A Complete Guide on How to Choose a Cooktop

What’s the difference between cooking ranges and cooktops? Which type of new stove or range should you choose? Do you know the difference between a gas oven vs electric cooktop?

Choosing a new cooktop can be tough, because there are so many to select from. With all the different types and brands of stoves out there, we’re breaking down what to look for in choosing the best cooktop for you in 2024.

Want to cut to the chase? Shop our entire selection here!

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Types and Styles of Cooktop Stoves
• What Size Cooktop Should You Buy?
• What Finishes and Colours do Cooktop Stoves Come in?
• Other Features to Consider
• What Are 2024’s Top Cooktop Brands?
• Cooktop FAQs

Which is better: gas or electric stove styles? How much can you expect to pay? That all depends, the average cost for a new cooktop can be anywhere from $300 to $1000 for an electric option, and up to $1500 or more for a gas alternative. The most expensive cooktop type is induction, and you should be willing to fork over about $2500 to get this alternative type of stove.

Note these are conservative averages, and you can pay much more depending on the style, brand and features you want. Consider your budget before shopping, and don’t forget to include variables like gas line installation and kitchen remodeling if necessary and installation costs for the unit itself.

Which types of oven and stove cooktops are best for you? A good place to start is by determining if your kitchen is equipped with a gas hookup or if you’re limited to electric options without installing a gas line.

Electric cooktops can be freestanding, mounted into a counter or installed on a kitchen island. They provide a flat cooking surface with heating elements for frying, sauteing and simmering. They’re simple to use, cost less than other types of stoves and are easy to install. However, electric ranges might cook slower than gas or induction, and they won’t work during a power outage.

As noted, the most expensive stovetop option is an induction cooktop that uses magnets to generate instant heat. They cost more than other types of cooktops and stoves, but they have loads of advantages. They’re eco-friendly, inexpensive to operate and are safer around pets and children than gas or electric versions. The drawbacks to induction stoves, besides the steep price tag, is that they emit noise during operation and require special cookware.

A gas cooktop comes with either open or sealed burners in various styles and colours. They burn hot and fast, cook food quickly and work during power outages. However, they can cost more upfront and can be dangerous around children. You also have to be careful to not accidentally leave the gas on without a flame burning. Many people prefer a gas oven for baking cakes and broiling meats.

Downdraft stoves and cooktops can be electric, gas or induction. They’re equipped with a proximal ventilation system that’s designed to trap smoke, steam and odours emanating from the cooktop burners. They also conveniently eliminate the need for overhead ventilation hoods, which can be a great feature if you’re limited on space.

Wondering what the standard stove width, depth and height is? For most stoves, it’s about:

• 30 inches wide
• 25 - 27 inches deep (do not include knobs or handles in depth measurements)
• 36 inches tall (again, do not measure control panels when calculating height)

If you need to measure your cooktop, simply pull it out from the wall so you can access it on all sides. Pull your tape measure from left to right, across the front of the unit to measure the width. Then, pull from back to front to measure the depth. Measure off the floor to the top of the stovetop to get the height.

Before you buy a new range, you also need to consider the space you’ll put your new appliance in. Take careful measurements and read the installation guide before making any purchase. Think about:

• Do you have the room to open the doors completely?
• Do you have the proper gas or electric hookups for the stove you’re considering?
• Will the stove fit down the hallways and doors to get it to the kitchen?
• Is there adequate ventilation space?

Deciding between an electric stove vs gas stove may seem like a big decision, but start by thinking about the hookups you already have and deciding if you’re willing to or need to make any adjustments. Then choose your stove and cooktop based on your cooking habits.

• Do you bake a lot?
• Do you entertain a lot and need extra cooktop burners?
• Do you cook foods that require very consistent temperatures over long periods?

Consider your cooking habits before purchasing your new electric, gas or induction range. If you need a 6-burner, electric ranges might not be the best route. But if you’ll be fine with a traditional 4-burner cooktop, then you can limit your search to those. Figuring out this part can save you time in your search.

Cooktops come in a variety of colours and finishes, making it easier than ever to match your existing appliances and decor. You can find a stove that complements your countertops and paint. The following options are all easy to find:

• Stainless: Stainless steel, silver and black stainless can make kitchens look sophisticated, chic and classy.
• Black: Black and black stainless cooktop stoves make bold kitchen statements to complement nearly any decor scheme.

Now that we know about all the different types of cooktops on the market, it’s time to consider some of the other cool range features that are available. Whatever your unique needs or style preferences are, Coast Appliances has a cooktop and stove with the features you’ve been searching for!

• Hot Surfaced Indicator: This feature leaves a light on to warn you about a surface on a stovetop that has been recently turned off but is still hot.
• Warming Zone: Typically located between the two rear burners on a cooktop, a warming zone keeps cooked foods warm and ready to serve while others finish cooking.
• Wifi Connectivity: Use your smartphone app to turn off an oven you left on accidentally, or to preheat your oven from anywhere, so it’s hot and ready to use as soon as you get home.

Coast Appliances carries cooktops and ranges from various leading manufacturers. We offer

some of the highest-performing, most energy-efficient cooktops on the market. Some of our most recommend ovens and cooktops are from Bosch, Jennair and Samsung.

Bosch has a long reputation for manufacturing some of the most reliable ranges and cooktops across the board. The company is also well-reputed for excellent customer care and hassle-free warranty coverage.

Jennair is a world leader in manufacturing quality appliances, including stoves and cooktops. Even if you’re still weighing the benefits of a gas stove vs electric stove, Jennair is a top-rated luxury subsidiary of Whirlpool, so you can count on a stellar, top-of-the-line appliance.

Samsung ranges and cooktops are known for reliability and inexpensive repairs (when they’re needed, which is rare). The brand has a worldwide reputation, so you can count on these cooktops for their quality, ingenuity and value.

Jump in and begin browsing our full selection of cooktop stoves today!

Most cooktops are commonly 30 or 36-inches wide, though smaller and larger sizes are also available. Most 30-inch models usually have the standard four heating elements.

Sure, but be forewarned that it might take a little longer. Make sure to let your cast iron pan preheat for best results.

The four main types of cooktops are electric, gas, induction and downdraft. Each has advantages and limitations

It’s really not possible to say which brand of cooktop is the best, because there are so many different options to compare, and everyone has their individual preferences and tastes. However, in our more than 40 years of experience, we know that Bosch, Jennair and Samsung all make great products.

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.