We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, so it’s well worth the effort to choose cooking appliances that fit our spaces and, of course, our lifestyle. Like most home purchases, we want to understand more about the product we intend to buy before we head to our favorite appliance store in North Carolina.
So, if you’re thinking about buying a cooktop for your new home or replacing your current cooking appliance in the kitchen, read on so you can learn how to choose the right cooktop that fits the look of your kitchen and, of course, your personal cooking habits.
What is a Cooktop?
A cooktop is a standalone cooking surface with burners and no oven underneath (that one is called a range). Cooktops are available in many configurations, where some models feature control knobs on the surface, while others integrate them directly into the cooking surface.
Types of Cooktops
At Garner Appliance and Mattress, we carry different types of cooktops you can choose from: Gas, Electric, and Induction. Whatever type catches your fancy, there are several factors to consider, so you don’t get burned buying the wrong type for your kitchen.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops are the most traditional cooktop type. They’re fairly easy to install when you have an available gas connection in your kitchen. They use an open flame to cook and tend to offer more direct control over the flame and heating adjustments. Many home chefs choose this type because it allows for more precise control over the heat, and the cooktop heats up and cools down quickly. You also won’t need specialty cookware when using a gas cooktop.
Electric cooktops
Electric cooktops use heated metal coils or other heating conductors that are usually housed in a glass-ceramic surface. They’re best known for being simple and easy to use, and you’ll find a lot of them in many apartments and rental properties because they’re easier to maintain. Electric cooktops have also become increasingly popular due to their ability to make use of residual heat. This means an electric cooktop stays warm even after you turn it off, and many people use this to help them keep their food warm for longer.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use electric currents that transfer heat directly to your induction-compatible pots and pans. They skip the step of heating up a burner and then transferring the heat to the cookware. Its surface also stays relatively cool, so beyond the idea of you not getting burned by it, you also don’t need to worry about spills or splatters when you’re cooking.
How Often Will You Use Your Cooktop?
If you are a seasonal cook, a single-burner cooktop will serve your needs quite decently. But if you are part of a big family or you just love to experiment in the kitchen, you may benefit more by using a bigger cooktop. Depending on your needs, decide on how many burners or heating elements you require so you can enjoy cooking in your kitchen.
Mind Your Kitchen and Cooktop Size
The main factors will be the size of your kitchen and the amount of cooking you’re required to do. So, check how much space you have available, and then choose the right size or dimension of the cooktop. This way, you avoid unnecessary inconveniences before installing the cooktop in your kitchen.
Don’t Forget!
Always check to make sure your pots and pans are compatible with the cooktop you intend to buy. Some cooktops don't work with certain metals.
Ready to Buy a Cooktop Today?
Keep in mind the tips listed above and you can now browse through our selection of kitchen appliances available here at Garner Appliance and Mattress more confidently. We’re happy to help you get started and answer any questions you may have, so you can find the best cooktop for you and your kitchen and enjoy cooking comfortably.