Thread Number: 88542  /  Tag: Recipes, Cooking Accessories
GE Cafe 36" Gas Cooktop
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 1130966   10/11/2021 at 21:15 (899 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

I found this item NIB offered for free on Nextdoor.  Since I still want to replace my GaggeNoBueno "Vario" modular cooktop, which is designed for those who never cook, I figured for free I could just drive it over to the ReStore if dimensions won't allow for installation in the space I have.

 

I took some measurements and I'm feeling pretty good about being able to install this cooktop.  I'll just need to have the cutout widened by 1/2" or so on both sides.  I'm not a fan of GE, but anything is better than what I'm stuck with right now.  I don't think this one has the backlit burner control knobs or the optional griddle, but I can easily live without both of those.

 

I feel that parts will at least be available for a while, which is no longer the case with my current cooktop, authorized service won't be nearly non-existent as is the situation I'm currently dealing with, and the kick-ass center burner offers 20K BTU, which is more than the wok module I have now.   On line searching indicated that this model retails for $1,800 - $2,200.  Just goes to show how much disposable income is floating around in Silicon Valley.

 

Does anyone have any experience with this model line?  I would appreciate comments from anyone who has used or serviced these.  Mine is model CGP95362M1S1.  A sticker on the side of the unit indicates a manufacture or inspection date of 1/21/21.  Made in the U.S.A.  The linked site offers more information from GE.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO RP2813's LINK

  View Full Size


This post was last edited 10/11/2021 at 22:07



Post# 1130982 , Reply# 1   10/11/2021 at 23:24 (899 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

The price is certainly right.

 

My cousin has a 30" Electrolux configured as this one is  and having used it I have to say it's not convenient to use with more than 2 pots or pans.  The extra 6" may help though.  My Seimen's has a diamond layout with the two large burners left and right centered and the 2 smaller ones front and back.  While not perfect I find it much easier to juggle a number of pots and pans at the same time with that layout.

 

The GE Cafe line has been very good quality so I'd have no qualms with that. Hope it works out well for you.


Post# 1130985 , Reply# 2   10/11/2021 at 23:51 (899 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
This sounds like a good plan to Ralph, I think you should go for it. You’ve hated the stove top that you have, what have you got to lose and the price is right at FREE!

Eddie


Post# 1130991 , Reply# 3   10/12/2021 at 01:48 (899 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Oh for sure Eddie, there was no reason not to at least get the thing and see if it would work.

 

I downloaded the installation instructions and they have an alternative gas supply connection for situations with an obstruction below, which in my case is the top of the slide-in oven, so it's looking very promising.  I just need to take some exact measurements to be absolutely certain.

 

With any luck, the only part of the installation I'll have to farm out is making the cut-out in the counter top just a little bit larger on each side.

 

Matt, thanks for the vote of confidence in the Cafe line.  Reviews seem to be overwhelmingly positive, and I like that the grates create an even surface for sliding pots and pans around -- something that's not an option with my current modular set-up.


Post# 1130998 , Reply# 4   10/12/2021 at 05:47 (899 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Newer GE Gas Cook-Tops

combo52's profile picture

This is about as good as it gets for gas cook-tops, GE is still our top recommendation for most cooking appliances.

 

Ralph you will probably like cooking on this CT, the only frequent gripe we hear is cleaning which we hear on all gas CTs.

 

John L.


Post# 1131006 , Reply# 5   10/12/2021 at 08:53 (899 days old) by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA)        

jamiel's profile picture
Surprised it's made in the USA...so much of that stuff is coming from China these days.

Post# 1131019 , Reply# 6   10/12/2021 at 12:38 (898 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

John, I do have concerns about cleaning.  I'll have to be careful with what I use on it.  Owner's manual says nothing abrasive but is OK with liquid BKF.  I think I'll use spray bottle cleaners whenever possible.  Thanks for your vote of confidence in this particular GE product.

 

Jamie, I was surprised as you were to see that it's made in the U.S.   There are stamps on the underside of the burner caps for both GE and "Mabe," which I thought was a Mexican brand but appears to be Philippines-based per their URL.  I'd much rather see "Mabe" than "Haier," that's for sure.


Post# 1131050 , Reply# 7   10/13/2021 at 10:39 (897 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
Re; cleaning

The grates can go in the D/W on pots&pans, or pressure washed at home or a car wash. That way they won't need steam cleaning or painting. Weekly scouring helps too. The stainless is no problem.

Post# 1131059 , Reply# 8   10/13/2021 at 15:37 (897 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

nmassman44's profile picture
I know with the GE gas range that I had I adored the performance of that stovetop. That center burner has plenty of heating power to get the job done. Also with my cooktop that the burners came right out to make cleanup a breeze. One thing though, at least with the cast iron grates that I had, one cannot put them into the dishwasher or they will discolor. Cleanup of the grates meant that they were hand washed. And the other thing I have the motto lately that ...if its free, its for me! lol

Post# 1131062 , Reply# 9   10/13/2021 at 16:18 (897 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        
Ralph

chachp's profile picture

 

I have a Samsung cooktop very similar to this.  I have tried a few products for cleaning the stainless steel and honestly, what works best, is a microfiber cloth from warm water.  If you have some wash water in the sink from dishes you can use that too if its a little greasy.  Just ring it out until it almost feels dry.  I find if I do a quick wipe after each use it stays really nice. 

