Flat top vs. coil Electric Stove?

We have a coil electric stove that was here when we bought the house, and it needs to be replaced badly. Over time the coils have become uneven and I'm sick of cooking everything on a slant. I grew up with a gas stove, and I loved it, but after 2 years I finally got used to the electric coils, somewhat. It would cost too much to run a gas line into the kitchen, so we have to decide between a flat top or a coil stove. I think the flat top will look nicer than the coils and be much easier to clean. Plus I won't have to worry about the cooking surface becoming uneven over time like I would with the coils. But can anyone who has one tell me how you like it? Does it hold up well? I'm picturing it getting all scratched up very quickly. If you have one and you like it, can you please recommend your brand? Thanks!

Re: Flat top vs. coil Electric Stove?

growing up we always had the electric stove with the coils. I hated them. the clean up was a pain in the azz!

My DH and I replaced our stove a few years ago with a glass top elctric one and LOVE It! I can not imagine ever going back to the coil type.

I use a special cleaner to clean and polish the surface....its easy and fast even with the worst baked on crap.

I am careful not to put anything that will scratch the surface....like stoneware baking dishes or pizza stones...they are rough but normal pots and pans, will not scratch it.

I can not remember the brand we have...but there are lots out there to choose from

Good Luck

Re: Flat top vs. coil Electric Stove?

Flat top. Mine IS scratched but because when we were moving in - we didn't have countertops yet so I used my cooktop as a counter top - unloaded all my dishes, pots, pans, etc. on top of it. I put two big scratches in it.

Regular wear and tear - cooking, moving around pots - no scratches from that.

I have a GE Profile - it does the job. If I had had a bigger budget to spend in the kitchen I would have went with an induction cook top. Like Electrolux.

Re: Flat top vs. coil Electric Stove?

I have a smooth top, but it's induction which means food won't cook onto the glass top unlike a standard electric glass/ceramic range. LOVE my induction range!

Message edited 12/29/2009 10:37:15 AM.

Re: Flat top vs. coil Electric Stove?

thanks for the input! I think we will go with a flattop. I just never had one and I don't know anyone who does, so I didn't know what to expect. But as long as it will hold up to normal wear and tear, then it should be better than the annoying ugly coils!