11 replies to this topic

[Franci]

When I lived in SF, 10 years ago,the majority of the stoves were electric and since then, besides some short periods, I've been cursed with the electric stove plague.
Now we are thinking of relocating to SD. How is the situation there? Condos have electric stoves and houses gas?

Thank you

[dougal]

... I've been cursed with the electric stove plague.
...

While you are in Monaco/France, you really should try and take the opportunity of having a go with induction, and maybe talking with a user or two -- its much more commonly found in France than the US, I believe.
There are various induction threads here, but your present location should offer more (or easier) scope for some 'hands-on' personal experience before what can be a significant purchase.

I actually think that an electric induction hob is pretty good to live and work with.
Absence of the prospect of a gas supply should no longer be an automatic deal-breaker in choice of dwelling.

[Anna N]

I know I am becoming annoyingly repetitive and evangelistic but this is my "conversion" from a crappy electric range to a great induction range . I have removed all the electric coils so there is no chance of accidently turning on the heat under the induction hobs. The downside to my arrangement is that if I want to use the oven I have to move the hobs off to the side but they remain perfectly useable.






One day I will replace the cheap but perfectly adequate Salton hob with a matching Eurodib hob (or perhaps I will explore the dual-hob Eurodib). And when my ship comes in I will buy a full induction range. I simply could never go back to those damn coils. I also have a small table-top butane stove if I need an extra cooking surface or need to char something.

[Franci]

While you are in Monaco/France, you really should try and take the opportunity of having a go with induction, and maybe talking with a user or two -- its much more commonly found in France than the US, I believe.
There are various induction threads here, but your present location should offer more (or easier) scope for some 'hands-on' personal experience before what can be a significant purchase.

Thank you, Dougal. That's was I was planning to do, before the possibility of a imminent relocation came out. Now, if we move and we like it, I'm sure we would rent for some time and eventually buy. So, that's why I asked the question. If I don't have other choice I would definitely buy induction, but I'd prefer a mix gas and induction

Anna, your system is ingenious! I'll consider it. Too bad that the voltage is different, otherwise I'll copy your idea and buy something like that right now.

[Dave Hatfield]

Its no accident that most all restaurant kitchens use gas hobs.

Heat intensity, control and you can use any cooking utensils you like.

Its only if you've been stuck with old fashioned electric rings that you will think induction is wonderful.

[Anna N]

Its no accident that most all restaurant kitchens use gas hobs.

Heat intensity, control and you can use any cooking utensils you like.

Its only if you've been stuck with old fashioned electric rings that you will think induction is wonderful.

But don't forget the other advantages of induction esp. in the home kitchen:

The easiest of all to clean.
Pan handles don't get hot.
Kitchen stays cool.
Pots don't get dirty.

I am not in the least prejudiced!

[Dave the Cook]

Its no accident that most all restaurant kitchens use gas hobs.

Heat intensity, control and you can use any cooking utensils you like.

More or less true (and also true for a good electric), but those are not the reasons restaurants use gas. They use it because when you run ranges 12 to 14 hours a day, the difference in price between gas and electric becomes substantial.

ETA: I've been using a Miele induction top when teaching classes for the last few months. I don't find it a very impressive performer, though I admit that everything Anna says is correct.

Edited by Dave the Cook, 03 June 2010 - 04:29 PM.

[heidih]

It really depends on the age of the apartment, condo or house. There was a brief period where "all electric" was the fad. I have never encountered an electric range or oven in any of my apartments or homes in Southern California. Hope that eases your mind. Induction fascinates me, but we shall see..

[blue_dolphin]

.... I have never encountered an electric range or oven in any of my apartments or homes in Southern California. Hope that eases your mind. Induction fascinates me, but we shall see..

This is my experience as well though I now have an electric wall oven. I had some great older gas stoves in rental apts. Some of the newer low end stoves have lower power burners and I found them disappointing. I'll add that the idea of a gas dryer was most alarming to me at first, but gas has generally been less expensive than electricity in this area so you'll probably find it in rentals.

[kalypso]

I live in San Diego. New and newer construction is more likely to have gas, it's not that uncommon here. Condos are going to be more likely to be gas than apartments. Some of the bigger apartment complexes catering to young professionals are going to have gas.

At the risk of incurring the ire of eGullet, you're probably going to get more help on San Diego specific questions on Chowhound. There is a San Diego board that is very, very active. Unfortunately, the CA board here on eGullet tends to go in spurts and the information specific to SD is pretty sparse. I have to say the people are nicer on this board, but you'll get more answers to your San Diego specfic questions here at this link

[Franci]

Well, thanks everybody! There were two things bugging me: food shopping and gas stove. Now I feel much better

[Icanmakeit]

It really depends. If it's an apt. electric connections are cheaper than gas. I hate electric ranges but in my younger days, managed to make do. For people who don't cook or don't have a preference it will more than likeley be electric.