Cooktop Buying Guide
It’s where you boil water, fry eggs, prepare those beloved Sunday pancakes, and much more.
A cooktop can improve your cooking experience, making your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one that meets all of your unique wants & needs. Whether you are looking for a gas, electric, or induction cooktop, our comprehensive guide has everything you need to know to buy the right cooktop for you! Before we dive into the popular features you should keep an eye out for when shopping for a new cooktop, let's take a look at the different types of cooktops available and how they are different.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops are the most traditional choice and are still popular among professional chefs and home cooks alike. With a gas cooktop, you can quickly adjust the heat to get the perfect temperature for your dishes. They also provide instant heat, making them ideal for cooking with woks and other high-temperature cooking methods.
These cooktops work by using an electronic ignition system that lights the burner to create a blue flame. By turning the control knobs, you can then control how
much gas reaches the burner and set different heat settings as needed while you cook.
Benefits of a Gas Cooktop:
Fast cooking time: Gas cooktops heat up faster than electric cooktops, which can save you time in the kitchen.Affordable: Gas cooktops are generally more affordable compared to induction cooktops, which use advanced technology.
Affordable: Gas cooktops are generally more affordable compared to induction cooktops, which use advanced technology.
Easy to use: Gas cooktops are simple to use. You can easily adjust the heat by turning the knobs, which makes it ideal for novice cooks.
Compatible with all cookware: Gas cooktops are compatible with all types of cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel, and copper
Can work during power outages: Gas cooktops don't require electricity to operate, which means that you can still cook during a power outage.
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops are a great choice for those who want a sleek and modern look in their kitchen. They are easy to clean, easy to maintain, and more energy-efficient than gas cooktops, which can save you money on your energy bills. They work by allowing an electrical current to flow through a metal coil underneath the glass or ceramic cooktop surface. The heated coil then transfers heat to your pots and pans to cook your food.
Benefits of an Electric Cooktop:
More energy-efficient: Electric cooktops are more energy-efficient compared to gas cooktops since they use electricity to heat up.
No need for gas lines: Electric cooktops don't require a gas line to operate, which means that they can be installed in areas where gas lines are not available.
Convenient features: Many electric cooktops come with convenient features such as touch controls, timer functions, and safety features such as automatic shut-off.
Safer to use: Electric cooktops are safer to use compared to gas cooktops since there's no open flame or gas leakage risk. It's great for homes with kids or pets.
Sleek and modern design: Electric cooktops have a sleek and modern design that can add a contemporary touch to your kitchen. They are available in different sizes and styles to fit your kitchen's decor.
Easy to clean: Electric cooktops have a smooth, flat surface that is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge to keep it clean!
Induction Cooktops
These types of cooktops are the most energy-efficient and fastest-heating cooktops available on the market. Induction cooktops work by using electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly, rather than the cooktop surface. This means that the cookware heats up much faster, which saves time and energy. Induction cooktops are also safe to use because they don’t heat up unless there is cookware on the surface, and they are only compatible with certain types of cookware. Their sleek and polished look is known for adding a luxurious touch to modern kitchens making them a great investment that enhances the overall aesthetic of any kitchen.
Benefits of an Induction Cooktop:
Fast cooking time: Induction cooktops are the fastest type of cooktops on the market. They use magnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware, which means that your food will cook faster than on other types of cooktops.
Energy efficient: Induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient type of cooktops on the market. They use 90% of the energy they generate to cook food, compared to 55% for gas and 65% for electric cooktops.
Precise temperature control: Induction cooktops provide precise temperature control and respond instantly to changes in temperature. You can easily adjust the heat by touching the controls.
Safe to use: Induction cooking is safer when compared to gas and electric cooktops since they only heat up when they come into contact with magnetic cookware. This also means that there's no open flame or gas leakage risk.
Easy to clean: Induction stoves have a smooth, flat surface that is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge to keep it clean.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cooktop
Size: The size of your cooktop is an important consideration, especially if you have limited space in your kitchen. Cooktops come in various sizes, so be sure to measure the space where you plan to install the cooktop before making a purchase.
