WooHoo! How exciting and a great birthday gift. Can't wait to see it, and you, in your kitchen and hear how you like it.

Lee

Super!! Make sure to get some microfiber cloths to use when you clean that new baby! Looking forward to the photos!

Lucky you Lars! That looks like a lovely new addition to your kitchen. The oven is electric yes?

You're going to really enjoy cooking on those brand new gas elements!

Also looking forward to your photos.

SharonCb

Congratulations! Very good looking and sure to bring you many hours of enjoyment.

Oh Lars, I'm excited for you! Please show us pictures after it's installed & you are organized. That's a very nice Birthday present, BTW!

/tricia

oooh lars - that's a beauty! I know you'll put it to good use - can't wait for pics. I love my simmer burner, too.

Stacy

Lars, lovely stove and such a generous gift! I know you will enjoy using it!

Lars, First let me say Happy Birthday...I somehow missed your birthday thread.

I remember you "talking" about your old stove and how you were considering a new one. Congrats! I can't wait to see pictures.

Lars, I think it is a very nice stove! What a great birthday gift, too!

I envy you having a gas range! I hate my electric, but with no natural gas out here in the boonies and the price of propane off the charts, I don't have much choice.

Linda

I can't wait to see pictures of your new stove in its new setting. happy birthday Lars. I actually had your name on my calendar a week ago that said, "send Lars a card." But, me, well I just didn't get it done. But I thought of you, as if that's any consolation.
Sherry

Lars,

Congratulations! There are not many things more inspiring in a kitchen than a new range.

All of us at the forum will be watching our mailboxes for the cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, baklava, 500 degree pizzas, and all the other things you'll be sending.

Happy Birthday!

michaelp

Sherry, I appreciate your thought and think of you every day when I make tea each morning using the beautiful electric kettle you sent. I think of Ann T also when I use the strainer each day that she sent me years ago!

Michael, it's true that I will get back into baking again -- something I had not been able to do successfully for way too many years now. I used to bake professionally, and so I guess it's in my blood. I think I'm really going to have to pace myself or else I'm going to end up with way too many baked goods.

The oven is gas, the same as the range. I sort of considered an electric oven with a gas range but decided that the cost of electricity would make it somewhat impractical. Also, I want to avoid blowing the circuit breakers, which happens if I try to use the dryer, toaster oven, and microwave all at the same time.

I'm looking forward to making fruit tarts this summer, although I really don't make many desserts any more - except at holidays. I'm especially looking forward to making high heat roasted chicken - something I've only been able to do on my barbeque so far, although that was always a good option, if somewhat less convenient.

I'll definitely look into the microfiber cleaning cloths, Ellen. Do they sell them at Ralphs and Gelson's, or do I need to go to a hardware store? I bought a black range because I thought it would not show dirt as much, but I still want to keep it looking new as long as possible.

I have to say also that I will be happy to have four working burnings for a change. Only three work on the old stove, and there are times when I want to use all four at the same time. The broken one on the old stove is in the most convenient position for use (It would have to be, wouldn't it?), and that is where my new 14,000 BTU burner will be. This alone will make a world of difference for me.

I went to Surfa's yesterday and bought some cooking racks that I'd wanted for some time, and I also bought a red silicon spoon, like the one I sent Diane in a previous swap. I should have bought myself one back then, but at least I have it now.

I'm losing some storage space with the new stove. The old one is 36" wide - the space is 41" wide, and the new one is 30" wide. I'm not sure how I will deal with the gaps. I might build something to go between the counter and the stove, like I did in my kitchen in Austin.

Lars

Beautiful looking stove Lars. You will enjoy it I am sure. Can't wait to see some of that baking of yours.

Shelley

Congratulations Lars, I'm so proud for you. It's a nice looking stove and I would swap my glasstop electric for it in a heartbeat!

Beverly

Lars, microfiber cleaning cloths are wonderful - but, don't buy any. Just watch your snail mail midweek!

Lee

Lars, what great news! And the excitement you're feeling at getting a new stove is so cool to see:-) May you cook happily on it (and in it!) for many, many years, and may all of your culinary creations be delicious and satisfying. So, whatcha gonna make first?
DONNA

P.S. - I love my gas cooktop.

