When considering an upgrade from a gas cooktop to an electric one, it's important to recognize the significant benefits. Electric cooktops are the best choice if you're looking for something energy-efficient, clean, and safe. Induction and centralized heat sources are the main types of electric cooktops. Unlike cooktops with a centralized heat source, induction cooktops use direct induction heating to heat pots and pans.
Both types of electric cooktops feature smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and safety features like automatic shutoff. The induction cooktop cools down much faster than those with a centralized heat source, so it's a great choice for small kids. However, electric cooktops with a centralized heat source retain residual heat, so you don't have to burn more energy to cook or keep food warm.
For extra convenience, high-end electric cooktops come with smart features, like Wi-Fi control. Remote monitoring makes it easier to manage your kitchen from a distance. There are many options out there, so it's easy to find the perfect electric cooktop for you. For more ways to upgrade your kitchen, take a look at our guide to the best ovens.
The quick list
Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.
The best electric cooktop overall
The LG LCE3010SB electric cooktop is great for small kitchens thanks to its unique control panel and well-designed burner layout.
The best budget electric cooktop
The Frigidaire FFEC3025UB is an affordable electric cooktop with 30-inch dimensions and four burners.
The best 36-inch electric cooktop
The Samsung NZ36K7570RG is a versatile electric cooktop that's a great choice if you want many easy-to-use features.
The best electric downdraft cooktop
The KitchenAid KCED606GBL delivers high-power and versatile burners and a downdraft that will work for most kitchen tasks.
The best compact electric cooktop for small kitchens
The GE JP3021DPBB comes with multiple burners with varying sizes and power levels to accommodate different needs.
The best smart cooktop
The Cafe cooktop has a number of smart features, including WiFi, which lets you control it from your phone or tablet.
The best electric cooktops we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We at Top Ten Reviews are on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best electric cooktop features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best electric cooktop overall
✅ Space is limited: The LCE3010SB is great for smaller kitchens, offering a range of features in a 30-inch frame.
✅ Safety is a priority: Its child lock, hot surface indicator, and automatic shut-off make it a safe choice.
✅ You want value for money: This cooktop offers a great range of features for a relatively affordable price.
❌ You want a rapid-boil option: You can't boil water as quickly on the LG LCE3010SB as on other cooktops in this list.
❌ You want simple controls: The semi-circle control panel, while functional, can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.
❌ You often cook with large pots: This cooktop only has one dual burner, which limits your options when cooking with multiple large pots simultaneously.
🔎 LG LCE3010SB is a compact yet feature-rich electric cooktop. Its design and safety features make it a reliable choice, and while it lacks a rapid boil function, its versatility and affordability make it good value for money.
The LG LCE3010SB is a compact 30-inch electric cooktop that doesn't skimp on features despite its smaller size.
Features: The LG LCE3010SB electric cooktop has a ceramic glass surface that looks good and is easy to clean. It has five heating elements, including a dual burner that can expand from 6 to 9 inches.
The touchpad controls are arranged in a semicircle, each with its own indicator to show the temperature setting. For added safety, the cooktop features a child lock, a hot surface indicator, and an automatic shut-off function.
Performance: When it comes to performance, the heating elements on the LG LCE3010SB warm up quickly.
The dual burner is particularly useful for larger cooking tasks, such as boiling pasta or simmering large pots of soup. However, it's worth noting that the cooktop doesn't have the rapid boil function seen on other cooktops in this list. This means it may take a couple of minutes to boil water compared to other high-end models.
The touchpad controls are responsive and easy to use once you get the hang of them, but they can be visually overwhelming and confusing at first.
The wide range of temperature settings across the burners allows for precision cooking, and we're fans of the automatic shut-off feature, which turns off any burners that have been left on accidentally. This adds an extra layer of safety.
Value: Given its range of features, safety measures, and compact size, the LG LCE3010SB offers good value for its price. It's a solid choice for those with smaller kitchens who don't want to compromise on features.
The best budget electric cooktop
✅ You want power and efficiency: The FFEC3025UB's burners, including a 3,000W Quick Boil element, make cooking fast and efficient.
