EmailBest Reviewed
Cooktops
- Budget-priced smooth electric cooktop Kenmore 42732 *Est. $630
- Electric smoothtop cooktop, touch controls GE Profile PP945BMBB *Est. $1050
- Best value, gas cooktop GE JGP637WEJWW *Est. $800
- Best gas cooktop GE JGP975WEKWW *Est. $1200
- Electric induction cooktop Kenmore Elite 42800 *Est. $1850
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Budget-priced smooth electric cooktop
- Heats quickly
- Simmers well
- Easy to clean
- Top may crack under high heat or weight
- Plastic knobs can get hot
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. The weak spot appears to be the temperature-control knobs: Several owners complain that they aren't well designed and can heat up along with the burners. The similar, but far more expensive GE Profile PP945BMBB (*Est. $1,050) doesn't fare any better in reviews than the Kenmore 42732, but the trouble-prone knobs are replaced by smooth, sleeker-looking digital controls. Feedback on the digital controls is good; opinion is divided on whether or not they're worth doubling your cooktop budget.
ConsumerReports.org, which bases its ratings on independent testing, offers the most reliable expert review of cooktops. The Kenmore 42732 and 12 other electric smoothtops are ranked according to how well they handle basic kitchen tasks like boiling water and melting chocolate. We also found a brief mention of the Kenmore 42732 at TheGreenGuide.com and a few owner-written reviews at Sears.com and Epinions.com.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports is well known for its independent testing and credible ratings. For the latest report on cooktops, editors test 13 electric smoothtops, including the Kenmore 42732. Each is rated and ranked according to features and performance.
Review: Cooktops and Wall Ovens, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Nov. 2008
2. Sears.com
Sears.com has a decent selection of appliance user reviews, including a handful on the Kenmore 42732. There's a large variation in ratings for this cooktop, and significant disagreement among contributors regarding its durability.
Review: Kenmore 30 in. Electric Cooktop with Radiant Elements, Contributors to Sears.com
3. Epinions.com
Epinions.com is a long-standing consumer review site that tends to attract better-than-average user reviews. In the case of the Kenmore 42732, though, entries are just average in length and depth. Owners give this cooktop a low average rating, with many complaining about the control knobs.
Review: Kenmore 42731 / 42739 / 42734 / 42732 30 in. Electric Cooktop, Contributors to Epinions.com
This overview discusses various cooking technologies from microwaves to full ranges. Reviewer P.W. McRandle describes the Kenmore 42732 as a bargain electric cooktop, but no further detail is given.
Review: An Option of Ranges, P.W. McRandle, Dec. 2007
Like Epinions.com, Viewpoints.com is a consumer review site not associated with any specific online retailer. There are a couple brief reviews here that give the cooktop an above-average rating.
Review: Kenmore Kitchen Cooktop 42732, Contributors to Viewpoints.com
