We independently and virtually review, test, research, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Cooktops

Best Overall
Bosch 800 Series 30”
4.5/5
Best Gas Cooktop
KitchenAid® 36''
4.5/5
Best Electric Cooktop
Frigidaire Gallery 30''
4/5

the best cooktops

The best cooktops are distinguished by performance characteristics such as efficiency, size, and ease of use. A cooktop’s core function is to heat up cookware to prepare food and boil water. The best cooktop is one that heats up quickly and is energy-efficient. Some of the most common usage cases of cooktops include applying heat to the bottom of cookware. 

One way to choose is by going with the best-rated cooktop. Cooktop reviews and ratings are a good indicator of what you can expect when you buy it. The best cooktop maker brand names include Bosch, GE, Miele, Samsung, KitchenAid, FrigidAire, and Jenn-Air. 

Our Top Cooktop Picks

Jump to Section

These are the best cooktops on the market at the moment:

1. Bosch 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Cooktop

Features

Up to 19000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat can be produced by the cooktop, making it powerful enough to meet all home cooking needs. The unit’s stainless steel coloring and finish make it a sleek addition to the kitchen. 

The Bosch 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Cooktop evenly distributes flames for a consistent heating effect. The automatic electric ignition allows for seamless operation of this cooktop unit. The largest burner is in the center of the unit and is perfect for heating large pots and pans. 

Up to 19000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat can be produced by the cooktop, making it powerful enough to meet all home cooking needs. The unit’s stainless steel coloring and finish make it a sleek addition to the kitchen. 

Pros
Cons

2. KitchenAid® 36'' Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop

Features

The cooktop is well protected from spill damage as it is constructed with a CookShield finish. This finish is permanent, and allows the unit to be cleaned without harmful chemicals, thus resulting in a cooktop that is safe and easy to keep clean.

This is a powerful cooktop that can produce up to 20000 BTUs. The cooktop also allows the user significant control at low temperatures, as the unit is equipped with a 6000 BTU even-heat simmer burner. The simmer burner has a diffuser plate which allows for precise heat control at simmering temperatures.  

The cooktop is well protected from spill damage as it is constructed with a CookShield finish. This finish is permanent, and allows the unit to be cleaned without harmful chemicals, thus resulting in a cooktop that is safe and easy to keep clean. It also has durable full-width cast-iron grates that help to keep cookware stable when placed on the cooktop and reduce the impact of spill damage while cooking.  

Pros
Cons

3. Frigidaire Gallery 30'' Electric Cooktop

Features

The cooktop is spacious, with five elements allowing for large quantities of food to be prepared/heated at any given time.

The Frigidaire Gallery 30” Electric Cooktop is efficient and powerful, equipped with a 3200W heating element that can bring water up to a boil in three minutes. The cooktop is spacious, with five elements allowing for large quantities of food to be prepared/heated at any given time. The SpaceWise feature allows users to adjust the area being heated in each element, which leads to flexibility and precision when cooking. 

Ease-of-use in this cooktop is aided by the Express-Select controls feature, which lets users seamlessly bring water from a warm to boiling temperature. The unit also comes with the Frigidaire Fit Promise, which ensures that the countertop will fit any countertop cutout of the same configurations or Frigidaire will provide reimbursements for cabinet modifications. 

Pros
Cons

4. GE Profile 36” Electric Induction Cooktop

Features

The GE Profile 36” Electric Induction Cooktop is one of the most technologically sophisticated cooktops available on the market. It is powerful, with a 3700W Power Boil induction element.

The GE Profile 36” Electric Induction Cooktop is one of the most technologically sophisticated cooktops available on the market. It is powerful, with a 3700W Power Boil induction element. The digital controls on the unit make it easy to achieve consistent, accurate temperatures. The heating elements detect the size of cookware placed upon them, and subsequently adjust their heating area to the size of the user’s cookware for even and efficient use. 

Safety is another key feature of this cooktop, as users can enable the control lock capability to prevent unintended activation. This feature is very helpful for users with young children. The smart burners on the unit also turn off when cookware is removed, so the elements will not stay hot when not in use. 

Pros
Cons

5. Frigidaire FFGC3026SW 30" ADA Compliant Gas Cooktop

Features

This cooktop is versatile and can be used for achieving an even simmer when cooking as it has a designated low simmer burner. The unit also comes with a one year warranty on parts and labor.

The Frigidaire FFGC3026SW 30″ ADA Compliant Gas Cooktop is equipped with sealed burners so that less food spillage can get caught in the burner area. It also has continuous cast-iron grates, providing users increased protection against food spills and a reduced risk of damage to their cookware.  

