Cooktop buying guide: How to choose a cooktop for your kitchen
Selecting the right cooktop for your kitchen can be key to elevating your culinary possibilities with flexible sizes and a variety of options. This cooktop buying guide will walk you through the different styles, sizes and features to help you find the best cooktop for your family.
Learn how to choose the right cooktop for your kitchen and personal cooking style.
What to consider when buying a cooktop
The first step in your journey to finding a new cooktop is to study your kitchen layout and available space to help determine the cooktop size you will need. Next, check the existing gas or electrical connections in your kitchen and choose the appropriate cooktop type to match. Lastly, consider the features that can help you tap into your creative cooking process.
1. Kitchen layout
Standard cooktop sizes generally range from 15 to 36 inches wide, although some models may vary, but the size you choose may depend on countertop dimensions, location of other appliances and how much space you prefer in your kitchen.
Existing gas or electrical connections may also play a role in your decision-making process. If your kitchen already has a gas hookup, you have the option to choose either gas or electric cooktops. If not, a gas connection will need to be installed for any gas cooktops.
Imagine yourself cooking in the kitchen and moving from the sink, to the countertop, to the refrigerator and cooktop—will you have ample room to make the most of your recipes? While there are various sizes that offer flexibility for aligning cooktops with your counter, be mindful of the space that you will need.
For added convenience, a kitchen island with a cooktop can open up your culinary space for more room to create, as well as enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide variety of electric and gas cooktop sizes for a flexible fit in your kitchen.
2. Cooktop fuel type: gas or electric
Both gas and electric cooktops bring unique strengths to the table, and the best fit for you ultimately comes down to your family’s rhythms in the kitchen and the way you cook. Be mindful to check the existing connections in your kitchen when choosing between a gas or electric cooktop.
Gas cooktops
Gas cooktops utilize gas burners and an open flame to cook, whereas electric cooktops use heated metal coils or other heating conductors housed under a ceramic-glass surface.
Additionally, gas cooktops tend to offer a more direct, hands-on experience by virtue of their responsive control over the flame and heating adjustments. This fast-acting option to instantly adjust the flame allows you to transition from heavy searing to lightly sautéing in a flash. The open flame also has the ability to directly heat the sides of sculpted or oblong pans, such as a wok.
Select KitchenAid® gas cooktops come with removable grates for a streamlined cleaning process. Learn more about cooktops vs. rangetops.
Shop KitchenAid® gas cooktops
Keep control over what you’re cooking up with KitchenAid® gas cooktops. The Melt Cap on select models lets you melt chocolate or butter, simmer delicate sauces, or poach eggs on a low-power burner, thanks to a wider burner cap that shields and diffuses the flame to produce a gentler, low-power heat. For added convenience, some KitchenAid® gas cooktops also feature Full-Width Cast-Iron Grates that enhance the beautiful look of the cooktop and allow easy movement of cookware around the entire cooking surface.
Electric cooktop
Electric and induction cooktops also provide convenience with the ability to direct energy to the bottom of your cookware, allowing you to quickly bring a pot to a boil. These cooktops offer a stable base due to the flat surface, which also allows for an easy-to-clean process after you are done cooking.
KitchenAid® electric cooktops come in two-, four-, and five-burner options for flexibility to find the right fit to complement your cooking style.
Learn more about the difference between gas and electric cooktops.
Shop KitchenAid® electric cooktops
Find flexible features to accommodate whatever you’re whipping up with KitchenAid® electric cooktops. The 10'' Even-Heat™ Ultra Power™ Element with Simmer Setting on some models provides greater versatility for high and low temperature cooking techniques, as Even-Heat™ Technology maintains a constant supply of power and delivers a range of simmer settings. Plus, the Touch-Activated Controls on select cooktops offer an intuitive, easy-to-use touch screen experience.
3. Cooktop dimensions
Generally, a standard cooktop measures 30 inches wide and includes four burners. However, cooktop sizes generally range from 15 to 36 inches wide to accommodate both smaller spaces and larger kitchens, and some models vary from those measurements. In fact, commercial-style cooktops can extend to 48 inches wide, and sometimes more.
