How to Choose the Best Cooktop for Your Home

Maybe you're gutting and remodeling your whole kitchen, or maybe you just want to replace your existing cooktop or stove. Whatever the reason, get some information on cooktop styles and important things to consider so you can select a model that works best for you.

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What Is the Difference Between Cooktop, Stove and Range?

First, some definitions to clear up any confusion:

Cooktop: This is a set of burners that sits at counter height and doesn't have an oven attached

Stove: This unit includes both an oven and a cooktop attached. Some people may also call this a range.

Wall oven: This is an oven that's built into the wall and set at a higher position than an oven that's part of a stove. This makes it easier to remove food because you're not bending over in the process.

What Are the Styles of Cooktops on the Market?

Cooktops are available in a wide range of styles and colors to match the overall decor of your kitchen. One of the primary considerations to assess when purchasing a new cooktop is the fuel type. This can help narrow down your choices.

While it's always possible to convert a gas cooktop to electric or electric to gas, if you stay with your existing setup, it will likely be less expensive because converting cooktop types involves hiring professionals.

Gas cooktops are relatively straightforward and use an active flame to heat pots and pans. Many people like cooking with gas because it's extremely responsive when you need to adjust heat. The flame level lowers immediately, so any residual heat doesn't last as long.

Electric cooktops have a smooth ceramic glass surface with electric heating coils underneath. They make good use of radiant heat because the ceramic glass cooktop stays hot for a while after cooking. Two basic types of new electric cooktops are available: electric smoothtop and induction. Induction cooktops use magnetic coils below the ceramic glass surface, which offers more precise heat control. However, magnetic cookware has to be used with induction cooktops, which is an important consideration. Some stainless steel cookware may not be compatible with these types of cooktops.

What Are the Biggest Reasons for the Price Range Among Cooktops?

One of the biggest reasons for the price range among cooktops is the size and fuel type. A basic four- or five-burner gas model cooktop may cost around $600 (CAD 825), but a bigger induction cooktop with multiple burners may be between $2,000 and $3,000 (CAD 2,752 and CAD 4,127). In general, electric cooktops are more expensive than gas, but a pro-level gas cooktop may be nearly as expensive.

Other factors that increase the price are special features, such as Wi-Fi, which lets you connect to the cooktop using an app on your smartphone. It might let you adjust heat from afar or turn the burner off if you realize you forgot after sitting down to dinner.

Specialty burners may also increase the price, such as models with an elongated oval burner to accommodate griddles and longer pans. Some cooktops may also have a warming feature to keep food at a palatable temperature while you finish preparing the rest of the meal.

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How Do You Pick the Best Cooktop for Your Kitchen?

The best cooktop for your kitchen is the one that works best for you and your kitchen space. Size and fuel are the biggest considerations.

Size

Most electric and gas cooktops are either 30 or 36 inches wide, but smaller models and larger models up to 48 inches are available too. The size you choose depends on your available space. If you already have a cooktop, you can replace it with one the same size. If you want something bigger, that's going to add to the costs because you'll need to cut into your counter space to fit the unit.

In general, 30-inch units have four or five burners and 36-inch cooktops have five or six. Much larger units may have seven or eight burners or six burners plus a griddle.

Fuel Type

Many people find gas cooktops easier to use because you can judge how much heat is coming out based on the flame's appearance. Plus, when you make adjustments to the heat level, the food in the pot experiences that change almost immediately.

Electric elements, on the other hand, whether part of a smoothtop cooktop or induction, tend to heat faster and maintain low heat better than gas cooktops, but adjusting the heat on electric burners is a little trickier because pots and pans take longer to adjust to temperature changes.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.