOU want and how much do you cook. I cook quite a bit and after all these years have found that my "dream" combination is a stove, Brevile microwave and Breville counter top ovens. (1 large and 1 small). I have one full size kitchen and a kitchentte in the family room. Finally, I have all the space for everything that I'm making for a holiday meal or baking. I would prefer a much larger space than I have now and more cabinet space. (You never have enough cabinet space.)

Second: Remember---you are the client/customer and it's your $$$. Ignore what the latest trends are and go with what you want/like. Keep in mind the cleaning of all the cooking appliances. I don't want an appliance that I have to buy special cleaning products or cookwear. Get what you really want because you only remodel once. (budget permitting)

Good Luck and enjoy your new kitchen!!

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

suzyQ3 — Thu, 10 May 2018 16:00:31 GMT

We have a countertop stove on our island. It's fine, except there is no hood. There is a down draft instead. I would not recomment such a configuration. We would like to put in a hood, but it would demand major work.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

ScrapHappy — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:05:19 GMT

I moved into a new house two years ago. A much larger that has a very large kitchen (I have 2 islands and 3 sinks to give you an idea) that was remodeled by the previous owners. I have 2 wall ovens that also have a convection feature built in and they are electric. I also have a 6 burner cooktop(gas) and I like it but if it were me when the remodel was done, I'd gone for another stove with cooktop. I don't know what you're looking for in a kitchen and I'm sure some people would think it's too much but for me, why not. I have the space and I cook a lot. I can easily load up the 2 wall ovens and have another oven going on Thanksgiving Day. I like the idea of the microwave being a little lower than high up harder to reach microwaves, especially if you have children. In my kitchen, there is a "nook" above the countertop for it which is just okay. In one of my islands is a warming draw, which is nice, but I'd rather have a microwave there. In the scheme of things, do what you want...what you like and what work for you. I remodeled 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and my contractor made suggestions and I took them all seriously, but like he said...at the "end of the day, I'm the boss, and I have to live with it. Do what makes YOU happy."

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

RedTop — Thu, 10 May 2018 17:46:41 GMT

I would stick to your own idea of a regular stove and wall oven. A 5-6 burner cooktop might be nice, but if I wanted 2 ovens, I would not be satisfied with anything less.

I have a small galley kitchen with very little counter space, so in my kitchen update several years ago, I had a pantry unit built with a cabinet above, microwave in the middle, and a two shelf cabinet below. A microwave over the stove is not convenient for me, but this custom cabinet put the microwave space at the perfect height for easy access.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

fierowoman — Fri, 11 May 2018 03:27:08 GMT

My GE Profile has two ovens and is a regular stove. One is a convection and the other regular. You don't need a wall oven.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Starpolisher — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:21:18 GMT

@fierowoman

Is the regular oven as big as an oven in a regular stove without the second oven?😮

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

peachesncream — Fri, 11 May 2018 13:10:23 GMT

So much of this is going to depend on personal preference.

I've lived in two houses with separate cooktop and wall oven(s), and two houses with free-standing stoves. I much prefer having a stove - which is what our current house has (hooray!).

My stove has a wider oven than I ever had with wall ovens. That wouldn't necessarily be the case if you got to choose your wall ovens yourself. I had to use what was already installed. I hate narrow ovens.

I find it easier to watch and manage what's going on when I'm cooking, when everything (pots and pans and something in the oven) is right in front of me. I'm not running back and forth in the kitchen.

Wall ovens always annoyed me because of their height. I'm on the short side, and I felt insecure taking heavy/hot things out of those wall ovens.

You can replace a free standing stove more easily than wall ovens and cooktops (if you want to upgrade to something new, or the unit fails). There's no installation charge with a free standing stove. And no cabinetry or countertop to try to fit it into - and maybe have to change.

In my dream kitchen, I'd have a free standing stove - a big one - and maybe an extra oven somewhere in the kitchen, but not up high.

Good luck to you! It's exciting to be able to choose what will please you most.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

depglass — Fri, 11 May 2018 18:02:37 GMT

Did anyone mention money? Around here a cooktop/wall oven combo is more expensive than a standard range. And a convection oven is more expensive than a regular oven. If I live long enough for a "next time," I'm gong for convection in a standard ceramic top range with a microwave above.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Sooner — Sat, 12 May 2018 14:44:02 GMT

My vote would be for a double electric oven with at least one of them a convection oven. I think with all the roasted things we do today it is worth the money.

I would invest in a very good gas cooktop! We have one and I love it. It takes a little getting used to if you come from electric, but we love it! And if the power goes off in the winter you can still cook. If you like to cook and cook a lot, the cooktop is where I'd put money.

Also, I wouldn't put a cooktop in a center island either because it limits when you can use the island for, grease will splatter, and it seems to me it would make accidental burns and spills a bigger problem with the hot top being there to walk around.

