At a Glance:
Induction Cooktops Vs. Electric Cooktops
Which is better? Electric Cooktop Vs. Electric Range
How to Clean an Electric Cooktop
Benefits of Electric Cooktops
There are several reasons why electric cooktops are preferred over electric ranges and gas cooktops.
- Less hot in the kitchen. The kitchen stays cooler when using an electric cooktop compared to using a gas stove or cooktop.
- Easy to clean. Electric cooktops are easier to clean because the surface is flat. Food and sauce have nowhere to fall into.
- Easy to use. Electric cooktops regulate temperature better than gas cooktops.
- Seamless installation. Most cooktops can be installed on any kitchen counter. They sink right in to align with the exact height of the countertop. In addition, they do not require specific hook-up requirements other than a 220-volt plug.
- Inexpensive. Electric cooktops are less expensive than gas cooktops.
- Space saving. Since cooktops fit into the kitchen counter, you can still have storage space underneath.
- More configurations. Electric cooktops are available in more burner configurations than ranges.
- Requires less ventilation. Because electric cooktops give off less heat, they do not need as strong of an exhaust fan.
Induction Cooktops Vs. Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops work off of an electrical current that flows through a metal coil beneath the flat top surface. It transfers heat through the glass or ceramic top using infrared energy. Electric cooktops are also known as radiant cooktops.
The benefits of electric cooktops over induction cooktops are that they provide residual heat after cooking to keep food warm. It is easier to keep sauce simmering due to strong heat control. Energy costs are usually lower with electric cooktops than with induction cooktops. Electric cooktops are also much less expensive than induction cooktops.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic radiation to heat coils. Induction cooktops are immediately cool after cooking because the air between the cooktop and the pan does not get hot. This makes an induction cooktop a little easier to clean because you don't have to wait for the surface to cool down. It also cooks food slightly faster than an electric cooktop.
However, there are several disadvantages to getting an induction cooktop instead of an electric cooktop. The biggest disadvantage is the price. Induction cooktops are very expensive. They require specific cookware that is compatible with induction heating. This cookware is also more expensive than standard cookware.
Types of Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops are available in different sizes and burner counts. There are two-burner electric cooktops, four-burner electric cooktops, and five-burner electric cooktops. Choose a model based on the amount of space you have available in your kitchen and how much you cook. Two-burner electric cooktops are particularly popular in RVs and apartments.
The top brands that make electric cooktops are:
- Danby
- Thor
- Whirlpool
- GE
Which is better? Electric Cooktop Vs. Electric Range
The primary difference between an electric cooktop and an electric range is the versatility of installation. Electric cooktops can be installed anywhere on your kitchen counter. They are also more customizable to your cooking needs. You can choose a cooktop with a variety of different burner sizes and burner setups to best adapt to how you cook. There are fewer options with an electric range.
Electric ranges are also harder to clean because the cooktop and oven are combined into one. While electric ranges are easier to install, you have less flexibility on placement in your kitchen. In addition, electric cooktops are better for smaller kitchen spaces because there are two-burner and three-burner options that take up minimal counter space compared to the floor space an electric range would take up.
In addition, choosing an electric cooktop over an electric range makes replacement easier. If the heating elements stop working on your range, you will have to replace the entire unit even if the oven is working properly. By purchasing a cooktop, an oven is a separate appliance. You'd only have to replace one or the other if an issue occurs.
Finally, cooktops are more seamless and provide a more streamlined look in your kitchen. Many cooktops are available as frameless options that integrate completely into your countertop.
4 Best Cooktops of the Year
Danby, 14 inch Black, Built-In, Radiant, Electric Cooktop
This radiant electric cooktop by Danby is ideal for small spaces. They are very popular for use in RVs, condos, and apartments. It has two built-in burners and includes a hot surface indicator light so that you know when your cooktop is on and when it is still hot to the touch. The push and term knobs are easy to use and adjust to an accurate temperature.