This cooktop is versatile and can be used for achieving an even simmer when cooking as it has a designated low simmer burner. The unit also comes with a one year warranty on parts and labor.

Pros
Cons

6. Whirlpool 30-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop with Dual Radiant Element

Features

The smooth cooktop is made of tempered ceramic glass, which allows users to maintain a modern look in their kitchen. Users have flexibility in installation, as the cooktop is compatible with a 30 or 40 amp hookup. 

This cooktop has versatile use cases as it contains two 6” heating elements, one 8” element, and an expandable 10” outer-ring element. The smooth cooktop is made of tempered ceramic glass, which allows users to maintain a modern look in their kitchen. Users have flexibility in installation, as the cooktop is compatible with a 30 or 40 amp hookup. 

Safety is another key feature of this cooktop, as it has a hot surface indicator light that glows as long as the surface is hot. The cooktop is easy to clean as it only needs to be  wiped down to remove food spills and grease. 

Pros
Cons

7. KitchenAid 30” Gas Downdraft Cooktop in Stainless Steel with 4 Burners

Features

The cooktop is powerful with heating capabilities of up to 17000 BTU and can also maintain a precise simmer on the designated 5000 BTU even-heat simmer burner.

The KitchenAid 30” Gas Downdraft Cooktop allows users the convenience of a built-in ventilation system in their cooktop. The cooktop is powerful with heating capabilities of up to 17000 BTU and can also maintain a precise simmer on the designated 5000 BTU even-heat simmer burner. The downdraft ventilation system works at an exhaust rate of 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) which ensures that this cooktop can handle the user’s ventilation needs. 

There are three speed controls on the fan, which allows for efficient odor and steam reduction. Furthermore, the unit has full-width cast-iron grates, which offer stability for any cookware placed on the cooktop and also adds protection against food from spilling into the burner areas. 

Pros
Cons

8. Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop

Features

This cooktop is both fast and energy efficient, using 70% less energy than conventional cooktops. It also offers flexibility, with eight heat settings on the left burner and five heat settings on the right burner.

This cooktop is both fast and energy efficient, using 70% less energy than conventional cooktops. It also offers flexibility, with eight heat settings on the left burner and five heat settings on the right burner. Cuisinart guarantees no hot spots with this induction cooktop, meaning that the cooktop heats evenly. 

The LED displays on the unit make heating to precise levels easy and effortless. Each burner is equipped with a timer that can run for up to 150 minutes. The cooktop also has an auto shut-off feature that turns the heat off 30 seconds after a pan is removed from one of the elements. 

Pros
Cons

9. Wolf 36” Contemporary Induction Cooktop (CI365C/B)

Features

The Wolf 36” Contemporary Induction Cooktop is sleek and effective. Induction technology allows it to distribute heat 40% faster than gas or electric cooktops. There are true simmer and melt settings which give the user the ability to precisely control temperature. The unit also has a black ceramic glass surface that is easy to clean. 

The controls are touch controls which remove the hassle of food getting trapped under knobs. The touch controls are illuminated, making the whole unit easier to use and providing it with a sleek look. 

Pros
Cons

10. Samsung 36" Smart Gas Cooktop with 22K BTU Dual Power Burner

Features

This cooktop is powerful as it is equipped with a 22K BTU Dual Power Burner in black stainless steel. It is also a superior choice for cooktop users who value safety, as the cooktop has Wi-Fi connectivity allowing users to monitor whether or not any of the burners are on.

This cooktop is powerful as it is equipped with a 22K BTU Dual Power Burner in black stainless steel. It is also a superior choice for cooktop users who value safety, as the cooktop has Wi-Fi connectivity allowing users to monitor whether or not any of the burners are on. It has illuminated blue knobs that also indicate whether a given burner is on, reducing the risk of accidentally running burners on the cooktop. 

Cleanliness is another standout feature of this cooktop as it has full-width grates to protect the body of the cooktop from food spills and the surface is fingerprint resistant. There is also a removable griddle that is optimal for cooking eggs, sauteing vegetables, and griddling sandwiches. 

Pros
Cons

11. Summit 12" Wide 115V 2-Burner Radiant Cooktop

Features

The Summit 12” Wide 115V 2-Burner Radiant Cooktop is a powerful but compact electric cooktop with a ceramic glass finish. It has digital touch controls which make operation easy and intuitive.