 

I used to let it go for a few days and it was a little more involved to clean as things burn on. The grates.  Well they are another story.  I mostly put them in the sink, spray with a degreaser I have from Norwex (the name of the company) and that keeps them pretty good.  I don't do those every time.  Maybe about once a week.  I have heard to put them in the diswasher but I have always been afraid they would discolor so I do them in the sink.


Post# 1131068 , Reply# 10   10/13/2021 at 17:17 (897 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Thanks Mike and Ralph for sharing cleaning tips, and yes, since it was free, it was definitely for me!  I can tell from the finish that the stainless isn't going to be as easy to clean as what I currently have, but that trade-off is a no-brainer for me.

 

I had a similar experience with hefty grates on the Electrolux ICON range at our previous house.  I cleaned them in the resin laundry basin so as not to scratch up the cast iron/porcelain kitchen sink.   They were more substantial than those on the Cafe, and since I have a stainless sink now, I may be able to confine cleaning routines to the kitchen.


Post# 1131082 , Reply# 11   10/13/2021 at 21:47 (897 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

My Seimen's cook top indicates not to put the grates in the DW, I do 4 or 5 times a year and after a decade of use no issues.  A lot of stuff  like that is CYA by the manufacturer.


Post# 1131089 , Reply# 12   10/14/2021 at 01:21 (897 days old) by bigalsf (Salt Lake City)        

We have this exact cooktop.  We got it during our remodel and like it very much.  I have the 30" version; i believe yours is 36".   My husband does the majority of the cooking and he has had no issue with the burner layout or available space.  It does have the back-lit knobs and a griddle; yours should too.  

 

Cleaning a gas cooktop is never fun, but it honestly is not that bad on this unit.  I do most of the cleaning and all I use is Windex and a microfiber cloth.  Once or twice a month I wash the burners and caps in hot soapy water.  I do not wash the grates in the dishwasher; they clean easily in the sink and there's no danger of fading. 

 

The only thing to be cautious about is the knobs; they scratch easily so be careful when shifting pots/pans around.  Also the black rubber rests for the grates can pop out when cleaning.  Just be careful when wiping around the ledge they sit in. 

 

NIB & Free!  Great score!   

 

Post# 1131108 , Reply# 13   10/14/2021 at 10:22 (896 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Thanks for the additional tips!

 

One concern I forgot to mention is the verbiage and graphics for the controls.  I think scrubbing would not be a good idea, even with Windex.  I have an older GE OTR microwave and a lot of that has worn off, particularly on the labeled buttons, just from use.


Post# 1131109 , Reply# 14   10/14/2021 at 10:57 (896 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
window cleaner

combo52's profile picture

Is not likely to affect the lettering around the controls, the main things that cause the lettering to wear off are abrasive cleaners, lye based oven cleaners and leaving greasy residue on the lettering for long periods of time before cleaning.

 

John L.


Post# 1131125 , Reply# 15   10/14/2021 at 14:33 (896 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Thanks John.

 

I'm going to be careful with cleaning for sure.


Post# 1131351 , Reply# 16   10/18/2021 at 07:22 (893 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
I use Windex

on the entire cooktop for quick clean-up. Once in a while I use stainless steel cleaner on it. The Windex has not harmed the script on the control panel.
One woman posted a youtube video of her Profile range blaming GE for it ruined from cleaning. She obviously used an abarsive cleanser or scouring pad.


Post# 1131352 , Reply# 17   10/18/2021 at 07:42 (893 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        
I clean mine everyday

chachp's profile picture

 

I wipe mine down every day, some times multiple times a day.  I use a damp microfiber cloth and occasional a spray degreaser liquid if its really bad.  My lettering looks the same as it did the day it was installed.


Post# 1131357 , Reply# 18   10/18/2021 at 09:26 (893 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
I agree with the everyday cleaning routine. Leaving grease on a stove, especially the control knobs will more likely cause the lettering to soften and come off than using a cloth and soap and water or Windex will. Hardened grease is a whole lot more difficult to get off than freshly spattered grease that will easily wipe off..

Eddie


Post# 1131361 , Reply# 19   10/18/2021 at 11:35 (892 days old) by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA)        

jamiel's profile picture
people use those scrubbing sponges and think they don't have any effect--the only ones safe are the white ones...green ones will ruin anything smooth.