The Danby, radiant, electric cooktop features a sleek and modern design. Its frameless glass top is easy to clean and will look like it is built right into your countertop. In addition, Danby offers a three-year warranty on this electric cooktop
Thor Kitchen Professional, 30-inch Black Electric Cooktop
Thor's electric cooktop features digital controls. Easily set the precise heat of any of the four burners on the cooktop. This electric cooktop comes with several high-end features including:
Tri-zone lightning boil burner. The center burner has three rings of different sizes that are controlled individually. This allows you precise control over the heat of the burner.
Sync burner. You can sink both of the smaller burners on the left-hand side to accommodate larger cookware like griddles or Dutch ovens. When synced, the burners will heat up to the same temperature and evenly heat large cookware.
Automatic shut off. Each zone of the cooktop will automatically shut off when cooking is done
Nine power levels. Premium heat control with nine different levels of heat.
The Thor Kitchen Professional 30-inch Black Electric Cooktop features a seamless design that easily integrates into your countertop. Thor offers a one-year warranty on this electric cooktop. The cooktop surface is made of ceramic glass and the element type is radiant heat.
Whirlpool, 30-inch White Electric Cooktop
This 30-inch electric cooktop comes with four burners. The Whirlpool electric cooktop has the following features:
- High-speed coil elements that heat up fast and maintain even heat across each element
- Infinite heat controls that allow a variety of intermittent heat settings
- Dishwasher-safe knobs that are easily removed from the cooktop. Put them in the dishwasher for an easy clean up
- Patented porcelain spill guard cooktop makes cleanup easier.
This electric cooktop comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. It is available in the color white.
Customers love the whirlpool 30-inch electric cooktop. It has over 171 five-star reviews on our website. In October Martha wrote "whirlpool cook, tops rock!! This is my third whirlpool coil cooktop in the past 35 years. To say I am a satisfied customer would be a huge understatement. I wouldn't buy another brand ever!! My favorite feature on my latest cooktop is, there is no hole in the drip pan, no more spillover onto the inside of the cooktop!!!"
GE 36-inch Stainless Steel Built-In Electric Cooktop
This electric cooktop features five burners of various sizes. The cooktop is made from black ceramic glass and features ribbon radiant heating elements. GE included top-of-the-line features in this electric cooktop, including
- 8-inch power boil element that guarantees rapid water boiling
- Melt setting that allows you to easily melt chocolate and other soft foods without worrying about burning
- Fifth element warming zone
- Hot surface indicator light and an "on" indicator light for safety.
GE offers a one-year warranty on the parts and related labor for repairs of this electric cooktop. It has 131 five-star reviews on our website; a most recent review says "works great! works great so far. heats up quickly would recommend"
How to Clean an Electric Cooktop
Electric cooktops are much easier to clean than gas cooktops. However, it is important to use the right cleaning materials and cleaning methods so you do not damage your cooktop. Follow these steps to safely wipe away kitchen messes.
- Wait for your electric cooktop to cool down completely.
- Wipe away crumbs first.
- Use a razor blade or thin silicone scraper to remove dried-on spills. Make sure to hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and apply light pressure. Do not pick or score grime. You may accidentally scratch the glass cooktop.
- Use a cleaner that is compatible with the type of electric cooktop you have. Use a soft cloth to rub in the cleaner.
- Wash the cleaner away by gently spritzing water on the electric cooktop. Dry it with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Electric Cooktop Looking Brand New
- Clean splatters, spills, and crumbs as quickly as possible.
- Don't push pots and pans on the cooktop. The bottoms may scratch the glass or ceramic surface.
- Polish your electric cooktop frequently with ceramic or glass cleaner. This will help to buff out scratches.
- Do not use scrubbing pads or abrasive cleaners on your electric cooktop. It will damage the surface. Always check that a cleaner is compatible with electric cooktops before using it.
- Make sure the electric cooktop is installed properly so that it is seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Large cracks will allow crumbs and spills to collect in hard-to-reach places.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they'd say they're not just employees, they're family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Electric Cooktops at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop Electric Cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover the perfect electric cooktop — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: 5 Best Double Oven Electric Ranges Under $2000