The Summit 12” Wide 115V 2-Burner Radiant Cooktop is a powerful but compact electric cooktop with a ceramic glass finish. It has digital touch controls which make operation easy and intuitive. There is also a timer that can run up to 99 minutes, allowing users to heat foods for extended periods of time without interruption. 

Key safety features of this cooktop include automatic shut-off, a safety cut-off function that turns off the cooktop if no heat level is selected within one minute after the unit is powered on, and a child lock to prevent unsupervised use. 

 

Pros
Cons

best cooktops in market

What are the best types of cooktops?

There are at least 11 types of cooktops on the market. Their features characterize these. 

  1. Electric Cooktop: These cooktops conduct heat through electricity. Heat passes through metal coils that sit below the ceramic-glass surface of the cooktop. 
  2. Kitchen Cooktop: A cooktop that is placed in a cutout of a surface within a kitchen. 
  3. Stainless Steel Cooktop: A cooktop that has a body made of stainless steel. 
  4. Downdraft Cooktop: A cooktop that has a vent to remove steam, odors, and smoke from the area surrounding the cooktop. Downdraft vents usually work as an alternative for hood vents.
  5. Gas Cooktop: This cooktop uses combustible gas that gets ignited by a pilot light to maintain a flame at each burner. Learn more about the best pots and pans for a gas stove so you can get the most out of yours.
  6. Induction Cooktop: A cooktop that generates electromagnetic currents to heat cookware directly, as opposed to heating a burner to then heat a vessel. 
  7. Ceramic Cooktop: A cooktop with a surface made of tempered ceramic glass. 
  8. Island Cooktop: This cooktop is placed in a cutout of a kitchen’s island. 
  9. Modern Press Cooktop: A cooktop that has a modern look due to its flat style. 
  10. Hood Cooktop: A cooktop with a hood above the unit to allow ventilation of odors, steam, and smoke. 
  11. Filter Cooktop: A cooktop with a filter for odors and smoke. 
  12. Countertop Cooktop: A cooktop that is placed on top of a countertop. These types of cooktops are often portable. 
  13. Two-burner Cooktop: This type of cooktop has only two burners so they are smaller than conventional, larger four and five burner cooktops. 
  14. Griddle Cooktop: A type of cooktop that comes with a griddle pan fitted to a portion of the cooktop. 

It is worth noting that cooktops are not confined to one type. They can have a number of these features. 

What are the best electric cooktops?

The best electric cooktops include the Frigidaire Gallery 30” Electric Cooktop and the Summit 12″ Wide 115V 2-Burner Radiant Cooktop. They have adjustable heating elements that allow different sizes of pans to be heated evenly and effectively. 

What are the best kitchen cooktops?

The Whirlpool 30-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop is one of the best kitchen cooktops on the market. It boasts of a sleek ceramic finish that offers users a best looking cooktop for their kitchen. 

What are the best stainless steel cooktops?

The Bosch 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Cooktop is one of the best stainless steel cooktops on the market. The stainless steel design makes this cooktop durable and the inclusion of five burners give users plenty of space to accommodate five medium to large pieces of cookware. 

What are the best downdraft cooktops?

The KitchenAid 30” Gas Downdraft Cooktop is one of the best downdraft cooktops on the market. It has a 300 CFM downdraft ventilation system and an adjustable fan with 3 settings making it both efficient and capable at removing odors, steam, and smoke from the cooktop area. 

What are the best gas cooktops?

The best gas cooktops include the Bosch 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Cooktop and the KitchenAid® 36” Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop. These are both very powerful cooktops, producing up to 19000 and 20000 BTUs respectively. 

What are the best induction cooktops?

The ​​best induction cooktops include the GE Profile 36” Electric Induction Cooktop and the Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop. They are both fast and energy efficient and the ICT-60 uses 70% less energy than conventional cooktops.

What are the best ceramic cooktops?

The best ceramic cooktops include the Whirlpool 30-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop and the Wolf 36” Contemporary Induction Cooktop (CI365C/B). The ceramic glass surface of both of these cooktops make them easier to clean than their non-ceramic counterparts. 

What are the best island cooktops?

The Summit 4-burner island gas-on-glass cooktop w/sealed burners & cast iron grates is one of the best island cooktops. It has four burners that are sealed which make clean up easy. 

What are the best modern press cooktops?

The Wolf 36” Contemporary Induction Cooktop (CI365C/B) is one of the best modern press cooktops on the market. It has digital touch controls making the unit modern, flat, and easy to clean. 

What are the best hood cooktops?