Lee, you shouldn't have!! But I will check my mail dutifully.

I'm actually hoping to do some video in my kitchen now. The stove was the only thing holding me back. I have a good tripod, and so I could do it myself without help, possibly. Now I just have to think about what I'm going to wear... I might make a new apron to help celebrate the occasion - I have fabric that Maartje gave me for that specific purpose.

I have no idea what I will make first - I'm not good at planning more than a day in advance, since I tend to be a bit whimsical. There will definitely be photos, if not a video. I need to do a check on the lighting and sound for video - especially the lighting, although I think that can be corrected in Adobe Premiere, once I learn how to use it.

Lars

That is a beautiful stove! It looks alot like mine which is a GE Profile (13 years old). I like the coloring, very pretty. I have the high output burner and simmer burner on mine too and I livoe them. You can bring a big pot of water up to a boil so fast, and keep gravy at a very gentle simmer. I hope you get many years of joyful use from your new stove.

Joanne

Lars, It's lovely. And after struggilng so long with that bruned out element and a wanky over temp, you're going to be thrilled with it, I just know it.

And having baked in a friend's gas (also Frigidaire) oven recently, I think you may find they are more consistent than previously.

We didn't have access to gas in KY, but I had a Frigidaire electric there and was very pleased with it (far more pleased than I am with the Maytag POS in this kitchen, even if it IS gas.)

Do you know any metal workers? You might be able to have a dtainless "bridge" fitted for between the counter and stove -- would match the stove and heat/fire resistant.

What a super birthday gift - nice looking stove. I'm sure you will have many years of enjoyment with it. I can't wait to see some pictures of stuff being cooked up in your kitchen.

I know lots of metal workers - I am a furniture designer after all, and a lot of the furniture I've designed is metal. Some of them will even do small jobs for free. I hadn't thought of doing anything in metal, but that is a good idea, and I can design something that will fit exactly and look nice as well. As it is now, there is a lot of spillage between the stove and the counter, and that's something I would like to avoid.

I just finished a new metal sconce design last week. I did one version that is all metal and one that uses metal and glass. I hope it gets made because I really like the design. My boss has been sick for the past two weeks and has not looked at anything I've done during that time. I have a new chaise design for her to look at as well, but it is wood and upholstery. Several of the designs I worked on recently are being installed in the next two weeks.

Lars

Lars, I'm rushing now, but microfiber cloths can be found at Target or BB&B, I'd skip the markets, although they probably have them too. I don't recall if you do Costco, but they have them sometimes in the automotive area.
Here's another place that I've bought from---
or you can Google around for more...

Here is a link that might be useful: Microfiber cloths

Is it really a sad commentary when we all celebrate a friend's new appliance? Hope you have so much fun. When I got my warming drawer, I know friends and family thought I was a little over the top with excitement.

As far as micro fiber cloths, I have a ton of them and a variety of brands. But I just bought a MysticMaid MC cloth and love it. It is outrageously priced at $10 for 1 plus S&H (how much could it cost to S&H on light weight cloth).

Have fun!

Glad you were able to figure out I meant stainless and not dainless. LOL! (I'm supposed to get new glasses soon, but I doubt they're going to help much.)

I thought I remember you said you'd done some designs in metal, but I wasn't sure. So, maybe call in a favor and you'll have an eaxy solution and a good looking one as well. :)

My mother hated receiving appliances as gifts. One year my father gave her a vacuum cleaner for Christmas, and she got really mad. After that I picked out the presents he gave her. Personally, I couldn't be happier with a new stove. I agree with Mustangs that it could be a sad commentary, but then whatever makes you happy... People give cars as gifts, but I think this is better, and even though I could use a new car, it would not bring me as much joy and pleasure. I hate driving (and I've been told I'm not good at it), but I love to bake and haven't been able to since forever ago. I'm trying to contain my excitement, however, for fear of appearing silly. I may have to put a moratorium on videos for a few days to avoid embarrassing moments.

Lars

Oh balderdash! It's NOT silly at all, IMO. If it makes you happy to receive it and it made him happy to give it, I'd call that pretty much a perfect gift. :) (And let's face it, he's got to he happy, too, since he eats there. LOL!) If I remember correcly, you've been nursing the old oven along for at least as long as I've been posting here. New paint, new floor, now new oven -- heck, I'd be positively giddy about it myself.

