Cooktop Buying Guide


Cooktop

Getting Started

When choosing the design of your kitchen, you may find it more spacious to get an in-wall oven unit. But what about a stovetop to cook your spaghetti or soup on? What will you do in order to still have those necessities? The best option for you is to invest in getting a cooktop. This guide holds a few factors that you should take into deep consideration when you are picking out your new cooktop.

Size

Size is a factor to be considered, especially when you are deciding on the placement of your cooktop. You could place the cooktop on the kitchen island or on the counter top. Where it goes is completely up to you. But when you decide where you want it, you need to measure how much space you would like to use and find a cooktop within that size range.

Cooktops normally range in size from 30 to 36 inches. But you can find some as small as 21 inches and some as large as 48 inches. Just remember, the bigger the cooktop, the more burners you will be able to cook with. Some come with up to six burners.

Burner Layout

It would be in your best interest to make sure there is plenty of space from burner to burner. This way you are not juggling all the pots and pans as they basically sit on top of each other. Proper spacing can prevent a huge mess from happening. Also, most people will prefer the smaller burners in the front.

Clean Up

Get one with an easy clean-up. The best advice to is to find one with removable knobs or a rim that will make cleaning any kind of accidental spill a breeze. Some cooktops do however require some special cleaning supplies so as not to scratch the surface on smoothtop electric models. For gas tops, try to find sealed burners that would be dishwasher safe.

Venting

Ventilation over your cooktop is very important. You must be able to find a way to get venting so it can clear the air over wherever you decide to place your cooktop. It’s more vital if you decide to go with a gas cooktop. Some options that are available to consumers include: an overhead-chimney range hood, range hoods mounted under a cabinet, or downdraft vents. You just have to figure out what your budget will be when purchasing one. Some vents can cost up to $1500, while base models can be had for a couple hundred dollars.

Easy Controls

The controls on your cooktop should be easy to be read and easy to get to. New touchpad controls are generally easier to use than knobs or dials. But they are also more likely to malfunction. However, if yours does have knobs and they are located on the front rather than the top, they are more likely to be accidentally reset by being bumped. They could be also be turned on by children. Thankfully some models have childlock safety options.

Your Life Style

Buying New Cookware

Price Point

Summary

In conclusion, there is a lot that you must consider when you are on the lookout for a new cooktop. But most importantly, you have to choose one that would best fit your kitchen and your lifestyle.

The biggest factors are space and the energy type that does the actual cooking. Yet style plays a key role in any appliance purchase. Taking time to choose properly will ensure this is the last cooktop you need for many years.