Types of Cooking Appliances - Cooktops

Cooktops continue to be a popular choice when it comes to cooking appliances. They are available as gas or electric, and drop into the countertop. Cooktops are usually paired with one or more wall ovens to outfit a kitchen offering a great deal of flexibility in the layout and function of your kitchen by allowing you to choose individual features for both the cooktop and wall oven(s).

Electric Cooktops

source: Magic Chef Magic Chef, Model CEC1430AAB

source: Whirlpool Whirlpool, Model G7CE3655XS

source: GE Appliances GE Profile, Model PHP960

Electric cooktops are known for providing an even and constant heat, but they lack the speed an temperature control that gas offers.

When selecting an electric cooktop you will have several different heating choices. The most basic and least expensive are models with an exposed coil heating element. Because the coil is exposed and sits above the surface of the cooktop, these units are more difficult to clean. Radiant heat elements and halogen heat elements are much more popular and are concealed under a smooth glass surface making them a breeze to clean.

Induction cooktops also have a smooth glass surface that is easy to clean but because induction uses electro magnetic energy, these cooktops require magnetic cookware. Induction cooktops tend to me more expensive than the other types of electric cooktops and magnetic cookware tend to be more expensive too, so keep that in mind. Most electric cooktops are 30” wide, have 4 to 6 burners of varying sizes, and wattages ranging from 1200 to 2000 watts.

Gas Cooktops

source: KitchenAid KitchenAid, Model KGCU484VSS

source: KitchenAid KitchenAid, Model KFGU706VSS

Gas cooktops offer the speed and temperature control that electric cooktops lack. They offer precise temperature control with a visible flame allowing you to select different levels of heat quickly.

Gas heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and levels can range from 5,000 BTUs (great for simmering) all the way to 18,000 BTUs (great for searing).

The two most common sizes for gas cooktops are 30” and 36” wide which typically have 4 to 5 burners that offer different levels of heat output. Most gas cooktops offer sealed burners which make clean up easier and some higher end gas cooktops offer custom burner options such as griddles or grills.

Special Features and Options to Consider:

Digital Display/ Electronic Controls: Provides easier to read controls and allows for more-precise temperature settings.

Safety Indicator Lights: Indicates when a cooking surface is still hot or a burner is still on.

Simmer/Low Heat Burner: Offers a simmer setting which allows certain burners to provide gentle, gradual heat which is great for cooking sauces or anything that needs to be slow-cooked.

High-Heat Burner: A high-heat gas burner can instantaneously increase cooking heat and allows you to quickly boil or sear foods to seal in flavor.

Dual Element Burners: Some electric ranges feature an inner ring for smaller pans and a large outer ring for larger pots and pans. A flick of the switch turns on the preferred size.

Bridge Element: This is an extra heating element between two main elements on a smooth-top cooktop that can be turned on to create a large surface for large pans such as griddles.

Warming Zones: More common on electric cooktops, this feature offers an additional element with a low-heat output to help keep food warm without overcooking.

Downdraft Venting: Some cooktops come with a built-in downdraft vent, eliminating the need for a range hood.

Pilotless Ignition: Saves gas that would otherwise be used by a pilot light, and reduces the chance of a gas leak.

Automatic Re-Ignition: If the burner turns off while cooking, this feature automatically re-ignites it.

Sealed burners: Gas burners are available in the conventional grate configuration and in the sealed burner type. Sealed burners eliminate the space between the grate and the range top, stopping spills from running down into the space, resulting in easier cleanup.

Modular Cooktop: Allows you to customize your gas cooktop with grills, griddles, wok rings, baking stones, etc. These options are more common on high end gas ranges with 6 or more burners.

Heavy-Duty Grates: Look for grates made from heavy porcelain-coated cast-iron or stainless-steel.

Seamless or Continuous Grates: Allows you to easily slide heavy pots between burners without doing any lifting.

Pricing Considerations for Cooktops
You can get a standard 30” or 36” wide gas cooktop for approximately $350, while same size models with more features and options can cost up to $1800. Larger sizes, such as 42” and 48” wide gas cooktops with top of the line options can run over $3,000.

Your most basic electric cooktop with exposed coil heating elements will range in price from $350 to $450. Radiant heat cooktops can vary in price from $500 to over $1200, depending on size and features. The most expensive type of electric cooktop is the induction cooktop with pricing starting around $1500 and going up to $3500 or more.

The more special features and options you choose, the higher the price, so it’s important to evaluate which features you can’t live without and which you can.