Is your place wired for induction?

Hmm, that's a good question. I do have a 220 line for current electric stove. Is there something else I need? Maybe need to google quickly.

An induction oven usually (always?) requires it's own 240/220 line with it's own breaker. I don't think it can be combined with the breaker for a different appliance, say an oven.

So you'll need two 220 lines coming into the kitchen at a minimum. One for the induction cooktop and one for the oven!

Oops, perhaps I wasn't clear. I am replacing freestanding coiltop range with freestanding induction range. No separate oven and cooktop, all one unit.

AH! I'm with you. I didn't know the model you were looking to get was the range.

These are the range requirements per the samsung website:

"The FTQ307NWGX requires a 240V, 60 Hz, 40 amp circuit. This information can be found on the detailed spec sheet, available as a downloadable pdf file from the product's specifications page on this website."

Do you have a 40amp circuit? These can be easy to change out if you have the space available. In an older home with a smaller electrical panel you'll need to check.

There is also an issue where the plug has to be hardwired (removed and linked straight to the wall electrical) or the range doesn't sit back fully against the wall. In fact, they say this just gets it "closer". Again per the samsung site. It doesn't come with a plug so will need to be wired up on some level regardless.

So the techi stuff aside the induction ranges are pretty new and hard to really be able to critique. Having said that, I LOVE my induction cooktop and will never voluntarily go back to electric coil or anything else. Take the chance if you can! But make sure it comes with that complete warranty.

You can check the breaker panel for the size of your current range. Chances are it is at least 40 amps. Mine is 50amps. Came with the house that way.

If you like the Samsung layout and controls, half price is a good price.

Not sure. It is double trapped, but not labeled with the amps. Some of them are. So, it's either a 30 or a 40.

This is a 1960's home that DH bought in 2003 when we first met. So, who knows what it's been through before us. Probably worthwhile for an electrician to come out to check it, especially since we are buying new appliances.

That's interesting about the plug placement because I looked behind it at the store, and it looks like the cutouts on the bottom would actually fit over our our plug in the wall.

I thought it was interesting myself. I only noted it because it was in their "Q & A" section. I think it said "My installer says the range won't sit all the way back because of the flat back?"

Something like that. It was in the top 3 or so questions. You should check it out.

I think having an electrician take a look is wise if your not 100%. It's a lot of money to spend if it doesn't work!

It will work. If all else fails, the outlet can be moved a little this way or that. It's also possible your existing 40 amp will suffice. How likely are you to have all the burners AND the oven going at the same time? Christmas and thanksgiving? For half price I'd do it without even giving it a second thought. The electric isn't that big a deal. Your electrician can fix it PDQ if it needs to be 50 amp.

Pinch_me,

that's a big promise to make. An electrican coming in to rewire or to switch out the amp, or the whole panel, could more than wipe out the savings.

In smaller older homes, and hers is at least the 60s based on the oven age, they often only had 100 amp service or LESS. In fact, often the houses only had 100amp run to them to begin with. I admit that none of that might be a problem but I think having an electrician look is smart. If the breaker needs to be switched out it's probably cheap but might have a minimum from the electrician. Say 100 bucks just for the visit and 10 - 15 for the part. If a new box needs to be put in that could blow away any savings. If a new line needs to be run to the house! Ouch. That could hurt the pocket book.

I work with a construction company that charges 75 bucks to move an outlet if they are on site (because it's several house work) and 150 as a minimum site visit.

If there is a chance of missing the deal then ask about return policys, pay for it, and let them continue to store it until you get an answer.

All I'm saying is look before you leap. I had assumed that our house could handle inductin cooktops, double ovens and instant hot water heaters. BOY was I wrong. And I would have known that months before hand if I had spoken with an electrician.

Agree that new wiring can be pricey. I'm looking at $300 just for new copper wire, plus the electrician's cost, plus all the drywall repair and repainting where they need access to pull the wire. Adds a lot to the cost of the induction range.

I believe that building codes prevent hardwiring a range (or DW or any appliance)...a plug and outlet must be used.

Warmfridge, I didn't think of that. That's possible. While I have unplugged/unwired/specced all sorts of appliances I don't think I've ever asked about that. I always specify a plug because I've often gone to unhook a hood from the wall and had it be hardwired. Maybe this was only acceptable with older units?

It's sort of interesting that samsung would suggest something if it's not up to code. Can anyone else chime in on this? At the very least someone should write a letter to samsung letting them know their website might need revision.

Thanks, everyone! I've contacted our friend from the neighborhood association who is a small job contractor to ask for a referral for an electrician. It is just better to be safe than sorry.

And if I lose out on the deal, oh well, it wasn't meant to be right now. They actually had two ranges, and I doubt even at the reduced price they will be flying out the door since they are still expensive relative to an electric smoothtop, and most people beyond the TKO have no idea what is induction. However, it's a great deal for anyone who recognizes it. With the appliance rebates this upcoming weekend, there will certainly be more traffic in the stores.

The Maytag coiltop range I have now is nowhere near on its last legs at this time. I ran the self clean after Christmas and it was perfectly fine. The burner elements are all good, too.

i relate to your dilemma! i was planning to purchase a wolf 30" all gas range for my kitchen remodel but not planning to do so this weekend! i stumbled upon a floor model this weekend at an appliance sale. also discounted, ended up purchasing it and it sits in my garage ready for my remodel. i am over budget and am seeking ways to save money - this saved me $550 which i can now put towards the sink or faucet i still need! good luck!

"I believe that building codes prevent hardwiring a range (or DW or any appliance)...a plug and outlet must be used.
"

No, not really. Though it varies by location. DWs let you do either. Freestanding ranges, fridges, microwaves, washers @nd Dryers usually use a plug. Hoods, ovens and cooktops usually are hardwired. One group is moveable, the other usually is not.

Our contractor friend believes the ranges are standard at 40 amps in our neighborhood,but he said he will let me know by the end of the day when he checks with the electrician.

OO! That's good news. That would make things easy. Most of us on GW just love our induction cooktops. It's SO nice. Let us know how it turns out!

Oh, and DH forwarded me a 20% coupon he got for the "outlet" for floor models, scratch and dent, etc., so I am not sure if I could use this, but OMG if I can. This is additional to the outlet price.

We have been using Kenmore branded freestanding induction range for ~2months and are v. happy so far. We bought during F&F sale so price was easier to deal with. Our range is hardwired too.

Just checking in that we have purchased the range! We were able to use the 20% coupon yet, so unbelievable deal for induction. One unit was the actual floor model while the other was a return, so we bought the one that was the floor model. Unfortuantely, this is a busy week for both of us at work, so delivery will not be until Sat.

SO excited I forgot to thank you for all your help. I will post and follow-up and pictures!

That is sooo great! I'm really glad that it's worked out for you. It's going to be completely amazing for you I bet. YEA!

And years from now you can say things like, "I was on the cutting edge of technology" and giggle silently to yourself. I'm trying to push my parents to buy one. It makes a bigger difference than I could have imagined in my daily life.