Summit Appliance REX2051BRT: 20-Inch Electric Smooth-Top Range for Compact Kitchens

Modern living often means embracing smaller spaces. Whether it’s a cozy city apartment, a charming tiny home, or a compact condo, maximizing every square inch is crucial. The kitchen, the heart of the home, is no exception. But how do you create delicious meals and enjoy the full functionality of a range when you’re short on space? This is the challenge many home cooks face, and it’s where the ingenuity of compact appliances comes into play.

For decades, the standard range was a bulky behemoth, demanding a significant chunk of kitchen real estate. Smaller kitchens were often relegated to cramped cooktops or inefficient hot plates. But as living spaces evolved, so did appliance design. The quest for the perfect compact range began – a search for an appliance that could deliver full-size performance without dominating the kitchen.

Meet the Summit Appliance REX2051BRT: A Compact Powerhouse

Enter the Summit Appliance REX2051BRT, a 20-inch electric range that elegantly answers the call for compact cooking solutions. This isn’t just a shrunken-down version of a larger range; it’s a thoughtfully designed appliance that prioritizes both space efficiency and cooking performance. Its sleek black finish and smooth ceramic glass cooktop immediately signal a modern aesthetic, blending seamlessly into any kitchen décor.

But the REX2051BRT is more than just a pretty face. Its 19.75-inch width allows it to slip into spaces where larger ranges simply can’t go, freeing up valuable counter space. Yet, beneath that compact exterior lies a surprisingly capable cooking machine.

The Smooth Science of Heat: Understanding Ceramic Glass Cooktops

The REX2051BRT features a smooth, black ceramic glass cooktop. This isn’t just a design choice; it’s a fundamental part of how the range operates. To understand why, we need to delve into the science of heat transfer.

There are three primary ways heat moves: conduction, convection, and radiation. Electric ranges, like the REX2051BRT, primarily use conduction. This means heat is transferred directly from one object to another through physical contact.

Here’s how it works:

1. Heating Element: Beneath the ceramic glass surface lies a heating element, typically made of a coiled metal alloy. When you turn on the burner, electricity flows through this element.
2. Resistance and Heat: The metal alloy has a certain amount of electrical resistance. This means it resists the flow of electricity, and this resistance generates heat – much like how a light bulb filament heats up when electricity passes through it.

3. Ceramic Glass Conduction: The heat generated by the element is then transferred to the ceramic glass cooktop above it. Ceramic glass is chosen for its specific properties:

   • Excellent Thermal Conductivity: While not as conductive as metal, ceramic glass is a far better conductor of heat than regular glass. This allows heat to spread relatively evenly across the cooking surface.
   • Thermal Shock Resistance: Ceramic glass can withstand rapid changes in temperature without cracking or breaking. This is crucial for a cooktop that will experience both intense heat and the occasional cold spill.
   • Durability: Special chemical treatment makes this glass scratch resistance.
   • Smooth, Non-Porous Surface: This makes it incredibly easy to clean, as spills and splatters can’t seep into crevices.

4. From Cooktop to Cookware: Once the ceramic glass is heated, the heat is then transferred to the bottom of your cookware, again through conduction. The flat bottom of your pot or pan makes direct contact with the hot glass, allowing the heat to flow efficiently into your food.

It’s important to distinguish this from induction cooking, which uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware. The REX2051BRT is a radiant electric range, meaning the heat is generated by the element and transferred through the glass. This is why you don’t need special magnetic cookware – any flat-bottomed pot or pan suitable for electric ranges will work.

Four Burners, Endless Possibilities: Maximizing Your Cooking Potential

One of the most impressive features of the REX2051BRT, especially considering its compact size, is its four-burner configuration. Each of the 6 1/2-inch burners delivers 1200W of power, providing ample heat for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Think about the possibilities:

• The Weeknight Rush: Simultaneously simmer a sauce on one burner, sauté vegetables on another, boil pasta on a third, and sear chicken on the fourth. You can create a complete meal without juggling pots and pans or waiting for one element to become available.
• The Weekend Brunch: Prepare a feast of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and home fries, all at the same time. The four burners give you the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures, ensuring everything is ready to serve together.
• The Holiday Gathering: Even with a smaller oven, the four-burner cooktop allows you to prepare side dishes and sauces while the main course roasts below.

