Cooktops: Reviews

Electric smoothtop (ceramic) cooktops are easier to clean than gas cooktops, with more flexible features. The 30-inch Kenmore 42732 cooktop gets top marks in reviews for consistent performance. It simmers and sears just… as well as pricier cooktops. The Kenmore has a ceramic glass top with four radiant burners, one of which has a dual element to accommodate either a 6- or 9-inch pot. A 3,000-watt burner allows quick boiling, while a Simmer Select function can help keep sauces from scorching. Kenmore ceramic cooktops come in four colors, including stainless steel and black.

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The 30-inch GE Profile PP945BMBB, like most electric cooktops, gets good reviews for even heating. Included are two dual-size elements (5- and 9-inch, and 6- and 9-inch) to accommodate large or small pots and pans. The… digital touch controls are the standout feature, setting the GE Profile cooktop apart from budget models with knob controls. Cooking performance is good all around. The advantages here are its smooth controls rather than knobs, along with the two dual elements (most cooktops have one).

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In general, gas cooktops aren't as well reviewed as electric cooktops. Although gas cooktops aren't as easy to clean as electric smoothtop models, many owners like the visual control that comes with a gas cooktop and some… feel gas is more responsive than electric. The 36-inch GE gas cooktop lacks continuous grates; that means you must lift pots to shift them from burner to burner. It also has five burners, including a high-power burner, which sets it apart from most budget cooktops. The knob controls are on the middle front of the cooktop. It comes in black, white and stainless steel.

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In customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, GE cooktops have lower instances of repair than designer brands like Thermador and Dacor. And though GE may lack the fancy pedigree, its gas cooktop performs just as well… in testing as some models costing much more. The 36-inch GE JGP975WEKWW has continuous cast-iron grates -- a professional-grade feature that makes it easier to slide heavy pots from one burner to the other. The cooktop is made of durable porcelain enamel. You get one high-power burner, helpful for faster boiling or stir-fries. Furthermore, this cooktop does a nice job holding a simmer in tests -- something that's often a challenge for gas cooktops. It comes in black, white and stainless steel (for about $200 more). It has knob controls.

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Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the pan while maintaining a cooler cooktop surface. This Kenmore induction cooktop costs a lot less than fancier brands like Viking, Electrolux and Gaggenau, but in… tests it heats, sears and simmers just as well. The Kenmore Elite 42800 has four induction elements, and it can automatically identify the pan size. Be aware that only magnetic, metallic cookware -- such as stainless steel or cast iron, but not aluminum or copper -- will work with an induction cooktop.

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