Deanna,
Several years ago my wife and I purchased a Whirlpool smooth top stove, and it is without a doubt, the best stove we've ever had. We frequently use a cast iron skillet on it without any problems, and have done so for several years. As long as we use the recommended cleaner (Weiman Smooth Top Stove Cleaner), we've had no problems keeping the stovetop clean. Other than the fact that this stove has a self cleaning oven, I don't know anything else about the type of oven.
Larry Compton