Post# 1131363 , Reply# 20   10/18/2021 at 11:56 (892 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        
Green Scrub Sponges

ea56's profile picture
Yes Jamie, those green Scotch Brite scrubbing sponges tear the sh*t out of smooth surfaces. I recently purchased a nice small Range Kleen boiler pan. I foolishly broiled some boneless chicken breasts with Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ sauce and didn’t cover the top with foil like I always do.

Even after soaking the burnt on BBQ sauce was difficult to get off so I stupidly used a green scrubbing sponge. This past Thursday when I took out the broiler pan to use I noticed some hair line scratches in the finish. Once again a lesson learned the hard way.

BTW, when using a broiler pan ALWAYS put about 1/2” of water in the lower pan and you won’t have a burnt on mess to clean, makes cleaning a broiler pan a breeze, especially if you also cover the top grill with foil and make cuts with a small knife thru the foil that match the slits in the grill so the juices drain into the water below. Another “Hint from Heloise”, LOL!

Eddie


Post# 1131365 , Reply# 21   10/18/2021 at 12:34 (892 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

More useful info.  Liquid spray cleaners only for sure, or as mentioned above, just microfiber and plain water for routine wipe-downs.  Thanks to all! 

 

Now that I've learned I won't need to host a large group for a friend's 60th at the end of the month, I'll be testing out the cooktop and if everything works as it should, I'll get someone over here to cut the granite countertop and enlarge the opening.  I didn't want to take any chances that the project wouldn't be completed in time.

 

All I need is a couple of fittings and maybe a short length of 1/2" black pipe.  The biggest part of the job will be pulling out the electric oven below so I'll have room to work.  I've seen it done.  It has handles on top, but it's heavy, so I intend to slide it onto a platform I'll rig up.


Post# 1131367 , Reply# 22   10/18/2021 at 13:17 (892 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Vinegar is a good degreaser, safe to use and effective. I have vinegar in a spray bottle and use it with a dry microfibre cloth.

Post# 1131370 , Reply# 23   10/18/2021 at 14:24 (892 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

Wow, lots of differing ideas as to care.  Me?  When I do a cleanup I have a sink full of hot water and a good amount of Dawn. Dish cloth or paper towels are used to clean counter tops and cook top.  Sos pad on the SS cooktop if needed to remove the heat discoloration.  I've used Bar Keepers powder as well, no damage in the 12-14 years I've had the cooktop.


Post# 1131371 , Reply# 24   10/18/2021 at 15:07 (892 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Matt and Louis, it seems to be more about the applicator than the choice of cleaners, except for abrasive ones like cleanser.  My plan is to allow a liquid cleaner such as vinegar, Windex, Simple Green, etc. or a solution with Dawn, to sit and loosen up anything that may require it, then use a non-abrasive applicator to wipe or persuade off anything that's stuck on.  I have several options in my household cleaning stash that I can choose from.  Ideally, I'll be able to address spills, drips or splatters quickly before they have a chance to harden and cause trouble.


Post# 1131374 , Reply# 25   10/18/2021 at 15:17 (892 days old) by chachp (North Little Rock, AR)        

chachp's profile picture

 

 

Ideally, I'll be able to address spills, drips or splatters quickly before they have a chance to harden and cause trouble.

 

For me that is the key.  I wipe them up right away or as soon as I can after cooking and it stays pretty nice.  My hubby is a wonderful cook but he is NOT a neat cook.  I used to try to do it once a week or so but letting sit that long was just too time consuming to clean.  I would literally have to dismantle the cooktop and clean each piece.  This is much faster in the long run.


Post# 1131376 , Reply# 26   10/18/2021 at 16:46 (892 days old) by SudsMaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
.
In my experience, the blue Scotch-Brite sponge pads do not cause scratching of stainless steel an other surfaces. The packaging says they are OK for Teflon cookware as well.

The yellow and green Scotch-Brite pads are generally to be avoided. Too abrasive.


Post# 1131386 , Reply# 27   10/18/2021 at 19:10 (892 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

On my high output burner I find the SS get brown even after cleaning. Not terrible but annoying.  I used to think SS was rugged, but I have a lid on my large stock pot that has discolored SS and nothing I've tried will resolve it. I think it was in the oven and the lid was near the broiler which caused the discoloration.


Post# 1131394 , Reply# 28   10/18/2021 at 21:16 (892 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Matt, that's good to know.  I have a feeling the center burner will be my go-to for most things, but even if the SS around it discolors, at least it will boil a big pot of water for pasta, keep it boiling after the pasta goes in, and will also do an excellent job on pan-seared steaks.  My current two gas burners that function correctly can't manage either task. 

 

The ability to cook with adequate heat is worth the trade-off, and since the GE was free, I'll have no room to complain that I spent too much for a cooktop with a surface that can't take the heat.


Post# 1131623 , Reply# 29   10/22/2021 at 01:50 (889 days old) by askolover (South of Nash Vegas, TN)        

askolover's profile picture

Mr. Clean magic eraser.  I use them on the stainless interior of my Sharp convection/microwave without any problems.



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy