Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Lacanche Ranges Part 33
Posted by joeboldt (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 4, 06 at 17:44
Okay, part 33. Wow, that's a lot of disscussion about a French stove!
Joe
Follow-Up Postings:
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by trufflelover (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 4:05
drec1500
I live in Spain and have a Sully +1 with 2 Pando extractors set into a brick and plasterwork hood.This works very well even when all the burners are in use.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 7:03
Let's include a link to Part 32.
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Ranges Part 32
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 11:37
bake_sale eric:
Love that enclume baker's sideboard! I agree with velodoug that it will work out just fine with your Lacanche, assuming it works with the rest of your kitchen overall. It is really a handsome piece. Any pictures of your new green Lacanche?
AnnaLeeF
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 11:53
First, Joe and Velodoug- thanks so much for all the input. It is a big help.
The mail just came and still no samples :(. I'm still hanging in there though just very frustrated with the follow up.
Just a thought on the lack of self cleaning function in the Lacanche. This is based on my experience with my Jenn Air - Earlier this week I attempted to season some new cast iron skillets. I'm not sure if there was something already in the oven or if the skillets had some rust. Either way, there was a mess! I waited until today to do the self clean thing. Read the manual and guess what - had to clean the oven before I could clean the oven. So I did the wipe down (only w/water - can't use anything) and scrubbed for about 5 minutes. Then, start the clean. It takes 3 hours to clean and 1 hour to cool. So total 4 hours - I'm thinking it would probably be easier to just put the Easy Off on, wipe down and go. It could be wishful thinking but man that was a pain!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 12:28
Self cleaning is one of the hot button topics on these forums, with people who do(don't) like it trying endlessly to convince people who don't(do) like it what a great(stupid) feature it is, and all of the evidence offered is anecdotal. There is no right answer.
My own advice, based on my own limited experience, is that if someone has not used self-cleaning, and they think it will solve all of their oven cleaning problems, they are likely to be disappointed.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by joeboldt (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 13:28
ditto what doug says. My previous oven was self-almost-clean. I've sprayed regular easy off in my Lacanche. Okay that took all of a minute - just be careful of the thermocouple. Wait three hours and wipe, then rinse with some water. Plus, you get to sit down whle doing it!
About the only thing about my stove I miss, and this will sound odd - is an oven light.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 13:30
A good feature of smaller ovens - less surface to clean! These are so easy to wipe down. As Doug indicates, this is a passionate topic, but I have not used the self-clean in any oven for years - just hated it.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by mwardlb (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 15:17
momto4 - I looked online for the Taylor thermometers, but I could only find the folding type or the stick ones. Yours appear to hang from the rack? Where did you get them?
I am interested in them because of the amount of oven roasting I do - they seem like the perfect tool to help prevent drying out the meats.
THANKS - michele
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 15:37
I found one at Chef Depot that hangs on the rack.
Here is a link that might be useful: Chef Depot
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 16:17
Yep! That's the one I have! I believe that's where I ordered mine, too!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 17:34
Cool. Just ordered two. Thanks for finding them plumorchard!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by sjay (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 22:13
I am considering a cluny and ideally a cluny plus a warming oven. Other than price(which is definitely a factor), my issue with getting a warming cupboard is that I will have very limited upper cabinets in my new kitchen, so I don't want to give up the upper cabinet space. Does everyone who has a warming cupboard extend their hood over the entire range? I am afraid it will look awful if the hood only covers the burner portion of the stove.
Also, from the specs on the AC website it seems like I cannot have upper cabinets straddling each side of the regular cluny due to the clearances. Am I reading the specs correctly?
One last question, has anyone here actually recessed a lacanche into their wall. We are tight on space and am concerned with how far out the range will project with the spacer.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 4:57
Did you look through the gallery of pictures on the Lacanche website? Maybe someone has done this. I don't have uppers in my "range alcove" so I can't help you there. My range is flanked by WCs, which I can't live without now(!), and the hood extends over both...even though there is no burner on top of the right-hand WC.
Hopefully, someone with uppers will chime in re: clearances.
What's on the opposite side of the wall where you are contemplating the range? Mine is the garage. Given how I designed my alcove, my builder was certainly able to bump the wall further into the garage a few inches to accomodate any needs. I didn't end up doing it, though, as I have plenty of space. Maybe someone else here has.
Or...let's us redesign your layout for you! The folks here have done great things!!! Okay...maybe I'm just half-way kidding!
Good luck!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 12:38
I received my brochure from AC about two weeks ago and I've been quietly reading the archives before I jump in with a bunch of questions. I see that NancyUSA was the nice person who originally set up the archive page, but things haven't been updated in a long, long time and many threads are not posted. Has anyone been capturing these? What can be done to get the site up-to-date? I wouldn't mind taking a stab at it if things have been saved (assuming that more than one person can post to that blog).
