Cooktops

Types of cooktops

For most people, availability of a gas hookup will partly determine whether they ultimately go with a gas or electric cooktop. If you have the option, you can then weigh design and performance factors. In general, reviews say electric smoothtop cooktops are more consistent performers than gas cooktops.

Many people prefer the look of an electric smoothtop. These cooktops are easy to clean, though you do need to use a special cleaner for the ceramic glass. Electric smoothtop cooktops are more energy efficient than gas, and reviews say electric cooktops are best for low-temperature cooking, such as melting butter, making sauces or long slow simmers. Electric smoothtop cooktops have helpful features like variable-size elements, warming zones and bridge elements (which heat the cooktop between two burners to accommodate long pans or griddles). The only major complaint about smooth cooktops comes from a handful of consumer reviews stating the ceramic glass surfaces cracked or shattered -- certainly a risk with any type of household glass.

Most gas cooktops have burner grates instead of a smooth surface. Reviews say gas cooktops excel at high-temperature cooking such as stir frying or searing, but they lose a lot of heat into the surrounding room (making them less energy efficient), and they're harder to clean. Many cooks, however, like to be able to see the flame on a gas burner, which imparts a visual control over the heat. A few gas-powered cooktops have a gas-on-glass cooking surface, which gives them the look of an electric cooktop. Some feature continuous one-piece grates, which provide the same ability as a smoothtop electric cooktop to slide pans seamlessly from one side to the other.

Both gas and electric cooktops come in 30-inch or 36-inch widths. A few pro-style models come wider than that. In general, 30-inch cooktops have four burner elements, while 36-inch cooktops have five. Some 30-inch gas cooktops squeeze in five burners.

If you still can't decide, you could pair a two-burner gas cooktop with a two-burner electric cooktop. Or you can get a dual-fuel cooktop with both gas and electric elements, like the Miele Combiset series of components (*est. $2,425 for basic gas and electric 4-element combination). Miele allows you to create your own cooktop combination with a griddle, wok burner, gas and/or electric elements, double burner, barbecue, and fryer and/or boiler with optional scale and pot rest. The obvious drawback is the high cost.

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat only the pan, leaving the burner plate much cooler than a gas or electric radiant burner. The benefits of induction cooking include quicker, more efficient heating and a safer, quick-cooling cooking surface. Induction cooktops can tell what is sitting on a burner and then automatically adjust energy output to the size of the pan. In testing, induction cooktops work great, boiling water more quickly than gas or electric cooktops and flawlessly holding a precise simmer. The big downside is cost: Induction cooktops start at about $1,500 and go up from there.

Induction cooktops are also more efficient than other types. Because only the pan is heated, heat isn't lost into the room as much as it is with standard gas or electric cooktops. Be aware that since induction cooktops use an electromagnetic current, you must use magnetic cookware. Otherwise, no heat will be produced. Stainless steel and cast iron cookware work best. Copper or aluminum cookware won't heat up at all. You can always do a magnet test to see if your cookware will work: if a magnet sticks, it should work. Lastly, your cookware needs to have a flat bottom. Anything with a textured bottom won't heat up as evenly, resulting in cold spots.

Some induction cooktop manufacturers are including warnings in their owner's manuals about the risk of electromagnetic interference in people who have a pacemaker. However, the American Heart Association says there isn't any danger as long as the pacemaker was made after 1995.

Electric induction cooktops

Electric induction cooktops use a magnetic field to heat cookware. James Dulley, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist on efficient homes and appliances, describes it this way: "When a metal (iron or steel) pan is placed on the cooktop, this magnetic field passes through the pan causing the molecules to move, which creates heat in the pan, not the cooktop." Magnetic waves are not harmful to skin or other non-magnetic items. Induction cooktops are energy efficient because there's an immediate response when you turn the dial up or down. They're also safer: If a child accidentally moves a pan, the pan heat immediately decreases and the cooktop element is not as hot as other non-induction electric or gas elements would be. Induction cooktops make a slight humming sound when in use.

