Reliability of self extinguishing ignitors uncertain.

In August '05, I installed GE JGP328SEJ1SS in one of the upscale apartments I manage where we needed to do a "designer" kitchen. The electronic ignition system is supposed to stop sparking when the flame lights. In October, after less than three months of service, the spark shut down circuit failed. It was promptly repaired by GE for free, and then failed again.

This cooktop was the third cooktop that I have purchased with an automatic spark shut off feature. All are supposed to work the same way, and they may use common parts even though they are from three different manufacturers. The first one required six visits from the Amana service technician before it would work reliably. I've given up on getting the second one, a Caloric, repaired after five visits of the service technician and numerous parts replacements.