Types of Stovetops

When choosing a gas, electric or induction stove, consider your cookware and cooking preferences as well as your budget. Some cooktops work better with specific types of pans. Similarly, certain stoves might be better for households with curious pets or children.

Gas Cooktops: 

• Natural gas or liquid propane produces flames to heat pans for even cooking.
• Many cooking enthusiasts prefer gas stoves for their quick temperature changes. A gas flame creates a wide range of heat settings with a clear visual in the flame size and color. 
• You can use almost any type of cookware, including well-loved pans that are slightly warped.
• If your home has electric heat, check to see if a gas stove can easily be installed. You may need to add a gas line if the utility isn’t already run to your house.

Induction Cooktops:

• Electromagnetic technology creates heat when cookware made from magnetic metal contacts the induction burner.
• The process creates heat within the cookware, but not on the cooking surface itself.
• With no open flame or radiant heat coils, induction cooktops are safer than a gas or electric stove. This is a plus for homes with kids or pets.
• Induction cooktops heat up quickly and the smooth surface keeps cleaning easy. Be careful of scratching the surface with pebble-bottomed cookware like cast iron.
• Only cookware marked “induction safe” or with a magnetic bottom works with this cooktop. Induction compatible cookware is often stainless steel.

Electric Cooktops:

• Electricity heats a metal coil or glass element, transferring the heat to the pan resting on top of it. The heating element is exposed on coiled varieties. It’s beneath a glass surface on radiant cooktop models.
• Cost and durability are the big benefits of coil models. You don’t need special cookware. For electric coil cooktops, you can scrub away grime from the metal with no worries of causing damage. 
• Take care when cleaning a radiant smooth-top electric cooktop. The sleek surface can be scratched by rough cookware or cleaners.

Shop different types of cooktops and look for any number of features to meet your needs. Special features include high-heat burners, electronic controls and space for additional burners.

• Downdraft Venting: Cooktops that include a built-in downdraft vent eliminate the need for a range hood. These downdraft cooktops draw smoke, steam and cooking odors down and away from your kitchen. This leaves you with fresh, clean air.

• Electronic Touchpad Controls: Touch-sensitive controls with digital displays make it easy to select precise cooking temperatures. It helps make operation more intuitive.

• Wok/Griddle/Grill: Some units accommodate a wok accessory, while others provide space for a griddle or grill. A cooktop griddle makes whipping up pancakes a snap.

• Simmer/High-Heat Burners: Simmer burners can handle more delicate foods like savory sauces. A high-heat burner provides increased energy on command. It's perfect for rapidly boiling water or quickly cooking dinner.

• Dual Elements: Dual elements allow you to select between two differently sized elements (6-inch and 9-inch). Just match the burner size to the cookware. 

• Bridge Elements: These pieces sit between two of the main burners like a bridge. They're excellent for accommodating oblong or oversized pots and pans or a griddle.

• Additional Burners: Most standard cooktops include four burners, but some models include one or two additional burners. Extra burners come in handy for elaborate meals with several sides and sauces.

• Hot Surface Indicator Lights: On some electric models, these lights alert cooks to a still-hot cooking surface, even though it's turned off. An electric cooktop with hot surface indicator lights is particularly useful for multi-tasking cooks or when several people are working in the kitchen.