1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: LG LCE3010SB
3. Best budget: Frigidaire FFEC3025UB
4. Best 36-inch electric cooktop: Samsung NZ36K7570RG
5. Best electric downdraft cooktop: KitchenAid KCED606GBL
6. Best for families: GE Profile PP9036SJSS
7. Best for odd-shaped pots: Samsung NZ30K7880UG
8. Best for small kitchens: GE JP3021DPBB
9. Best smart cooktop: Cafe CHP95302MSS
10. FAQs
11. How to choose the best electric cooktop
If you want to replace your old gas cooktop with a new electric one, you're in the right place. The best electric cooktops are more energy efficient, cleaner, and safer than their gas counterparts, and there are two main types.
As the name suggests, electric induction cooktops use induction heating to warm pots and pans rather than heating your cooktop's surface. They transfer heat and energy directly to your cookware and cool much down much quicker, greatly reducing the risk of burns. This makes them a great choice for families with small children.
Electric cooktops with a centralized heat source transfer heat to the surface, heating your cookware. They take longer to cool down after being turned off, which can benefit them as the residual heat can be used to cook food or keep it warm without energy.
Both stoves are smooth, flat, and much easier to clean than gas cooktops. Many of them now also come with automatic shutoff and other safety features. For example, many detect objects on their surface and will switch off automatically if needed – so you don't need to worry about setting your favorite washcloth on fire!
Some high-end cooktops also have several smart features, such as Wi-Fi control for slow cooking and stewing - great for keeping an eye on your dish without leaving the comfort of your couch. The bigger the cooktop, the more burners you have. Most cooktops in our guide have five burners, which is enough for a family and perfect for hosting guests.
This guide will show you the best electric cooktops on the market, whether you are on a tight budget, have a small kitchen, or have a large family.
If electric cooktops aren't what you're looking for, then be sure to check out our guides to the best induction cooktops or the best electric ranges.
The quick list
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 electric cooktop for families
The GE Profile PP9036SJSS is a versatile, quality cooktop with great safety features for families with small children.
The best for odd-shaped pots
The 30-inch Samsung NZ30K7880UG is a smart, versatile cooktop with a flex zone for different-sized and shaped pots.
Load the next 6 products ↴
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 2023
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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 semi-circle, each with its own indicators to show the temperature setting. The cooktop features a child lock, a hot surface indicator, and an automatic shut-off function for added safety.
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, 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.
Read more: LG LCE3010SB Electric Cooktop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The LG LCE3010SB is a compact cooktop that doesn't skimp too much on features despite its smaller size. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Heating element warms up quickly and the controls help with precision cooking. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Given its range of features, safety measures, and compact size, the LG LCE3010SB offers good value for its price. | ★★★★★ |
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 can operate at 1,600W / 3,000 W, including a Quick Boil element, designed to boil water fast.
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 range of 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.
Read more: Frigidaire FFEC3025UB Electric Cooktop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Versatile and powerful burners with safety features. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Efficient and reliable with minor layout issues. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Excellent features for the price, but warranty could be better. | ★★★★★ |
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. Plus, it is 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, glowing red when hot, making it easy to tell which ones are on and which are 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 comes with a higher price tag than other cooktops, the features, and performance go a long way toward justifying 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 terms of both style and substance.
Read more: Samsung NZ36K7570RG Electric Cooktop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Versatile heating elements, dual controls, smart capabilities. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Quick, efficient heating with reliable safety features. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Premium price justified by comprehensive features and performance. | ★★★★ |
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 varying sizes — six, eight, ten, and twelve inches. This provides flexibility for different cooking needs.
The 12-inch burner features a double-ring element, meaning it can also be used as a nine-inch burner. The cooktop offers a total wattage of 3,200 W, with individual elements having 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.
In terms of 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.
Read more: KitchenAid KCED606GBL Electric Downdraft Cooktop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Five burners, downdraft system, specific heat settings. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Consistent heating, effective but not powerful ventilation. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Premium price justified by features and extended warranty. | ★★★★ |
The best electric cooktop for families
✅ You want flexibility: Multiple burner sizes and 11 heat settings offer flexibility.
✅ You value safety features: The hot indicator light and control lock are key safety benefits, especially for families.
✅ You want intuitive controls: Easy-to-understand, flush push-button controls are convenient and simple.
❌ You're on a budget: The higher price may price the PP9036SJSS out of some people's range.
❌ You prefer knob controls: If you like physical controls, this may not be the cooktop for you.
❌ You want more surface space: The controls take up room on the cooktop that could be used for more burners.
