What Type of Cooktop is Best? A Complete Guide to Cooktops and Rangetops
If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional kitchen stove, you will likely consider a cooktop or a range top. Separating your cooking surface from your ovens is a top choice for many busy kitchens and large spaces, as it gives you more space to move around the kitchen while you cook. If you're shopping for cooktops and range tops, the possibilities are endless. Your kitchen designer will build your kitchen around your appliance selections, so make sure to pick out your appliances before ordering your cabinets. Your selection will depend on your cooking style, available fuel source, and ventilation requirements.
This guide will introduce the different types of cooktops and rangetops available today. It will also answer commonly asked questions about shopping for cooktops for new construction and replacement needs. It's also important to highlight some basics about ventilation so you can get a cooktop that is best for your home.
Table of Contents
What is a Cooktop?
Cooktop Sizes
Cooktop Installations
Types of Cooktops
Specialty Cooktops
What is a Rangetop?
Rangetop Sizes and Configurations
Which Brands Make Rangetops?
Cooktops vs. Rangetops
Ventilation 101
What is a cooktop?
A cooktop is a cooking surface that drops into a dedicated opening in your countertop. As you can see in the photo above, the countertop extends around all sides of the cooktop. There are three types of cooktops available, gas-powered, radiant electric, and induction. Most cooktops are 30-inches or 36-inches wide. There is also a small selection of small space cooktops and small modular cooktops that you can link together to form one large custom cooktop surface.
Cooktop Sizes
24-Inch Wide Small Space Cooktops
Most small space cooktops are 24-inches wide. You will see them in city apartments, in-law apartments, and guest suites. Since 24-inch wide cooktops are the standard size internationally, you will find many European brands like Bosch, Miele, and Fulgor Milano make small-space options.
30-Inch and 36-Inch Wide Cooktops
Most cooktops are 30-inches and 36-inches wide. These sizes are where you'll find the most selection. Most standard kitchen designs call for a 30-inch wide cooktop are stove. A benefit of the 30-inch wide size is the option to install an over-the-range microwave above most 30-inch cooktops. Larger kitchens may call for a larger cooktop. There are many options for gas, radiant electric, and induction 36-inch wide cooktops.
Bigger Than 36-Inch Wide Cooktops
There is a small selection of gas, radiant electric, and induction cooktops wider than 36 inches. If you love the clean lines of a drop-in cooktop but want a lot of cooking area, this option is for you. Just keep in mind that there are very few options out there for replacement. If you're looking for a large cooking surface, many buyers opt for a range top instead.
Cooktop Installations: Flush Mount Cooktops vs. Standard Cooktops
There are two types of cooktop installations, flush-mount and standard. When shopping, it's crucial to talk to your sales associate about what kind of installation you want so they can help you find the right cooktop. Some cooktops can be installed flush or standard. Others can only be standard or only be flush. So, make sure you order the right cooktop for your installation.
Furthermore, it's essential to communicate your desired installation to your builder and countertop provider as the counters will be cut differently for each installation type. Sometimes brands put both the flush and the standard dimensions on the same sheet - just to be more confusing.
So, it's especially important to communicate with your builder and countertop provider about the way you want your cooktop to look.
Many countertop fabricators will require that the actual cooktop arrives at the job site before the counter templating. Order your cooktop early to avoid any potential delays.
Types of Cooktops
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops, like gas ranges, produce a flame to heat your cookware. Most gas cooktops have knob controls located on the top of the cooking surface. Some cooktops have more of a modern look and have knobs that mount on your cabinets' front face.
Gas cooktops are either powered by natural gas or liquid propane. When shopping for a gas cooktop, it's essential to specify which fuel source you have as many brands make separate models for natural gas and LP installations.
If you have liquid propane, you might need to have your cooktop converted from natural gas to LP. Many gas cooktops ship with the LP conversion kit. Make sure to hire an experienced plumber or technician to perform the conversion for you.
Radiant Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops have a glass surface and electric heating coils underneath the glass. When cooking with radiant electric cooktops, the coil heats the glass, which then heats your cookware.
Induction Cooktops
Induction is a better alternative to electric radiant cooktops. Instead of a heating coil, induction cooktops have magnets under the glass. When you place an induction ready pot or pan on the cooktop, induction magnets will cause your cookware molecules to vibrate, creating heat. Induction is the safest cooking method. It's easiest to clean, is the most efficient, and is extremely fast to boil. To test if your cookware is induction-ready, simply hold a magnet to your cookware and see if it sticks.
Module Cooktops
If you're looking for something a little more custom, consider module cooktops. Module cooktops are small 12-inch or 15-inch cooktops that you can mix and match to meet your exact cooking needs. Popular module cooktops include a big powerful gas burner, two smaller gas burners, induction, flat top teppanyaki, in-the-counter steamer, deep fryer, or a built-in grill. You can also add module cooktops to a full-size gas or induction cooktop to provide extra versatility.
What is a Range Top?
A range top is essentially the top portion of a professional style rage. A professional-style range or "pro range" is a range modeled after what you might see in a restaurant or commercial setting. Pro range tops are more durable than cooktops, give you higher heat gas burners and more space on the cooking surface. Many pro range top brands offer multiple custom color, knob color, and burner configurations so you can find a product that best fits your needs and design.
Range Top Sizes Configurations
Pro style range tops come in a wide variety of sizes. When designing your kitchen, consider the size of your space and how you like to cook. Pro range tops come in 60-inch, 48-inch, 36-inch, 30-inch widths. The most popular range top sizes are 36" and 48".
When selecting a size, make sure to consider how you like to cook, whether you like to entertain, and the size of your kitchen. Opting for a large 60-inch or 48-inch range top could be a beautiful focal point in your new space. Make sure that your range top is proportional to the size and value of your home. Large sprawling kitchens look best with more extensive ranges, whereas small kitchens with limited storage space look best with smaller range tops.
