From budget-friendly options, to products from high end stove brands, there are a wide assortment of cooktops on the market. To narrow down your choices, you’ll want to learn more about the different types of cooktops and consider your own unique needs. As you read on, we’ll break down what you should look for when choosing the best cooktop for you in 2024.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Types and Styles of Cooktops
- Best Cooktops by Category
- What Are the Best Cooktop Brands?
- Cooktop FAQs
Types and Styles of Cooktops
There are distinct advantages to electric, induction, gas, and downdraft cooktops, which is why you’ll want to learn more about all your options. Once you have a better understanding of how different types of cooktops function, you can determine which style of cooktop would work best for you and your needs.
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops are equipped with an integrated electric heating device that powers the burners. These cooktops typically have a flat surface, making them easy to clean. While they’re easy to turn on and off, they cook food more slowly than other types of cooktops.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are electric cooktops that are powered by induction technology. Heat is transferred directly from the cooktop to magnetic cookware, providing fast heat and precise temperatures. These cooktops are safe, speedy, and very energy efficient.
While induction cooktops make it easy to cook food evenly, they do have some drawbacks. Since the cooktop uses induction heating, it’s only compatible with certain types of cookware. Induction cooktops also tend to be more expensive than gas or electric options.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops are heated with natural gas or propane. When you turn on a gas cooktop, you’ll get instant heat, making them a fast and effective option. While these cooktops can work very well, they can be difficult to clean and are prone to ventilation issues.
Downdraft Cooktops
Downdraft cooktops have a built-in ventilation system that clears away fumes and smoke. The downdraft is simple to control, and these cooktops typically have a flat surface that’s easy to keep clean. Although the integrated ventilation system can be convenient, it can also make these cooktops difficult to install.
Best Cooktops by Category
No matter what type of cooktop you prefer, you’ll find a huge selection of options at Coast Appliances. Following are our top picks for the best cooktops in every category.
Best Induction Cooktop
Frigidaire Gallery - GCRI305CAF
If you read induction cooktop reviews, you’ll consistently see positive feedback for this freestanding range from Frigidaire. It’s equipped with a powerful induction fan and even has a built-in air fryer! The range has a sleek, stylish design and is available with a black or stainless steel finish.
Best Gas Cooktop
KitchenAid - KSGG700ESS
This KitchenAid range uses true convection heat to cook food evenly every time. It’s equipped with five burners, giving you more than enough space for pots and pans. The cooktop also offers touchscreen controls and continuous interlocking grates.
Best Electric Cooktop
LG - LSEL6335F
This modern-looking range from LG might be one of the best electric stoves on the market. It uses smart technology, allowing you to monitor food from the comfort of your couch. The cooktop has 5 burners and a seamless surface for easy cleaning.
Best Dual Fuel Cooktop
Wolf - DF30450/S/P
You don’t necessarily have to choose between gas and electric heat! With this duel fuel range from Wolf, you get the best of both worlds. It’s equipped with premium cast-iron burner grates and uses a stacked burner design to boost performance.
Best Downdraft Cooktop
Jennair - JGD3430GS
This 30-inch cooktop is ideal for both low- and high-temperature cooking. The 3-speed fan has a superior downdraft ventilation system, which means you’ll never have to worry about smoke or fumes. It’s equipped with gorgeous brass burners that are easily removable for quick cleaning.
What Are the Best Cooktop Brands?
Coast Appliances offers products from all the leading manufacturers, giving you access to some of the top stovetops on the market. While you’ll find many high-end brands when you browse our selection, these manufacturers are known for making dependable and efficient products.
GE
For over a century, GE has been producing efficient and innovative appliances for the kitchen. The brand offers both electric and gas cooktops with appealing features like edge-to-edge cooktops and simmer burners. When you buy from GE, you can get excellent quality at a cost-effective price.
Frigidaire
You’ll have an impressive selection to choose from if you opt for a Frigidaire cooktop. Whether you want an electric range, an induction cooktop, or a gas stove, Frigidaire offers plenty of highly rated products! The Frigidaire brand has even won awards for its appliance design.
KitchenAid
If you’re interested in downdraft cooktops and dual fuel ranges, you’ll find plenty of options from KitchenAid. The brand also makes induction, gas, and electric cooktops, giving you a near-endless selection of appliances to choose from. KitchenAid is known for its quality and customer service, and its cooktops offer all kinds of innovative features.
