Kenmore 42732

The 30-inch Kenmore 42732 electric smoothtop cooktop is a consistent performer at a budget price, according to professional reviews. In testing, it outperforms some models that cost twice as much. Although professional testers give it good marks for low-heat cooking, not all owners agree; we read a few complaints that the Kenmore 42732 seems to run exclusively on high heat. Several owners also complain that the surface is easily damaged; some report minor scratching, while others describe more serious cracks that develop when something is dropped on the surface -- or even for no apparent reason at all. However, users agree that the smooth ceramic surface is easy to clean. The Kenmore 42732 has four heating elements, including a dual element that can be used for 6- or 9-inch pots. If your budget isn't limited, the LG LCE3081ST (*Est. $1,050) earns the best reviews for electric cooktops. It's much more expensive, but the cooktop performs consistently at both high and low temperatures.

ConsumerReports.org, which bases its ratings on independent testing, offers the most reliable expert review of cooktops. The Kenmore 42733 (a stainless-steel version of the 42732) and 26 other electric smoothtops are ranked according to how well they handle basic kitchen tasks such as boiling water and melting chocolate. We also found several owner-written reviews for the various versions of this cooktop at Sears.com, Epinions.com and Viewpoints.com.