I can't remember who (or when) someone posted that Lacanche is at Harrod's in London. My DH just told me that he's going to London at the end of August and I may tag along just to go see it! I have a daughter in college in Olympia WA, I could go visit her and make a side trip. If anyone is in the Chicago area (I'm on the north shore), I would love to save the airfare and put it toward a WC!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 13:15
jaedwards...welcome!
I've emailed Nancy a couple of times, hoping to kickstart the Blog again. I've not heard back. Maybe someone else has a better email address for her. I do think people have said periodically they were saving the threads on their computers. Maybe they'll peak in (probably after summer) and help get updated! I wish I knew how to do it...I would if I could!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 13:51
Can someone tell me if I am reading this correctly? The Cormatin smallest burners is up to 5000 BTUs. Does anyone know what the lowest is? My range has one burner that will reduce to 650 to simmer.
And, sort of related, all of the burners are just one set of flames right? I have a EvenThree burner that has an inner ring and an outer ring...you can use one or the other or both. (Can't quite figure it out!)
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 15:28
Plumorchard -- The smallest burner on the Cormatin, and I believe on all of the Lacanche ranges, is indeed rated at 5,000 BTU maximum. I've never seen minimum ratings for any of the burners. Some participants on this forum found the lowest setting of the small burner to be too high as delivered. Fortunately it is very easy to adjust the minimum flame height, using just a screwdriver. There is a video showing how to do it on the AC web site. We have ours set very low and it produces a good low simmer.
Yes, you are right that each burner has only one set of flames. These are very simple ranges.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 16:08
JAEdwards AND Momto4kids:
I haven't seen Nancy around in a long time. I used to save all the Lacanche threads, but got lazy after she set up the blog. Among our ranks, someone must be tech savvy - or maybe not - since we are all buying low tech ranges! Ha!
We could appeal to starpooh, but I think she is now recruiting volunteers to manage that fabulous kitchen inventory she created, in addition the soapstone blog.
Be nice if iVillage could provide some expertise so newbies and elders could index easily facts and experiences. frenchranges.com forum has organized categories but does not enjoy the same volume of traffic as the appliance forum here.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by bake_sale (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 16:25
Hi All:
I haven't visited the website from AC. But I remeber that it got very little traffic. Anyone know why? Maybe using that website, which AC maintains would be a good place?
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 9:39
I know from reading you can light the burners if you have a power outage. Does the range have automatic reignition if the flame goes out (not power related)? And, each burner has a sep igniter?
As always, thanks,
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 10:16
You can light the top burners, and the gas oven, during a power outage. The top burners do not have automatic re-ignition. Each burner has a separate ignitor.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 11:15
I'm trying to play with the blog but am having trouble adding links to the first page. I've emailed Nancy using the email account she chose as the blog administrator. We'll see if I hear from her. Does anyone have anything saved from the past few months?
Won't get to it today...my son is in town for a few days and the architect comes tomorrow. hmmmmm maybe my son can help, computers are second nature to that generation.
In the meantime....still trying to resolve the oven debate within my head. Could we have a shout-out from the "elders" here as to the size of your oven and the largest turkey you made? I *know* that you really can't compare a small, well-made oven to a cavernous, inconsistent big one. I've also figured out that I could make a smaller turkey and a breast on top of the extra pan of dressing that I do already...but it would be reassuring since the turkey dinner is what brings my kids home from the far corners of the country!!!
Thanks,
Judy
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 11:30
As a backup to the blog archives, I know it isn't ideal but if you can't get Nancy maybe a Blog II - ? Just an idea.
Back to turkeys.....
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 14:33
Judy...I'm trying to find a post about what we all did last Thanksgiving. I think my turkey was just under 20 lbs (maybe about 17) and I had plenty of room for it in the oven. But, I high heat roast, too, so even if I didn't have enough room, I'd have plenty of time! I'll try to locate the thread where we all talked about what we got into our ovens.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 16:35
I am very! disappointed in AC. I have emailed, I have left messages, I have sent faxes, I even mailed a note with a return sample (a color I did't request) and nothing! I am on the automatic notification for the emails but am getting no where with anything else. I love the range but am getting very frustrated with the lack of follow up for such a high priced product! I know I am a small fish but what gives?
(thanks for letting me vent!)
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:04
Okay, as stated above, AC closes for a month in the summer. And I do believe it is in August.
Why they don't do an autoreply kind of thing, letting people know is beyond me.
I think all (most) of us have had a time when AC didn't respond as quickly as we would like. But they always do, and we have all always been satisfied.
I do understand your frustration, I really do. Frankly, I"ve always felt they don't have enough employees and have had to send a couple of "friendly reminders" once or maybe twice. They have come through each time.
Anyway, I actually came on board to BOAST (since I don't want to start another thread just for this) that there is RUNNING WATER in my kitchen!!!!! WHOO HOOO!! Yessireeee! The main sink and the prep sink are fully operational, and may I just JUST say that the faucets are totally drooooooool???
