International Builders' Show Product Preview: GE free-standing range with induction cooktop

Instead of a conventional cooking surface fueled by gas or electricity, induction cooktops use a magnetic field to heat pots and pans but not the cooking surface. When you remove a pot or pan from the cooking surface, the induction element stops heating, a nice safety feature. Induction cooktops have excelled in our tests. We've found that they heat faster than either gas or electric and are more responsive than smoothtop or coil elements.

But until recently, no induction-cooktop ranges were on the market. Kenmore has introduced the Elite 9991 range, which we are currently testing, and the GE Profile 30-inch freestanding induction range is debuting at the International Builders' Show and should be in stores in July.

If induction has a drawback, it's price. The new GE Profile stainless-steel range, equipped with five burners and a warming drawer, is expected to cost about $3,300, 65 percent higher than our top-rated 30-inch electric smoothtop range and nearly twice the cost of our top-rated gas range (ratings are available to subscribers). But as with all new technologies, the price of induction ranges should come down as these appliances become more widespread.—Kimberly Janeway

Comments

[Carl Mathews]

I like the idea of this. whats the energy star rating on these.

[Bonnie Bradley]

I bought a g;ass top electric stove with convection oven, self cleaning, etc. I suspect it was the floor model because it originally cost $1599.00 and I got it for a lot less. It was also a clearance model since it was the last one for 2008. My problem is I need an instruction
book. I do not know how to use the grill, the convection oven, or how
to clean it. Please send me a book to 6 Westport Place, Plano, Tx. 75074.

Thank you Bonnie Bradley