Problems with putting a flat top stove in a rental?

Question

I love having a flat top stove. They are easier to clean and act as additional counter space when not in use. I notice that rentals rarely have them. When I need to replace the stoves in my units, is there any reason I shouldn't get flat tops?

Are they problems-in-waiting when used by tenants?

What are your experiences?

Are they problems-in-waiting when used by tenants?

What are your experiences?

Leah Slaughter · Answer

I always opt for glass when possible. I have almost 1400 properties we handle and I’ve only had a tenant break a top once in almost 13 years.

Account Closed · Answer

@Adam Vadnais

After many years of having properties we now ONLY put in the glass top stoves. We give the tenants the proper cleaning equipment for them and have had no problems! It saves a ton of cleaning time and you don’t have to buy new liners.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Adam Vadnais we have been upgrading all our properties to self cleaning flat top ovens, either black or stainless color. Most of the competitive houses in our market have white coil top stoves. It makes our kitchens look ten times better.

I had some fear of using flat tops when I started installing them five years ago. People warned me that tenants would crack the top. I have not had it happen yet. Of course the problem is if you do crack the top, the stove needs to be replaced because the cook top is near the cost of new.

I have not even had issues with scratched glass. Between a razor blade and cook top cleaner, they look good as new between tenants.

Jaron Walling · Answer

Another thing is cleaning during a turnover. They sell kits specifically for the glass with a flat blade razor and scuffing pad. The glass flat top can clean up nicely, look better, and save you money.

Pat L. · Answer

We've had & still have quite a few flat tops. The coiled electrics created several fires over the years so the glass top was more of a safety issue. We had one Samsung die after 4 years due to switches failing & a high end LG go out for the same reason also at 4 years. Both repaired & put back into use but no glass breakages yet. Tenants love them.

Admittedly, after a few years, the glass does show the distinctive signs of use common to these, but by that time I find another scratch & dent stove for the cost of a new glass & sell the retired one for $100-$150.

Jessica Bridges · Answer

We do not have a preference. We use both glass top and coil top. We have not had breakage or damage of the glass tops yet.

Dawn P. · Answer

I started putting in the flat top ranges too, got tired of replacing nasty electric coils and drip pans. Tenants love them as they're not the norm around here, and they're much easier to clean. Haven't had a single problem with them.

Jason Burr · Answer

@Adam Vadnais

We personally have them in our home but only used the older ovens with traditional eyes in out units.  Glass just seems too easy to scratch or break.

Michael Ablan · Answer

@Adam Vadnais -  I have no preference either way.  I just go for the best bang for the buck $ wise.  If it's glass top, then great!  If it's not thats fine too.  Never had complaints or issues either way

Problems with putting a flat top stove in a rental?

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