Induction cooktops are the latest technology, and manufacturers are rushing to add these to their product lines. The Gaggenau VI 411-610 cooktop (*est. $3,500) has a single induction element, providing up to 3,500 watts of power. It performs splendidly in testing, but this cooktop is very small; it can accommodate just one pot. The Gaggenau cooktop is only about 15 inches wide and is meant to be part of what Gaggenau calls a "modular" cooktop. You are supposed to choose additional cooktop components to complete your kitchen. A wok ring is an optional accessory.

The Viking VCCU105 induction cooktop (*est. $2,380) comes down a step in price, but up a notch in features, with two induction and two radiant elements. Comparable to the Gaggenau, the Viking has up to 3,300 watts of power. This cooktop allows for customized burner configuration. The Viking VCCU105 comes in two finishes -- stainless steel with white glass or stainless steel with black glass. This 30-inch model also performs well in testing, outperforming standard cooktops. Viking does offer all-induction cooktops, with either four or six elements (*est. $3,500 to $4,550), but the price tags are stratospheric.

The 30-inch Kenmore Elite 42800 induction cooktop (*est. $1,550) is less expensive and less powerful than the Gaggenau induction cooktop. The largest element on the Kenmore cooktop generates 1,500 watts compared to Gaggenau's 3,500 (1,500 watts for a larger burner is what you'll find in most standard ranges and cooktops). The Kenmore has four differently sized induction elements, and each one has 15 power settings, an automatic 18-hour shutoff, pan presence and size detection, control lockout and a keep warm setting. Kenmore will even throw in a free 10-inch stainless steel skillet. In testing, this Kenmore induction model gets higher scores for cooking performance than conventional cooktops, and it equals Gaggenau and Electrolux's induction cooktops. We found about two dozen owner ratings for the Kenmore induction cooktop at Sears.com. Most are entirely positive, but we did read a few reports about electrical problems. Kenmore's standard warranty is one year; some owners suggest paying for an extension. One small drawback is that its four elements can't be used on high power at the same time. Still, this cooktop is much less expensive than others. It comes in black only. A 36-inch induction cooktop, the Kenmore Elite 42900 (*est. $1,900), has five burners.

Electrolux has one induction cooktop, the Electrolux Icon E30IC75FSS (*est. $2,000). This 30-inch cooktop has four elements of varying sizes with ranges of 1,200 to 3,200 watts of power. Each element has 15 preset heat settings, just like the Kenmore Elite. These settings include a power boost and a keep warm setting. The Electrolux shares other features with the Kenmore Elite. For safety, the model's controls are shut off after 18 hours, and it has pan presence and size detection. Like most induction cooktops, the Electrolux outperforms standard cooktops, but the similar Kenmore Elite 42800 (*est. $1,150) costs less. On advantage is that the Electrolux can power all burners on high simultaneously. There's also a 36-inch version of this cooktop, the 5-burner Electrolux Icon E36IC75FSS (*est. $2,500).

Electric smoothtop cooktops

Smoothtop cooktops are the most popular choice. Electric burner elements are housed under a smooth ceramic glass surface, so the whole cooktop is seamless. Electric smoothtop cooktops are easy to clean (though special cleaners are recommended), and they cost much less than an induction cooktop.

Not all cookware is appropriate for a smoothtop range -- your pots and pans need to have a perfectly flat bottom, without ridges or texture. If you notice the element cycling on and off frequently, it's a sign that your pan isn't conducting heat, and the glass cooktop is cycling off to prevent overheating.

The Kenmore 42732 (*est. $500), gets top marks in reviews of electric radiant smoothtop models for cooking nearly as well as more expensive smoothtops. This 30-inch Kenmore has a ceramic glass top with four burners, one of which has a dual element to accommodate either a 6- or 9-inch pan. A 3,000-watt burner allows quick boiling, while a Simmer Select function keeps delicate sauces from scorching. Dishwasher-safe, pull-off knobs make cleaning easier, but you'll need to use a special cleaner, like Cerama Bryte, for the glass top. We read one comment from an owner about the burner configuration -- that they would have preferred one of the larger burners in the back instead of both in front. This Kenmore cooktop also comes as the 36-inch Kenmore 42742 (*est. $680). You get an additional 9-inch burner on this wider model, and the knob controls are fitted in the lower center of the cooktop, rather than along the side. The 36-inch Kenmore also has a warming zone, while the 30-inch version does not. Both models come in four colors, including stainless steel.

