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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Electric induction cooktop
- Heats quickly
- More efficient than gas, electric models
- Easy to clean
- Cooktop stays cool to the touch
- Requires metallic cookware
- Expensive to repair
- Learning curve
The Kenmore Elite 42800 is an induction cooktop, meaning it uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pan directly. The advantages of this method are energy conservation and safety: The cooktop itself doesn't get hot enough to ignite paper. The disadvantage, besides price, is that it can only be used with cookware made of magnetic material like cast iron or stainless steel. If your heart isn't set on induction technology, you might want to consider a standard electric cooktop like the top-rated GE Profile PP945BMBB (*Est. $1,050) or the budget Kenmore 42732 (*Est. $630). If you'd rather stick with induction, reviewers say the Kenmore Elite 42800 performs comparably to high-priced models from designer brands like Viking and Electrolux.
ConsumerReports.org is the standout cooktop reviewer with separate ratings for electric, gas and induction models. The Kenmore Elite 42800 is subjected, along with eight other induction cooktops, to tests designed to simulate standard home kitchen cooking tasks. If you're considering the Kenmore Elite 42800, Sears.com is worth a visit for its good selection of user reviews. Epinions.com has a handful of posts as well.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors at ConsumerReports.org rate the Kenmore Elite 42800 along with eight other induction cooktops. What's particularly useful about this review is that each model is actually tested before being ranked for features and performance.
Review: Cooktops and Wall Ovens, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Nov. 2008
2. Sears.com
There are enough user reviews -- about 40 -- of the Kenmore Elite 42800 induction cooktop to add up to a useful assessment of how this model performs in the kitchen. Owners give it very positive feedback with kudos for safety, heating speed and ease of clean-up.
Review: Stainless Steel w/Black Kenmore Elite 30 in. Electric Induction Cooktop, Contributors to Sears.com
3. Epinions.com
Epinions.com has several useful owner-written reviews of the Kenmore Elite 42800 induction cooktop. Consumers rate this model very high overall, giving it good feedback for heating and cooling quickly and safely.
Review: Kenmore 42800 Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop, Contributors to Epinions.com
