Choosing the right stovetop for your kitchen can be an exciting yet overwhelming decision. With so many options on the market, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of different stovetop types to find the one that best fits your cooking needs and lifestyle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 9 most popular stovetop options and provide tips to help you select the right one for your home.
Overview of the Main Stovetop Types
Before diving into specifics, let’s briefly overview the main categories of stove tops available:
- Electric: Electric coiled stovetops are a classic option found in many homes. They offer a flat surface and coil burners that heat up when turned on.
- Electric Glass-Ceramic: Electric stovetops with a smooth glass-ceramic surface that hides the burners below. They offer a sleek look and easy cleaning.
- Gas: Gas stovetops utilize natural gas or propane to produce flames on open burners. They allow for more precise temperature control.
- Induction: Induction stovetops heat cookware directly using electromagnetic energy for fast, energy-efficient cooking.
- Dual Fuel: Dual fuel ranges combine electric ovens with gas stove tops for the perks of both energy sources.
Now let’s explore each of these popular stove top varieties in more detail…
Electric Coil Stovetops
Electric coil stovetops use resistive coil burners that get hot when electricity runs through them. They are one of the most widely available and affordable options.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost: Electric coils come standard in many homes and range models for a lower price point.
- Familiar functionality: Traditional coil design provides familiar usability many users are accustomed to.
- Flexible heating: Exposed burners allow for easy temperature adjustment and maneuvering pots/pans.
- Child safety: Having no open flames can be safer for homes with small children.
- Easy to clean: Coils lift out for cleaning drip pans and reflectors beneath.
Cons:
- Less temperature precision: Heat output can fluctuate slightly as coils cycle on/off.
- Time to heat up: Electric coils are slower to heat up and cool down than gas.
- Easy to stain/damage: Exposed coils get grimy from spills and can be dented by cookware.
- Not sleek looking: Coils have a more dated look than smooth glass/metal finishes.
- Less responsive controls: Takes longer to adjust temps up/down than gas.
Overall, electric coil stovetops are reasonably priced, familiar to use, and offer decent flexibility and performance for most users. However, they may not be the most stylish, responsive, or state-of-the-art option available today.
Electric Glass-Ceramic Cooktops
Electric glass-ceramic cooktops feature a smooth, sleek surface made from durable ceramic/glass material. The heating elements are housed below the surface.
Pros:
- Sleek contemporary look: Smooth glass surface creates a modern, seamless look. Easy to keep clean.
- Precise temperature controls: Radiant elements allow for more accurate temperature adjustment.
- Variety of element sizes: Can come with larger oval or rectangular burners to accommodate big pots.
- Safety of electric: No open flames for added safety, especially in homes with children.
- Durable surface: Made to withstand scratches, stains, cracking better than plastic/metal.
Cons:
- Potential for scratches: Glass can still get scratched from cast iron cookware or abrasive cleaners.
- Takes time to heat/cool: Glass retains some heat so temps change slower than gas.
- Elements may wear over time: Radiant elements can deteriorate, losing precision.
- Moisture gets trapped: Flat surface can lead to condensation build up while cooking.
- Higher upfront cost: Glass tops come at a higher price than coil alternatives.
While pricier, glass/ceramic electric cooktops offer better aesthetics, responsiveness and ease of cleaning than traditional electric coils. Just take care to avoid scratches.
Gas Stovetops
Gas stovetops are fueled by natural gas or propane, producing open flames on burners to cook with. They are beloved by many home chefs.
Pros:
- Precise temperature control: Direct flame allows quick temp adjustment for simmering or searing.
- Fast heating and cooling: Flames heat pots and pans rapidly and cool down quickly after turning off.
- High heat output potential: More BTUs of power mean the ability to boil large volumes fast.
- Visually appealing: For some, an open flame is more engaging to cook over than flat elements.
- Better performance with woks: Wok cooking benefits from intense open flames.
Cons:
- Requires gas line hookup: Needs natural gas or propane fuel source running to the stove.
- More ventilation required: To deal with fumes, smoke, carbon monoxide.
- Open flames hazardous: Can be a fire or burn risk around small children.
- Power outages an issue: Gas burners won’t operate during an electrical outage.
- Difficult to clean: Drip pans under grates collect spills and require regular cleaning.
Gas stovetops allow responsive precision cooking unmatched by electric. But the need for ventilation and fire hazards should be considered, especially in homes with kids.
Induction Cooktops
Induction stovetops use electromagnetic energy to induce vibration and heat cookware directly, rather than the surface beneath.
Pros:
- Fastest heating and efficiency: Uses 90% of energy solely to heat cookware for quickest results.
- Precise temperature adjustments: Offers more nuanced control over low to high heat levels.
- Safer surface: No flames or hot heating elements to burn fingers on. Surface remains cool.
- Minimal cleanup: Spills can’t bake on the surface, so smooth glass wipes clean easily.
- Sleek appearance: Smooth glass surface gives a refined, contemporary look.