The more expensive Jenn-Air JEC9530BD (*est. $700) performs well among electric smoothtops in reviews, and it is almost equal in performance to an induction cooktop. Like the Kenmore above, this 30-inch cooktop has a 6"/9" dual element which has up to 3,000 watts of power, along with three other burners. However, unlike the 30-inch Kenmore, the Jenn-Air has a small 100-watt warming element, useful for keeping a small amount of butter melted or for keeping the gravy hot without using up a cooking element. Other features include controls with ultra-high settings. These allow you to keep close control of high heat for searing, blackening and stir frying, while ultra-low settings ensure that delicate sauces don't scorch. The Jenn-Air has knob controls situated in the lower center portion of the cooktop. The Jenn-Air comes in three finishes: white, black and stainless steel.

The less expensive 30-inch Jenn-Air JEC8536ADW skips the warming element but still has one 6"/9" dual element.

The 36-inch Jenn-Air JEC9536ADW (*est. $950) has a different configuration than some other 36-inch cooktops. The controls are lower down on the panel, making room for a large 12"/9" dual burner (with 2,700-watt max) in the center. People who might prefer the extra large center burner include those who use particularly large pots for braising and for soups. There's also a 9"/6" dual burner (with maximum 3,000 watts of power), a warming zone and two additional standard burners. This 36-inch Jenn-Air cooktop comes in white, black and stainless steel.

Gas cooktops

Reviews say that while electric smoothtop cooktops are more efficient and easier to clean than gas cooktops, gas provides more power, and some people prefer the visual control of a gas flame. Overall, gas cooktops do not perform as consistently as electric smoothtop cooktops in reviews. Like electric cooktops, gas cooktops come mainly in 30-inch and 36-inch widths, with a few 48-inch gas cooktops available as well.

The 36-inch Maytag MGC6536BDW gas cooktop (*est. $625) has five burners, with a 12,500BTU high-power burner that's great for searing. There's also a low-power 650BTU burner for simmering, and a continuous cast-iron grate, making it easy to slide pans between burners. The control knobs are removable, and the burners are sealed with lift-off caps for easy cleaning. The tempered glass surface and cast-iron burner grates are also easily cleaned. Electronic ignition means you don't have to fiddle with a pilot light. A 30-inch version, the Maytag MGC6430BDW (*est. $520) has four burners instead of five, but the features are otherwise identical. The Maytag gas cooktop comes in black or white.

You might have seen pro-style gas cooktops with oversized cast-iron grates in magazines and on TV. Another 36-inch cooktop, the Dacor Preference PGM3651 (*est. $1,700) does well in testing, with good performance on both high and low heat. It has five sealed burners (650 to 18,000 BTU), continuous grates, and a one-piece spill basin for easy cleanup. Three of the burners can be high-power burners, so the Dacor might be an option if you need to sear food in more than one pan at once. The Dacor also has several optional accessories including a wok, grill and griddle. The great-looking Dacor has three finishes: black, white and stainless steel. Each model has heavy black grates, but the Dacor also costs twice as much as other cooktops like the Maytag, which performs almost as well.

GE has received good test scores for a couple of its 36-inch gas cooktops. The GE JGP975WEKWW (*est. $1,100) has continuous grates that are dishwasher safe. The top is made of porcelain enamel -- more durable than painted metal. There's one high-power burner, two medium burners and two low-powered burners, along with knob controls. Experts say this cooktop simmers particularly well. It comes in white and black, as well as black with stainless steel grates for a bit more.

The less expensive 36-inch GE JGP637WEJWW (*est. $650) costs quite a bit less but doesn't have continuous grates, meaning you'll need to lift pots to slide them from place to place. The burner grates are round and made of gray metal, which one owner comments shows grime too easily. The Maytag MGC6536BDW costs the same but does have continuous grates, a big plus.