✅ You like flexibility: The SpaceWise expandable burner adds flexibility for different cooking needs.
✅ You're worried about measuring up wrong: The Frigidaire Fit Promise offers peace of mind and covers up to $100 in modification costs.
❌ You want intuitive controls: The knob layout on the FFEC3025UB isn't intuitive and takes time to get used to.
❌ You like clear safety features: The hot surface indicator isn't immediately clear and could be better placed.
❌ You want a long warranty: The one-year warranty is less competitive than other brands in this list.
🔎 Frigidaire FFEC3025UB is versatile and powerful. It offers great features at an affordable price, although it could improve its warranty and safety features.
The Frigidaire FFEC3025UB is a 30-inch electric cooktop that offers a blend of affordability and power.
Features: The Frigidaire FFEC3025UB comes with four burners, two of which are six inches and powered by 1,200 W. The nine-inch burner operates at 2,500 W, while the SpaceWise expandable burner can be six or nine inches, offering flexibility based on your cooking needs.
The dual-element burner, including a Quick Boil element, can operate at 1,600W / 3,000 W and is designed to boil water quickly.
The cooktop is made from ceramic glass, which adds a sleek, professional look to your kitchen. Unlike other modern electric cooktops on this list that feature touch controls, the FFEC3025UB uses traditional twist knobs.
These knobs offer six heat settings and a 'Hi' option for an extra power boost. The layout of the knobs isn't the most intuitive but is marked with images to indicate which knob controls which burner. Additionally, the cooktop includes a hot surface indicator as a safety feature, although it's not easy to see, so its placement could be better.
Performance: The Frigidaire FFEC3025UB delivers on its promise of power and versatility. Although not as fast as an induction cooktop, the Quick Boil element is still impressively quick.
The SpaceWise expandable burner is useful if you frequently switch between large and small pots. The ceramic glass top is stylish and easy to clean, making maintenance easy.
The manual twist knobs, while not as effective and modern as touch controls, are reliable and offer a range of heat settings. However, the layout takes some getting used to.
Value: If you want a powerful, affordable electric cooktop, the Frigidaire FFEC3025UB offers great value for money. Its features, including the Quick Boil and SpaceWise expandable burner, are typically found in more expensive models.
The one-year warranty is standard but not exceptional, especially compared to brands like KitchenAid, which offer up to five years on parts. However, the Frigidaire Fit Promise guarantees up to $100 in modification costs if the cooktop doesn't fit as you'd like. This is a unique and valuable addition.
The best 36-inch electric cooktop
✅ You want versatile cooking options: The cooktop offers a range of heating elements and 15 settings.
✅ You want the convenience of smart features: With dual control options and WiFi and Bluetooth, the NZ36K7570RG is modern and convenient.
✅ You need safety features: The hot surface indicator and a child lock make it a secure choice for families.
❌ You're on a budget: The premium price tag may suit all budgets.
❌ You don't want smart features: If you don't think you'll use the WiFi and Bluetooth features, you may pay more unnecessarily.
🔎 Samsung NZ36K7570RG is a high-performing electric cooktop that justifies its premium price. With versatile heating options, dual controls, and smart features, it's both stylish and functional.
The Samsung NZ36K7570RG is a high-end electric cooktop with versatility, a great design, and advanced features.
Features: The Samsung NZ36K7570RG has features that make it stand out from many of the other cooktops in this list. The most significant is the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth feature that lets you control the cooktop remotely.
It has five heating elements, including a triple burner with six, nine, and 12-inch heating circles and a dual burner with six and nine-inch circles. Each element offers 3,300W of power, allowing rapid boiling or gentle simmering. The cooktop also offers two seven-inch heating areas that can be used separately or together when using larger cookware. Additionally, the cooktop has 15 heat settings for various cooking needs.
The controls are known as dual-mode, offering magnetic analog knobs and a digital touch interface. The appliance is available in two sizes — 30 or 36 inches — and has two finishes: black stainless steel and stainless steel.
