5 TYPES OF COOKTOPS AND STOVETOPS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR KITCHEN

Investing in a new standalone cooktop can offer fresh inspiration and unlock new culinary possibilities. Explore the benefits of gas, electric, induction, downdraft and commercial-style options to find a cooktop style that complements the way you create.

WHAT IS A COOKTOP?

A cooktop is a standalone appliance with a cooking surface that has gas burners or electric heating elements. The cooktop controls are on the front surface or along the side of the appliance. It’s designed to drop into a cutout in your countertop or island, helping it to blend seamlessly with your kitchen design.

Whether you need to simmer, steam, grill or boil, a cooktop offers a variety of innovative features to match your cooking technique. Similar to a rangetop, a cooktop can upgrade your kitchen design by adding flexibility to the layout. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOKTOPS?

There are several types of cooktop fuel options to choose from, including gas, electric and induction models. These types may also come in downdraft configurations for integrated ventilation and commercial-style options for more features. Cooktops are also available in a range of sizes with different heating element configurations.

1. GAS COOKTOPS

Gas cooktops use an open flame to cook food. They’re great for a more hands-on experience since they offer responsive control over heat adjustments. The flame can be adjusted instantly, so you don’t need to wait for a heating element to heat up or cool down, allowing you to quickly transition from searing to sautéing.

An open flame is also able to reach up the sides of some pans, which can be a benefit when cooking with sculpted cookware, such as woks. Most models, like the full line of gas cooktops from KitchenAid brand, feature removable cast-iron grates with a wipeable surface underneath.

SHOP GAS COOKTOPS FROM KITCHENAID BRAND

KitchenAid^® cooktops are equipped with features that support the way you make. Select gas cooktops from KitchenAid brand include a 19,000 BTU Multiflame Burner that works as an all-purpose professional burner, providing the ability to use both high- and low-temperature cooking methods so you can go from a boil to a simmer without changing burners. Other models from KitchenAid brand 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.

2. ELECTRIC COOKTOPS

Electric cooktops cook food using heated metal coils or heating elements often housed in a flat, smooth ceramic-glass surface. The benefit of this second type of electric cooktop includes easy cleaning, thanks to smooth surfaces that wipe clean once cooled. The flat ceramic-glass surface also offers stability for pots and pans during cooking. Plus, electric cooktops are simple to install, requiring only a grounded outlet with no gas hookup needed.

Select KitchenAid^® electric cooktop models include the Ultra Power^™ Double-Ring Round Element that allows you to adjust the heating element size to fit cookware from hearty stock pots to petite sauté pans.

SHOP ELECTRIC COOKTOPS FROM KITCHENAID brand

Select KitchenAid^® electric cooktops with Even-Heat^™ Technology provide versatility for high- and low-temperature cooking preferences and help ensure consistent heat when boiling, simmering, melting and more. If you’re looking for a compact cooktop, electric models often come in a wide range of sizes. For instance, KitchenAid^® electric cooktops come in two-burner, four-burner, five-burner and downdraft configurations.

3. INDUCTION COOKTOPS

Induction cooktops generate heat directly within cookware, reaching high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly for precise control that enables a full range of cooking techniques. If you cook a lot of pasta or rice, these cooktops are good for getting to a boil quickly since they direct energy to the bottom of the pot.

Many induction cooktop models come with a smooth ceramic-glass surface that allows for quick cleanup.

SHOP INDUCTION COOKTOPS FROM KITCHENAID brand

Induction cooktops offer a sleek, modern approach to cooking that delivers precise control and fast response, on a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Select KitchenAid^® induction cooktops are equipped with the Power Boost Function that allows you to exceed the maximum heat-level setting for 5 minutes to help you get to a rapid boil. Other models from KitchenAid brand feature Touch-Activated Controls for assisted cooking modes, auto presets and numerical power settings that are simple to use.

4. DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS

Downdraft cooktops are available as gas or electric models. They integrate the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, minimizing the need for an overhead vent. They may be a good option if you’re installing your cooktop on a kitchen island where there isn’t room for a hood, or if you prefer an open feel to your kitchen. Keep in mind that you’ll need under-counter cabinet space to house internal components essential to the operation of a downdraft cooktop.

SHOP DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS FROM KITCHENAID brand

Downdraft cooktops are great for getting creative in the kitchen without being limited by an overhead vent or bulky range hood. Electric and gas downdraft cooktops from KitchenAid brand come in four-burner and five-burner configurations. Select KitchenAid^® models include features like 3-Speed Fan Control that can be precisely matched to your cooking needs, effectively removing steam, grease and odors from the air. Other KitchenAid^® models are equipped with the Bridge XL Even-Heat^™  Zone that optimizes your cooking surface to your flow—with plenty of room for pots, pans, griddles and roasters of various shapes and sizes.

5. COMMERCIAL-STYLE COOKTOPS

Commercial-style rangetops and cooktops deliver restaurant-inspired form and function. A commercial-style range is a high-performance appliance designed to bring the power, durability and aesthetics of a professional kitchen into your home. They often feature bold styling, robust knobs and handles, and premium materials that mimic those found in restaurant kitchens. Commercial-style ranges and cooktops pair commercial styling with features like high-BTU gas burners and grill or griddle inserts to help keep up with your culinary potential. Commercial-style cooktops come in extra-wide sizes up to 60 inches, as well as more standard sizes, like the KitchenAid^® 30-inch Smart Commercial-Style Dual Fuel Range with 4 Burners.