Psst...I know someone who got a new toilet from her mom for Christmas. She was ecstatic because the old one was 50 years old, ugly, leaky and noisy. So if you think being happy over a new oven is a little silly? Imagine writing a gushing thank you note for a new toilet. LOL!

You're worrying me with the extension cord thing. Please triple check that you're matching cord weight and such! We don't want your christening of the oven to be with a fire hose!

I think you will be more than happy with that model Lars. I bought the electric version last year up at the cabin as gas was not an option for me. It baked perfectly and the smooth top burners worked great for me. It is now in my garage, and I'll use it for back-up when having big parties. I'll do my canning out there too this summer. Knowing you worked with pastry and baking...I can't wait to see what you start making. Enjoy it...I know you will!

David

I'll check the cord, but I think it should be fine. It's a pretty heavy duty extension cord, and it is a gas stove. The electricity is just for igniting the burners and running the clock, as well as regulating the oven. It really shouldn't be using that much electricity, but then I've never had electric starters - that's going to take some getting used to.

David, I'm glad you approve of the model. It's going to be a slight adjustment for me, but I should be able to start baking again pretty soon. My next project is to clear out the fridge and freezer! I need to make space for the lunches I will be making for DB to take to work. I do think DB was thinking in the back of his mind what I would be able to make for us once I got a new stove. And then maybe he got tired of hearing my complain about the oven. While I did not consider it worthwhile to get a new stove just to be able to make pizza and breads, I do think the improved range will be a great help - especially since the hot burner will now be exactly where I want it, and I use that every day. I'm looking forward to giving parties again.

Lars

Don't try to contain your excitement one bit Lars. The rest of us would be singing it to the rooftop if we were to get a new stove we wanted too. If I ever get mine I intend to tell the world!

Beverly

Lars,

I have received a lot of utilitarian gifts over the year and often loved them best. Perhaps it is not so stylish to get a sewing machine, or a cordless drill, or a weed whacker, but I've always clapped my hands together of those new toys. Even a yarn swift put a smile on my face.

Sure I like a bit of jewelry, but I can make anything with it, now can I?

I think a stove is the perfect creative toy.

Bubbe

I am sooooooo jealous that you have all gas! We have a gas range and electric oven. Electricty rates are outrageous so I try to cook with gas (range and grill) when possible.

Only a CFer and foodie can appreciate how wonderful this gift is!

make that over the years, plural. I don't get lots of gifts in one year. LOL

I hear your pain, Jessy. We are all electric in CT, stove and double ovens. :(

Bubbe...

We switched our SE CT kitchen over to propane so I've got a dual-fuel range. The propane is really inexpensive. Costs less than $7/month. In NH, I had an electric range & was determined to get back to gas. I think it only cost around $200 to have the propane lines installed. You lose a few BTU with propane but not enough to notice. I've got 17K BTU on both power burners which is all my skill levels will handle anyway. :)

/tricia

Check out Lars' new stove.

Um nice try Ann - I think you double pasted the link in the addy bar

Check out Lar's new stove

Here is a link that might be useful: gallery link

OOOOPS.......Thanks Jessica.

Lars, congratulations on the new stove! I think it was the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook and bake.

I have a suggestion for your gap next to the stove. If I understand correctly, you'll have 11 inches there--just short of a standard 12-inch cabinet. But you could either buy a 9-inch cabinet and trim a filler to extend the front to the full width of the space, or, with your woodworking skills, you could build a custom-made box to the exact specifications. Top with the metal counter strip, as you were thinking, or any countertop material. Then, you could put in a divider, to make it a tray cabinet for cookie sheets, racks, etc, or install pullouts for oils, condiments, spices, etc., and maybe a drawer, too, for potholders and utensils.

I have two 9-inch cabinets, one of each kind, and they are amazingly convenient. In a small kitchen, it's wonderful when you can make good use of every inch of space.

Enjoy your new stove!

Sue

I agree with Sue, I have a nine inch cab for trays and another as a pull out for oils and sauces and they are handy little cabinets! Enjoy, it looks great!