Shop KitchenAid® 30- and 36-inch cooktops
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or crafting intimate meals for loved ones, KitchenAid® 30-inch and 36-inch cooktops can help bring your vision to life. Select KitchenAid® 30-inch gas cooktops feature the 17K BTU Professional Burner that provides the ability to use high-temperature cooking methods such as searing, stir-frying, and wok cooking, as well as low temperatures suitable for simmering. On some KitchenAid® electric cooktops, the 12-Inch, 9-Inch and 6-Inch Triple-Ring Round Element maximizes your flexibility with three distinct sizes that allow for element selection based on cookware size.
4. Cooktop burner configurations
There are several types of cooktop sizes and burner configurations from KitchenAid brand that are designed to match your cooking style.
- Two-burner cooktops: If you are restricted on space, a KitchenAid® 15-inch, two-burner electric cooktop can help you cook dinner while still saving space.
Four-burner cooktops: Standard 30-inch KitchenAid® four-burner gas or four-burner electric cooktops can provide ample room and creative flexibility for your recipes.
Five-burner cooktops: If you are vying for more space to cook, a larger model with more burners may best suit your needs, such as these KitchenAid® 36-inch, five-burner gas or five-burner electric cooktops.
- Six-burner cooktops: Commercial-style KitchenAid® six-burner gas cooktops are also available from KitchenAid brand for professional-style cooking at home.
KitchenAid® Temp Cook™ Induction Technology
Take on your next ambitious recipe
This KitchenAid® induction cooktop with Temp Cook™ Induction Technology maintains the precise temperature that you set for precise control beyond standard high, medium and low settings
Shop KitchenAid® cooktop configurations
Space restrictions don’t need to limit your creativity in the kitchen. Two-burner models like this KitchenAid® cooktop offer 7- and 8-inch round elements, featuring 1200 and 1800 watts, to handle everyday cooking needs. For a cooktop equipped to handle nearly any cooking technique, consider a commercial-style, six-burner model like this KitchenAid® cooktop that includes Three-Level Convertible Grates with removable inserts that match the heat to your technique.
5. Cooktop ventilation: range hood or downdraft
Proper cooktop ventilation helps clear the air and minimize lingering odors in your kitchen. While browsing different types of cooktops, you have flexibility when it comes to ventilation, including range hoods or gas and electric downdraft options from KitchenAid brand.
Downdraft cooktops free up space in your kitchen by integrating the ventilation system directly into the cooktop itself—reducing the need for overhead vents or range hoods. This may be an ideal option for open floor plans with more space to cook freely, allowing you to enjoy your creations in clean air.
Shop KitchenAid® downdraft cooktops
Get integrated, powerful venting right from the cooktop with KitchenAid® gas and electric downdraft cooktops. Keep the peace or keep conversations rolling with Quiet Ventilation Technology on select cooktops. These cooktops feature efficient airflow technology and a precision-engineered, low-noise fan. You can also use the Sliding Touch-Activated Controls on select models to help easily control your downdraft cooktop. An easy-to-use vertical slider allows you to seamlessly adjust temperature settings and offers a built-in timer function.
6. Cooktop heat type: radiant, induction or gas
Radiant, induction and gas cooktops all heat your food but differ in how they do it. Radiant cooktops use electric coils beneath a glass surface, induction uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pan directly and gas relies on an open flame.
Some gas cooktops, like these models from KitchenAid brand, feature removable cast-iron grates and offer highly responsive heat control, so you won’t have to deal with the lag of waiting for burners to warm or cool.
Both radiant and induction cooktops can provide a sleek, flat cooking surface, but their heating source differs. A radiant cooktop is a more traditional feature that has heating elements below the surface that radiate heat to the cookware.
However, an induction cooktop uses electromagnetism to directly heat your cookware, essentially transforming the cookware into its own source of heat. In fact, even if a burner is turned on, the surface will not get hot unless compatible cookware is actually present.
Be mindful that induction cooktops only function with pots and pans that are magnetic, such as enameled steel and cast-iron pans. Ceramic, glass, copper and aluminum cookware are not generally compatible with an induction cooktop.
Refer to this guide to induction-compatible cookware by KitchenAid brand for more information.
Explore top KitchenAid® cooktops
Interested in induction?
Shop KitchenAid® induction cooktops
Shop KitchenAid® induction cooktops for quick cooking times and easy cleanup, or review an induction cooktop buying guide by KitchenAid brand. Select KitchenAid® cooktops feature Temp Cook™ Smart Presets that set and hold the ideal temperature for popular cooking methods and alert when to add ingredients, so you can perfectly sear salmon, gently simmer sauces and quickly boil water.