The Empava 2 Piece Kitchen Package with 36″ Induction Cooktop & 36″ Ducted Island Range Hood is one of the best hood and cooktop combo packages available. The hood has 400 CFM airflow, making it capable of quickly eliminating odors, smoke, and steam.  

What are the best filter cooktops?

The KitchenAid 30” Gas Downdraft Cooktop is one of the best filter cooktops on the market. It is effective at filtering out particles in the air during and after the cooking process. 

What are the best countertop cooktops?

The best countertop cooktop is the Duxton LCD 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner 9600LS. It can bring water to a boil very quickly and has a fan that is quieter than other induction burners. 

What are the best two-burner cooktops?

The best two-burner cooktops include the Summit 12″ Wide 115V 2-Burner Radiant Cooktop and the Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop. Both cooktops have timers that allow the cooktops to run uninterrupted for 99 minutes and 150 minutes respectively. 

What are the best griddle cooktops?

The best griddle cooktop is the Samsung 36″ Smart Gas Cooktop with 22K BTU Dual Power Burner. It has a removable griddle that is ideal for cooking eggs, sauteing vegetables, and pressing paninis.  

What functionality should you expect from a cooktop?

The functionality that you should expect from a cooktop include consistent and even heating, the ability to boil water quickly, and controls that are easy to use and clearly show the heat level.  Even heating will make the cooking process easier and ultimately increase the quality of the finished product.

What should you know before buying a cooktop?

There are several things to consider when buying a cooktop. The most important thing to look at is the heating element on which the cooktop runs. This is a major indicator of energy efficiency and functionality. A gas cooktop will work very powerfully and it is easy to adjust heat settings quickly as users can see the flame change while cooking. An induction burner will heat cookware more quickly and will use less energy, but it may be difficult to adjust heat levels quickly.

The overall price is another factor to consider. No matter the price point, finding a good balance between cost and features assures you value for money. This does not necessarily mean going for the priciest or cheapest option available. 

Heat is the most important factor when using a cooktop. As such, it is an important consideration when choosing a cooktop. You want a cooktop that can heat cookware quickly and evenly. A common metric for comparing the heating power of cooktops is how quickly the heating element of each cooktop can bring water to a boil. It is also important that a cooktop can maintain low-heat simmers for extended periods of time. 

It is also important to select a cooktop that is adequate for your use cases. Some usage and style cases to be mindful of include downdraft ventilation and a griddle option. Do you need all of the different uses of a cooktop?

Safety features such as an automated shut-off also come in handy. The possibility of lingering smoke comes to mind. Hole sizes are key for airflow. They influence heat retention. Overall size is also worth some consideration. Options available include a large, small, or giant cooktop. 

cooktops

What is the average price range for the best cooktops?

The best cooktops come at a price range of $600-$2500. Gas cooktops tend to be more expensive than electric cooktops. Cooktops with four or five burners are more expensive than cooktops with only one or two burners. Some cooktops have Wi-Fi functionality and those are more expensive than similar cooktops that do not have Wi-Fi. 

Cooktops made of more sturdy, durable materials such as stainless steel are also more expensive than the ones made of glass-ceramic blends. 

What is the main difference between a cooktop and a rangetop?

The main difference between a cooktop and a rangetop is that cooktops are placed in a cutout on a countertop whereas rangetops are built into counters. This means that rangetops have more space for placing cookware, as the knobs are usually placed at the front of the unit unlike cooktops where they are located on top of the unit. Rangetops are also usually gas powered whereas cooktops can be gas, electric, or induction. 

What cooktop type is considered superior?

Gas cooktops are considered to be superior due to their higher BTU output and the ease with which their users can control heat levels. They are also usually made of stainless steel so they scratch less easily than electric and induction cooktops with glass-ceramic surfaces. However, they are not as energy efficient as other types of cooktops like induction cooktops. Induction is the most energy-efficient type of cooktop. 

What are the common mistakes of using a cooktop?

The common mistakes you can make when using a cooktop include completely trusting the heat setting recommended in a certain recipe. You will often find that different cooktops generate different levels of heat and it is important for users to get adjusted to the heat settings of their own cooktop. 

Other common mistakes include not familiarising yourself with the controls before you require them. Some cooktops have a higher learning curve than others. Not knowing how to work it will often result in mistakes in the cooking process. It gets easier as you learn how to use cooktops

What criteria define the best cooktops?

The criteria for the best cooktop are size, functionality, heat efficiency, and ease of use. There are several things to consider when selecting the best cooktop. The most important question to answer is, “How quickly and evenly can the cooktop heat cookware?” This may be difficult to determine without trying the range of devices available. Functionality and ease of use can be established by leaning on the experiences of other users.

