>I was just under the perception that leaving home for extended periods with an appliance that could be unplugged, and be OFF until someone opted to turn it ON, was safer.<

Did you actually unplug it, Kevin? Every home stove I've seen had the wiring and the plug behind the unit. Unplugging it would be awkward at best.

So, chances are, you just made sure the knobs were turned to the off position. How is that any different than with a gas stove?

In fact, with my set-up, it would actually be easier to shut off the gas, because I could close down the tanks as well as the stove knobs.

Let me ask you this. I you owned a house instead of a condo, and were going away for an extended period, would you turn off the hot water heater? How about the furnace? What about the sump pump in the basement?

Did you turn off the water supply when you left? Frozen pipes are a much greater risk than anything that could happen from a stove.

My point is, I don't see any problem protecting yourself from realistic risks. But the idea that a turned-off stove---gas or electric---is any kind of risk, let alone a realistic one, just leaves me cold.

>In fact- I got a slightly cheaper homeowner's insurane rate because of that aspect.<

Mebbe so. But insurance companies often establish rates that run counter to their actuarial tables.

For instance, there has never been a shooting accident at any registered shooting meet in America. Never. Yet that doesn't stop them from jacking the premiums way, way up. Why? Because they can get it, is why.

I used to be an insurance underwriter for a major causalty company, and saw the way rates---up and down---were established counter to what the actuarial tables said. Which is why I suggest checking it out yourself. Look at the raw data, though, not the established rates.

Brook,

Not trying to argue w/ ya- Lord knows I love ya. But I was at my Dad's tonight and we "popped the hood" on his gas stove. Voila- pilot lights that were tiny little open flames... THAT is what I wished to avoid by having an electric range in my place. I wasn't about to leave my home for many weeks with open flames that could burn out and leak gas while I was away and couldn't detect such. I also didn't fly to Alaska with candles still burning around the tub, or Christmas-lights still glowing on the patio, or the clothes-dryer still going for the same reason. (!) Too cautious? Mebe so... but I'd do it all again- as most sources would recommend.

Insurance? I also purchased full auto coverage only while I was home and actually driving the pick-up... during my work away when the rig sat in the garage un-driven I just had minimal liablity on it- saved quite a bit that way.

All these pre-planned things were safer and saved money while eliminating risk. At least in my mind they did... I chalked it all up to preparedness and minimizing risk. And if I returned to traveling, remote site work- I'd do it all again.

Well, as I said below, right, wrong, or indifferent, this is one of those things where once people take a position they never move from it. And everyone has to do what they're most comfortable with.

I'll tell you what does bug me. If you buy a home-version of a commercial stove, the only substantial difference is the extra insulation dictated by building codes. As if a true commercial stove is gonna set my kitchen on fire! But it almost doubles the cost.

Yeah, yeah. I'm from the gubmint. I'm here to help you.