Cooktops
Drop-in cooktops are becoming more popular, especially for new construction or kitchen renovation projects. Although separate cooktops and wall ovens are more expensive than a single range, the independent units allow for an almost unlimited configuration of kitchen appliances. Getting a separate cooktop also allows you to get a vertical double wall oven, which can come in handy if you entertain often.
Recommendations
There are three kinds of cooktops:
gas
,
electric
and
induction
.
ConsumerSearch
recommends the following models. (Prices are approximate.)
Gas Cooktops
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Pros:
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Fine control of temperature and flame levels, which is much easier to see than on a smooth top electric range.
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Can be shut off immediately with little heat retention, reducing the risk of burning yourself or others.
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Can be used even during power outages (with a match -- use caution).
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Cons:
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Not as efficient as electric or induction.
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Need a gas line hookup and electricity.
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Look For:
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Functionally, most gas ranges are very similar; the differences are in the features.
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Easy-cleaning features
, such as removable grill and sealed burners.
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Heavy, porcelain grates
. Or as an alternative, continuous grates that span the whole cooktop (they can be harder to clean though).
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Ceramic surfaces
.
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Multiple burner sizes
for different sizes of pots and pans.
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Easy-to-use
knobs.
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"
X-Lo
" Feature: Burner will automatically turn on and off at set intervals to keep your sauce warm but not boiling. Also called a simmer burner on some models.
-
Sealed burners
and removable burner pans.
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Electric ignition
-- easier and more reliable than a pilot light.
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Electric Cooktops
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Pros:
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More efficient than gas stoves.
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Doesn't need a separate gas line since it just plugs in.
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Flat-top electric ranges are very easy to clean, fast to heat up, aesthetically pleasing, and offer more versatility with expanding elements (for a small sauce pan or a large frying pan on one burner space).
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Coil electrics are cheaper than smooth-top ranges, but it is relatively easy to replace the coil elements if they break.
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Cons:
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Older-style coil ranges take a while to cool so you can burn yourself easily.
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Control is not as fine as a gas range, especially with coil models.
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Gas is considered more precise and is preferred by professional cooks.
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Look For:
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Functionally, most electric ranges within a given category (coil or flat) are functionally very similar; the differences are in the features.
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Easy cleaning
surfaces.
-
Safety switches
that prevent toddlers from turning on the stove.
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Porcelain drip pans
are easy to clean and retain their luster.
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Easy-to-use
controls.
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Induction Cooktops
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Pros:
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Surface never gets warm, but pots and pans heat up quickly. (See picture for a demo!)
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Reduces risk of fire, burnt-on spills and accidentally injuring children.
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Easy to clean, smooth surface.
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Heats pans faster than other kinds of ranges.
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Extremely energy efficient -- almost all the heat generated is in the pan itself, keeping your kitchen cooler and your energy bills lower.
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Cons:
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Very new technology; not fully tested.
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Need pans and pots made of a magnetizable material -- copper and aluminum will not work.
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Expensive (at least $2000), although prices may come down in the near future.
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Look For:
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There are only two or three full-sized cooktop models currently on the market.
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All performed well in tests, but the
Kenmore Elite 480
is the least expensive.
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