• 110 or 90 cm stainless steel hob combines five burners, including a large 4 kw burner, which may be adapted as a hot plate.
• Features two electric ovens: multifunction oven and convection oven. Master the use of these two ovens without having to change your cooking habits.
• The doors open laterally, which makes handling easier.  
• Large storage drawer in the bottom, which can accommodate cooking accessories.

AGA vs La Cornue Range

Of all of the decisions for the home, this was the most challenging for me. I do love to cook but that comment could be challenged by Dave and other family members because for the last several years spending time in the kitchen wasn't a priority.

The overall goal was to have a cottage look to our new home. I wanted a warmer look than the industrial style of stainless steel appliances. That thought was further promoted after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal and two design magazines about the eventual change we will see pulling away from the stainless steel look. I have lived long enough to know that once the market is saturated with a certain style it is time for a new look.

Currently, there are few options beyond stainless steel and black and white for major appliances. Knowing that the refrigerator and dishwasher will be fully integrated and will blend in with the cabinets, my time and energy was spent deciding on a range.

For space and looks I wanted the range to be all encompassing. I didn't want any wall ovens or warming drawers. This limited me to European ranges. The choices were then narrowed down to AGA (English) and LaCornue (French) ranges. They each have a very different look but were both the same size of 44".

The look of the LaCornue is like a wonderful piece of furniture. It has a sophisticated but very classy flair. The AGA is like a comfortable down sofa. Much of what both ovens offer is similar. Another interesting aspect is that they are both on the lower end of the price range for their brands.

The William Sonoma store in Crabtree Mall has the LaCornue model. We saw the AGA in California last month.   The final decision came down to three factors, price, overall functionality and color.

Although, the prices are similar there is a large delivery charge of $1300 for the La Cornue range. The interior ovens on the AGA are larger. The only color that would work with the La Cornue for our design was French blue (think Carolina blue). The AGA color that would work best was cream. Overall the functionality of the ovens is better with the AGA.

After much deliberation the final decision was the AGA.