Cooktops 2.0

With all the features they now have, shopping for new cooktops can be overwhelming. So try to break it down into categories. First up: size and type of fuel. Cooktop replacement means, most likely you will use the same size you had before. If a cooktop is going into a new construction, then you must choose if you are going with the standard four burners, or opt for five or six. Or will you go with four burners and add a grill or griddle option? Consider if these features are necessary or if their occasional use is cost-effective.

Gas or electric, I always think it comes down to what you’ve used before. If you’ve used gas before, you’re probably going to be most comfortable choosing gas. People who have always had electric cooktops are more comfortable continuing to use one. Electric cooktops also mean a choice between a coil or glass cooktop. The current trend is toward the glass surface, as it looks more attractive and is easier to clean. The Fagor VFA78S for example, is a 30″ Radiant Cooktop which offers four cooking zones of differing sizes. It has nine cooking levels and a timer which can be used on any cooking zone.

If you choose a gas cooktop, you need to consider BTU output.  A combination of high and low BTUs is ideal. A standard burner is usually in the 2,000 to 12,000 range, where a Pro-style unit can exceed 15,000 BTUs, great for a quick boil of water, and can simmer a sauce at a low of 400 BTUs.

While the controls are not the most important feature in a cooktop, type and placement must be considered. Controls in the middle of the burners can be unsafe. If you have young children, be sure the burners cannot be lit by just turning the knob. A push and turn knob is much safer in a household with children.

For cleaning, look for sealed burners. Clean-up is much easier if the mess can’t seep through. Cast-iron grates also stay cleaner than porcelain.

In the end, weigh the options, relate them to your needs and lifestyle…and start cooking.