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
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
Despite being a 30-inch electric cooktop, the LG LCE3010SB packs a punch with its array of features, making it a good choice for smaller kitchens. With a ceramic glass surface, the cooktop not only looks great but is also easy to clean. There are five heating elements in it, including a dual burner that expands from 6 to 9 inches, so you can cook whatever you want.
Each touchpad control has an indicator that tells you the temperature. Its safety features, such as a child lock, hot surface indicator, and automatic shut-off, are good for families with kids.
The LG LCE3010SB's heating elements heat up quickly, so it can be used for everyday cooking. However, it does not have a rapid boil function, so it takes a little longer to boil water than some premium models. It shines when you're cooking large quantities, whether you're boiling pasta or soup.
It's easy to use the touchpad controls after a bit, but they can be a little overwhelming at first. With so many temperature settings, you'll be able to cook precisely, and the automatic shut-off feature keeps burners off when they're unintentionally left on.
Overall, the LG LCE3010SB successfully combines a variety of features, safety measures, and a compact design, offering great value for its price. It is suitable for small kitchens that don't want to sacrifice functionality or safety.
The best budget electric cooktop
With the Frigidaire FFEC3025UB, you'll get an electric cooktop that's affordable and impressive. Featuring two six-inch burners at 1,200 watts, a powerful nine-inch burner rated at 2,500 watts, and a space-saving expandable burner that can adjust from six to nine inches, it's got four burners. Besides the 1,600W and 3,000W options, the dual-element burner is also equipped with a Quick Boil setting.
Your kitchen will look more professional with this ceramic glass cooktop. The FFEC3025UB comes with traditional twist knobs instead of modern touch controls that have six heat settings and a 'Hi' option. In spite of the knob layout being a bit confusing, it has images to indicate burner control. There's a hot surface indicator, but it's a little hard to see.
Although it does not match the speed of an induction cooktop, the Frigidaire FFEC3025UB excels in power and versatility. The SpaceWise expandable burner allows you to switch between large and small pots, and the ceramic glass surface is not only stylish but also easy to clean.
In comparison to touch controls, the manual knobs feel less modern, but they're still dependable with a bunch of heat options. Frigidaire FFEC3025UB electric cooktops deliver great value if you're looking for a capable and reasonably priced cooktop. While Frigidaire's one-year warranty is standard, the Frigidaire Fit Promise offers $100 in modification costs if it doesn't fit right, which is a great incentive.
The best 36-inch electric cooktop
Samsung's NZ36K7570RG electric cooktop is a premium appliance known for its versatility, sleek design, and advanced features. One of its standout features is the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, which means you can control it remotely.
This cooktop comes with five powerful heating elements, including a triple burner with 6", 9", and 12" circles and a dual burner with 6" and 9" circles. With 3,300 watts, each element can boil fast or simmer gently, depending on your cooking needs. You can also use it to heat larger pots and pans separately or together because it has two seven-inch heating areas. You can control the temperature with 15 heat settings.
Featuring magnetic analog knobs and a digital touch interface, control options are versatile. You can get it in two sizes—30 or 36 inches—and you can get it in black stainless steel or traditional stainless steel. The hot surface light and child lock feature make it a family-friendly pick for safety.
A combination of manual and touch controls makes it easy to use, catering to different cooking tastes. The burners glow red when they're in use. With WiFi and Bluetooth, you can monitor from anywhere, adding even more smart features to the user experience.
Samsung's NZ36K7570RG cooktop costs more than others, but its features and performance make it worth it. Thanks to its versatile heating elements, dual control options, and smart technology, this stove is a stylish and comprehensive addition to any kitchen.
The best electric downdraft cooktop
A 36-inch electric cooktop designed for versatility and efficiency, the KitchenAid KCED606GBL is tough to beat. It has five burners ranging from six to twelve inches, so you can cook anything you want. There's also a double-ring element on the 12-inch burner, so it works as both a 9-inch and a 12-inch burner.
With a total power of 3,200 watts, this cooktop includes specialized settings like Even-Heat Melt and Even-Heat Simmer, which enable precise temperature control for delicate recipes. The downdraft exhaust system has a 300 CFM fan rating and three-speed settings and captures a lot of steam and smoke. It's not as powerful as a range hood, but it works pretty well.
This cooktop has a ceramic surface that won't scratch and a hot surface indicator light to let you know when there's residual heat. It's not as easy to clean as an induction cooktop, but it's still doable.
Despite its premium price, the built-in downdraft system saves you money and space in your kitchen, so you don't have to buy a separate range hood. With a one-year warranty on parts and labor and a five-year warranty on most parts, it's a long-term solution for cooking.
The KitchenAid KCED606GBL is an excellent addition to any modern kitchen. Its rapid heating and consistent temperature maintenance further solidify its reputation as one of the best appliances around.
The best compact electric cooktop for small kitchens
For people with small kitchens, the GE JP3021DPBB electric cooktop is a great choice. It features a sleek ceramic-glass surface with two ribbon heating elements. It measures 21 inches and has a dual burner with a power output of 2500W and a single 6-inch burner with a power output of 1200W.
The control knobs are positioned on the front right, so there's less clutter and easier access. There's a hot surface indicator light and a power-on indicator to keep you safe while cooking. In addition to operating on 208-240 V at 60 Hz, the cooktop comes with a one-year warranty, so you can count on it.
The ribbon heating elements ensure quick and consistent heating, making meal preparation easy. The JP3021DPBB stands out for its dependable performance. There aren't many advanced features like shared grilling burners or a convection fan, but Power Boil settings and Melt and Keep Warm options make up for it.
With fewer controls, the GE JP3021DPBB is a great choice at half the price of more feature-rich models. Those who prefer tangible controls to touch interfaces will appreciate this cooktop's simpler design and fewer complicated controls. The GE JP3021DPBB balances functionality and value, so it's a good addition to any small kitchen.
The best smart cooktop
Cafe CHP95302MSS is an induction cooktop that expertly combines smart technology with performance. It has four cooking elements: two 7-inch elements at 2500W, the 6-inch element at 1800W, and the 11-inch element at 3700W. Two of them can be linked to fit larger cookware, like griddles or casseroles.
With the melting burner, you can cook at low heat, and with the Quick Boil function, you can boil a big pot in under two minutes. WiFi-enabled, so you can monitor and control the cooktop remotely, plus Gourmet Guided, which synchronizes with recipe apps to keep cooking times and temperature optimal. There's a control lock and a red light for warm burners to keep you safe.
The cooktop measures 30 inches wide and comes with a specially designed Smart Cookware pan that complements its features. You can set different timers for multiple pans, making cooking more efficient.
Even though the controls could use some improvement, they're touch-sensitive and work well. When you take out a pan, the cooktop turns off the corresponding element, but that might not suit everyone's cooking style. There is a slight buzzing sound that is typical of induction cooktops, but it's not too annoying. Cleaning is easy, and overall, the build quality is good.
The Café CHP95302MSS isn't cheap, but its smart features and Smart Cookware pan make it a worthwhile investment for serious cooks.
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.
