9 Popular Stovetop Options — Plus Tips for Choosing the Right One
Choosing appliances is about more than just looks and function — the way they fit into the space is key. Over the years I've learned that aside from precise room measurements, technical specification sheets for appliances are the most necessary information for designing a kitchen.
This is especially true of the stove area, since it's the focal point of most kitchens. But which model will be right for you — gas, electric, standard, retro, commercial, cooktop, range top or full stove? How do you choose a countertop or layout that works best with it? The following summary will assist you with your selection for the heart of your kitchen.
This is especially true of the stove area, since it's the focal point of most kitchens. But which model will be right for you — gas, electric, standard, retro, commercial, cooktop, range top or full stove? How do you choose a countertop or layout that works best with it? The following summary will assist you with your selection for the heart of your kitchen.
by Will Waibel »
Electric cooktop. This cheerful kitchen is equipped with an electric cooktop. Look closely and you will notice the narrow stainless steel trim around its perimeter, which serves as a transition between the glass and the counter material.
Keep in mind that glass cooktops are scratchable, and they require specific creamy cleansers and immediate cleanup after spills. You will also want to invest in flat-bottomed cookware and avoid dragging your pots across the top.
Electric cooktop. This cheerful kitchen is equipped with an electric cooktop. Look closely and you will notice the narrow stainless steel trim around its perimeter, which serves as a transition between the glass and the counter material.
Keep in mind that glass cooktops are scratchable, and they require specific creamy cleansers and immediate cleanup after spills. You will also want to invest in flat-bottomed cookware and avoid dragging your pots across the top.
by Glenvale Kitchens »
Induction cooktop. The induction cooktop is a level up both in quality and cost from the electric cooktop. Its function is based on a magnetic field similar to that of a microwave, and you will have to purchase magnetic cookware.
The great news is that there is no tangible heat on its surface, which is helpful for the fingers of wee family members. Induction offers very even heat distribution, and a pot of water will boil within a minute, which makes this a very energy-efficient appliance.
This particular model has been installed flush with the countertop. Your stone or quartz countertop producer will cut a recessed line into the cutout for the cooktop, and the glass top will be installed with a silicone strip as an allowance for heat expansion. Set into a dark counter, this type of installation would make the cooktop disappear completely, for a veryclean and contemporary look.
by Prestige Custom Building & Construction, Inc. »
Gas cooktop. During installation, this gas cooktop was dropped into a cutout in the countertop, with its controls sitting on the same plane.
When selecting a gas appliance, ask a knowledgeable appliance salesperson about models with sealed burners versus conventional ones. Sealed burners are much easier to clean, but the surface can get very hot, so you will need more distance away from combustible surfaces — this will affect your upper cabinetry.
An experienced designer will make sure to check technical specifications and take these issues into consideration when designing your dream kitchen.
by Dan Brown »
Cooktop with individual components. Individual components can be selected to complement your cooking preferences. These components are usually 15 inches wide, and you have the choice of steam units, gas, induction, a built-in wok and others.
Induction cooktop. The induction cooktop is a level up both in quality and cost from the electric cooktop. Its function is based on a magnetic field similar to that of a microwave, and you will have to purchase magnetic cookware.
The great news is that there is no tangible heat on its surface, which is helpful for the fingers of wee family members. Induction offers very even heat distribution, and a pot of water will boil within a minute, which makes this a very energy-efficient appliance.
This particular model has been installed flush with the countertop. Your stone or quartz countertop producer will cut a recessed line into the cutout for the cooktop, and the glass top will be installed with a silicone strip as an allowance for heat expansion. Set into a dark counter, this type of installation would make the cooktop disappear completely, for a veryclean and contemporary look.
by Prestige Custom Building & Construction, Inc. »
Gas cooktop. During installation, this gas cooktop was dropped into a cutout in the countertop, with its controls sitting on the same plane.
When selecting a gas appliance, ask a knowledgeable appliance salesperson about models with sealed burners versus conventional ones. Sealed burners are much easier to clean, but the surface can get very hot, so you will need more distance away from combustible surfaces — this will affect your upper cabinetry.
An experienced designer will make sure to check technical specifications and take these issues into consideration when designing your dream kitchen.
by Dan Brown »
Cooktop with individual components. Individual components can be selected to complement your cooking preferences. These components are usually 15 inches wide, and you have the choice of steam units, gas, induction, a built-in wok and others.
