If you are considering a cooktop for your home, this article will address several things you should consider as you get ready to shop.
Choosing the right size, fuel type and configuration for your cooktop will make everything from cooking to clean up run a little more smoothly for you and your family.
Table of Contents
Placement & Ventilation
If you’re considering a wall oven instead of a range, you’ll likely have to pair it with a cooktop or range top.
Cooktops are installed in the countertop with the controls position within the cooktop on the horizontal plane.
A range top may be a good option for a commercial style aesthetic. These units can include details like heavy duty knobs and grates and fit above and over the edge of the countertop with vertically positioned controls. Generally these are gas powered.
Cooktops offer a significant amount of versatility in terms of where they can be placed within the kitchen.
They can be installed on a countertop, against the wall or if you want to be more engaged with your guests as you cook on an island. Some cooktops can be installed over a wall oven, depending on the model.
When deciding where to install your cooktop, you need to ensure there is adequate room to install ventilation, including all required ductwork.
Downdraft cooktops have a built-in ventilation system within the cabinet below that sucks smoke and odors right off the cooking surface.
This means you don’t need an additional overhead ventilation hood.
Size
If you are replacing an existing cooktop it is important to find one that fits your existing cutout.
Existing cutouts can sometimes be modified to accommodate different size cooktops for a cost.
If you are starting from scratch, there are a number of options in terms of sizing.
The average cooktop is 30 or 36 inches wide, but you can also find cooktops with 15 inch and 24 inch widths for smaller spaces.
The number of cooktop burners in most cases is related to the width of the cooktop.
Cooking in a compact space? downsize your cooktop? Whirlpool has 24-inch cooktops suited for smaller homes.
Cooktops that are 48 inches wide could have as many as eight burners, but many have less and offer additional features such as a grill or griddle.
Depths vary by model and fuel type. The general range is between 20 inch and 28 inch deep.
Always check an appliance’s dimensions against your own kitchen measurements to ensure a good fit with your countertop and lower cabinets.
Think about how often you cook multiple dishes at once to help guide the decision on your cooktop size and how many burners you may require.
Installation
Though most cooktops slightly protrude out from counters, some sit completely flush with the countertop. A feature often found with luxury radiant and induction cooktop brands.
Manufacturers include templates in their installation guides so the countertop can be cut to fit your new cooktop.
Just be sure you follow the manufacturer dimension guide and template. You may also need to consider the fuel source that’s best for your needs.
You will experience different response time and other benefits depending on the fuel type, explained in the next section of this guide.
Gas Cooktops
Let’s talk gas cooktops.
If you’re after the perfect sear, simmer or flambe, gas is ideal. It offers precise burner control and even heat distribution.
Gas burners are measured in british thermal units or BTUs. Higher BTU output means higher heat. This is important for cooking techniques like searing, which usually requires 15k BTUs or more. Lower BTU, less than 5k output, means lower heat, essential, for instance, when melting butter.
Many fine gas cooktops are more difficult to clean as the grates need to be cleaned as well as the base of the cooktop.
Some manufacturers offer a number of features to make cooking a little easier, such as stain resistant finishes or grates that can be washed in the dishwasher.
Some Whirlpool cooktops offer easy to lift grates. The hinge design lets you wipe up underneath without removing them. For a more thorough clean the grates are also dishwasher safe.
Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions for recommendations on how to clean your cooktop for best results.
Finally if you want a gas cooktop and natural gas is not available in your area, typically most manufacturers offer liquid propane conversion kits.
Electric Cooktops
Radiant, induction and coil cooktops all use electricity as their heating source and are measured in watts.
Higher wattage such as 2k watts means higher heat, helpful for cooking techniques like searing.
Lower wattage, less than 1k watts, means lower heat perfect for simmering delicate sauces.
Element sizes generally come in three options to match cookware and maximize your cooking flexibility.
Coil cooktops are popular for their affordable prices, however they tend to be more difficult to clean.
Depending on your preferences, electric and induction cooktops have a number of features that are not offered by coil cooktops.
Some manufacturers offer two different ring sizes of heating within one element so you can customize the heat to your pot size.
Whirlpool’s Flexi Dual radiant element allows you to combine two elements in one. A six inch and a ten inch option are available.
Some induction and electric models also offer a bridge function that allows the cooking surface to be converted from four conventional cooking zones to two oversized zones,
How are induction cooktops different than electric?
The answer is in how the heat is generated.
Induction cooktops heat up more quickly and cook more efficiently than radiant and gas cooktops.
They use electromagnetic energy to transfer heat directly into your cooking vessel and not through the cooktop surface and then the vessel.
Your pots and pans heat up faster so you can start searing your steak sooner. They’ll respond more quickly when you turn down the heat to reduce those pan juices too.
You may have heard that this type of cooktop requires specialty cookware.
To test if your cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop, just hold the magnet next to your cookware. If it sticks you’re good to go.
If incompatible pans are used inconsistent cooking results might be experienced.
The smooth top surface of induction and radiant cooktops may make them easier to clean than gas and coil.
Induction cooktops offer further benefits when it comes to cleaning.
Because induction cooking doesn’t heat the cooktop itself, spilled food, grease splatters and other common messes are less likely to get burnt onto the cooktop surface and can be wiped up quickly once cooking is done.
Ambient heat from your cookware may heat up your induction cooktop so it’s important to wait for the surface to cool before cleaning.
Style & Color
Consider the design aesthetic of your kitchen when choosing your cooktop.
Gas cooktops have a classic feel while electric models feature sleek integration.
Cooktops are most commonly available in black or stainless steel.
Induction and electric cooktops tend to hold a more modern or contemporary look, where the cooktop integrates seamlessly and barely protrudes from the counter for a sleek look.
Some cooktops are available with knobs and some with touch control.
We hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your purchase.