Safety features include a hot surface light indicator and a child lock, making it a good choice for families.
Performance: The 3,300 W elements offer quick and efficient heating, while the 15 heat settings offer precise temperature control. The burners heat up evenly and glow red when hot, making it easy to tell which ones are on or off. The dual control options add flexibility, allowing you to choose between manual controls or the convenience of touch controls.
Elsewhere, the WiFi and Bluetooth functionalities genuinely bring value by letting you monitor and control the cooktop remotely.
Value: While the Samsung NZ36K7570RG is more expensive than other cooktops, its features and performance justify this cost.
The versatility of the heating elements, the dual control options, and the smart capabilities make it a comprehensive package. It's an investment that pays off in style and substance.
The best electric downdraft cooktop
✅ You want versatility: Multiple burner sizes and precise heat settings offer flexibility and versatility.
✅ You value integrated ventilation: The downdraft system eliminates the need for a separate hood.
✅ You prioritize safety: The hot surface indicator light adds an extra layer of safety.
❌ You prefer a more powerful ventilation system: The 300 CFM downdraft may not be sufficient for heavy cooking.
❌ You're on a budget: The premium price may not be suitable for all.
❌ You want effortless cleaning: While easy to clean, it's not as simple as induction cooktops.
🔎 KitchenAid KCED606GBL offers a blend of performance and convenience with its versatile burners and downdraft system. It's expensive, but its features and extended warranty make it a good investment.
The KitchenAid KCED606GBL is a 36-inch electric cooktop featuring five burners and a downdraft exhaust system.
Features: The KitchenAid KCED606GBL has five burners of varying sizes—six, eight, ten, and twelve inches—providing flexibility for different cooking needs.
The 12-inch burner features a double-ring element that can also be used as a nine-inch burner. The cooktop offers a total wattage of 3,200 W, and individual elements have specific settings like Even-Heat Melt and Even-Heat Simmer for precise temperature control.
The downdraft element has a 300 CFM fan rating and three speeds, while the cooktop is coated to prevent scratches and comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor, extending to five years on most parts.
Regarding safety, there's also a hot surface indicator light to warn of residual heat.
Performance: The KitchenAid KCED606GBL performs well in both cooking and ventilation. The 300 CFM downdraft system captures gases and steam, although it's less powerful than a dedicated range hood.
The burners heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, and the double-ring element on the 12-inch burner adds versatility, allowing you to adjust the size according to your cooking needs. The hot surface indicator light adds a layer of safety, even after the heating element has been turned off. The ceramic cooktop is easy to clean, although not as effortless as induction cooktops.
Value: While the KitchenAid KCED606GBL comes at a premium price, the features and performance make it a worthwhile investment. The downdraft system eliminates the need for a separate hood, saving you space and money. The extended warranty also adds value, making it a long-term investment for your kitchen.
The best compact electric cooktop for small kitchens
✅ You have limited space: The GE JP3021DPBB's 21-inch size is perfect for small kitchens.
✅ You like simplicity: The cooktop offers basic yet functional features.
✅ Safety is important: The hot surface and power-on indicator lights are standard features but add to this cooktop's overall appeal.
❌ You want advanced features: The GE JP3021DPBB lacks touch controls and other high-end features.
❌ You need more burners: It only has two, which is great if space is tight but limits your cooking options.
❌ You want a stylish cooktop: The design is functional but basic.
🔎 GE JP3021DPBB is a compact, efficient, and user-friendly cooktop. It doesn't have advanced features found elsewhere on our list. Still, its performance and cost-effectiveness make it a sensible choice for those looking for a straightforward and reliable cooking solution.
The GE JP3021DPBB is a compact, versatile electric cooktop designed for small spaces. Its dual-burner, ceramic-glass surface, and safety features offer a decent blend of functionality and ease of use.
Features: The GE JP3021DPBB is a 21-inch compact electric cooktop ideal for small spaces or specialty installations. It has a ceramic-glass cooktop fitted with ribbon heating elements in two burners: a 6-inch / 9-inch dual element with a 2500W output and a single 6-inch burner with a 1200W output.