I would put the most remodel money in a cooktop and a good sink!

Microwaves are something that are useful, and you can get them to put in a lot of places.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

sunshine45 — Sat, 12 May 2018 16:45:39 GMT

we have three separate appliances......microwave/convection oven, 5 burner cooktop, wall oven with convection. i really do miss my second oven, especially during the holidays. i dont seem to use the convection features often.

i have a separate island, but i would not consider putting my cooktop there. it is used more for serving and for extra seating in case it is needed.

i have them all together and lined up vertically. microwave slightly above eye level. cooktop in granite countertop directly under microwave. wall oven underneath the countertop that fits into the cabinets, with cabinets on either side of that.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 12 May 2018 16:56:19 GMT

@Starpolisher I have exactly what was suggested. Mine are all JennAire (vented outside) with eating area near the cooktop and chairs.

I don't even remember it being used. My girls had moved out by the time we had it remodeled (due to fire (lightning)).

My husband died in '04 and I never cook(ed) much after that. I eat lunch out at least 4 times a week and don't eat much for dinner.

I think you are going about things the right way. Talk to other's and find out what does and doesn't work for them. Do the research. Then decide what works best for YOU and your family.

My late husband was an investor and builder. In another life he could have been an architect.. He was an amazing builder/designer. Me....ummmm...not at all. I've always found that part boring. Now when it came to painting/staining/wallpapering...I'm your person. I love everything about it (and I'm pretty good at it). Not anymore though. My back makes it hard for me to do all of the things I love.

I love coming here and reading all you and the ladies' posts. It's fascinating/enjoyable and I learn (can't do, but I learn).

Keep posting to you and everyone. It brings people like me (who used to do and can't so much anymore) good memories and pleasure.

Have a wonderful mother's day. I don't believe you have to be a mother to enjoy the day. I think those who aren't mother's of people or furbabies need to understand this is a day to just enjoy being alive and enjoy seeing people be happier than they usually are. Ha!

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Starpolisher — Sun, 13 May 2018 11:50:00 GMT

Thank you for all your suggestions! We're still in the process of getting presentations and estimates so please keep them coming. Right now, I'm leaning towards getting a stove and wall oven. I think I just want the microwave to have a space, not sure I want it with the oven.😱😲😀

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

jaxs mom — Sun, 13 May 2018 12:18:15 GMT

It's up to you, but personally I want a stove. Most wall ovens aren't as large. You can get a stove that has convection capability.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

AuntG — Sun, 13 May 2018 12:23:01 GMT

Make it match your cooking style, unless you are doing it for resale value and will be selling your home soon. For, me a regular range with a convection option is all I need. Some ranges have a second oven in place of a drawer which helps with holiday baking.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

froggy — Sun, 13 May 2018 14:40:25 GMT

I have a gas cooktop with builtin microwave above and then a separate double wall oven, both convection (as someone mentioned, you don't have to use the convection feature). Both wall ovens are full size, large enough for very large sheet/cookie pans.

I have always preferred wall ovens because I hate bending over to see inside or to remove items from the oven. Think about how you yourself cook and whether you need two ovens. I bake a lot and find the two oven feature very convenient.

Having a cooktop on an island is a personal pet peeve of mine. I have a seven foot island and it is my dedicated work space. Plenty of room to get out all my ingredients and bowls and utensils at one time.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

faeriemoon — Mon, 14 May 2018 12:32:16 GMT

Just wanted to chime in again because I see a couple of people have posted that they don't like ranges/cooktops in an island. However, my range is in my island and I love it. My range is large and my island is very large. There is a stainless steel hood over the range. Since there is ample room to work on each side of the range, it works well for me.

Re: Cook top or Stove? Microwave and Convection oven?

Honeybit — Mon, 14 May 2018 22:55:22 GMT

@Starpolisher

My kitchen design may not be much help to you, but I live out in the country where power outages are a constant threat, especially in the wintertime with all the pine trees we have in Georgia (which collect ice and break power lines).

I have a 6-burner propane cooktop in my island and two electric wall ovens which offer conventional and convection settings. Even when the power is out, I can light my cooktop burners with a match and have hot food. It is true that neither oven is as large as the single oven in my mother's electric range was, but they've always been large enough for what I need to cook.

I love cooking on gas burners, but I also love baking in an electric oven, so to me this arrangement is the best of both worlds.

My microwave is in an open cabinet above my countertop, and I have a little toaster oven plus a plain old-fashioned 4-slice toaster which live on a countertop off to one side. As somebody else mentioned, it's really nice to have the ovens up at eye level instead of having to bend over to reach the oven when it's part of the stove.

In my former house, I had a single wall oven with a door which opened from the side (instead of pulling out toward you from the top) -- I really loved not having to reach over a hot oven door to pull out my hot pans.