Oh joy!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by gingerginger (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:36
plumorchard and velodoug both write about re-lighting the burners or lighting the burners and ovens of the AC LaCanche ranges if they go out or if there's a power outage . . . . please confirm that the gas valves are not interlocked with the electrical igniters, . . . so that one could actually set up the ranges without an electrical supply, period (and light them each time with long matches or butane lighters). yes??
ginger
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:38
plumorchard...yes, I know it can get frustrating. It bums me out when this happens. They are a small outfit, in that stage where they could use more employees from our perspective...but probably can't from their perspective. Plus, they do run another business or two. And yes, I think August is when they are the leanest staffwise, since the factory in France is closed. I wish this didn't happen because it detracts from the wonderful range. Hang in there. I couldn't find those other threads. Drats. I wish I knew who saved them besides Nancy.
Ivette....WOOOOOWWWWWW! OMGosh...long time coming, GF!! I cannot wait to see pix. I drool just thinking about the color of your range!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 18:10
Ginger -- If you order the range with just a gas oven (or gas ovens) and don't plug it in to an electrical outlet it will work just fine. The top burners are easy to light with an ordinary kitchen match. The oven burner is easier with something a little longer like a fireplace match or a butane grill lighter.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 7:53
Between gingerginer and plumorchard, I'm inspired to bake something!
Re: igniting the burners. Once upon a time, Mindstorm made the observation that if you turn the knobs back towards the off position, you can get a very low simmer. This created a bit of controversy because of the possibility of the burner going out and leaking gas. I use this trick regularly; I've tried to blow out the low flame, and then relight it with a match--there doesn't seem to be any gas leakage in this situation--no gas sound, no gas smell, no ability to re-light. Anyone care to comment?
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 8:51
Aside from having your Lacanche fired up for the first time, I think getting water flowing may be the second best day in a remodel - enjoy your eight glasses today, Ivette!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 9:37
Hi Veda, it's good to hear from you again.
I don't know how the gas controls and ignitors work on your European Lacanche. I suspect that it is different in some respects from the US models. For example, what does the little pushbutton on the control panel with the star label do? The US models don't have it. Anyway, it's quite possible that your range has more safeguards built into it than the US models, which might make operating the burners in the range hetween High and Off OK. I stand by my view that for the US models it is a potentially dangerous practice.
Doug
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 11:39
Hi, Doug! The pushbutton is the ignition/spark--you hold it down with your left hand and push/turn the knob for the appropriate burner with your right. I thought the UL were the same in this regard? Veda
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 12:26
Veda,
The UL ranges don't have the little button. On each top burner control the first position CCW from OFF is labeled IGN. Turning the knob to IGN starts the spark going. Continuing to rotate the knob to HIGH starts the gas going. If you rotate the knob CCW past HIGH before it lights, the sparking stops and you have to turn it back CW back to HIGH to get it going again.
The gas oven is simpler. It has an IGN label just CCW of OFF but there is no need to stop turning it there. Just push the knob in, rotate it to the desired temperature, and the sparking and the pilot gas will start. Once the thermopile in the pilot flame heats up the main gas starts and lights and the oven heats up.
While we're on the subject, you might be able to help clear up another mystery. The aluminum collar under the brass cap on each burner has two holes. On the UL ranges the spark ignitor sticks up through the right hole and the left hole is blanked off. I have to believe the second hole is there for a reason. Is it used for anything on your range?
Doug
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by azdreamhome (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 12:57
Hi everyone --
We've been escaping the Arizona summer heat for the past 6+ weeks and are now back in town (kiddies are back in school this week). I meant to post photos of our new Lacanche (Cluny 1400 Classique) kitchen (about 90% complete) before we left but ran out of time. Here it is. It's still not complete (needs shoe molding for baseboards, plastered range hood, need to install appliance cabinet panels with hardware, install flat screen TV over desk, etc.). It's also just a blank canvass right now...needs some pizazz added by decorating with color (window treatments) and accessories but that will come in time. I'm still exhausted from the construction of the house, moving in and traveling this Summer. Not a lot of energy left to decorate. Oh, and we will be putting some furniture in the great room soon!
I've enjoyed reading everyone's updates lately and seeing all the new people getting excited about their Lacanche purchases. Which reminds me. We haven't done much cooking on our Lacanche just yet. It's too hot to do it just yet. But we will, we will. What we have done has worked wonderfully. Question: the installer did a great job but what do you think about how the Lacanche is raised up (feet). Luckily, he had these "feet" on his truck. There was a problem with what came with the range and I can't recall why. DH and I are 5'll" and 5'7" respectively so the height is not an issue but I imagine it would be better if it was a bit lower? Thoughts?