The cooktop comes with control knobs located on the front right, avoiding clutter in the front. Safety features include a hot surface indicator light and a power-on indicator light. The appliance operates on 208-240 V / 60 Hz and has a one-year warranty.
Performance: The GE JP3021DPBB offers reliable performance with its ribbon heating elements that provide consistent and fast heating. While the cooktop doesn't have shared burners for a grill or convection fan, it offers Power Boil settings on its burners and Melt and Keep Warm settings, making it great for various cooking needs. The control knobs are well-located and easy to use, offering a physical alternative to touch controls for traditionalists.
Value: The GE JP3021DPBB is around half the cost of models with more advanced features. It does lack some of the bells and whistles, like touch controls, but the benefit of this is that its basic design reduces the chance of technical issues, adding to its long-term value.
The best smart cooktop
✅ You want smart features: WiFi compatibility and Gourmet Guided tech bring added convenience.
✅ You need flexibility: The bridge element and various burner sizes offer versatility.
✅ Safety is important: Features like a control lock and warm indicators make this a safe cooktop.
❌ You're on a budget: The Cafe CHP95302MSS is expensive.
❌ You prefer a simple layout: The control layout could be more intuitive and easy to use.
❌ You're sensitive to noise: The cooktop makes a subtle buzzing sound. It's not annoying, but it is noticeable.
🔎 Café CHP95302MSS induction cooktop offers smart features and powerful performance. While it comes at a higher price, its advanced features and high-quality build make it a good investment.
The Café CHP95302MSS is a high-end induction cooktop that mixes smart features with good performance.
Features: The Café CHP95302MSS comes with four cooking elements, two of which can be connected to create a bridge for larger cookware like griddle pans or casserole dishes.
The elements themselves vary in size and wattage, with two seven-inch elements at 2500W, a six-inch element at 1800W, and an 11-inch element at 3700W. The cooktop also features a "melting burner" for low-heat cooking and a Quick Boil feature that boils a large pan of water in under two minutes. It's WiFi compatible, meaning you can control or monitor the cooktop remotely, and it has a Gourmet Guided feature that syncs the cooktop with recipe apps to ensure you always have the right timings and temperatures.
Safety features include a control lock and a red light indicator for warm burners. The cooktop is 30 inches wide, fitting easily into most countertops, and comes with a Smart Cookware pan designed specifically for this cooktop.
Performance: Its Quick Boil feature, versatile elements, and Gourmet Guided technology make the Café CHP95302MSS one of the easiest and most convenient cooktops we've used. The cooktop's multitasking timer is great for simultaneously setting different timers on different pans.
While the layout of the controls could be more intuitive and somewhat crowded, they are touch-sensitive and offer instant responses, and they're not difficult to use. The cooktop automatically detects pan removal and turns off the corresponding element, although this can be inconvenient for some cooking styles.
Cleaning is easy, and the cooktop is well-built. However, it does produce a subtle buzzing noise, which can be common with induction cooktops. It's not annoying, but it is noticeable.
Value: While the Café CHP95302MSS is expensive, it offers a range of smart features that go someway to justifying its price. The included Smart Cookware pan is a unique addition that enhances the cooking experience.
How to choose the best electric cooktop for your kitchen
Number of burners: If you cook for a lot of people or like to make lots of good food, you'd want a five-burner cooktop. However, if you don't cook with that many pans, four burners could do the job - typically for less. Good electric cooktops usually have double- and triple-burners, meaning rings within rings that heat up when the controls are set. These work well for the pan you're using.
Cooking extras: In addition to the bridge, which connects two burners, you can cook with long, oval roasting pans, grills, or griddles, so you can cook what you like. This feature also offers multiple cooking settings for heat levels and preset temperatures, making it easier to cook. As useful as a simmer burner, it can also be a burner with a fast boil.