7. Price
Gas, electric and induction cooktops come with a variety of features and burner configurations designed to meet a wide range of needs. You may also notice that larger models, and those that include integrated ventilation or high-end features tend to cost a bit more. Cooktop prices vary based on these criteria and more. You may also encounter added costs associated with preparing your space for your cooktop, including renovations like hiring a professional to lay a new gas line or install electrical wiring to accommodate your new cooktop.
8. Cooktop features
To find the best cooktop for your needs, it’s important to consider the number of burners, material and features. Learn what to look for below:
Burners
If you are limited on space, a two-burner cooktop may be the best fit for your kitchen. However, a four-burner cooktop is standard and can offer more creative possibilities.
If you are interested in induction cooktops, be mindful that cookware must be compatible with induction burners and include magnetic capabilities in order to function properly.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel cooktops provide a versatile, sleek finish to seamlessly coordinate with any kitchen or appliance. They’re also durable and long-lasting. Learn more about how to clean stainless steel cooktops.
Touch-activated controls
Touch-activated controls are seamlessly integrated into the cooktop and can offer responsive temperature controls, like on this electric cooktop from KitchenAid brand.
Griddle
Some gas cooktops include a removable griddle for flexibility to cook on the left, right or center of the surface. This opens up even more creative possibilities to curate your crepes and perfect your quesadillas. Learn more about using a griddle on a gas stove.
Dual and triple elements
Enjoy extra cooking flexibility with some electric cooktops that offer adjustable surface elements to match the custom size of your cookware and creative preferences. Select KitchenAid® cooktops, for instance, feature the 10''/6'' Even-Heat™ Ultra Power™ Element with Simmer Setting, which adds versatility for high and low temperature cooking. Two element sizes in one make it ideal for boiling, yet also accept small pans for various cooking tasks.
While taking these considerations into account, selecting the right cooktop should be a tailored fit, not only for your kitchen, but for your creative passion as well. Find the cooktop that allows you to make the most of yours.
Automated heat control
Some cooktops include features that help keep the heat and temperatures steady so you can cook with more confidence. For instance, select KitchenAid® induction cooktops feature Temp Cook™ Induction Technology that uses dual sensors in the cooktop to help keep your pan from overheating, so you can take on ambitious recipes with delicious results, batch after batch.
Easy-to-clean coating
Making can be messy, but some cooktops are uniquely designed with finishes or coatings that help prevent messes from clinging to the cooktop surface. The WipeClean™ Coating on some KitchenAid® cooktops eliminates scraping, intense scrubbing and harsh cleaners, making it the easiest induction cooktop coating to clean.1
1. When compared with cooktop with same heating technology at similar power output.
Bridge elements
Some cooktops include bridge elements designed to help heat uniquely shaped or oblong cookware, like griddles or grill pans, so you can heat the entire surface of the cookware at once. For example, Two Even-Heat™ Zones on select KitchenAid® cooktops can accommodate large cookware or two pans at once. Unlike traditional round bridge elements with heating gaps, the rectangular zone heats evenly edge-to-edge, so the crepe in the back cooks just as beautifully as the one in the center.
KitchenAid® cooktops
Cooktops made for every culinary adventure
KitchenAid® gas, electric and induction cooktops offer the versatility, performance and craftsmanship you need to create your favorite recipes
Shop popular KitchenAid® cooktops
Find the model you need to complement your cooking style when you browse electric, gas and induction cooktops from KitchenAid brand. Keep a clean aesthetic in the kitchen with Backlit Touch Controls on select KitchenAid® cooktops that illuminate when in use and fade unobtrusively into the cooktop’s sleek black glass when turned off. And, select KitchenAid® models let you control the cooktop with your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device2 so you can stay hands-on while prepping the rest of your meal or entertaining.
2. Wi-Fi & App required. Features subject to change. Amazon Alexa capabilities available in U.S. only. Google Assistant capabilities available globally. For details and privacy info, visit KitchenAid.com/connect (U.S.) or KitchenAid.ca/connect (Canada).
Destination: Design
Follow the path to inspiration
Join two creative storytellers as they travel to a unique destination, and watch as KitchenAid brand transforms their inspiration into stunning designs