🔎 GE Profile PP9036SJSS is a high-end electric cooktop offering versatility, safety, and ease of use. It's pricier than some models, but its range of features and reliable performance make it a valuable addition. ★★★★★
The GE Profile PP9036SJSS is a 36-inch ceramic electric cooktop that combines a modern design and versatility.
Features: The GE Profile PP9036SJSS has five burners, including two double burners and a middle burner with three size options. There are then 11 heat settings, ranging from warm to high.
The middle triple element can reach 3,000 W and offers fast boiling options. The cooktop also features a hot indicator light that stays on until the surface is cool to the touch. The cooktop also offers a control lock feature.
For added convenience, the cooktop comes with multiple timers, one for each of the five burners, making it easy to prepare complex meals and not have to write them all down. The controls are flush with the cooktop and are easy to understand, featuring graphic representations for the double and triple burners.
Performance: The GE Profile PP9036SJSS offers quick and even heating. The 11 heat settings offer precise temperature control for whatever you're cooking, and the burners are well-spaced, allowing you to use multiple pan sizes simultaneously.
The intuitive design of the controls makes it easy to adjust the size and heat of the burners without needing an instruction manual - however, they take up quite a lot of surface space that could be better used for even more versatility.
Value: The versatility of the burners, the range of heat settings, and the added safety features make it the PP9036SJSS cooktop a comprehensive package.
Read more: GE Profile PP9036SJSS Electric Cooktop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Five burners, 11 heat settings, multiple timers. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Quick, even heating with well-spaced burners. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | High price almost justified by versatile and safe features. | ★★★★ |
The best electric cooktop for unusual shaped pots
✅ You regularly use odd-shaped pots: The NZ30K7880UG's burner shapes work with various cookware.
✅ You want smart features: Bluetooth and WiFi let you control the cooktop remotely and add automated tasks.
✅ Safety is a priority: Safety features include a lock and shutoff function and additional app control.
❌ You're on a budget: The high price may not suit your budget.
❌ You prefer simpler controls: Although the NZ30K7880UG has a choice of controls, this can make it a bit difficult to get used to and the touch controls can be sensitive.
❌ You don't need smart features: Smart features a big selling point for this cooktop so if this isn't a priority, you may end up spending more than you need.
🔎Samsung NZ30K7880UG induction cooktop stands out because of its innovative features and smart connectivity. It is on the expensive side, but its efficiency, versatility, and safety features make it a top choice for those willing to invest in top-tier kitchen tech. ★★★★★
The Samsung NZ30K7880UG is an induction cooktop with unique burner shapes, Virtual Flame technology, and smart connectivity.
Features: The Samsung NZ30K7880UG induction cooktop stands out because of its mix of burner shapes. It has two standard circular burners and four rectangular burners, making it great for traditional pots and cookware like oval or square casserole dishes.
The cooktop features what's known as Virtual Flame technology, which uses LEDs to simulate the effect of a gas flame while using precision induction heating.
One of this cooktop's best features is its WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can control it remotely, via an app, or via your voice when connected to your smart speakers, and it also lets you sync the NZ30K7880UG with other Samsung appliances. When connected, you can automate a smart extractor fan to turn on as soon as you start cooking or get lights to turn on when cooking in the evening.
The cooktop offers a choice between removable magnetic knobs and digital touch controls which is a welcomed feature and makes it a flexible choice. Additionally, it has a greaseproof, a fingerprint-resistant surface for easy cleaning, and a number of safety features, including a safety lock and shutoff function.
Performance: This cooktop is super efficient, transferring 90% heat to cookware. This is significantly higher than conventional gas or electric cooktops. The controls are responsive, although they can be overly sensitive to moisture, and you may find the settings changing randomly if a pan overboils or you spill anything on them.
The Virtual Flame technology adds a modern touch but also serves as a good indicator of which burners are turned on. This feels a bit like a gimmick but is interesting and useful nonetheless.
Thanks to the FlexCook Zone, you can use large and oddly shaped cookware without worrying about even heat distribution. This isn't perfect, and it can sometimes miss the edges of cookware, but on the whole, it's a great and useful idea.
Its WiFi connectivity works well, and turning the oven and pre-heating it as we're about to get home is a simple but great feature.
Value: Although the Samsung NZ30K7880UG comes at a premium price, its wide range of features and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment. Its unique burner shapes, Virtual Flame technology, and smart connectivity offer convenience and function. However, if you're not interested in smart features and all of our cookware is in regular shape, you'll find little additional value with this cooktop ahead of others on our list.
Read more: Samsung NZ30K7880UG review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Unique burners, Virtual Flame, smart connectivity. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Efficient and versatile but has some control sensitivity. | ★★★★ |
| Value | High price justified by innovative features and safety, but only if that's what you're looking for. | ★★★★ |
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Compact, dual-element, safety indicators. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Fast, even heating with functional settings but few bells and whistles. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Cost-effective and straightforward matches its cheaper price. | ★★★★★ |
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, as well as 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.
