One of the easiest and most important components of kitchen gadgets is the cooktops. It is a flat cooking surface making up the top of a stove or built into a countertop, usually having electric heating elements covered by a sheet of glass.
A kitchen space without a working appliance for cooking and heating food is not ideal. It is no doubt that stovetops are arguably one of the most frequently utilized appliances in the home and it is also important to note this when considering their installation or replacement.
In this review, we will be looking at the important features of electric cooktops especially how they can make cooking exciting.
10 Best Electric Cooktops
1. Cosmo Portable Electric Induction Cooktop with Rapid Heating
If you have been facing the problem of your pot getting fuss after cooking, then your worries are over as this cooktop is meant to end all that problem. Everything a cooktop needs to function well is apparently possessed by this ergonomically built cooktop. It aids in enhancing temperature that helps in getting a perfectly cooked meal.
It comes with a lightweight compact design with a weight of just 6 pounds and a measurement of 14 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches that makes it easy to handle and store. These features also make it compatible to fit into limited spaces such as dorms, boats, and RVs.
It is very easy to clean; all you have to do is to wipe it down with a damp rag or spray so cleaner first if the need arises.
Pros
- Comes with a lightweight compact design
- Easy to clean
- Aids in enhancing the temperature
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a child lock
2. Ramblewood 2 Burner Electric Cooktop
The Ramblewood 2 Burner Electric Cooktop is a high power consumption unit that requires a professional licensed electrician to install per city/state safety code.
With this electric cooktop, you can get very simple and reliable cooking especially with the precision analog control and 9 power level. There is a moderate power input of 220-240V / 60Hz and output of 1800W + 1200W that helps in saving energy consumption.
This electric cookpot also comes with a German Schott ceramic glass panel that is made sturdy and durable for any kind of prolonged cooking. It is also very safe to use.
The panel of this cookpot has a dimension of 12″(W) x 20″(D) that makes it wide enough to contain wide pots, making the pot stand well without falling off. It comes exclusively with a 2-year warranty and there is also a free exchange within 48 hours for any defect at installation.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- High power consumption
3. Frigidaire FFEC3024LB Electric Cooktop
The Frigidaire 30” electric cooktop is a must-have kitchen gadget. It has cool features that make it worth patronizing. One of those wonderful features is the design. It comes with an attractive design that fits nicely to any kind of kitchen.
In contrast to the conventional lower-middle position on many models of electric cooktops, it sports its control knob on the right-hand side making it easy and convenient to use. It also gives it a mature look. Each of the knobs controls one out of the five burners.
With a unit power requirement of 3000W, it is definitely within the moderate power usage rating. Other wonderful features it possesses include, easy to use controls, keep warm setting, and hot surface indicator.
Pros
- With 5 burners at your disposal, you’re at liberty to cook as many dishes as you want anytime
- We love the placement of the control knobs. They are also easy to use
- The keep-warm setting allows you to place a pot on a burner and keep the food warm
- A hot surface indicator is included to warn you of hot burners
Cons
- It doesn’t come with child lock
4. Costway 1800W Electric Dual Induction Cooker Countertop
This electric cooktop is manufactured to give you a perfect addition to your kitchen as it comes with a Dual Induction Cooker, compact design perfect for household use. The Sensitive touch control panel and 4-digit LCD display with 4 functions to choose: Water, Fry, Steam, Warm makes it a perfect cooktop.
The device automatically turns off if there is no button pressed within 20 minutes to ensure secure and safe operation. It also comes with a 4-hour timer (auto-turn-off) for Water and Fry, 24-hour preset (auto-turn-on) for Steam and Warms making it very exclusive to use.
It also has a Dual built-in fan that helps to cool the cooktop down within a very short time after cooking. Other incredible features are the “E” code diagnostic error message system, low and high voltage warning, and overheating protection.
With Auto-pan detection, the burner will stop working automatically if no cookware is placed. Also comes along with a Lock button for children’s safety, avoids pressing the wrong button accidentally.
Pros
- Automatic turn off button
- Lock button for children’s safety
Cons
- A bit difficult to operate
5. Summit CR2110 115V Electric Cooktop
The Summit CR2110 115V Electric Cooktop comes exclusively with 2 Burners, smooth surface, and a 12-inch size that makes it very ideal for cooking. With the Push-to-turn controls, this electric cooktop is very easy to control and use easily to cook any kind of food. Another incredible feature that it comes with is the residual heat indicator light and the built-in-installation design.
