A cooktop is a cooking unit that sits on the top of any surface, counter space, or cabinet. It is designed for cooking or heating food. A cooktop takes heat supply from different sources, including gas, electricity, and other fuels. This appliance features heat control knobs that are mostly installed on the top. It is a safe as well as a convenient way for cooking and preparing a variety of dishes in just some minutes. A cooktop unit is easy to clean, compact, and makes the right match to your kitchen décor.
Types of Cooktop
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops are glass-ceramic cooktops that are designed with an electric metal coil that is placed under a ceramic surface. The current passes through the metal coil. The coil burns red-hot due to electrical resistance. It then passes the heat to the ceramic surface through infrared energy or heat convection.
These cooktops are easy to use as well as help you cook tasty foods quickly and conveniently. They usually have a sleek and stylish design and come in different sizes.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops are cooktops that use gas as a primary heat source. They feature sealed burners mounted on a ceramic glass surface. You can place the pans or pots directly over these burners. Gas cooktops are also useful because of their precise temperature control feature and sturdy build quality.
They are a cost-effective method of cooking. Many models have dishwasher-safe material that makes them easy to clean and maintain.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic induction to produce the required heat for cooking food contents. Flat-bottom cookware with magnetic properties is mainly used as they work on electromagnetic induction. These cooktops offer quick heating and save on your cooking time. They are advanced versions of cooktops. These devices also have the ability to automatically adjust the heat output as per the pan size.
Induction cooktops are an essential part of the modern kitchen. You can read our blog on induction cooktops to know more about them.
Features to Consider While Buying a Cooktop
Size
Cooktops are available in the size range of 21 to 48 inches, but most average-sized models are either 30 inches wide or 36 inches wide. You can choose any model that fits best in your counter space. Some models have 4 or 5 burners while others can have up to 6 burners. You can go with 4 or 5 burners if you have limited counter space.
Fuel Type
You can choose any fuel type among gas, electricity, and induction. The gas ones are easy to operate and your pans will immediately respond to temp changes on gas burners. The electric variants are faster than gas variants, but your pans may take a bit longer to adjust to any temp change. Induction cooktops are best of all and offer quick responses.
Bridge Element
You should look for models that come with the bridge element feature. This is a design feature that many cooktops offer. This feature allows you to join the two different burners together as well as heat up elongated pans or grills efficiently. Bridge element also reduces heat loss and lets you prepare your dishes on rectangular or oval-shaped cookware.
Downdraft Exhaust
The downdraft exhaust feature is important to have, especially when you want to get rid of kitchen hoods. This feature takes all odor and smoke from your cooking surface and eliminates them out with the help of downdraft vents. It also allows you to get an open counter space above your cooktop surface.
Electronic Touch Controls
The electronic touch controls help you set your cooktop temp precisely. The models that feature touch controls are comparatively easy to operate, clean, as well as maintain than other standard models. It also eliminates the need for heat control knobs.
You will also require a special type of cookware if you are cooking an induction cooktop. Read our blog on the best cookware for induction cooktops to make an informed choice.
Buy Best Cooktops
iSiLER Electric Induction Cooktop
The iSiLER Electric Induction Cooktop’s reviews show that it is a new generation induction cooker. It uses the latest touch screen technology and a responsive touchpad to set the temp and adjust the power. This model allows you to set the timer and add 30 seconds to the cooking time. It also offers 17 temp settings and 18 power levels to give you the best cooking experience.
Empava Stove Cooktop
Empava stove cooktop comes with durable knobs and laser-cut full-width edge-to-edge heavy cast-iron grates. It can also be cleaned in a dishwasher for hassle-free, effortless cleaning and maintenance to enhance the premium look. This cooktop comes with 4 burners of different sizes that offer flexibility.
Frigidaire FFEC3025UB
Frigidaire FFEC3025UB is a stylish black-colored electric cooktop. It is available in high-quality and sturdy glass material. It’s 30 inches in size. This cooktop comes with 4 heating elements that allow versatile cooking. The super sleek design of this cooktop will also enhance the look of your kitchen.
FRIGIDAIRE Frigidaire Gallery
The customer reviews of FRIGIDAIRE Frigidaire Gallery mark that it is made of high-quality stainless steel that ensures durability. It also comes with easy controls that allow convenient usage. This dishwasher-safe cooktop is easy to clean. It also comes with 5 burners of different sizes.
Frigidaire FFEC3025UB
Frigidaire FFEC3025UB’s customer reviews say that it is made with high-quality material that offers long-lasting usage. It comes with a voltage of 240 watts that offers fast and even cooking. The polished crystal plate of this cooktop prevents food from sticking to the surface making it easy to clean.
Induction and electric cooktops both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. You might get confused while making a choice between them. Read our blog on induction cooktops vs electric cooktops to know about the difference between them.
Conclusion
Cooktops range from the simplest to the complex models. They come in different sizes, types as well as equip different features. Electric models use a metal element while an induction cooktop runs on the principle of electromagnetic induction. You can go with any model that fits best in your kitchen space.
Globalideas rates and reviews hundreds of gas cooktops and electric induction range on the basis of their temperature control, build quality, and overall performance.
