Buyers on a budget can look to Frigidaire for outstanding buys on stainless appliances like the sealed 30-inch gas cooktop PLGC30S9EC. This particular model sports a low price while offering a convenient range of gas burners with power ranging from 5,000 Btu to 14,000 Btu. The lowest powered burner even offers a simmer setting than will hold a respectable low of 675 Btu.

Equipped with four burners, the PLGC30S9SEC is a perfect fit for a 30-inch countertop cutout. It also works well atop an under-counter oven or in combination with telescopic ventilation.

Features that impress us on this model include the "Deep Sump" depressed surface, which works well to contain boil-overs and spills. When it comes to cleaning, we especially liked the removable knobs and sealed burners. These allowed us to thoroughly clean around the side-mounted controls.

The PLGC30S9EC's cast iron grates are lighter in weight than those on some other cooktops, but this is not necessarily a negative. Lighter grates are easy to lift and remove making them easier to clean. These grates are also wide and fairly flat, which helps to create a stable surface that aids in moving large pots from burner to burner when cooking.

As it is less expensive than many other options, this budget-range cooktop is constructed of a fairly light gauge of stainless steel. The PLGC30S9EC also lacks the more expensive brass valves that are a typical component of more professionally styled models.

If you're looking to go stainless for your new appliances, but are also trying to keep the cost down, consider the 30-inch gas cooktop PLGC30S9EC from Frigidaire.


Pros: Depressed top and sealed burners for containing spills, reasonable price for stainless, removable knobs, versatile burner options
Cons: Lightweight stainless material, lightweight grates, lacks brass valves

Warranty
1 year, limited