Safety features: Control locks make a cooktop unusable, so a curious kid can't turn it on when you're not around. In addition, most cooktops have glowing burners that look like coiled burners. These indicators disappear when you turn it off, even if it's hot. You'll need heat indicator lights to tell you when it's safe to touch, especially if you've got kids around. You'll also want controls close to the burners so you don't have to reach across them when hot.
Price: While some consumers may be drawn to units priced below $300, you need to know that these cheaper models often have fewer burners, settings, and features than our top-rated ones. The most expensive cooktops, with many features and premium quality, can go up to $3,500.
Electric cooktop FAQs
How do electric cooktops work?
The main components of an electric cooktop are the heating elements, the cooktop surface, and the temperature controls. The heating elements are made of metal or ceramic. When electric cooktops are heated, the coil burners glow red.
During the heating process, electricity flows through the cooktop's coils, generating heat. The heat is transferred to pots and pans placed on the surface, which cooks them. On the other hand, smooth-top electric cooktops use radiant heating elements under a glass-ceramic surface. The elements heat cookware as it gets hot.
Cookware on an induction cooktop is heated directly by electromagnetic fields. When a pot or pan is placed on the cooktop, the electromagnetic field generates a current, which heats the pot or pan. This method heats the pot directly instead of the cooktop surface. Knobs or touch-sensitive controls control the power to the heating elements.
A cooktop usually has several zones with different power levels, so users can choose the right heat for different cooking tasks, such as simmering to boiling. Indicator lights and automatic shutoff systems keep users safe. With a variety of cooking techniques, electric cooktops are a convenient and efficient way to cook.
What are the different types of electric cooktops?
Electric cooktops come in two types: radiant-coil and smooth-top. Here's what you need to know about each:
Radiant Coil Electric Cooktops use electricity to heat a spiral of flattened metal inside or suspended on top of the cooktop. Heat is sent out in waves through the metal spiral. They range in temperature from low to high and are usually less expensive than smooth-top cooktops.
However, they're harder to clean because you have to remove the spiral to carefully remove any crumbs.
There are two kinds of smooth-top electric cooktops: radiant and induction. Like radiant coil cooktops, radiant smooth-top cookers work similarly. However, the spirals are covered in a sleek ceramic surface, so crumbs can't get in. Smooth-top cooktops are also easier to clean.
A smooth-top induction electric cooktop transfers heat by electromagnetism to metal pots and pans. They're more expensive because they heat up and cool down so fast. But don't forget that induction hobs only work with conductive cookware.
How much do electric cooktops cost?
An electric cooktop can cost $300 to $1,000, depending on the type, features, and brand.
Cooktops with exposed coils typically cost between $300 and $450. They have a solid surface that provides better even heating. Solid disk cooktops are slightly more expensive, usually between $375 and $500.
Smooth-top cooktops are more modern and easier to clean, costing between $400 and $1,000. Electric cooktop installation costs range from $624 to $1,244.
How long do electric cooktops last?
The average lifespan of an electric cooktop is 7 to 10 years, depending on how it's used and maintained and what type it's made of. Depending on how well you take care of and maintain it, some users report that their cooktops can last up to 12 years.
Maintaining an electric cooktop's longevity requires regular cleaning and proper usage. It should not be exposed to excessive heat, and aluminum foil should not be used. Induction cooktops last longer due to their efficient heating methods and fewer mechanical components.
Most high-quality models have better materials and construction, making them more durable. Simpler electronic controls are less likely to break down.
Many manufacturers give consumers a five—to ten-year warranty so they know how long their stuff will last. Even though most electric cooktops last within this warranty period, regular maintenance can extend their usability beyond the warranty period.
When is the best time to buy an electric cooktop?
Seasonal sales and new product releases are the best times to buy an electric cooktop.
During major holidays like Labor Day, Black Friday, and Memorial Day, retailers often offer big discounts on home appliances, including electric cooktops. Stores also often hold sales in July to clear out old inventory before new ones arrive in the fall.
In preparation for these new arrivals, retailers frequently discount existing electric cooktops to make room for them. New models usually arrive in the fall, around September and October. If you don't care about the latest model, buying a cooktop is a great time.
