Love Affair With My Range

What in your life brings you joy? We all have the standard list, but I there are many times I find myself unexpectedly joyful over things minor and insignificant. They aren't essentials. In fact, I can live without most of my belongings and still find joy. But there is something magical I discover small things that bring me a smile.  Such is the case with my double oven induction range. 

When we moved into our current home ten years ago, the kitchen was barely functional. It was not only small, but it also wasn't laid out well.  Only one person could get in it at a time and when you opened the dishwasher to unload it, you couldn't reach the shelves you were going to put the dishes in.  

The one saving grace was a unique gas range I had never seen before.  It had a divided oven - a smaller one on top that held baking sheets, 9 x 13 casseroles and pie pans, and a bigger one on the bottom you could use with two shelves or wide open for a turkey. This was fully divided, not the kind with a slide in shelf.  I used that smaller top oven constantly. It heated quickly and saved energy.  The only thing it didn't do well was broil evenly. The larger bottom one I only used for holidays.

In 2023, we found ourselves an unexpected windfall. We chose to use it to renovate the kitchen in a way that would open it up and make more functional.  The stress of the process, especially as it was our first time renovating, was over the top.  I wasn't sure how we survived, but in the end it was all worth it.  Our new kitchen is more modern and is designed with a smarter use of its small footprint. I love it.

During the planning process we decided the dishwasher was shot and had to go, but the refrigerator and range could stay for now.  My husband really wanted to move to an electric range with induction top.  Gas ranges are the most popular, but they affect the air quality in the home in a negative way.  He worked in HVAC for over 40 years and understands the issue intimately, so I trusted his judgement. I wanted the same divided over with smaller oven on top. Trying to be frugal, we decided to keep our gas range for now, but have them prepare the needed electrical outlet so we could change in the future. 

The project manager changed our mind.  The counter tops are measured and cut to fit the range in place, so there was a small chance if we bought a new one down the road it wouldn't fit quite right. After much thought, we decided to move ahead. The next problem was finding an induction top electric range with the same small/large completely separate ovens. Turns out there was only one and it was pricey, the Café™ 30" Induction and Convection Double Oven Range made by GE. It was the best decision we would have made.

I think I have only used the large lower oven twice since we bought it and that was over the holidays. Everything else I've made in the energy saving smaller top oven or on the stovetop.  I discovered other pluses. And induction stovetop works with magnets.  Only the part of the pan in contact with the stovetop - the pan bottoms - get hot. The handles don't. I can grab them while cooking without worry.  The electric broiler in the top oven toasts more evenly that the gas range did, so I don't have to keep shifting things around. 

Another plus is when you pick the pan up off the burner, it  turns off.  No more finding a burner I forgot to turn off still on. What a great safety feature to have as I age. There is a short time delay so you can pick a pan up to flip or toss the ingredients. You just have to set it back down quickly. The burner turning off when no pan is on it, pan handles that don't get hot and no flame burning all make induction tops ranges very safe if you have young kids in the house.  They can turn the knobs on and nothing happens. 

Video explaining how induction stoves work.

There are downsides. You have to purchase special pans made a metal bottom that works with magnets.  Also the pans have to fit the circles indicated on the range top. If they are a lot bigger or smaller, the burner won't turn on.  There is a lot of variety circles on the range top, and 2 of the burners have 2 different ring sizes that work with 2 pan sizes.  My husband also told me there is also a section where you can put a rectangular grill pan, but I haven't tried that yet so I can't confirm. All-in-all I don't know how I ever lived without my Cafe Divided Induction Range before. I truly love it. 

I had a friend come over recently for a catch up chat and to see the new kitchen. At the end she said her favorite thing was the divided oven. It made my day as I totally agree. If we ever sell, it the only appliance I will probably take with me. Yes, I love it that much. 

Hey GE - need a spokesperson for your next ad?  I'm ready!