Induction is worth it by a mile over your smoothtop. Near instant response for one. Cleanup with a paper towel instead of a razor blade for another. Frigidaire is the best of your list, owned by Electrolux. A Bosch 800 or Benchmark would be a choice off your list.

Shop for an used range perhaps, even if it has coil tops? Can be had for a song, or even free.

I have a Kenmore induction range, which I believe is made by Frigidaire/Electrolux. Mine is the free-standing version but was the least expensive induction option and had decent reviews. I've only had it a year, so can't speak to the long-term.

I understand reluctance to use Kenmore due to Sears' financial solvency. I wouldn't rule it out due to your negative experience with Kenmore, depending on which company actually manufactured your Kenmore range. I think many are made by Frigidaire now, though maybe not yours if it's older.

Are you definitely not reusing the range after you remodel? If you were keeping it, that would make it much easier to justify an upgrade :)

If it's definitely short-term, check out craigslist and Sears Outlet. Though 3 years is a long-time to have something sub-par, but maybe OK for scratch/dent model.

I would ask specifically about the Frigidaire induction. While you don't want to spend for a Bosch for only three years, you would much rather be on a decent induction. I think the reviews of the Frigidaire were surprisingly good, but I am not sure.

Just saw your post--if the Frigidaire is $800, I'd go for that!

Just to point out that the $800 frigidaire is not a slide-in. They used to offer a comparable slide-in for about $1400, but lately it's up around $2K, not much less than ones like the Samsungs.

Because of the rear mounted controls the Frigidaire is a free-standing range. But it can be installed where the opening backs to a wall. If you use induction for 3 years . . . .you'll be hooked.

Free standing has a built in backsplash, and controls in the back. It’s finished on the sides so it can go on end of cabinet. Slide in has controls in the front, no obtrusive backsplash, and usually, a flange on each side that overlaps the countertop. So you would not have any food going down the side. But, this depends on the model. Mine is a slide in yet has no such flange. I believe the installation is the same?

You'll probably may need a free-standing depending on your counter set up

https://www.appliancesconnection.com/freestanding-vs-slide-in-ranges.html

Go with stainless for the next 3 years. You can get more stainless, if you want, off craigslist.

ElleN, the counters don't support the range. It simply is designed to OVERLAP - you adjust the feet for the right fit. And you really don't need a backsplash - simply use a good washable paint and it will do just fine.

I have an LG Pro Bake Convection - I actually do like the convection bake. I did not buy it for that, but so far I like the convection option as far as my cakes and cookies. I am really still learning to use it. Here is a good article on it.

https://blog.kingarthurflour.com/2015/02/15/convection-conundrum/

Mine has convection. I like it in principle, but not sure I really know how to use it right. Induction is more important to me, and convection is nice to have.

I ended up doing a free-standing range, decided that the aesthetic just wasn't worth so much more $. I don't like the crumbs falling down the side though. They make products to help with that, I just haven't bothered to take care of it.

Cuisinart makes good induction ready pots and pans. You can find sets on sale often at Macy's/Bloomingdales. Amazon carries them as well. Your cast iron is all still good.

MOST stainless. all cast iron and enamled cast iron will work. NO aluminum or copper. Some stainless is made with different metals, and that is where it gets tricky. MOST of it works. Take a magnet with you when you go shopping:

• If the magnet clings to the underside, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop.
• If the magnet grabs the pan softly, you may not have good success with it on your cooktop.
• If there is no pull on the magnet, it doesn't contain the right metals and will not generate heat.

I'll share what I like, with the caveat that I am not a very serious cook :) I did have to replace nearly all my cookware when I went to induction last year, so have recently done some research.

My most-used pans are Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard-Anodized Nonstick skillets. I have a larger Scanpan skillet too, but I have a slight preference for the Anolon pans. I have some sauce pans and a large saute pan from Cuisinart MultiClad Pro.

Just check anything you buy that it says induction, suitable for all cooktops, something like that.

I do baby all the pans a lot. I like them to stay nice, so I'm careful about raising the temp too fast and I hand wash the nonstick pans. I read a ton of reviews, and every pan has people complaining that food started sticking, the pan warped, etc.

Oh in addition to Macy's and Amazon, check out Bed Bath and Beyond with 20% off coupon.

I could live the rest of my life using just one carbon steel skillet. Since you mentioned keto and ok with oil, you could spend fifty bucks and never have to buy another skillet again.

I like the Matfer Bourgeat 12" which is always about $50 off amazon.

I've had my All clad saucepans and pots for almost 20 years. They are not cheap but you could pick one in the size you think would be most useful. I love the largest sized saucepan and my stockpot

You don't need to spend big bucks on AllClad to get an excellent pan.

This is just as good, and much less expensive.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina-8-Piece-18-10-Stainless-Steel-Tri-Ply-Clad-Cookware-Set/19581112

In fact I would avoid AllClad. In that price range Demeyer and Fissler are much nicer in every way- a bit more expensive- but worth it.

If you like slide-ins, because they overlap the counter, you could either seal with high temperature silicone caulking or buy after market metal brackets from Amazon

What?? You don't "seal" the range in. You adjust the feet so that it is a proper fit over the counter.

Slide-ins are "over" the counter. Other ranges are "next" to the counter (and usually slightly higher). The latter leaves you with a small gap that can collect dirt. You can buy after market brackets that cover your range into something that looks like a slide-in. Or if you don't want to spend that much money, then caulking achieves a very similar effect

My apologies, M, I did not understand your post! Thanks for clarifying.

Never heard of it. Link?

Yeah I googled it. :-) Sounds like a possibility - I am kinda picky about my cookware. I would suggest trying ONE pan as there could be issues. Read this review.

https://www.wired.com/review/review-made-in-cookware/

I have Ikea and Lagostina and use them based on different sizes only. Have not noticed a difference in function despite the 5x price difference, but I am not a chef. You are going to LOVE induction.

I would go with ikea or tramontina (which you can also find at tuesday morning, sometimes). For tramontina, be careful of which you choose; not all their lines are induction compatible. You need the tri-ply or gourmet versions.

ElleN:

You'd be amazed at the appliances and the deals at a used appliance store. They'll probably even take the thing back when you redo your kitchen in 3 years.

Good for you on contacting them. We. as consumers, should always make efforts to find out as much as we can about products before we spend our hard-earned money on them!!

Still they are more $$ than you need to spend, to get a good quality set.