Here is a link that might be useful: More pics of our Lacanche kitchen
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 17:36
Gorgeous Kitchen! That is incredible.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 17:57
that's really beautiful AZDreamhome. I love that hood! How wonderful for you!
I like the look of the feet. We had height issues too when we first got the range and figured out that the feet or whatever were in the "delivery" position and needed to be changed to make the range higher, which we did. I thought the Lacanche instructions say not to use anything else to stand the range up, but I could be wrong. It sure looks nice!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by mwardlb (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 21:10
azdreamhome - WOW!! What a stunning kitchen. I LOVE the light fixtures!!! Great job!!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 21:40
AZ - Stunning home and beautiful cool stone surfaces and color palette for the desert environment. You must be so ready to put your feet up and relax after pulling together this magnificent home. Just perfect!
Our daughter is packing now to leave PHX for CT. We'll see if she adapts to our New England winters!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 23:00
Doug,
I went to my manual-- there is a metal projection in that second, left hole, not that I know what it does. It is called a thermocoupler and earlier in the manual it refers to adjusting the "thermocouple safety cut-outs: " If the burner goes out, having kept the control knob pushed in for roughly 20 seconds, check: Moderate tightening of magnetic head on the valve, that the thermocouple tip actually touches the flame and the thermocouples and magnetic heads are clean. "
Got that? All Greek to me! It is interesting that these ranges are different in this respect. Since you are an engineer, would you like a copy of this manual? Be happy to send it if you like.
By the way, you can ignite the burners when the knobs are pushed in past the 3/4 position (CCW) at any time--pushing in the knob releases the gas flow. Veda
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 6:58
AZ...BEAUTIFUL! I've been waiting to see your progress! It's just lovely!!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 11:33
Veda,
Thank you for offering to send a copy of the manual. Since the ranges are significantly different it would only be of academic interest, but I'll keep it in mind.
It's clear from your description that your non-UL range has a safety feature that the UL ranges do not have. I am not surprised because European safety standards are often more stringent than those in North America. On your range, if the thermocouple in the left hole detects that the flame has gone out with the gas still turned on the gas is automatically shut off. The instruction you quote is addressing what to do if the safety feature malfunctions and keeps the burner from lighting at all.
With that safety feature, your burners can probably be safely operated in the range between HIGH and OFF where the UL ranges, in my opinion, can not. I have to qualify this opinion because there may be other differences, but if you can't small gas when you blow out the flame you are most likely OK. In my opinion, the rest of us should not be trying this stunt.
Doug
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 16:14
OMG. I suppose someday, when my range is actually fired up and I'm using it, I'll understand what in the heck velodoug and vedazu are talking about. Thermocouplers????
LOL!
Ivette
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 22:44
AZ--congrats on that beautiful kitchen!
To all--I know I read somewhere about the oven sizes on the different models...can't find it at all. Is the Cluny the only model with the small ovens? Then what is the difference between the Volnay/Vougeot and the Chambertin/Chassagne models/ovens? I am assuming the Fontenay oven is the same size as the Sully. I know you all have been through what I'm going through...hobs! colors! one oven/two ovens/warming cabinet! Right now, since we are still in prelim with the architect, I'm alloting 60" for a range. He's never heard of Lacanche (sigh). Now with all the red alert stuff, the trip to London is off. Oh! I so wanted to see a Lacanche in person. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy the terrorists were caught and the alert is necessary and WAY more important than me buying a stove.
So....colors....the marron glace isn't as deep of a brown as I thought it would be..seems more like the almond to me (frangipane). Pretty though. I like the terracotta, curious about the delft blue. Ivory and burgundy still make my heart beat the fastest for now.
As far as oven size, I would really like a single cluny oven with a warming cabinet, then I'd get a electric conv wall oven for my baking center. Since we're soon to be empty nesters, most of my cooking will be for two and the cluny would be perfect.
Oh well, enough stove dreams for me tonight. Now I'll go obsess about the 2nd floor drawings. The architect blocked a bedroom window with the addition roof and now I'm reworking the entire upstairs before I call him. Good thing I caught it. We were almost ready to go to working drawings.
Thanks for putting up with all my newbie rambling! Still would like the turkey info!!!!!
Judy in Chicagoland
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by klb_2000 (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 11, 06 at 0:32
Judy, take a look at the specifications on the Art Culinaire support page...I think they will answer many of your questions (well, except for the questions about which color to choose!)
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Specifications
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 11, 06 at 8:04
Judy--I had a 17+turkey last year. I think the point is this: if is fits in your roasting pan, you can get it in the oven. Seventeen or 18 pounds is probably close to your limit--I think the bird's legs were crammed in somehow, as I recall. VZ
Posted by joeboldt (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 4, 06 at 17:44
Okay, part 33. Wow, that's a lot of disscussion about a French stove!
