Cooktop Buying Guide

It’s true. If you decide to buy a cooktop and an oven rather than a range that includes both, you’re going to pay more. (Depending on the features, it could be a lot more.) But for many people, it’s worth it. For one thing, separating the cooktop and oven allows you to place them at spots in the kitchen that are most efficient for you. Plus cooktops come with a slew of cooking options that many ranges don’t offer—and they look darn good.

If you’re on the hunt for a new cooktop, use this info to start your search. You’ll be cooking in no time.

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops are a favorite of avid cooks because they’re highly controllable—you can get just the right heat for whatever recipe you’re tackling. Plus gas models are generally less expensive to operate than electric ones—although you need to make sure you have proper ventilation. (Updraft ventilation units are found above the cooktop; downdraft systems move air down from the cooking surface. Look for more about ventilation in an upcoming post.)

Traditional burner grates are easy to remove and clean. Or look for sealed-design gas burners, which keep spills and food debris from getting underneath. Look for gas cooktops with flame-failure devices—they automatically cut the gas supply if a pan boils over or the flame goes out.

Standard gas cooktops average about 9,000 BTUs per hour. But depending on the size of the burner, they can go from more than 16,000 BTUs to less than 500 (perfect for delicate items such as sauces!). If you’re a real cooking aficionado, consider a high-end gas cooktop with a low-level BTU output.

Electric Cooktops

Cleanup and handling is easier with electric cooktops than with their gas counterparts, and electric cooktops may cost less in the store—although they’re pricier to operate. All sorts of heating elements are available for electric cooktops. Coil elements are less expensive (because they heat up quickly) but they’re kind of a pain to clean up. Radiant heating elements set beneath a smooth glass ceramic surface take longer to heat but are much easier to clean (and they look pretty darn good too). Solid-element cooktops have cast-iron disks that cover the coils for consistent heating.

Other Models

Yep, there are more options than standard gas or electric cooktops. Try halogen models, which are powered by halogen bulbs. The heating elements light up and reach high heat quickly (and cool down fast too). Halogen cooktops perform much like electric models but typically have a higher price tag.

Then there are induction cooktops, which have induction coils beneath the surface that cause an electromagnetic field to heat up. You might have to buy new cookware if you purchase this type of cooktop—they require flat-bottomed, magnetic pots and pans.

The first cool thing about induction cooktops: The magnetic fields that power the cooktop only heat the cookware, so the surface stays cool to the touch. The second cool thing: They’re energy-efficient. The Kitchen Designer has a great post on induction cooktops and how they’re a green option. Or learn more about induction cooktops from The Square Deal.

And just for fun (or if your cooking skills are lacking), check out Vita Craft’s induction powered cooktop—as this On the Level post shows, it’s basically a brainy hotplate.

Cooktop Placement

Before I leave you, how about a few pointers about cooktop placement?

• Cooktops typically are dropped into a countertop and hooked up from below. Some newer models can be integrated into the countertop so they lie flush with the surface for a seamless look.

• Where you place your cooktop may depend on its size. Cooktops range from 30 to 45 inches wide, but you can find smaller and larger models as well.

• If you have an island located in the center of your kitchen, consider placing your cooktop there. For safety, make sure at least 9 inches of countertop extends behind the cooktop.

• Plan for plenty of counterspace around your cooktop too. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends leaving at least 12 inches of landing area on one side of the cooking surface and 15 inches on the other side.

• Install your cooktop away from windows so breezes don’t blow out gas flames and so curtains are well out of the way (otherwise, can you say fire hazard?).

• If you have children, you may want to position your cooktop out of the way of main traffic areas. A cooktop with a child-lock button is a good idea so kids can’t turn on the heat.

There’s plenty more you could learn before you start shopping. Check out The Home Depot’s cooktop buying guide. And of course you can’t beat the expert advice at Consumer Reports.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[The Home Know-It-All]

Thanks, Chris. It sounds like a useful site!

[ralphchu]

Great post and information on Cooktops. Thanks for the reference to The Square Deal. Your site visitors might also be interested in http://www.InductionCooktop.com - a great place to comparison shop for Induction Cooktops.