Which Cooktop is Best for Me?
Finding the ideal cooktop for your kitchen isn’t always easy. Whether you’re after the best portable induction cooktop, want a gas range, or are interested in dual fuel stoves, you’ll want to think carefully about what you need from your cooktop.
Cooking Power
Heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A cooktop with a higher BTU capacity will have a higher heat output, which translates to more cooking power. Ideally, you should look for a cooktop with a range of BTU outputs so that you can cook at a variety of temperatures.
Design
The right cooktop can enhance the look of your kitchen, which is why you should look for options with appealing designs. A cooktop’s design can also impact its functionality. When you’re thinking about different cooktops, imagine what it would be like to prepare some of your favorite meals on the stove.
Reliability
Chances are you’ll be using your cooktop every time you cook from home. A dependable cooktop will deliver a consistent performance and hold up well as time goes on. Look for top-rated products from respected brands.
Size
Cooktops are available in many sizes, allowing you to find an appliance that’s the right size for your kitchen. Measure your cabinets or the width and depth of your current cooktop to determine how large your stove should be. In addition to taking measurements, you should look at how much cooking space the stovetop offers.
Professional Performance
While you don’t need a professional-style cooktop if you only cook occasionally, a high-performance appliance is a great option for avid home cooks. Pro-style cooktops are very durable and often offer additional burners and premium features. While these cooktops can be a big investment, they tend to outperform other options.
Special Features
Modern cooktops are equipped with all kinds of useful features, including assisted cooking modes, touch controls, and warming zones. Some cooktops can even be connected to WiFi, giving you access to an array of smart features. No matter what type of cooktop you’re interested in, you’ll want to look over the features that it offers.
Your cooktop is one of the most essential appliances in your kitchen. Whether you’re making a stir fry or grilling a steak, the right cooktop can make your meal a success.
Browse our full selection of cooktops to find a high-quality appliance that meets all your needs.
Cooktop FAQs
Which brand of cooktop is best?
KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and GE are all trusted brands that offer an excellent selection of cooktops. Other brands worth considering include Wolf, Thermador, and LG.
What are the top 5 cooktops?
While the best available cooktop will vary based on your needs, 5 of the our favorite options include:
- KitchenAid - 5.8 cu. ft Gas Range in Stainless - KSGG700ESS
- Frigidaire Gallery - 5.4 cu. ft Induction Range in Stainless - GCRI305CAF
- Wolf - 5.1 cu. ft Dual Fuel Range in Stainless - DF30450/S/P
- LG - 6.3 cu. ft Electric Range in Stainless - LSEL6335F
- GE - 5.3 cu. ft Gas Range in Stainless - JCGSS61SPSS
What kind of stove top is best?
There really isn’t one “best” type of stovetop. You’ll want to consider your needs and personal preference to ensure you get a stove top you’ll be happy with. Electric cooktops are an economical option for kitchens, while gas cooktops offer more control at a reasonable price. Induction cooktops are a premium option that is both safe and efficient.
What is the most efficient cooktop?
Induction cooktops are faster than other types of cooktops and provide more even heat. The heat from the stove goes directly to the pot or pan you’re cooking up, preventing wasted energy.
What is the easiest stove top to clean?
Electric and induction stovetops are both very easy to clean. You can quickly wipe away messes with a damp cloth.
What is the most reliable cooktop?
An induction cooktop is more reliable than both gas and electric cooktops. These cooktops consistently perform well in product tests.
Do chefs use induction cooktops?
While gas is the traditional method of cooking in professional settings, induction heat is loved by many well-known chefs. You can find induction cooktops in many commercial kitchens.
How long do induction cooktops last?
Induction cooktops that are rated consumer-grade are typically designed to last for a minimum of 10,000 hours, while professional-grade cooktops provide a minimum of 30,000 hours of operation. If an induction cooktop is properly maintained, it can easily last for a decade or more.
Do induction cooktops break easily?
While induction cooktops are usually very durable, your appliance could crack if it’s not properly installed. Since these cooktops have a smooth surface, scratching can also be an issue.
The information on this article is not a promise of service. While we present the most accurate information we can, customers must check each brand and model for the manufacturers' information. Each model has their individual care and maintenance guidelines, normal expected use and lifespan with proper maintenance and care. Customers are responsible for checking information for their appliance, the user manual, manufacturer guidelines as well as using professional services.