Joe
Follow-Up Postings:
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by trufflelover (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 4:05
drec1500
I live in Spain and have a Sully +1 with 2 Pando extractors set into a brick and plasterwork hood.This works very well even when all the burners are in use.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 7:03
Let's include a link to Part 32.
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Ranges Part 32
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 11:37
bake_sale eric:
Love that enclume baker's sideboard! I agree with velodoug that it will work out just fine with your Lacanche, assuming it works with the rest of your kitchen overall. It is really a handsome piece. Any pictures of your new green Lacanche?
AnnaLeeF
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 11:53
First, Joe and Velodoug- thanks so much for all the input. It is a big help.
The mail just came and still no samples :(. I'm still hanging in there though just very frustrated with the follow up.
Just a thought on the lack of self cleaning function in the Lacanche. This is based on my experience with my Jenn Air - Earlier this week I attempted to season some new cast iron skillets. I'm not sure if there was something already in the oven or if the skillets had some rust. Either way, there was a mess! I waited until today to do the self clean thing. Read the manual and guess what - had to clean the oven before I could clean the oven. So I did the wipe down (only w/water - can't use anything) and scrubbed for about 5 minutes. Then, start the clean. It takes 3 hours to clean and 1 hour to cool. So total 4 hours - I'm thinking it would probably be easier to just put the Easy Off on, wipe down and go. It could be wishful thinking but man that was a pain!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 12:28
Self cleaning is one of the hot button topics on these forums, with people who do(don't) like it trying endlessly to convince people who don't(do) like it what a great(stupid) feature it is, and all of the evidence offered is anecdotal. There is no right answer.
My own advice, based on my own limited experience, is that if someone has not used self-cleaning, and they think it will solve all of their oven cleaning problems, they are likely to be disappointed.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by joeboldt (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 13:28
ditto what doug says. My previous oven was self-almost-clean. I've sprayed regular easy off in my Lacanche. Okay that took all of a minute - just be careful of the thermocouple. Wait three hours and wipe, then rinse with some water. Plus, you get to sit down whle doing it!
About the only thing about my stove I miss, and this will sound odd - is an oven light.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 13:30
A good feature of smaller ovens - less surface to clean! These are so easy to wipe down. As Doug indicates, this is a passionate topic, but I have not used the self-clean in any oven for years - just hated it.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by mwardlb (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 15:17
momto4 - I looked online for the Taylor thermometers, but I could only find the folding type or the stick ones. Yours appear to hang from the rack? Where did you get them?
I am interested in them because of the amount of oven roasting I do - they seem like the perfect tool to help prevent drying out the meats.
THANKS - michele
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 15:37
I found one at Chef Depot that hangs on the rack.
Here is a link that might be useful: Chef Depot
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 16:17
Yep! That's the one I have! I believe that's where I ordered mine, too!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 17:34
Cool. Just ordered two. Thanks for finding them plumorchard!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by sjay (My Page) on
Sat, Aug 5, 06 at 22:13
I am considering a cluny and ideally a cluny plus a warming oven. Other than price(which is definitely a factor), my issue with getting a warming cupboard is that I will have very limited upper cabinets in my new kitchen, so I don't want to give up the upper cabinet space. Does everyone who has a warming cupboard extend their hood over the entire range? I am afraid it will look awful if the hood only covers the burner portion of the stove.
Also, from the specs on the AC website it seems like I cannot have upper cabinets straddling each side of the regular cluny due to the clearances. Am I reading the specs correctly?
One last question, has anyone here actually recessed a lacanche into their wall. We are tight on space and am concerned with how far out the range will project with the spacer.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 4:57
Did you look through the gallery of pictures on the Lacanche website? Maybe someone has done this. I don't have uppers in my "range alcove" so I can't help you there. My range is flanked by WCs, which I can't live without now(!), and the hood extends over both...even though there is no burner on top of the right-hand WC.
Hopefully, someone with uppers will chime in re: clearances.
What's on the opposite side of the wall where you are contemplating the range? Mine is the garage. Given how I designed my alcove, my builder was certainly able to bump the wall further into the garage a few inches to accomodate any needs. I didn't end up doing it, though, as I have plenty of space. Maybe someone else here has.
Or...let's us redesign your layout for you! The folks here have done great things!!! Okay...maybe I'm just half-way kidding!
Good luck!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 12:38
I received my brochure from AC about two weeks ago and I've been quietly reading the archives before I jump in with a bunch of questions. I see that NancyUSA was the nice person who originally set up the archive page, but things haven't been updated in a long, long time and many threads are not posted. Has anyone been capturing these? What can be done to get the site up-to-date? I wouldn't mind taking a stab at it if things have been saved (assuming that more than one person can post to that blog).
I can't remember who (or when) someone posted that Lacanche is at Harrod's in London. My DH just told me that he's going to London at the end of August and I may tag along just to go see it! I have a daughter in college in Olympia WA, I could go visit her and make a side trip. If anyone is in the Chicago area (I'm on the north shore), I would love to save the airfare and put it toward a WC!