Cons:
- Most expensive option: Advanced technology comes at a premium price point.
- Noisy: Can produce audible humming/vibrating noises when on higher settings.
- Requires compatible cookware: Only works with pots/pans that magnetize such as cast iron or stainless steel.
- Potential for scratches: Glass surface still prone to scratches from metal cookware.
- Learning curve with controls: Takes getting used to the touchpad controls and settings.
While pricey, induction cooktops provide unparalleled speed, safety and efficiency for eager home cooks. Just be prepared to invest in compatible cookware to reap the rewards.
Dual Fuel Ranges
For the best of both worlds, dual fuel ranges combine an electric oven with a gas stovetop in one appliance.
Pros:
- Gas stove reactivity + electric oven accuracy: Takes advantage of each fuel’s strengths.
- Flexibility in cooking: Open flames for sautéing or boiling while oven bakes or broils.
- Utilities: Many homes already have both gas lines and electrical hookups installed.
- Professional-grade: Seen in many restaurants so provides pro experience at home.
- Styling options: Range of finishes from sleek stainless steel to vintage styling.
Cons:
- Most expensive: With two fuel sources, dual ranges come at a premium cost.
- Complex installation: Gas lines, exhaust vents, electrical often need special install handling.
- Two sets of repairs: If one component breaks, may need two repair services.
- Larger footprint: To house two separate fuel sources, units take up more kitchen space.
- Ventilation importance: Proper hood venting is critical to handle gas burners.
While priciest, dual fuel gives cooks the responsiveness of gas for sautéing with the temperature stability of electric for baking tasks.
Tips for Picking the Right Stovetop
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the most popular options, here are some tips for selecting the best stovetop for your kitchen and preferences:
- Consider your cooking style: What’s most important – precision, speed, or versatility? High output for boiling, low simmers, or even heating?
- Think about appearance: Sleek finish or professional-style? Color, stainless or enamel options? Match aesthetics with kitchen decor.
- Know your utilities: What fuel sources (electric, natural gas) are already or can be installed in your home?
- Focus on ease of use: Look for intuitive controls and burners/elements positioned ergonomically.
- Check safety features: Does model have child lock, auto shut-off, anti-tip brackets? Peace of mind is key.
- Know your budget: Prices widely range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Set realistic expectations.
- Read consumer reviews: Get insight into reliability, ease of installation, longevity, warranty, customer service.
- Compare sizes carefully: Measure space under cabinets to ensure adequate room for stove height.
- Think long-term: How long will you be in this home? Get durable stove that will weather years of use.
Taking the time to carefully weigh your options will ensure you end up with the right stovetop for cooking meals your way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stovetops
Many consumers have additional questions when evaluating different stove tops. Here we cover some of the FAQs that often come up:
What is the most popular stovetop style?
Gas and electric coil stovetops remain the most commonly found options, installed in over 70% of households. Their familiar functionality, lower cost, and flexibility explain their widespread appeal.
Which type of stove is cheapest?
Standard electric coil stovetops are generally the most budget friendly, often included standard with many range models. Glass-ceramic and gas stovetops carry a slightly higher price tag.
How do I choose between gas vs electric stove?
Consider your cooking needs and safety factors. Gas offers responsive precision and power, but comes with fire/ventilation concerns. Electric is safer and economical but slower to heat/cool.
Is gas or induction better?
Induction is superior in terms of responsiveness, efficiency and sleekness. But open flame gas stoves provide a preferred cooking experience for many chefs. It comes down to priorities.
What are the benefits of induction cooking?
Induction heats cookware directly for lightning quick cooking times. The glass surface stays cooler and is easy to clean. High energy efficiency and precise temp control shine as well.
Are glass top stoves high maintenance?
Glass material resists staining and wipes clean easily. But scratches from cookware and mineral build up in cracks require occasional maintenance. Proper cleaning is key.
How do I choose a dual fuel range?
Look for a gas cooktop and electric oven combo that fits your cooking needs, space, and budget. Carefully measure dimensions and plan for proper venting/installation.
Which is better – front or back stove burners?
Front burners are convenient for easy access when cooking. Rear burners can be preferred for simmering or reducing risk of knocking into pans. Personal preference rules.
How many BTUs do I need for my stovetop?
Total BTUs of around 40,000 offer adequate power for a standard 4 burner stove. Larger grates or cooktop spaces may benefit from higher 60-80,000 BTUs overall.
Conclusion
Finding your perfect stovetop involves careful consideration – from fuel type, design, cooking needs and beyond. By learning the pros and cons of electric, gas, induction and dual fuel models, you can confidently choose the right stove for your kitchen.
Focus on options that balance your priorities like cost, efficiency, power, ease of use and aesthetics. And don’t forget dimensions – an accurately measured space ensures your new stovetop will fit comfortably within your countertops.
With this overview of the 9 most common stove varieties and tips for choosing, you are now equipped to select the ideal stovetop for cooking meals just how your family enjoys them. Happy shopping for your new stove!