Burner configuration: Cooktops can have anywhere from two to six burners, depending on the size and type of cooktop. Consider your cooking needs and the size of your family when deciding on the burner configuration.
Cooking style: Consider the type of cooking you will be doing and choose a cooktop that is best suited for it. For example, if you enjoy cooking on a wok, then a gas cooktop with an open flame design is the best fit for you.
Features: Identify which features are must-haves for you and which ones you can live without.
Budget: Before you begin browsing, determine what your budget is to help narrow down your list of potential options.
Cooktop Features
Wi-Fi connectivity: Some cooktops offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the cooktop remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
Hot surface indicator lights: Hot surface indicator lights alert you when the cooktop is still hot, even afterit's been turned off, preventing accidental burns.
Childproof locks: Childproof locks are a safety feature that prevents children from accidentally turning on the burners or adjusting the temperature.
Automatic shut-off: Automatic shut-off is a safety feature that will automatically turn off the burner if it detects that the cookware has been removed or if the burner has been left on for too long.
Touch controls: Touch controls allow you to adjust the temperature and other settings with a simple touch, rather than turning knobs.
Downdraft ventilation: Downdraft ventilation pulls smoke and odors down through the cooktop, rather than up through a hood, making it ideal for kitchens without overhead ventilation.
Power burners: Power burners provide a higher heat output than standard burners, allowing you to boil water or sear meat faster.
Griddle or grill plates: Some cooktops come with removable griddle or grill plates, allowing you to cook pancakes, burgers, or vegetables without needing a separate griddle or grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean a glass cooktop?
Glass cooktops can be cleaned by using a mixture of baking soda and water. Take a soft, damp cloth and wipe the surface of the cooktop using the baking soda and water mixture. Then take another soft cloth and dry the surface. If there are tough-to-handle stains, use a sponge to scrub the surface clean instead of a soft cloth.
How does an induction cooktop work?
They use magnetic fields to directly heat the cookware rather than heating the air around it like a traditional gas or electric cooktop. Underneath the smooth surface is a copper wire coil used to create the electromagnetic field. When a piece of magnetic cookware is placed on the cooktop, the magnetic field induces a current in the cookware, which in turn produces heat. This way, the cookware itself becomes the heat source rather than a burner or heating element.
Will a cast iron skillet scratch an induction cooktop?
Cast iron cookware is compatible with induction cooktops, and will not scratch the surface if used and handled properly. Avoid dropping a heavy cast iron pot or dragging it across the cooktop surface, as this can cause scratches. Make sure to lift cast iron cookware onto the surface instead of sliding it and remove any debris that could potentially scratch the induction stovetop. We recommend following these precautions with any glass-top cooking surfaces as well.
Can I use any type of cookware on my cooktop?
No, not all types of cookware are compatible with all types of cooktops. Gas cooktops can be used with a variety of cookware, including cast iron and copper. Electric cooktops require flat-bottomed cookware with smooth bottoms. Induction cooktops require induction compatible cookware, which usually means cookware with a magnetic bottom.
What is the difference between a cooktop and a range?
A cooktop is a standalone appliance that is installed on a countertop or an island in the kitchen and requires a separate wall oven for baking and roasting. A range is a combination appliance that includes both a cooktop and an oven in one unit.
Do I need a hood vent for my cooktop?
A hood vent is not always necessary, but it can be helpful in removing cooking odors and smoke from your kitchen. If you do opt for a hood vent, be sure to choose one that is appropriately sized for your cooktop and install it at the correct height above the cooktop.
Discover the Best Cooktops at Sherman's
Ready to find the best cooktop for your kitchen? Browse our wide variety of the best cooktops from top brands like Whirlpool, Bosch, Frigidaire, and more to match your budget and lifestyle needs.
Stop by one of our store locations in Peoria, Normal, or Peru, Illinois, to get professional advice from our appliance experts. With a great selection of cooktops, ovens, refrigerators, and more, Sherman’s kitchen appliances are here to help equip your kitchen with everything you need to build your dream home.
