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36' drop in cooktop, dcs vs. dacor

16 years ago

Ok...after measuring, researching and going just about nuts I think i;ve narrowed it down to these two units:

The DCS CTD365 and the DACOR PGM365.

I'd really appreciate input from those that have either unit.

Although I considered the Wolf, it would require a 1/2" widening of the granite, which just isn't possible.

I'm also considering the Blue Star, but it sounds like that won't be available until November. Plus i'm concerned the open burners will be a nightmare to clean.

Finally, although the Caldera's specs are nice the buttons just don't fly with the boss.

Thanks a million

Eric

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Comments (7)

golf4food
16 years ago
I have the 36" dual fuel range and absolutely love the sealed burners. One of my friends bought the Blue Star and hates the open burners saying they can never get it clean enough. Plus, DCS offers 17,500 btu's as opposed to 15k with the competition. I really don't think you can go wrong with either one of your choices though. Good luck and happy cooking!
ericwarren
Original Author
16 years ago
i think im going to go with the dacor.

there appears to be an online seller on ebay selling for 1399. this is ~200 less than I can buy it for locally.
There is also a seller that i've heard of on here called distinctive appliances. Their price is somewhere in between.

Should i just splurge for the extra 200 to get it locally or try an online retailer?

really appreciate your input...
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It sounds like you are struggling with the same choice that I am - I've also narrowed it down to these 2 options for an LP 36" drop-in cooktop. One thing you might want to consider (as I am) is the warranty. The DCS one (from their manual, you can find on-line) is for 1 year FULL parts & labor covering the entire product + 5 years limited stainless steel main tops, parts only. The GE one (again from on-line manual) is a 1 year LIMITED warranty for parts & labor on entire product. I am meeting with an appliance guy tomorrow (who sells both) to pick his brain on the differences between the two options some more. I'll let you know what I find out - if you discover anything, please post! I've got to finalize this decision this week.
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Everybody has their favorite. The Dacor is a very nice unit. Don't worry about which is the absolute best. Take the deal. You will be very happy with the Dacor in the same way you would probably be very happy with just about any high end unit you may consider. The only reason to not do this is if you have viewed the Buestar videos on th Eurostoves website and are sold on this cast iron almost commercial unit. Otherwise they are all very similar. For me, I would not consider it. At virtually any reasonable cost, I would get a Bluesar. This unit aside, they are very similar. Wolf and Viking have an open burner unit but they are really both a real compromise. I would get what you are looking at if you are not presold as I have said. Most people think they want a conventional sealed burner unit.. If that is your mind set, don't worry about the brand, take the very good deal you have seen.
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I believe the Wolf range top comes with either sealed OR open burners, or just the open burners, while the cooktop comes with only sealed burners. The AG range comes with open burners, the DF range comes with sealed burners. If you go to the Wolf/SZ webstie, you can find out for sure (loads of info, pics, specs....on their site). FWIW, we recently got a Wolf AG range. The open burners have a very tight opening, so barring a spillover, it's not too likely that much is going to end up on the drip tray anyway (which you can just line with foil, and replace when needed--nobody sees it unless you slide out the tray). As for cleaning the black enamel burner pans/range top, you'd need to do that whether your burners were sealed or open. With open burners, you can lift out the pans themselves (3 of them), and bring to the sink to clean, or just spritz them with your preferred cleaner/de-greaser, and wipe clean (which is what I've done so far). I'm not too big on cleaning the burner rings (unless they're really messy from spills), and they are easy enough to lift up and then clean (burnt on stuff is probably just as difficult or easy to remove on most burners; open or sealed). Hope this helps!
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There is a thread already on the Dacor. I doubt you'll notice the 3k BTU difference in real world use. For me it really boils down to an astetic and feely choice. DO you like the knobs, color ect... on one better than another?
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illinichefjack
16 years ago
I have recently installed a Dacor ER36D range and have had serious problems with the cooktop. The burners worked initially ( 2 days ), but after running a self-clean on the oven, the burners would not work. It has been almost a month and Dacor, the service company and the retailer where I purchased has been unable to resolve the issue.

I am at the point where I am going to have to call the credit card company used for payment and demand satisfaction. I tried asking for a new unit to no avail thus far.

The oven is electric and still functions and I realize that a self clean should have nothing to do with cooktop function. They tried replacing the regulator ( had to pull the range completely out to get to the back ).

I just want to be able to cook my family a nice breakfast on Sunday mornings and have been unable to do so since we started our kitchen remodel in May.

I hope Dacor steps up tomorrow ( Monday ) with a quick resolution.

3 Days of work missed to try to get this resolved so far. So much for investing in a quality piece of equipment.
needanap
16 years ago
illini, sorry for your troubles. I hope it gets resolved soon. Please report back and let us know how things work out.

I have the Dacor PGM365 drop in cooktop and have been very pleased with it. I like the "sandblasted" surface under the grates and find it easy to clean. I don't have to worry about scratching. It has plenty of power with even heat and great control, the layout works well for my needs, and I love the little blue lights on the knobs. They remind me that a burner is still on if I leave a pot sitting there and don't see the flame underneath. I have had no trouble at all with it. It is a pleasure to use.
ericwarren
Original Author
16 years ago
thanks!
is it possible to email me a pic with the blue lights on?
ewarren423@gmail.com

i owe you one!
eric
needanap
16 years ago
Here you go, eric. 2 of the 5 burners are on. Hope this helps.
ericwarren
Original Author
16 years ago
looks beautiful! thanks for the pic....i'm sold

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