I am starting to look at electric ranges to replace my 1950's GE and was wondering if you could tell me if there is a difference in ceramic glass tops from brand to brand and if there is would it be in thickness or material and how does one find out because on the manufacturers specs they don't tell you. Any one type or brand more break-resistant? Does color of the glass make any difference in temperature? Some brands talk about ribbon coils--what is that?

** was wondering if you could tell me if there is a difference in ceramic glass tops from brand to brand and if there is would it be in thickness or material **

There is Ceran® (the most popular type, maybe even the first?) and another type used by GE and maybe some others. I don't know whom makes it. They both are likely about the same thickness (if it even has any bearing to its durability).

** Any one type or brand more break-resistant? Does color of the glass make any difference in temperature? **

Not to my knowledge (either question).

** Some brands talk about ribbon coils--what is that? **

That is the actual type of heater that is mounted under the glass top to generate the heat. A glass top range may use that style, a halogen bulb or a combination of both. Some models may have 1 or 2 halogen burners and the rest ribbon coils.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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** There is Ceran® (the most popular type, maybe even the first?) **

The first black glass that is. The first glass range top was actually white and made by Corning. But they got out of it a long time ago.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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If you have cats, dont get an electric unit, I have heard horror stories of cats jumping up on units after they have been turned off and having their paws severly burned to the point they had to be put asleep. Might want to consider a gas unit if you do.