I had a ceramic top stove just before the current gas one - it was a good stove, but one of the main things I disliked about it is that the burner stays hot for a while (as with most electrics). I like turning off the stove and having it off - if I want to leave my pan there for a few minutes I can without having it cook much more.
And for all that we know - your electric could be cheaper than gas where you are. That is also a factor. How much are you saving in the long run? It's just another thing to think about is all.
$1000 is insane - you must not have a gas line coming to your house? It cost us about $300 (labor was the biggest part, getting someone certified) to fit a kitchen gas line from our basement. We already had a gas furnace.
I completely understand where you're coming from - about buying a new home and not being able to afford much at the moment. We just bought our house last December, first time homebuyers etc. It took us a few months to get on our feet after all of the initial set up fees, notary, etc.. but we can afford our mortgage and are living well inside our means - so it didn't take long for us to get where we wanted to be. It does take time though, and persistance.
There are good gas stoves that are cheaper with the features you're looking for. My oven is self cleaning and is good construction - Kenmore. It was about 600 dollars CDN on sale... products in the US usually run a couple hundred less than CDN products, if I'm not mistaken... though I could be! Haven't been down there in a while (even though I live right on the border.. need my passport now..
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It all boils down to what you want and what you think you can afford. Do you need to buy a stove immediately? IE your stove right now is out of commission? It really is a personal choice with many factors to take into consideration.
If you decide to buy electric, I would highly recommend ceramic top. They are easy to clean, the majority of ovens now are self cleaning as well, and they can get pretty hot. It is easy to damage the tops though so watch out if you have stainless steel pans and cast iron.. avoid 'shaking' the pans on the ceramic.. shake off the stove if you need to.... But yes, ceramic tops have been getting MUCH better as of late and I would buy one if I did not have gas.