No kitchen is complete without a cooktop that suits your cooking needs and style. But what cooktops are out there? And what's the difference between them? Here is a basic guide to cooktop types for your kitchen...
Gas Cooktops
The clue is in the name! These cooktops operate off natural gas or propane (check out our blog here if you want to know the difference between the two) Experienced cooks prefer gas cooktops as they are far more efficient than electric cooktops when it comes to heating up. They heat up quickly and that natural heat allows you to cook to perfection! They can be tricky to clean though and may take a while to get used to when it comes to controlling the heat.
Electric Cooktops
Come in a coil version or smooth surface version. Coil type cooktops are a bit more sturdy and traditional. Smooth surface cooktops can be pricey as the surface is usually ceramic glass. The main benefit of an electric cooktop is that you can control the temperature to the exact degree. But they take much longer to heat up and cool down which can be a pain. Some home owners agree that they can control the heat more with gas cooktops. Guess it just comes down to the chef's experience!
Induction Cooktops
These look like electric cooktops but work a lil' differently. They use electromagnets as cooking elements. These electromagnets generate resistance when electricity is passed through them which heats up the magnetic cookware. You'll need to have magnetic cookware if you choose this cooktop type which can be expensive.
Cooktops with Rangehoods
Most people opt for a rangehood and we recommend that you do! Rangehoods draw in fumes and smoke keeping your kitchen clean and safe! They do take up space but they are definitely worth having.
Downdraft Cooktops
These use counter-level exhaust fans that are installed in the cooktop (behind it, on the side or in the center) Downdraft cooktops mean you don't need a rangehood (if you don't have the space or simply aren't interested in the look of a rangehood in your kitchen!) The only downside to downdraft fans is that they don't seem to pull out fumes and smoke as much as a rangehood does.
