Although it lacks the touch sensors controls of some high-end cooking devices, the Whirlpool W5CE3024XB is a match for them when it comes for power and features.
Five cooking elements provide enough power and versatility for pretty much anything you would want to cook.
And since it is not an induction cooktop, there is a wide choice of cookware you can use, from aluminium and earthenware to cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans, as long as they have a flat bottom. It is advisory, however, to check with the manufacturer of the cookware if there are any caveats. In any case, the cookware bottom area should not exceed the cooking area by more than ½”.
Controls
The Whirlpool W5CE3024XB
has knob controls (push and turn to activate) which are easy to operate and dishwasher safe.
The settings are very intuitive, from low to high, with five stages, depending on the power/temperature needed:
Low – for keeping food warm, melting butter or chocolate
Medium low – simmer, stew or steam food
Medium – for slow boiling or frying, cooking soups or gravies, or for high simmering
Medium high – rapid boiling or quick browning or searing food
High – for boiling liquids or any other needed operation.
Surface
The glass ceramic surface is solid but requires care when cooking in order to avoid scratching or other damage. So do not slide the cookware across the cooktop and clean any spills as soon as possible (provided, of course, that you let the surface cool off first).
One thing to keep in mind is that during operation on medium to low settings, the heating elements may turn on and off periodically. This is not a malfunction, it is how they should work for the respective power settings.
Note: while the cooking surface will glow red during cooking, the entire cooktop surface may become hot, so be careful when cooking to avoid burns or other accidents. Also, do not put any objects that could melt (such as plastic objects) on the cooktop surface when it is in use.
Heating Elements and Power/Watts
The Whirlpool W5CE3024XB has four heating elements with the following features:
Left front: 6” in size and 1200W
Right front: 10” in size and 2500W
Left rear: 7” and 1800W
Right rear: 6” and 1200W
Obviously, so much power requires proper wiring and grounding, not to mention that the appliance needs 240V/40A of electricity to run. So, it is highly recommended that you have it installed by a qualified electrician.
Sensors
The W5CE3024XB does not feature too many sensors. In fact, it has a hot surface indicator and a Power ON light to warn you it is hot and ready to do its job.
Since electronic sensors are not part of this device, there are no displays or error codes it can show when something is wrong.
Ventilation
Due to the fact that is a built-in oven capable device, it has no downdraught vent, the ventilation is mainly done on the cooking surface.
The product comes with an installation manual that states the cut-out dimensions (see below) required for the device and other safety and installation caveats to be taken into account.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check the manual prior to any attempt to install the device.
Safety Features
No sensors in the device means there are no safety features.
Apart from the two indicators mentioned above, there is nothing that could tell you what is wrong or what to do in case anything unusual happens to the device, so you should follow the common safety guidelines when you notice something wrong: turn off and unplug the device, let it cool off and check the user manual or the manufacturer for further information.
Accessories
Since it is not an induction cooktop, the choice of cookware is quite generous.
The Whirlpool W5CE3024XB can be used with aluminium, cast iron, stainless steel cookware and any type of earthenware, depending on the type of cooking you plan.
Nevertheless, it is a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of cookware, as there may be some restrictions.
Dimensions
Cooktop Size 30 in
Cutout Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) (In.) 29-1/2 x 20-1/2×3-3/4
Net Weight 45 lb
Overall Depth 21 3/4 in
Overall Height 3 3/4 in
Overall Width 30,8125
Overall Width 36 in
Due to its quite large size and weight, it is recommended that the product be handled by two or more persons during installation, in order to avoid the risk of injuries.
Also, make sure the cabinet in which it will be installed is solid enough to support the weight of the device.
Even more, since the appliance will get hot during normal operation, you should make sure the heat will not damage the cabinet and/or any other objects around the cooktop.
Pros
– nice, shining look
– built-in oven capable
– hot surface and power ON indicators
– dishwasher safe knobs
– four heating elements with five power settings
Cons
– it is not an induction cooktop
– no touch controls
– no sensors/error display
– quite heavy and difficult to install
Consumer Ratings
The Whirlpool W5CE3024XB received some good user reviews online, the main complaints of the consumers being its lack of sensors and the one year warranty (as compared to other products which have a three-year warranty).
Price
The current price on Amazon is discounted and free shipping.
| PRODUCT | W5CE3024XB |
|---|---|
| MANUFACTURER | Whirlpool |
| FEATURES | |
| Cooktop Surface | Glass Ceramic |
| Cooktop Burner Type | Radiant Elements |
| Number of burners | 4 |
| Left Front Type | Single |
| Left Rear Type | Single |
| Left Rear Power | 1800W |
| Left Front Size | 6” |
| Right Rear Power | 1200W |
| Right Front Size | 10” |
| Left Rear Size | 7” |
| Right Front Power | 2500W |
| Left Front Power | 1200W |
| Right Rear Size | 6” |
| Right Rear Type | Single |
| Right Front Type | Single |
| Controls Position | Right Hand of the device |
| Control Type | Knob controls (dishwasher safe) |
| Simmer burner | Yes |
| Cooktop Control Features | Infinite switch |
| Indicator Lights | Hot Surface |
| Surface Element “ON” | |
| Power Cord Length | |
| Power Level Indicator | Yes |
| Timer | No |
| Downdraught Vent | No |
| APPEARANCE | |
| Color Appearance | Black |
| Frameless | Yes |
| WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS | |
| Approximate Shipping Weight | 45lb |
| Cooktop Size | 30 in |
| Cutout Dimensions (Width x DepthxHeight) (In.) | 29-1/2 x 20-1/2×3-3/4 |
| Net Weight | 45 lb |
| Overall Depth | 21 3/4 in |
| Overall Height | 3 3/4 in |
| Overall Width | 30.8125 |
| Overall Width | 36 in |
| Built-in Oven Compatible | Yes |
| POWER / RATINGS | |
| Voltage | 240V |
| Amps | 40A |
| Note: This model does not have a neutral (white) wire!! | |
| WARRANTY | |
| Parts Warranty | Limited 1-year entire appliance |
| Labor Warranty | Limited 1-year entire appliance |