We didn't find any professional reviews for it, but the budget-priced Kenmore 30" Sealed Gas Cooktop 32232 (*est. $500) is well liked by a handful of reviewers on Sears.com. While it has four burners instead of five, the grates are continuous. The four positions include a simmer burner with a range of 500 to 5,000 BTUs, as well as a 14,200BTU high heat burner. The controls are situated along the right side of the cooktop, and this unit comes in white and black, as well as stainless steel. All models have black grates, which are dishwasher safe. The top is porcelain.

A few notes on venting

One additional consideration if you're considering a cooktop is venting. If you currently have a range, it's probably using existing venting. If you want to install a cooktop into another location, such in as a kitchen island, you'll need to find a way to vent it so that you can clear the air of cooking odors and smoke.

One option is an overhead vent, which can be customized to match your appliances or to make a bold decorative statement all its own. Fancy freestanding overhead chimney-style hoods can cost up to $2,000 all by themselves, though if you plan to place your cooktop near a wall, wall-mounted chimney hoods are much less expensive, as low as about $500. More mundane range hoods can be mounted under a cabinet and can cost as little as $50.

Experts advise against skimping on the size vent you choose, saying it's better to get a larger, more powerful vent that can always be turned down. You'll need to choose a larger vent anyway for an island cooktop because of the additional airflow around an island. (The vent should be wider and deeper than the cooktop.) Commercial cooktops also need larger vents to remove the degree of heat and smoke put out by these powerhouses. Ten-inch ductwork is usually required, which may limit where (and if) you can place a commercial cooktop, depending on your kitchen setup. The cost of an overhead hood vent is anywhere from $100 into the thousands, depending on the style you choose and the degree of customization.

A downdraft vent is another option. Downdraft vents are built into the base cabinet rather than being mounted above the cooktop. These pull air down from the cooktop instead of up into a hood. You can even choose downdraft blowers that rise up behind the cooktop while cooking and then lower out of sight when you're done. Downdraft vents cost about $500 and are a good choice for island cooktops where installing an overhead hood isn't as feasible. The downside is that downdraft vents might not catch steam and odors from taller pans or from pans located farther away from the vent. Some cooktops are sold with an integrated downdraft vent.

Important features: Cooktops

Experts say to consider the following when buying a cooktop:

• Look for sealed burners, as well as removable burner pans and caps. Other easy-to-clean features include upswept burners and smooth or removable controls and knobs. Owners also like smoothtop electric models for their easy cleanup, although special cleaners are often recommended to prevent scratches -- especially on dark surfaces.

• If you choose an induction cooktop, you'll only be able to use certain cookware. Induction cooking requires magnetic cookware in order for the pan to heat. Cast iron, enameled cast iron and stainless or enameled steel with an iron core or base are okay; copper, aluminum, glass and stainless steel without an iron component are not.

• Choose based on your cooking style and your design preferences. Most homes typically don't require a cooktop with six extra-large burners and a grill. If price is important, don't buy more product than you'll use. Price can be affected by the style you choose -- if your design preference is for stainless steel, that option costs more.

• Consider heat levels. Many cooktops now come with burners specifically designed for either low heat simmering or high heat searing and boiling. That's something to look for if you like to braise or make stocks on the stovetop, or for high power, if you like to stir-fry or sear meats on the cooktop.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Models (with Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
4	GE and GE Profile (*est. $280 to $1,650)	details
2	Kenmore and Kenmore Elite (*est. $350 to $2,200)	-
2	Electrolux (*est. $1,000 to $2,800)	-
2	Gaggenau (*est. $1,000 to $3,500)	-
2	Miele (*est. $900 to $1,450)	details
2	Maytag (*est. $350 to $870)	details
2	Whirlpool (*est. $350 to $1,000)	details
1 each	Jenn-Air , Viking , Frigidaire , Asko, Dacor , Wolf , Westinghouse, Bosch , KitchenAid , Thermador

Cooktops haven't been as widely reviewed as ovens and ranges, so information is somewhat limited. Even so, Kenmore Elite cooktops get the nod for combining features and value. Gaggenau and Electrolux are two high-end brands that receive attention from kitchen-design enthusiasts. Miele cooktops are a favorite with Australian experts, but are not as popular or as widely available in the U.S.

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