The 1200W power rating of each burner is crucial here. It ensures that each burner can reach and maintain the temperatures needed for various cooking techniques, from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil.

Safety First: Built-in Features for Peace of Mind

Cooking should be enjoyable, but it also needs to be safe. The REX2051BRT incorporates several key safety features:

• Hot Surface Indicator Lights: One of the most important safety features is the hot surface indicator light. Because ceramic glass retains heat even after the burner is turned off, it can be difficult to tell if the surface is still hot just by looking at it. The indicator light provides a clear visual warning, preventing accidental burns.
• Anti-Tip Bracket:
  An anti-tip bracket is a crucial safety device that prevents the range from tipping over, especially if a heavy pot is placed on an open oven door or if a child attempts to climb on the range. This bracket is included with the REX2051BRT.
• Oven Rack Safety Brake System: The oven racks are designed with a safety brake system, preventing them from accidentally sliding all the way out when you’re checking on your food. This helps prevent spills and burns.

These features, combined with responsible cooking practices, contribute to a safer kitchen environment.

Keeping it Clean: Maintaining Your Ceramic Glass Cooktop

One of the biggest advantages of a smooth-top range is its ease of cleaning. Unlike traditional coil burners with drip pans that seem to attract every crumb and spill, the ceramic glass surface of the REX2051BRT is a breeze to maintain.

Here are some tips:

• Wipe Up Spills Quickly: The sooner you wipe up a spill, the easier it will be to clean. Use a damp cloth or sponge.
• Use a Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner: For tougher stains or cooked-on food, use a cleaner specifically designed for ceramic glass cooktops. These cleaners are formulated to remove residue without scratching the surface.
• Avoid Abrasive Cleaners and Pads: Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as these can scratch the glass.
• Use a Cooktop Scraper (Carefully): For stubborn, burnt-on food, a cooktop scraper can be used, but extreme caution is needed. Hold the scraper at a low angle and use gentle pressure to avoid scratching.
• Let the cooktop cool down before deep cleaning.
• Don’t slide the pan on the cooktop.

Regular cleaning will keep your cooktop looking its best and prevent permanent staining.

Beyond Cooking: Oven Insights

While the cooktop is the star of the show, the REX2051BRT also features a 2.3 cu. ft. oven. This is a respectable capacity for a 20-inch range, providing enough space for everyday baking and roasting needs. The waist-high broiler location is a convenient feature, making it easier to monitor and access broiling foods. The oven includes two adjustable racks, offering flexibility for different dish sizes. An oven window and light allow you to easily check food without opening the oven door.

Making the Most of Your Range: Tips for Efficient Cooking

To get the most out of your REX2051BRT, consider these tips:

• Use Flat-Bottomed Cookware: Flat-bottomed pots and pans make full contact with the ceramic glass surface, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Match Pan Size to Burner Size: Using a pan that’s too small for the burner wastes energy, while using a pan that’s too large can result in uneven cooking.
• Keep Lids On: Using lids helps retain heat and moisture, reducing cooking time and energy consumption.
• Preheat the Oven Properly: Allow the oven to fully preheat to the desired temperature before placing food inside.
• Don’t open the oven frequently. Each open will decrease the inner temperature.

The Future of Compact Cooking: Trends and Innovations

The REX2051BRT represents a significant step forward in compact appliance design, but the evolution of kitchen technology continues. We’re likely to see even more innovations in the future, including:

• Increased Energy Efficiency: Appliances will continue to become more energy-efficient, reducing their environmental impact and saving consumers money.
• Smart Technology Integration: Smart ranges with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control, and recipe integration are becoming increasingly common.
• Improved Temperature Control: More precise temperature control, both on the cooktop and in the oven, will enhance cooking results.
• Self-Cleaning Features: Advanced self-cleaning technologies will make oven maintenance even easier.

The Summit Appliance REX2051BRT is a testament to how far compact appliance design has come. It’s a powerful, versatile, and stylish range that proves you don’t need a large kitchen to create culinary masterpieces.