I have really enjoyed all of the discussion, regarding the smooth top stoves. I have *played* with the idea, myself...but, have found amongst my friends, that those who have them, are not that over-all pleased.
One thing, that I would really like to mention is...that I learned to cook on a *gas stove* and when I moved to Georgia in 1984, I HAD to learn how to *re-cook*, since only electric stoves where available to me. That doesn't mean, that there are NO *gas stoves*, in Georgia, just that I happened to live in areas, where *gas* was not available.
Bottom line, it took me literally years, [I would honestly say about a good 5 years, even more,] to really get the *knack* of how to cook with electric. BUT...there is ONE thing, that I really LOVE about an electric stove...
the control knobs are on the back top, of the stove!!!
Why, I even mention this...is that should there be a lot of small children around, I think this is a wonderful *safety factor*.
All *gas stoves* have the control knobs, right up front, when little hands can reach, without much difficulty. Ovens can be turn on, and while most of today's *gas stove/ovens* have electric ignitors, just let one go out and you have an open *gas* flow. I did have a *gas stove* with the ignitors, and the ignitor element did go out, so I had to light my top burners, with a match, until I could get it fixed.
I do realize that the above scenerio is not common...but, it is something to consider. I may be 60 years old, but I have 8 grandkids ranging from 21 years to 5 months, so, that is a factor, that I would take into great consideration.
Now, that is just my thoughts, on the subject and I want to thank ALL of you, for a very interesting and lively discussion.