Beautiful stove, Lars. Don't even try to hold back your excitement. I cooked for many years on a one burner electric hotplate and a microwave oven. Even fixed a full Thanksgiving dinner on them one year. Thought I was super lucky when after 5 years I got a slightly oversized toaster oven that I could bake a pie in. DH didn't understand why I wanted a stove - he thought I was fixing great meals. Eeesh! Finally got the lowest, least expensive range I could find, was in 7th heaven and let everyone know it. I'm happy to share your joy.

What a beautify, Lars, I saw it over on the gallery. Now I'm waiting for all those beautiful pictures of food!

I agree, I think any gift that you enjoy is a perfect gift. I wasn't happy the year I got a vacumn cleaner, but a stove? Now that's something else entirely!

Annie

Yay for new appliances and vintage oldies I like em both. If I had that space to utilize on the side I would like some sort of rack that slides in/out to hold cookie sheets and pizza pans making them easily accessible. They have to be one of the worst things for storing imho. Always banging and clattering trying to retrieve them from a cupboard or drawer. I hope you're wearing something smart for the new stove launching..
God bless this Frigidaire and all who cook on her!!!!!

It really looks great!

I'm so excited for you Lars! Can't wait to see pix of the new stove in it's new home. Anyone who loves to cook as much as you do deserves to have great toys to work with to make those happy meals happen! Congrats on your new equipment :)

WOW! It looks great!

I'm jealous about the gas, too. I live in SE CT as well, but DH doesn't want to stay and I doubt we'll spend the $$s to convert to propane... however long we are actually here!

As one of the few people on this forum who has seen Lars' old range in person, let me assure you that this *is* truly a cause for celebration! For someone who enjoys cooking as much as Lars, what a wonderful addition this will be to have a fully functioning unit!

I guess I better look in the kitchen again next time, to see that, the new floor and paint as well!

Hope you had a great birthday Lars!

Fortunately, there is no evidence left of my old stove - except perhaps in Scott's memory. You won't recognize the kitchen with new paint, floor, and stove. Now my pots and pans look shabby on the new stove. I'm sure I could clean them up, but I don't really know how. I used to have a roommate that cleaned everything, and he kept the pots shiny, although he seldom cooked. He put a lot of elbow grease into his cleaning - something that I have yet to learn. My old pans looked perfectly fine on the old stove, but now they are far from photogenic, and so I'm going to have to do something about that. I'm wondering if I can use oven cleaner on them. I've never used oven cleaner, and so I don't know much about that either.

I did have a great birthday, Scott, and I'm still giddy about the stove!! Oddly, most of the meals I make are stove top, and so I have yet to use the oven. I'm getting ready for that, however, although I'm also getting a lot more work that is going to cut into my cooking/baking time.

Lars

Lars, did you figure out how to use the oven yet? I read the manual online and have a few tips, if you need them.

Yes, Jessy, I did just use the oven yesterday. Here it is at work, baking my pizza:

{{gwi:1468520}}

Kevin showed me how to turn it off, but I was unconvinced at first. On page 15 there are instructions on how to adjust the oven temperature, but I'm going to check it with my thermometer again before I make any adjustments. I think my thermometer is correct, and since the oven settings go up to 550°, I can just set it to whatever setting reaches what I want on the thermometer. After doing that a few times, I will consider making a thermostat adjustment. I didn't know there was an on-line manual, but I probably will need tips - especially after I use it a few times. Thanks!

Today I'm making stromboli. I thought that would make a more convenient lunch than calzone. I used to call {{gwi:1497160}}, but it might actually have a different name. I saw someone on TV make it, and I don't remember what they called it, but I've been making it ever since then. It has a filling more like stromboli, but it is folded (braided) over instead of rolled.

I'll have pictures of the stromboli later.

Lars

Is this your manual/model?

Here is a link that might be useful: pdf file

Yes, that's my model, but I have a slightly different version of the manual. Essentially it is the same, but I don't have the speed baking feature, which I think is their name for convection. That was something I wasn't interested in.

BTW, I found out that the oven does reach the right temperature - I had the oven thermometer in the wrong place!

Lars