GE Cafe 36" Gas Cooktop

[rp2813]

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.

[this post was last edited: 10/11/2021-22:07]

https://www.cafeappliances.com/appliance/Cafe-36-Gas-Cooktop-CGP95362MS1?bvstate=pg:2/ct:q

 

[mattl]

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.

 

[ea56]

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

 

[rp2813]

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.

 

[combo52]

Newer GE Gas Cook-Tops

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.

 

[jamiel]

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

 

[rp2813]

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.

 

[vacerator]

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.

 

[nmassman44]

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

 

[chachp]

Ralph

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">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. </span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">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.</span>

 

[rp2813]

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.

 

[mattl]

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.

 

[bigalsf]

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!   

 

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[rp2813]

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.

 

[combo52]

window cleaner

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.

 

[rp2813]

Thanks John.

 

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

 

[vacerator]

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.

 

[chachp]

I clean mine everyday

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">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.</span>

 

[ea56]

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