KitchenAid 30 Electric Cooktop
Description
The KitchenAid KCES550HBL combines contemporary styling with reliable radiant electric heating technology, serving as a popular choice for mid-range to upscale kitchen remodels. This 30-inch electric cooktop with five elements requires precise countertop fabrication to ensure proper fit and long-term performance. Our professional cutout template provides exact specifications for the 29.5625" x 20.5625" opening required for installation in granite, quartz, marble, and other premium countertop materials. The KCES550HBL's sleek black ceramic glass surface and metal knob controls complement modern kitchen aesthetics while demanding fabrication accuracy within manufacturer tolerances. This CNC-ready DXF template streamlines the cutting process and minimizes the risk of costly errors or warranty-voiding installations.
Dimensions
- Overall Width
- 30.8125"
- Overall Depth
- 21.75"
- Corner Radius
- 0.5"
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- KitchenAid
- Model Number
- KCES550HBL
- Downloads
- 0
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The KitchenAid KCES550HBL combines contemporary styling with reliable radiant electric heating technology, serving as a popular choice for mid-range to upscale kitchen remodels. This 30-inch electric cooktop with five elements requires precise countertop fabrication to ensure proper fit and long-term performance. Our professional cutout template provides exact specifications for the 29.5625" x 20.5625" opening required for installation in granite, quartz, marble, and other premium countertop materials. The KCES550HBL's sleek black ceramic glass surface and metal knob controls complement modern kitchen aesthetics while demanding fabrication accuracy within manufacturer tolerances. This CNC-ready DXF template streamlines the cutting process and minimizes the risk of costly errors or warranty-voiding installations.
Installation Overview
Installing the KCES550HBL requires a cutout measuring 29.5625 inches wide by 20.5625 inches deep—slightly larger than comparable induction models due to radiant element design. The manufacturer specifies a tolerance range of 29-1/16" to 29-9/16" width and 20-3/8" to 20-9/16" depth, providing fabricators with minimal margin for error. The cooktop's overall dimensions of 30.8125" width and 21.75" depth require adequate countertop real estate, particularly in depth where standard 25.5-inch counters provide only 4.9375 inches of back edge material—acceptable but requiring careful seam planning. Corner radii of 0.5 inches prevent stress concentration in stone materials while accommodating the cooktop's design. The unit draws 240V at 40 amps, necessitating a dedicated circuit with junction box positioned 12-18 inches below the counter surface and offset from cutout center. Cabinet clearances include minimum 30-inch height to overhead cabinets and 0.5-inch to sidewalls. Support the cooktop's 48-pound weight with solid substrate or perimeter bracing, especially important in 2cm quartz installations.
CNC Cutting Notes
The KCES550HBL cutout presents moderate complexity due to its slightly deeper profile compared to induction models. Program your CNC with a two-pass strategy: rough cut with a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch carbide bit leaving 0.050-inch material, then finish with a 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch downcut spiral bit for superior edge quality. Feed rates of 70-90 IPM work well for granite, while quartz accepts 90-120 IPM with appropriate depth of cut adjustments (0.125-inch for granite, 0.150-inch for quartz). Spindle speeds between 18,000-22,000 RPM provide optimal bit life and edge finish. The 0.5-inch corner radii require true arc programming—avoid line segment approximations that create stress points. This electric cooktop's ceramic glass surface reveals edge imperfections, so budget time for proper finishing. Total cutting time runs 9-13 minutes for 3cm material. Post-cutting, vacuum all dust from the cutout and inspect edges for micro-chips that could propagate into cracks. The manufacturer's tolerance range allows slight oversizing if material conditions warrant, but never undersize—the cooktop must drop into the opening without binding.
Material Compatibility
This template performs excellently across all major countertop materials. Granite installations benefit from the generous corner radii and straightforward rectangular geometry. The deeper cutout (20.5625 inches) requires attention in materials with pronounced veining—orient the template to avoid running parallel to major fissures. Engineered quartz handles this cutout well due to consistent material properties; verify warranty coverage for cutouts this size, particularly with premium patterned quartz where cutout placement affects pattern continuity. The KCES550HBL's radiant electric heating generates more heat transfer to countertops than induction—not typically problematic but worth noting for heat-sensitive materials. Marble works well given adequate thickness and proper sealing, though prolonged heat exposure near cutout edges may cause subtle color changes over years. Quartzite requires premium diamond tooling but provides exceptional durability. Porcelain slabs demand precision cutting and minimum 12mm thickness. Solid surface materials like Corian accept this template with fabricator certification and adequate support structures. Avoid tile, laminate, or thin materials under 2cm. For waterfall or mitered edge details, maintain 3-inch minimum material alongside the cutout to prevent fracture during fabrication or installation.
Where to Buy
The KitchenAid KCES550HBL electric cooktop retails between $800-$1,200 depending on retailer promotions and regional pricing variations. This model represents excellent value in the electric cooktop category, often included in kitchen remodel packages. Major retailers include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and local appliance dealers, with seasonal sales offering 15-25% discounts. Online specialists like AJ Madison, Abt Electronics, and AppliancesConnection provide competitive pricing with expert product knowledge and reliable delivery. The KCES550HBL comes in multiple finishes—HBL (black), HSS (stainless), and HPS (with PrintShield finish)—all sharing identical cutout dimensions. Professional fabricators should verify the exact model suffix with clients before cutting, as finish differences affect project aesthetics. Local appliance dealers often provide superior installation support and warranty service, valuable for maintaining client relationships. Consider establishing trade accounts for project pricing on multiple unit orders. Lead times vary from immediate stock availability to 1-2 weeks for special finishes. When coordinating installations, confirm delivery schedules align with countertop installation dates—cooktops should arrive before final templating when possible.