Q&A: Are high-Btu burners and induction cooktops worth their added cost?

The Btu ratings of the burners on ranges and cooktops seem to have increased, and induction cooktops are becoming more popular. Does the performance of these high-output appliances justify their higher prices?

That depends on the amount and the type of cooking you do.

Our latest report on gas ranges included models with gas burners rated at 18,000 Btu/hr.: GE PGS975SEM[SS], $2,500, Electrolux EW30GF65G $2,000 and EW30GS65G $2,300; and dual-fuel Dacor Epicure ER30D, $6,000. Each brought a 6-liter pot of water to a near-boil in 15 to 16 1/2 minutes. "But less expensive gas ranges with burners rated at 15,000 or 16,000 Btu/hr. offered comparable water-boiling performance," says Tara Casaregola, a program leader in the Consumer Reports Technical division. "High heat is also useful for stir frying large quantities," notes Casaregola.

Gas ranges are now being outperformed in some areas by induction cooktops, which use electromagnetism to heat iron-based cookware while leaving the heating element itself relatively cool. High-output induction elements bring water to a boil faster and are better for certain specific cooking tasks than other electric burners. In our latest tests, the GE Profile PHP900DM [BB], $1,650, and the Thermador CIT302D[S], $1,725, brought 6 liters of water to a boil in less than 8 minutes. The Thermador's overall performance and versatility—it excelled at simmering and combines induction and electric elements—earned it a spot in our top 100 products of 2008 (available to subscribers).

A recent First Look on the Kenmore Elite 9991 range (shown) points to why induction appliances are generating a buzz. The induction cooktop on the Kenmore boiled water rapidly and did well in our low-heat test, melting chocolate on its lowest-power element without scorching and holding tomato sauce below a boil on its largest element at a lower setting.

But induction might not be for you. "If you're choosing between a high-powered induction cooktop and a gas range, you still can't beat the 'feel' of gas," says John Macchia, a senior laboratory technician in our technical division who studied at the Culinary Institute of America. "If you cook on a regular basis with gas, you'll know what I'm talking about."

Macchia is talking about the visual cue you get when cooking with gas, the ability to see the size of the flame and gauge the amount of heat being pumped out. His sentiments are shared by many participants in the induction-cooking discussion on our appliances forum, where a growing number of induction users have been sharing their experiences. Drop in and tell others about your favorite cooking appliance.

Essential information: See our updated product pages for more information on gas and electric ranges and cooktop and wall ovens.

Forum Friday: Top forums in recent weeks

Washing machines: This has been the most popular appliances forum recently, with the least-repair-prone front-loading washer and LG washer smell among the hottest discussions. These topics have emerged as our other top forums.

Vacuums: Vacuum aficionados have been posting in our best vacuums topic, while picks and pans of deep and steam cleaners have drawn numerous reviews.

Refrigerators: A newer French-door refrigerator discussion has sprung up to replace the old discussion on the same topic, along with a call for the quietest refrigerator.

Mattresses: The hottest non-appliance forum has many folks chatting about latex mattresses. And thanks to the member who posted the last word on how to buy a mattress.

Dishwashers: The I love my dishwasher discussion continues with passionate posts. Can top one member’s tale of her 24-year-old dishwasher?

Central heat/air conditioning: Cold weather and energy prices probably stoked discussions, like Which gas furnace should I buy?, which ranks as our most viewed discussion. We're looking forward to responses to a member's call for opinions on integrated heating and hot-water systems.

Ranges: These kitchen appliances have seen more activity as the holiday-cooking season kicked off and Consumer Reports published new ratings. The pros and cons of induction cooking is especially useful.

Small appliances: Coffeemakers dominate here. As detailed in a recent Forum Friday, numerous threads are percolating away in the wake of our latest review of coffeemakers.

Dryers: You’ll find numerous discussions of particular brands and some interesting exchanges on ventless condensation dryers and ways to prevent clothes and sheets from “balling.”

While it didn't crack the Top 10 in traffic, the energy saving in your home forum has had some wonderful insights to put more green in your holidays.

Tip of the Day: How to cook with a convection oven

Many people buy ovens, ranges, and microwaves with convection capability but don't take advantage of that feature. If you've shied away from using your convection oven, here's how to become a confident convection cooker.

In standard ovens, there is radiant heating of the interior, and air movement is relatively slow. In convection ovens, a fan constantly circulates and mixes the air within the cavity. As a result, convection ovens heat more quickly and cook faster. Note that some convection ranges run the fan more slowly for baking and faster for roasting.

Heating can be uneven in standard ovens because the temperatures might not be uniform throughout the cavity. But with convection ovens, the fan is supposed to make the temperature more uniform throughout the cavity and result in more evenly cooked food. (That's not always the case, as our tests over the years have shown.)

The best way to become a confident convection cooker is to try out your favorite recipes using the feature. Read your owner's manual or look on the manufacturer's Web site for specific cooking guidelines. And consider these convection-cooking tips from Jenn-Air:

BAKING
• Lower the temperature indicated in the recipe by about 25°F but cook for the indicated time.

• For cookies and cakes, use shiny, bright aluminum or steel pans. They reflect heat and allow for more delicate browning.