Read more: Café CHP95302MSS review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Four elements, bridge burner, WiFi compatible. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | The Quick Boil, Gourmet Guided tech and multitasking timer all bring high convenience. | ★★★★ |
| Value | It's expensive but it offers a good range of high-end, smart features. | ★★★★ |
How to choose the best electric cooktop
Number of burners
A five-burner cooktop would be right if you cook for many people or love to get plenty of good food ready. However, if you don’t use that many pans, four burners could easily do the job – typically for less money. Frequently, good-quality electric cooktops have double- or triple-burner cooktops, meaning rings-within-rings of elements that heat up as needed when you set the controls. These work well to fit the pan you use on that particular burner.
Cooking extras
An especially popular feature is the bridge, a heating area that links two burners and can cook foods in long, oval roasting pans or for use with grills or griddles. It also makes cooking easy with multiple cooking settings for heat levels and preset temperatures for your favorite dishes. A burner with a fast boil feature can be as helpful as a simmer burner.
Safety features
Most cooktops in our lineup have control locks to render the cooktop unusable, so a curious child can’t turn it on when you’re not around. Most cooktops have glowing burners that mimic a coiled burner, so there is no mistaking when it is hot, but this goes away when you turn off the burner, even if it’s still hot.
It’s, therefore, important to have heat indicator lights to let you know when it is safe to touch, especially if you have kids around. It helps to have controls positioned in front of the burners so you don’t have to reach across hot burners to get to them.
Price
We reviewed cooktops ranging in price from under $700 to over $1,400. Although many consumers look for units priced below $300, these cheaper cooktops have fewer burners, settings, and features than our favorite models. If you’re looking for a cooktop on the highest end, expect to spend up to $3,500.
Electric cooktops FAQs
What are the different types of electric cooktops?
There are two different types of electric cooktops. A radiant-coil electric cooktop and smooth-top model. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Radiant Coil
This type of electric cooktop works by passing electricity to heat a spiral of flattened metal positioned inside or suspended over the cooktop surface. The heat is then sent out in waves through the metal spiral. The heat settings for radiant coil cooktops range from low to high. This type of model is generally more affordable than smooth-top model cooktops.
However, they are a bit more tricky to keep clean because you must carefully remove the spiral to remove any crumbs that may have come in.
Smooth Top
There are two types to choose from when it comes to smooth-top electric cooktops: radiant and induction. Much like radiant coil cooktops, radiant smooth-top cookers operate similarly. However, the metal spirals lie under a sleek, smooth ceramic surface, so no crumbs can slip in. This makes smooth top cooktops a lot easier to clean.
Induction smooth-top electric cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer heat to magnetic metal pots and pans. These models are more expensive as they heat up and cool down much faster than others. But remember: induction hobs can only be used with the conductive cookware mentioned above.
What are the most common sizes for electric cooktops, and why does size matter?
Electric cooktops range in size from 15-inch models to 48-inch designs. But the most common electric cooktops are between 30 and 36 inches because they correspond to the most common cabinet widths.
The bigger cooktop, the more burners you can expect to come with the model. A standard cooktop usually features four burners, enabling you to fit four medium-sized pots and pans simultaneously. But if you have a large family to cook for or often use your hob with lots of big pots and pans on the go, you may want to consider a cooktop with more than four burners.
That way, you can cook multiple foods anytime without worrying about your pots and pans fitting. Essentially, the size of your electric cooktop matters because it will impact how you cook. You want to strike the balance between functionality and space.
Are electric cooktops easy to clean and maintain?
If your old gas cooktop regularly gathers old cooking oils, fats, and other gunk, an electric cooktop may be what you’ve been looking for. With no removable pan support to attract dust and grease and no burners to take apart and clean, wipe your glass-ceramic cooktop down once it’s cooled to keep it clean.
While you can purchase specialist cleaning solutions for electric cooktops, the most straightforward way to clean one is to use a little soap detergent, hot water, and a soft cloth. Wipe away cooking debris, spills, and crumbs after cooking (but wait for the cooktop to cool down completely!) for the easiest clean, as dried-on or burnt food is harder to scrape. A little baking soda paste can help with stubborn spots.
It’s better not to use abrasive pads on your cooktop as these may leave scratches on the surface and even damage your burners. If you have a stubborn spill that even baking soda can’t lift, use a razor-blade scraper at a 45-degree angle to scrape away the gunk.
For a gleaming surface, buff your cooktop to a high shine with a soft, dry cloth to keep it sparkling clean.