This electric cooktop is exclusively designed with a Built-in count-down digital timer with 5 min increments up to 170 minutes; 10 temperature range from 140°F to 460°F; 10 power levels from 200-1800Watts; 6 ft. cord.
There is also an auto-pan detection that will shut the unit off automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected; Equipped with a diagnostic error message system, Low and high voltage warning system.
Pros
- Built-in count-down digital timer
- Lengthy cord
- Auto-pan detection
Cons
- A complex operational system for some people
6. GE JP3030SJSS 30 inch Electric Cooktop
The GE JP3030SJSS 30″ Electric Cooktop is a very sturdy and durable cooktop that give users a wonderful and stress-free cooking experience. It looks every inch like an induction cooktop with the presence of control knobs instead of soft-touch buttons.
In total, the cooktop will take about 30” of space on your countertop. Ensure that you keep quite a good deal of distance between the unit and other kitchen appliances.
It comes exclusively with five elements, each of which measures various inches. Available sizes include 6, 7, 8.5, and 13.5 inches respectively. Each of the elements has varying power requirements, thus, the wattage of this electric cooktop is between 1200W and 3000W making it a moderate energy-consuming device.
Pros
- The five burners make cooking food simultaneously much easier
- We like the SyncBurner settings which are designed to cater for large cookware
- The keep-warm and melt settings are both handy for doing minor warming tasks
Cons
- Cast iron pots can’t be used
7. Cusimax 1800W Double Countertop Burner
This electric cooktop is made compatible with all types of cookware including pots and pans with a maximum of 7.4 + 6.1 inches. It can also work with cookware made of glass and aluminum, with the capability of heating them with minimal heat loss.
The two burns it comes with help to cook with ease as it conveniently cooks a variety of foods such as warm sauces, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, soup, pasta, vegetables and so much more. It even makes boiling water easier and quicker.
With the handy and portable design, it easily fit in rooms, offices, camping, or even your RV. You can use it in a busy kitchen as it requires no extra cooking appliance and great for everyday use.
For safety purposes, while using this cooktop, it has an automatic shutoff function with temperature regulated by a thermostat. Other features include a durable ceramic top, and stainless steel body build for durability. For easy cleaning, just or simply wipe with a clean and damp cloth when cold
Pros
- Automatic shutoff function
- Handy and portable design
Cons
- High energy consumption unit
8. Frigidaire FGEC3067MB Electric Cooktop
There is no doubt that this breathtaking 30” cooktop made of stainless steel worth every penny spent on it to be an addition to the kitchen. The design of this unit gives it an incredible performance and the physical appearance is a sight to behold as it can blend nicely with any kitchen.
With the 3000W power requirement it has, this cooktop surely can deliver the required output with the appropriate energy consumption.
The other good features this unit has is easy to use controls, Keep warm setting, and hot surface indicator.
Pros
- With 5 burners at your disposal, you’re at liberty to cook as many dishes as you want anytime
- We love the placement of the control knobs. They are also easy to use
- The keep-warm setting allows you to place a pot on a burner and keep the food warm
- A hot surface indicator is included to warn you of hot burners
Cons
- It doesn’t come with child lock
9. NutriChef PKSTIND48 Dual Electric Induction Cooktop
This is an exclusively made countertop product that is equipped with 2 Circular Top Panel Heating Zones with an Independent Configurable Temperature Zone Setting and a Digital LCD Display Screen.
With just a single press you can switch from one cooking mode to another. It has a manual cooking function with fry, steam, and water mode for easy cooking. The automatic warm function keeps the food warm for later serving.
Uses electromagnetic to avoid heat loss between the cooking surface and the pot making it highly energy-efficient, this helps to make cooking faster and a lot easier.
Equipped with a Built-in Child Safety Lock which locks all the operating buttons of the cooktop to protect the little ones from injuries. The lightweight and compatible size make it great for both home and outdoor activities. It is compatible with steel, cast iron, enameled iron, stainless steel, flat-bottom pan or pot with a diameter of 12 to 26 cm and it is easy to clean.
Pros
- Energy Efficient
- Built-in child safety lock
Cons
- Restricted to some particular kind of pots
10. Techwood 1800 Watts Countertop Burner
This versatile product is perfect for all kitchens because of its easy control, timeless stainless steel, and double crystallite glass design. Especially ideal for dorms, offices, camping, RV/caravans, holiday homes, daily use or entertaining, or as an extra cooking appliance in the busy kitchen for its compact size. Can heat up food quickly and evenly with minimal heat loss and energy.