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 13:15
jaedwards...welcome!
I've emailed Nancy a couple of times, hoping to kickstart the Blog again. I've not heard back. Maybe someone else has a better email address for her. I do think people have said periodically they were saving the threads on their computers. Maybe they'll peak in (probably after summer) and help get updated! I wish I knew how to do it...I would if I could!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 13:51
Can someone tell me if I am reading this correctly? The Cormatin smallest burners is up to 5000 BTUs. Does anyone know what the lowest is? My range has one burner that will reduce to 650 to simmer.
And, sort of related, all of the burners are just one set of flames right? I have a EvenThree burner that has an inner ring and an outer ring...you can use one or the other or both. (Can't quite figure it out!)
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 15:28
Plumorchard -- The smallest burner on the Cormatin, and I believe on all of the Lacanche ranges, is indeed rated at 5,000 BTU maximum. I've never seen minimum ratings for any of the burners. Some participants on this forum found the lowest setting of the small burner to be too high as delivered. Fortunately it is very easy to adjust the minimum flame height, using just a screwdriver. There is a video showing how to do it on the AC web site. We have ours set very low and it produces a good low simmer.
Yes, you are right that each burner has only one set of flames. These are very simple ranges.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 16:08
JAEdwards AND Momto4kids:
I haven't seen Nancy around in a long time. I used to save all the Lacanche threads, but got lazy after she set up the blog. Among our ranks, someone must be tech savvy - or maybe not - since we are all buying low tech ranges! Ha!
We could appeal to starpooh, but I think she is now recruiting volunteers to manage that fabulous kitchen inventory she created, in addition the soapstone blog.
Be nice if iVillage could provide some expertise so newbies and elders could index easily facts and experiences. frenchranges.com forum has organized categories but does not enjoy the same volume of traffic as the appliance forum here.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by bake_sale (My Page) on
Sun, Aug 6, 06 at 16:25
Hi All:
I haven't visited the website from AC. But I remeber that it got very little traffic. Anyone know why? Maybe using that website, which AC maintains would be a good place?
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 9:39
I know from reading you can light the burners if you have a power outage. Does the range have automatic reignition if the flame goes out (not power related)? And, each burner has a sep igniter?
As always, thanks,
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 10:16
You can light the top burners, and the gas oven, during a power outage. The top burners do not have automatic re-ignition. Each burner has a separate ignitor.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 11:15
I'm trying to play with the blog but am having trouble adding links to the first page. I've emailed Nancy using the email account she chose as the blog administrator. We'll see if I hear from her. Does anyone have anything saved from the past few months?
Won't get to it today...my son is in town for a few days and the architect comes tomorrow. hmmmmm maybe my son can help, computers are second nature to that generation.
In the meantime....still trying to resolve the oven debate within my head. Could we have a shout-out from the "elders" here as to the size of your oven and the largest turkey you made? I *know* that you really can't compare a small, well-made oven to a cavernous, inconsistent big one. I've also figured out that I could make a smaller turkey and a breast on top of the extra pan of dressing that I do already...but it would be reassuring since the turkey dinner is what brings my kids home from the far corners of the country!!!
Thanks,
Judy
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 11:30
As a backup to the blog archives, I know it isn't ideal but if you can't get Nancy maybe a Blog II - ? Just an idea.
Back to turkeys.....
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 7, 06 at 14:33
Judy...I'm trying to find a post about what we all did last Thanksgiving. I think my turkey was just under 20 lbs (maybe about 17) and I had plenty of room for it in the oven. But, I high heat roast, too, so even if I didn't have enough room, I'd have plenty of time! I'll try to locate the thread where we all talked about what we got into our ovens.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 16:35
I am very! disappointed in AC. I have emailed, I have left messages, I have sent faxes, I even mailed a note with a return sample (a color I did't request) and nothing! I am on the automatic notification for the emails but am getting no where with anything else. I love the range but am getting very frustrated with the lack of follow up for such a high priced product! I know I am a small fish but what gives?
(thanks for letting me vent!)
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:04
Okay, as stated above, AC closes for a month in the summer. And I do believe it is in August.
Why they don't do an autoreply kind of thing, letting people know is beyond me.
I think all (most) of us have had a time when AC didn't respond as quickly as we would like. But they always do, and we have all always been satisfied.
I do understand your frustration, I really do. Frankly, I"ve always felt they don't have enough employees and have had to send a couple of "friendly reminders" once or maybe twice. They have come through each time.
Anyway, I actually came on board to BOAST (since I don't want to start another thread just for this) that there is RUNNING WATER in my kitchen!!!!! WHOO HOOO!! Yessireeee! The main sink and the prep sink are fully operational, and may I just JUST say that the faucets are totally drooooooool???