You can do this by reading customer reviews. This will also help you gauge the lifespan of a cooktop. These are some of the things we considered when choosing the best cooktop.

What type of reviews do the best cooktops have?

Cooktops will have a varied range of reviews from excited and disgruntled customers alike. Complaints and praise are often tied to the core features of each type of cooktop.

The most common praise that electric cooktops will receive is how easy they are to clean. One of the most common complaints is how easy it is to damage the glass-ceramic surface with which they are often constructed. 

The most common praise that kitchen cooktops receive is how well they fit into the design of a modern home kitchen. The most common complaints include cooktops not fitting well into kitchen countertops. 

The most common praise for stainless steel cooktops is their durability as they do not scratch easily. The most common criticism comes from users who find that these cooktops will leave fingerprint marks. 

The most common praise for downdraft cooktops is that they eliminate the need for hood vents. Some users complain that these vents are not powerful enough for completely removing odors, steam, and smoke generated in the cooking process. 

Gas cooktops are usually praised for giving the user the option to generate more BTUs in the cooking process. Other users complain about the air pollution in their kitchen that gas cooktops may generate. 

Induction cooktops are commonly praised for being the quickest at heating up cookware. Users can bring water to a boil in just four minutes. Other users commonly complain about not being able to control the heat level as easily as with a gas cooktop. 

Ceramic cooktops are lauded for being easy to clean. They are also criticized for scratching easily.

Island cooktops are commonly praised for how they complete the look of a kitchen. They are often criticized for taking up counter space. 

Modern press cooktops are usually praised for their modern design. They are, however, criticized for being expensive compared to other types of cooktops. 

Filter cooktops are commonly praised for removing harmful particles from the cooking area. They are often criticized for being loud. 

The most common praise for countertop cooktops is that they are portable and can be used in different locations. The most common criticism comes from users who find that they lack the power needed for all their cooking needs. 

The most common praise for two-burner cooktops is that they are compact and meet the needs of users with small kitchens. The most common criticism comes from users who find that these cooktops contain fewer features than larger cooktops. 

The most common praise for griddle cooktops is that they increase the versatility of the cooktop. The most common criticism comes from users who find that the removable griddle may be difficult to clean. 

What are the best kitchen tool brands?

Below are some of the best kitchen tool brands that also make cooktops. 

  1. Frigidaire: As a kitchen appliance producer, they are known for their cooktops. Other kitchen tools that they produce include refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens.
  2. Cuisinart: They are known for their range of affordable cooktops. Other kitchen tools that they produce include air fryers, grills, and toaster ovens. 
  3. Bosch: They have an excellent range of versatile cooktops. Other kitchen tools that they are known for include ovens, refrigerators, coffee machines, and food processors.
  4. Summit: They have a growing range of cooktops. Their brand is better known in the refrigeration and freezer space.

How long do the top cooktops last?

The lifespan of the top cooktops will vary depending on what they are made of and how they are used. A gas cooktop will generally last longer than an electric cooktop. Gas cooktops will last around 15 years and electric cooktops will last around 13 years. This can be stretched to 17-18 years or longer with some care.

Cooktops that are made of cheaper materials have shorter lifespans. They tend to suffer from general wear and tear. This period can be lengthened or significantly reduced depending on use and maintenance. 

Where to buy a cooktop?

Nowadays, cooktops are widely available both online and in stores. These are some of the best places to buy them:

Home Depot: Average Prices for four-burner cooktops range between $656.00 and $2099.00. Delivers in 7-9 days.

Lowe’s: Average Prices for four-burner cooktops range between $674.00 and $1749.00. Delivers in 5-6 days.

Amazon: Average Price for four-burner cooktops range between $299.99 and $887.00 Delivers in up to 5 days. 

Costco: Average Price for four-burner cooktops range between $499.99 to $1999.99 Delivers in 8-11 days.

You can also buy them directly from most manufacturers.

What are the other best kitchen tools?

We have covered plenty of cooktops in this post. There are other kitchen tools that you can use together with your cooktops. These include:

  • Ventilation hoods
  • Ovens
  • Microwaves

Empava makes both cooktops and ventilation hoods. 

 

Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?

Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!

Dino Paccino

Dino Paccino

Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.

Download Free Chart Now!

Your email will be used only to confirm your request and to provide free kitchen information. By submitting your info on this form, you are agreeing to be contacted regarding your service request by means of email. This is no obligation form and doesn’t require you to purchase any service.

norton_black
comodo_black