SHOP COMMERCIAL-STYLE COOKTOPS FROM KITCHENAID Brand

Commercial-style cooktops are great for home cooks who love to experiment with bold flavors, big meals and restaurant-inspired techniques. Select KitchenAid^® models, like this one, feature two 20,000 BTU Ultra Power^™ Dual-Flame Burners that give you precise control of powerful highs, steady lows and the wide range of temperatures in between. Other models by KitchenAid brand feature Three-Level Convertible Grates with removable inserts that match the heat to your technique.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST TYPE OF COOKTOP FOR MY KITCHEN?

To choose the best cooktop for your recipes and kitchen layout, you will need to determine the cooktop size, fuel type and placement that fits best in your kitchen, as well as any features you would like to have. Explore this cooktop buying guide to learn more about getting the best cooktop for your kitchen.

KITCHEN HOOKUP AND LAYOUT

Start by choosing between gas or electric based on the hookups you already have, keeping in mind that you can have a dedicated gas line installed by a professional. Then, look at your kitchen layout and available space. 

Cooktops come in a range of sizes to fit your kitchen and cooking style. Sizes range from 15 inches wide for a two-element cooktop to up to 36 inches wide for a five-element cooktop. 

If you’re looking for even more space to create, commercial-style cooktops can offer 30- to 48-inch widths, and even 60-inch widths are available from some manufacturers.

Cooktops can be placed in line with cabinets or on a kitchen island, depending on how you prefer to move throughout the kitchen. Learn more about the benefits of installing a cooktop or range on a kitchen island.

COOKTOP FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Whether you seek more control over the heating elements or gas burners, desire the convenience of a cooktop griddle, or are considering an upgrade to a restaurant-inspired design, understanding cooktop features can help ensure that you select one that matches your cooking style and preferences.

GRIDDLE

Some gas cooktops feature a removable griddle that can expand the potential of your cooktop. For example, this KitchenAid^® Gas Cooktop with Griddle provides a one-piece flat surface that can be used on the right, left or center of the cooktop. It is ideal for making a range of dishes from crepes to quesadillas and features an easy cleanup. Learn more about using a griddle on a gas stove.

DUAL AND TRIPLE ELEMENTS

Many electric cooktops offer elements you can adjust according to the size of your cookware. The 10-inch/6-inch Double-Ring Round Element by KitchenAid brand maximizes your cooking flexibility with two distinct sizes.

CONVERTIBLE GRATES

Often seen on commercial-style cooktops, convertible grates let you raise and lower your dishes to be closer or farther from the flame. Three-Level Convertible Grates by KitchenAid brand let you match the heat to your technique. Leave the insert level for high-heat searing and sautéing or flip it over to lift your pan above the flame to simmer and melt. It can also be removed to nestle a round-bottom wok in the flame for stir-frying.

PROTECTIVE FINISHES

Gas, electric and induction cooktops may each have their own versions of a protective, easy-to-clean surface finish. For instance, the CookShield Finish by KitchenAid brand helps protect electric glass cooktops from scratching and stainless steel gas cooktops from stains that may occur with high-temperature cooking. Select KitchenAid^® models, like this one, are also equipped with a WipeClean^™ Coating that eliminates scraping, intense scrubbing and harsh cleaners. Learn more about how to clean stainless steel cooktops.

CLEANER AIR

Some downdraft cooktops include integrated ventilation features that help maintain a fresher kitchen environment while you cook. These systems work to capture smoke, steam and odors at the source—no overhead hood required. Select KitchenAid^® models come with a cutting-edge air extraction system featuring an automatic fan that adjusts to power levels and an integrated filter to help remove unpleasant odors in recirculation mode to promote long-lasting freshness.

FLEXIBLE COOKING ZONES

Some cooktops include flexible heating zones that allow you to use larger or uniquely shaped cookware with ease. These expanded zones help you make the most of your cooking surface, whether you're using a griddle, roasting pan or multiple pots at once. Select KitchenAid^® cooktops feature the Bridge XL Even-Heat^™ Zone, which optimizes your cooking surface to your flow—with plenty of room for pots, pans, griddles, and roasters of various shapes and sizes.

SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

Some induction cooktops include sensor technology that automatically sets the ideal heat, alerts you when to add ingredients and maintains constant temperature while food cooks. This feature can allow for greater control during cooking. Select KitchenAid^® induction cooktops may feature Sensor Induction Technology, which generates heat directly within cookware, reaching high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly for precise control that enables a full range of cooking techniques.

AUTO PRESETS

Certain induction cooktops offer automatic presets that help simplify everyday cooking by selecting the ideal heat level for common tasks. These built-in settings help reduce guesswork, whether you're melting chocolate or bringing water to a boil. Select KitchenAid^® induction cooktops include Auto Presets for Melt, Simmer, Keep Warm and Boil, which automatically set the right heat for different techniques and stages of cooking, taking the guesswork out of choosing settings.

PAN SIZE DETECTION

Many induction cooktops are designed with smart features that help ensure responsive cooking. One such feature helps the cooktop detect pan size and deliver heat only where it's needed—within the boundaries of your cookware. Select KitchenAid^® induction cooktops include Pan Size Detection, which recognizes the size and placement of cookware to generate heat directly within the pan. An indicator light and sound will alert you if you turn the cooktop on without a pan on the selected element or if your pan is not compatible with induction cooking.

COMMERCIAL-STYLE UPGRADES

If you're looking for restaurant-inspired design, consider upgrading to a commercial-style cooktop. Select models offer premium features like high-heat burners with up to 20,000 BTUs, electric griddles and extra burners. Commercial-styling—like large knobs and stainless steel details—add pro-style durability.

Explore KITCHENAID®Cooktops

Designed to spark creativity, KitchenAid^® cooktops can expand the boundaries of your culinary imagination with a range of styles, heating sources and sleek designs. Whether you crave a gas cooktop, an electric cooktop or even one with induction heating, KitchenAid^® cooktops will support you in making your favorite recipes and inspiring new creations.