The infrared ceramic double cooktop (900W & 900W) provides more convenience for cooking.
There is also no need for you to get special cookware as the functional plate can work without any cookware restrictions. Can hold all types of pot and pan ranging from small, medium to large sizes including stainless steel, glass, and aluminum are suitable for this product.
The thermostatic knobs of the plate control the separate temperature of the burner, allowing you to cook a different variety of food and do so much more by choosing the desired temperature. With overheat protection, the burner automatic safety cycles on/off.
Pros
- For versatile use
- Come with a thermostat knob for temperature control
Cons
- Difficult to operate for some kind of people
Electric Cooktops Buying Guide
Before purchasing an electric cooktop there are many things you need to know about them starting from how you can mount them and the application down to their performance and features. Trying to install a separate cooktop and wall oven can create a little more advantage over a range.
If you are new or a beginner, you can start by mounting the oven higher up in wall cabinets, so that there will be no need to bend to pull out a large roasting pan or a hot tray of cookies. If you are also adding the appliances as part of a large remodel, you can install a cooktop on an island instead of mounting against a wall.
One other way you can enjoy your electric cooktops is by mixing and matching cooktops and wall ovens from different brands, securing the best performance across appliances.
But before you shop for a new cooktop, you’ll need to give little consideration to size and light source, then turn your attention more to performance and features as they are more importing in purchasing any cooktops.
Your Budget
Before buying an electric cooktop, the first thing you have to put into consideration is your budget, you have to look at what you have to know the model you can pick. Electric cooktops don’t always come cheap although you’ll find models that go for half a thousand dollars or less. Having a fairly large budget will definitely make you look out for pricier models with better features and specifications.
With a good budget and enough money at hand, you can always get the model that meets the features and specifications you desire. With an also little amount of money, you can get a good one, but note that the price is highly determined by the features.
Size
One other thing that is needed to be considered before choosing an electric cooktop is the size. You have to put in mind and consider greatly the size of the unit you are about to purchase.
Among the models in the market, the common ones come with sizes of either 30” or 36”. In a case where you are trying to replace an old model, take note of the cutout measurements on your countertop before you purchase a new unit. Doing this will save you the stress of having to return the unit if it doesn’t fit.
The other role size play in choosing electric cooktops is the determination of the number of cooking zones the cooktop will have. Therefore, if you want more cooking zones or elements, it is advisable that you should go for a large model.
The large-sized one also has enough space for more controls and can accommodate larger pots and pans depending on your cooking needs. This feature also helps the pot to stand firm on top of the cooktop with falling off easily.
Controls
Most electric cooktops often sport control knobs instead of digital touch controls. However, there are certain models that sport touch controls. It is important to note that most touch controls are made from plastic materials, thus, making them easy to melt.
To avoid that, manufacturers use control knobs after testing to know which materials work fine on the knobs. It is also pertinent that you put this in mind before purchasing any electric cooktops.
Type of Baseplate
The material used for making the cooking surface of the cooktop is known as the baseplates. Various materials like White enamel, stainless steel, and glass-ceramic are the three most popular materials used in making the cooking surface of the cooktop. The most effective but expensive among them is the glass-ceramic.
Looking at the price of the glass-ceramic, you can also use the stainless steel baseplate as it is also effective and durable. Therefore, the baseplate is also an important feature to put into consideration before purchasing a cooktop.
Extra Features
There are also some other notable extra features you can look out for before purchasing an electric cooktop and they include:
Child Lock
This feature is meant to protect the unit from being used by children.
Timer
Cooktop timers can be used to program the cooktop to turn off a burner or all burners at the desired time. This is useful when you’re cooking more than one meal on a cooktop with up to 4 elements.
Automatic Pan Size Recognition
Just like induction cooktops, electric cooktops that have this feature have burners that auto-adjust to suit the size of the pan placed on top of the burners. This is not a standard feature on all-electric cooktops. Most don’t have it, including the high-end models.
Keep Warm
The function of the keep warm feature is to allow the food placed on a particular burner warm for as long as that burner is still turned on.
Hot Surface Indicator
This features also helps a lot in terms of safety, the hot surface indicator light warns you of burners that are still hot. It will keep you from accidentally touching or allowing your body to come in contact with that surface.
Conclusion
Electric cooktops can no doubt add a lot of ease and feature to your cooking as it is meant to make cooking comfortable. Apart from adding comfort and ease of cooking to your everyday life, it is also a way of cooking stylishly without exposure to accidents that can occur while cooking in the kitchen as it is made with a lot of safety features.