Oh joy!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by gingerginger (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:36
plumorchard and velodoug both write about re-lighting the burners or lighting the burners and ovens of the AC LaCanche ranges if they go out or if there's a power outage . . . . please confirm that the gas valves are not interlocked with the electrical igniters, . . . so that one could actually set up the ranges without an electrical supply, period (and light them each time with long matches or butane lighters). yes??
ginger
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 17:38
plumorchard...yes, I know it can get frustrating. It bums me out when this happens. They are a small outfit, in that stage where they could use more employees from our perspective...but probably can't from their perspective. Plus, they do run another business or two. And yes, I think August is when they are the leanest staffwise, since the factory in France is closed. I wish this didn't happen because it detracts from the wonderful range. Hang in there. I couldn't find those other threads. Drats. I wish I knew who saved them besides Nancy.
Ivette....WOOOOOWWWWWW! OMGosh...long time coming, GF!! I cannot wait to see pix. I drool just thinking about the color of your range!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 8, 06 at 18:10
Ginger -- If you order the range with just a gas oven (or gas ovens) and don't plug it in to an electrical outlet it will work just fine. The top burners are easy to light with an ordinary kitchen match. The oven burner is easier with something a little longer like a fireplace match or a butane grill lighter.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 7:53
Between gingerginer and plumorchard, I'm inspired to bake something!
Re: igniting the burners. Once upon a time, Mindstorm made the observation that if you turn the knobs back towards the off position, you can get a very low simmer. This created a bit of controversy because of the possibility of the burner going out and leaking gas. I use this trick regularly; I've tried to blow out the low flame, and then relight it with a match--there doesn't seem to be any gas leakage in this situation--no gas sound, no gas smell, no ability to re-light. Anyone care to comment?
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 8:51
Aside from having your Lacanche fired up for the first time, I think getting water flowing may be the second best day in a remodel - enjoy your eight glasses today, Ivette!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 9:37
Hi Veda, it's good to hear from you again.
I don't know how the gas controls and ignitors work on your European Lacanche. I suspect that it is different in some respects from the US models. For example, what does the little pushbutton on the control panel with the star label do? The US models don't have it. Anyway, it's quite possible that your range has more safeguards built into it than the US models, which might make operating the burners in the range hetween High and Off OK. I stand by my view that for the US models it is a potentially dangerous practice.
Doug
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 11:39
Hi, Doug! The pushbutton is the ignition/spark--you hold it down with your left hand and push/turn the knob for the appropriate burner with your right. I thought the UL were the same in this regard? Veda
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 12:26
Veda,
The UL ranges don't have the little button. On each top burner control the first position CCW from OFF is labeled IGN. Turning the knob to IGN starts the spark going. Continuing to rotate the knob to HIGH starts the gas going. If you rotate the knob CCW past HIGH before it lights, the sparking stops and you have to turn it back CW back to HIGH to get it going again.
The gas oven is simpler. It has an IGN label just CCW of OFF but there is no need to stop turning it there. Just push the knob in, rotate it to the desired temperature, and the sparking and the pilot gas will start. Once the thermopile in the pilot flame heats up the main gas starts and lights and the oven heats up.
While we're on the subject, you might be able to help clear up another mystery. The aluminum collar under the brass cap on each burner has two holes. On the UL ranges the spark ignitor sticks up through the right hole and the left hole is blanked off. I have to believe the second hole is there for a reason. Is it used for anything on your range?
Doug
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by azdreamhome (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 12:57
Hi everyone --
We've been escaping the Arizona summer heat for the past 6+ weeks and are now back in town (kiddies are back in school this week). I meant to post photos of our new Lacanche (Cluny 1400 Classique) kitchen (about 90% complete) before we left but ran out of time. Here it is. It's still not complete (needs shoe molding for baseboards, plastered range hood, need to install appliance cabinet panels with hardware, install flat screen TV over desk, etc.). It's also just a blank canvass right now...needs some pizazz added by decorating with color (window treatments) and accessories but that will come in time. I'm still exhausted from the construction of the house, moving in and traveling this Summer. Not a lot of energy left to decorate. Oh, and we will be putting some furniture in the great room soon!
I've enjoyed reading everyone's updates lately and seeing all the new people getting excited about their Lacanche purchases. Which reminds me. We haven't done much cooking on our Lacanche just yet. It's too hot to do it just yet. But we will, we will. What we have done has worked wonderfully. Question: the installer did a great job but what do you think about how the Lacanche is raised up (feet). Luckily, he had these "feet" on his truck. There was a problem with what came with the range and I can't recall why. DH and I are 5'll" and 5'7" respectively so the height is not an issue but I imagine it would be better if it was a bit lower? Thoughts?
Here is a link that might be useful: More pics of our Lacanche kitchen
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by plumorchard (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 17:36
Gorgeous Kitchen! That is incredible.