Which Brands Make Range Tops?
Since range tops are essentially the tops of pro-style ranges, you will find that many pro range brands have range tops. Wolf, Thermador, Viking, and Monogram have been making range tops for decades. Miele introduced pro ranges and range tops about five years ago. Today you will see many newer brands introducing range tops, including Signature Kitchen Suite, Hestan, Fulgor Milano, and Bosch.
Cooktops vs. Range tops
Many shoppers ask about whether they should shop for a cooktop or a range top. The decision will likely come down to a few factors, including price, aesthetics, and ventilation requirements. It would be best if you also considered your cooking style, the size of your family, and your home's value. There is no right answer when it comes to selecting a cooktop or a range top. Your decision will likely come down to preference. Let's discuss the most significant differences between cooktops and range tops.
Price
Cooktops are usually less expensive than rangetops. You can find gas and radiant electric cooktops for under $1,000. Your average gas cooktop from a luxury brand is usually in the low $2,000s. Induction cooktops run closer to $3,000 – sometimes more. Gas range tops are usually more expensive than gas cooktops. 30-inch models start in the $3,000s, and large 48-inch models can be over $5,000 depending on the model. If you're looking to save some money, most leading brands offer rebate incentives to reduce the package cost.
Burner Performance
Gas range tops offer more power and versatility than gas cooktops. Gas range tops deliver the power and heat you would find on a pro-style gas range with power burners ranging from 18,000 BTUs (British thermal units) up to 25,000 BTUs. Although cooktops can reach temps up to 20,000 BTUs, you will find fewer powerful burners on a cooktop.
The overall heat output on a gas range top is almost always higher than a gas cooktop of the same size. This can make a significant difference when selecting your ventilation. If you have venting restrictions that cause you to reduce your vent hood's suction power, then you will be better off getting a cooktop instead of a range top. Talk to your appliance expert if you have specific questions about getting the right cooking appliances and ventilation for your home.
Burner Size (Real Estate)
When selecting a cooktop, it's necessary to look at the burners. Make sure you're picking out a cooktop with enough space to fit your favorite pots and pans. Range tops will almost always give you more space on the cooking surface for larger pots and pans. It's also important to consider how many pans you use at a given time.
When deciding between cooktops (gas or electric), take a look at the different burner configurations. Brands have varying burner layouts. Some brands have the controls on the front, others along the side. Some brands put the big power burner in the back while others bring it upfront. It's vital to think through your cooking style and make sure you pick out a cooktop that you will enjoy using for years to come.
Aesthetics
Looks matter when selecting your new appliances. Make sure your cooktop or range top works well with your kitchen design. Range tops have a more pronounced industrial appearance, where cooktops are a little more subdued. An experienced designer can help you incorporate any appliance that best fits your needs, so definitely think function over form. At the end of the day, you will be enjoying your new appliances for a long time, so make sure you like the way they look.
Venting Requirements
If you're looking to buy a gas cooktop, range top, or range, you will need to make sure you order enough ventilation power for your range. Don't skimp on ventilation power. It's imperative to clear the air of any smoke, grease, and cooking odors to keep your new kitchen looking beautiful.
If you cannot vent outside, have local venting code restrictions, want to downdraft vent, or plan or an oven under your cooking surface – you will go with a cooktop instead of a range top.
In some areas, you might encounter local code restrictions that affect what you can do for ventilation. If this is the case, it's essential to research your options. If you cannot vent outside or keep your hood power under a certain CFM, then it's important to consult with your sales associate to pick the right cooking appliances.
If you have ventilation restrictions, induction cooktops and ranges are a fantastic alternative. You might also be able to get a gas cooktop if you strongly desire gas cooking.
There are several different types of ventilation products out there. Downdraft vents draw air down into a base cabinet or out a duct through the floor. Downdraft vents work best with gas, radiant electric, or induction cooktops.
If you're planning to install a wall oven under your cooking surface, you will end up getting a cooktop. It's not possible to fit a wall oven under a range top.
Ventilation 101 – (more to come in another guide later)
Your cooking surface will determine how much ventilation power you need. Vent hoods measure power in Cubic Feet per Minute or CFM. Typically, your cooking appliance purchase will determine the vent hood power you buy.
Always look at the product specifications for BOTH your cooking surface and your vent hood to ensure the two products will work well together in your home. Always go with manufacturers' recommendations, and it's vital to comply with local code requirements.
A Trick for Calculating CFM
If you're buying a gas cooktop, range, or range top, you can do a simple calculation to figure out approximately how much hood power you need.
Add up the maximum burner power on all your gas burners. This 36-inch Thermador range top has six 18,000 BTU power burners for a total of 180,000 total BTUs.
Now divide that total by 100. This range top should have a vent hood capable of 1,080 CFM.
What is Make-Up Air?
New construction homes need to comply with new codes for efficiency. As a result, newer homes are more airtight than ever before. Vented hoods suck the air out of your home through a vent leading outside. Make-up air systems detect negative pressure and let clean air back into your home through a separate return.
Make-up air has been around for a while now. Installing a make-up air system may or may not be required for your home. Make sure to ask your builder about this to avoid any surprises down the line.
Ventless or Over the Range Microwave
If you cannot vent outside, your vent hood or microwave will filter the smoke, grease, or cooking odors and return the air into your kitchen.
Many condo associations and townhouses may prevent you from running a vent pipe outside your building. So, a recirculating hood or microwave is the next best alternative. If you cannot vent outside, make sure you go with an electric or gas cooktop. There is an exceedingly small selection of pro ranges and range tops compatible with vent-less homes. Make sure to ask your appliance associate for more information.