• For breads and pies, use dark or dull aluminum or steel pans. They absorb heat and result in darker browning.

ROASTING
• When roasting meats, cook according to the indicated temperature but cut cooking time by about 25 percent.

• Use pans with low sides so the circulating hot air can work its magic. Otherwise food won't brown as well.

• Don't use a lid. It prevents the circulating air from reaching the food.

When cooking in a full oven, pay attention to how the food browns, as you might still have to rotate the pans to ensure even cooking.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: You'll find ranges with convection ovens in our latest report and other cooking time-savers in our coverage of cooktops and wall ovens. Tell us about your experiences with convection cooking by posting a comment below.

GE recalls 244,000 wall ovens

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 244,000 GE, GE Profile, GE Monogram, and Kenmore wall ovens made from 2002 to 2003 due to burn and fire hazards. Read more about the recall in this post from our Safety blog and at the CPSC and GE Appliance sites.

Essential information: If you're in the market for a new wall oven, check out our recently updated wall ovens product page and our exclusive Home Improvement Guide interactive.

New home stories on ConsumerReports.org! Cooktops and ovens, ranges, slow cookers, wine cellars, and more

The December 2008 issue of Consumer Reports is now on sale and online. The latest issue contains the following stories related to the appliances you use at home and some timely advice on dealing with the current economic downturn:

Cooktops and ovens: We test the latest cooking technology.

Ranges: Find the best electric or gas model for your home. (See how we test ranges, right.)

Slow cookers: Ratings of more than a dozen of these countertop appliances.

Wine cellars: Keep your favorite wine in tip-top condition with a wine chiller.

Weathering the financial crisis: Expert advice for home sellers and buyers.

New home content on ConsumerReports.org

The November 2008 issue of Consumer Reports is now on sale and online. The latest issue contains the following stories related to your home:

Cordless drills and cordless tool kits: Find out whether it pays to buy a model with a high-tech battery. And watch our new video buying guide (right).

Repair or replace it? Get the inside scoop on whether you should fix or nix appliances that need a repair.

The great turkey cook-off: Does the $7,895 TurboChef 30-inch Double Wall Speedcook oven roast a better bird?

100 top products: Discover the top appliances and home-and-garden products.

Easy-to-use corkscrews: Learn which model to use to open your top tipples.

Meat thermometers: These inexpensive devices can help you cook better—and more safely.

Black Friday sales for the home

Sales the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—can mean big savings on home items both big and small. Whether you’re talking tools, appliances, or home furnishings, deals are available at the major retail stores as the end-of-year holidays approach.

While Consumer Reports has not tested many of the products listed here, our free buying advice (listed with each section) can help you make wise shopping decisions. Also check out our all-star appliances and kitchen gear, and be a smart shopper when you’re looking for new kitchen and laundry appliances.

Check local store locations for product availability, and note that prices and models are subject to change. (Prices have been rounded up to the nearest dollar.)

For more information on Black Friday deals, visit Black Friday 2007.—Helen A.S. Popkin

• Blenders & Mixers
• Coffeemakers
• Cookware & Cutlery
• Dishwashers
• Food Processors
• Gas & Electric Grills
• Heating, Cooling & Air
• Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
• Microwaves
• Ranges, Cooktops & Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Sewing Machines
• Steam Irons
• Toasters & Toaster Ovens
• Tools & Power Equipment
• Vacuum Cleaners, Wet/Dry Vacs
• Washers & Dryers
• Wine Chillers

Stove Guard appliance timer and motion detector lowers the risk of range fires

An estimated 47,000 residential fires a year start on rangetops, injuring more than 2,400 people, killing about 80, and causing $135 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of those fires start when someone leaves the kitchen with food still cooking on the stovetop.

For many years, representatives of Underwriters Laboratories, Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of this magazine, and appliance makers worked together with the CPSC to find a technological solution such as heat sensors that would turn off burners before the food in a pot or pan ignited. But according to a CPSC spokesperson, the agency has refocused its efforts on other “high-priority flammability projects.” The CPSC did add that it would revisit the issue in the future when it has sufficient resources.

Meanwhile, a small distributor of security products in Saskatchewan, Canada, is making and selling a safety device that serves much the same purpose, at least for owners of electric ranges and cooktops. The Stove Guard, a $299 automatic timer and motion detector, shuts off the elements and the oven if there is no motion near the appliance after a preselected time period.

How it works. Stove Guard has three easy-to-program settings. The first, “on/auto,” turns power off to the burners if there is no motion near the range after a specific period of time. You set the time, anywhere from 1 to 39 minutes. The second setting, “on/timer,” turns power off after a preset amount of time, up to 99 minutes, regardless of motion. An adjustable sensing level keeps the device from turning the range back on because of a child’s or a pet’s movement. Pressing the “off” setting returns the range to its regular use.

In our tests, the Stove Guard worked exactly as advertised. But proper installation and maintenance are crucial. Mount it too close to the stove and steam from boiling liquids in pots can interfere with its use, as it did in our tests. Once mounted, simply unplug the electrical cord to your range and plug it into the Stove Guard. Then plug the electrical cord from the Stove Guard into the wall outlet. It’s also important to periodically clean the sensor to minimize grease buildup, which diminished the Stove Guard’s sensitivity in some of our tests.