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 17:57
that's really beautiful AZDreamhome. I love that hood! How wonderful for you!
I like the look of the feet. We had height issues too when we first got the range and figured out that the feet or whatever were in the "delivery" position and needed to be changed to make the range higher, which we did. I thought the Lacanche instructions say not to use anything else to stand the range up, but I could be wrong. It sure looks nice!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by mwardlb (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 21:10
azdreamhome - WOW!! What a stunning kitchen. I LOVE the light fixtures!!! Great job!!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by annaleef (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 21:40
AZ - Stunning home and beautiful cool stone surfaces and color palette for the desert environment. You must be so ready to put your feet up and relax after pulling together this magnificent home. Just perfect!
Our daughter is packing now to leave PHX for CT. We'll see if she adapts to our New England winters!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 9, 06 at 23:00
Doug,
I went to my manual-- there is a metal projection in that second, left hole, not that I know what it does. It is called a thermocoupler and earlier in the manual it refers to adjusting the "thermocouple safety cut-outs: " If the burner goes out, having kept the control knob pushed in for roughly 20 seconds, check: Moderate tightening of magnetic head on the valve, that the thermocouple tip actually touches the flame and the thermocouples and magnetic heads are clean. "
Got that? All Greek to me! It is interesting that these ranges are different in this respect. Since you are an engineer, would you like a copy of this manual? Be happy to send it if you like.
By the way, you can ignite the burners when the knobs are pushed in past the 3/4 position (CCW) at any time--pushing in the knob releases the gas flow. Veda
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by momto4kids (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 6:58
AZ...BEAUTIFUL! I've been waiting to see your progress! It's just lovely!!
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by velodoug (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 11:33
Veda,
Thank you for offering to send a copy of the manual. Since the ranges are significantly different it would only be of academic interest, but I'll keep it in mind.
It's clear from your description that your non-UL range has a safety feature that the UL ranges do not have. I am not surprised because European safety standards are often more stringent than those in North America. On your range, if the thermocouple in the left hole detects that the flame has gone out with the gas still turned on the gas is automatically shut off. The instruction you quote is addressing what to do if the safety feature malfunctions and keeps the burner from lighting at all.
With that safety feature, your burners can probably be safely operated in the range between HIGH and OFF where the UL ranges, in my opinion, can not. I have to qualify this opinion because there may be other differences, but if you can't small gas when you blow out the flame you are most likely OK. In my opinion, the rest of us should not be trying this stunt.
Doug
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by pirula (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 16:14
OMG. I suppose someday, when my range is actually fired up and I'm using it, I'll understand what in the heck velodoug and vedazu are talking about. Thermocouplers????
LOL!
Ivette
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by jaedwards (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 10, 06 at 22:44
AZ--congrats on that beautiful kitchen!
To all--I know I read somewhere about the oven sizes on the different models...can't find it at all. Is the Cluny the only model with the small ovens? Then what is the difference between the Volnay/Vougeot and the Chambertin/Chassagne models/ovens? I am assuming the Fontenay oven is the same size as the Sully. I know you all have been through what I'm going through...hobs! colors! one oven/two ovens/warming cabinet! Right now, since we are still in prelim with the architect, I'm alloting 60" for a range. He's never heard of Lacanche (sigh). Now with all the red alert stuff, the trip to London is off. Oh! I so wanted to see a Lacanche in person. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy the terrorists were caught and the alert is necessary and WAY more important than me buying a stove.
So....colors....the marron glace isn't as deep of a brown as I thought it would be..seems more like the almond to me (frangipane). Pretty though. I like the terracotta, curious about the delft blue. Ivory and burgundy still make my heart beat the fastest for now.
As far as oven size, I would really like a single cluny oven with a warming cabinet, then I'd get a electric conv wall oven for my baking center. Since we're soon to be empty nesters, most of my cooking will be for two and the cluny would be perfect.
Oh well, enough stove dreams for me tonight. Now I'll go obsess about the 2nd floor drawings. The architect blocked a bedroom window with the addition roof and now I'm reworking the entire upstairs before I call him. Good thing I caught it. We were almost ready to go to working drawings.
Thanks for putting up with all my newbie rambling! Still would like the turkey info!!!!!
Judy in Chicagoland
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RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by klb_2000 (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 11, 06 at 0:32
Judy, take a look at the specifications on the Art Culinaire support page...I think they will answer many of your questions (well, except for the questions about which color to choose!)
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Specifications
o
RE: Lacanche Ranges part 33
* Posted by vedazu (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 11, 06 at 8:04
Judy--I had a 17+turkey last year. I think the point is this: if is fits in your roasting pan, you can get it in the oven. Seventeen or 18 pounds is probably close to your limit--I think the bird's legs were crammed in somehow, as I recall. VZ
# posted by RunnerJudy @ 3:34 PM 
