Electric Cooktops

When mulling between the choices of gas or electric appliances, electric cooktops are sure to stand out. Electric cooktops, or stoves, heat faster and maintain low heats more easily, which makes them perfect for simmering!

Before you start browsing, keep in mind that electric cooktops are usually 30 or 36 inches wide (with smaller ones around 12 inches) and are made to fit into 24-inch-deep counters (deep meaning from the front to the back of the counter). A cooktop’s depth ranges from 19-22 inches, so be sure to measure your under-cabinet space as well as your countertop (leave room for lipping)!

What Are Electric Cooktops?

Electric cooktops are built-in appliances that use electricity to heat the element (a coil or smooth top) to a consistent temperature, which then transfers to the pan. Because they use very little electricity to run, electric cooktops are more efficient than gas. If you’re looking to lower that utility bill, an electric cooktop might be the choice for you.

Which Electric Cooktop is Best?

The best electric cooktop type depends on how you cook.

Electric coil cooktops are the most common and the most durable. The metal coils sit on top in a spiral and glow red when they heat up. These are compatible with any cookware and can withstand heavy use from heavy dishes—and if you spill, the drip pans will catch most of the mess!

Keep in mind that coils do take a while to heat up and can be complex to clean.

Smooth-top electric cooktops use radiant elements underneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat up your food more quickly and evenly. The smooth surface provides a seamless, built-in look and is easy to clean. However, please be advised that glass surfaces are prone to scratches and ceramic surfaces chip easily.

What Cooktop Features Do I Need?

These key features are exactly what you need to upgrade your life—and your cooking!

• Bridge elements and dual electric elements: Adjust your burner size or expand your cooking surface for those big griddles.
• Griddle, grill, or wok accessories: Cook anything you need, from pancakes to grilled salmon to stir-fry, with these specialized accessories.
• Built-in griddles: If you love breakfast, a cooktop with an integrated griddle is always ready for short stacks.
• Downdraft ventilation: Cooktops with downdraft ventilation circulate air downward and away from your cooking area, which eliminates the need for a range hood (great for kitchen islands!).
• Hot surface indicators and a lockout feature: Always know when your cooktop is on and keep curious, idle hands from getting burned.
• Touch controls: Set precise temperatures with easy-to-use touch controls.

How to Clean an Electric Cooktop?

There are many different tips and tricks to cleaning your cooktop. We recommend using either natural cleaners like a lemon or vinegar solution, or a non-abrasive cooktop cleaning brush so you don’t have to use so much elbow grease on those grease splatters!

Have other questions we didn’t cover? Stop by your local Plaza Appliance or give us a call for the customer service you won’t find anywhere else!