After checking out multiple options for my new home, I opted for a cooking range with gas burners and an electric hot plate. And while there are some superb ones, it all depends on your requirements and how best you intend to make use of it.
For ex., you have cooking ranges which have an all gas option, an all electric option and some with mixed features. The companies I checked out were Kaff, Gilma, Glen, Sunflame and Whirlpool(Faber cooking range in collaboration with Faberkraft, a Pune based firm).
I really did love Kaff, with its superb finish and bigger specs for the gas grill and oven( The model I saw was priced at 68k). However they did not have any models which included an electronic hot plate. Let me explain why we opted for the combo. In case I ran out of gas, and there was a wait period, the cooking could be done on the electric hot plate without any additional induction cooktops or other devices. That was the only rationale behind my thinking.
The only ones I got the time to check out were - Gilma, Glen, Sunflame and Faber which had specific models with my requirements.(Faber EV 631 ADX priced at 46000)(Sunflame Exotica GTSS Super Dx TRB priced at 25000)(GLEN GL 2023 PLTR priced at 25000). Faber opted to provide an all electric oven and grill with 3 gas burners and one hot plate. The others gas grill and an electric oven with 3 gas burners and an electric hot plate.
You can obtain a reduction based on dealer discounts. Also, if you prefer to go for the models without the auto ignition, expect an additional 1000 waved off the overall cost.(The prices I have quoted come with auto ignition of gas burners)
There was no cost justification for the higher cost of Faber’s model as all the three had similar service records. The other factor which made a difference was that Glen, Faber and Kaff simply imported the replacement and fitted it in case of service. Here is where Sunflame scored. They do service it and replacement is cheaper as parts are locally made. It is light on your pockets. And Sunflame is no pushover as it has been in the market for over 15 years already. The dealer(Pots and Pans, CMH road)even referred me to check with people who had it installed for over 15 years. I feel, it fully justified the pricing.
As for the dimensions, the Sunflame model is 51, 63 cm while the Faber model is 60 cms with a height of 89 cms.(You need to know the correct size for fitting into the kitchen interior work. The other models are in a comparable size.). The only factor regardless of make which you must consider is that the unit must be easily replaceable without much rework to the interior trim of the kitchen setup. Life for these products is expected to be 10-15 years. In case you opt for a different make, then the dimensions must be considered. Hence it is recommended to have the granite slab extend by a feet without spoiling the interior work.
If anyone of you are using it, please pass your comments on the running/ service issues. Have you experienced any frequent problems with it? What type of issues can I accept? What are the issues I need to pay attention to? The home will be occupied after June.