Cooktop buying guide
A cooktop is the heartbeat of the kitchen. While it needs to deliver flawless functional performance, it also plays a big part in your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. Use our comprehensive cooktop buying guide to choose the best-fit cooktop for your kitchen layout, cooking style and budget.
Which cooktop is right for you?
Cooktops come in a range of varieties and different sizes, which provides you with the flexibility to find the one that not only suits the style and design of your kitchen, but is also the most efficient and effective for your needs. With so many models to choose from, you’ll be primed and ready to buy the perfect stove or cooktop with our handy cooktop buying guide.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/buying-guide/cooktop-buying-guide#types-of-cooktops
Choose from precise gas flames, rapid magnetic induction, or affordable and reliable electric ceramic options.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/buying-guide/cooktop-buying-guide#cooktop-size-and-burner-guide
Measure your benchtop cutout for standard Australian appliance widths: compact 60cm or spacious 90cm.
card media link to https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/deals/cooking?refinementList%5Bmeta.tgg.l2category%5D%5B0%5D=Cooktops
The right cooktop will come with the right price tag for your budget. Check out our deals now!
“If you’ve got young children and safety is your number-one priority when buying a new cooktop, then you can’t go past induction. With no open flames and a number of safety features, you can be sure your family will be kept safe.
”
– Tania Grillinzoni, Cooking, Dishwashers and Kitchenware Buyer at The Good Guys.
Types of Cooktops
Choosing a cooktop starts with the power source. Each technology offers distinct advantages depending on how you like to cook.
Induction cooktops
Induction cooktops are the gold standard for modern kitchen efficiency and safety. Instead of heating an element, they use magnetic fields to generate heat directly inside your cookware.
Pros: Fastest boiling times, incredibly energy efficient, sleek flush-mount look and the safest option available
Cons: Higher initial purchase price; requires magnetic-based cookware (cast iron, enameled steel, or induction-compatible stainless steel).
If you are renting, love camping or just need an extra cooking zone for holiday entertaining, a portable induction cooktop is an excellent choice. Unlike built-in models, portable units offer plug-and-play convenience using a standard 10A household power outlet.
Gas cooktops
The traditional choice for passionate home chefs, gas cooktops offer visible, instant flame control.
Pros: High-tactile control, works with all cookware shapes (including traditional round-bottom woks), and works during power outages.
Cons: More complex to clean due to trivets and burners; less energy efficient than induction due to ambient heat loss.
Gas types: Can run on Natural Gas (mains gas common in metropolitan Australia) or LPG (bottled gas). Always check your home’s connection before purchasing.
Ceramic and electric cooktops
Featuring a smooth glass surface with heating elements beneath, electric and ceramic cooktops offer a streamlined look at an accessible price point.
Pros: Affordable to buy, easy to wipe clean and compatible with all standard cookware
Cons: Slower to heat up and cool down compared to gas and induction; elements retain residual heat for longer after turning off.
Portable electric cooktops are also a great option for flexibility when renting, camping or entertaining.
Cooktop comparison guide
Cooktop type | Heating speed | Energy efficiency | Safety profile | Cleaning ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ultra-fast | Excellent | High (no open flame/surface stays cooler) | Very easy (flat ceramic glass) | |
Fast/Instant | Moderate | Medium (open flame/gas connections) | Moderate (requires removing trivets) | |
Moderate | Moderate | Medium (Surface remains hot after use) | Easy (flat ceramic) |
Watch our helpful Cooktop buying guides
Find a cooktop for your kitchen
Gas, electric or induction? Here is our guide to help you through the decision.
Induction Cooktops explained
Our buyer's guide delves into everything you need to know about Induction Cooktops.
Cooktop installation made easy
The Good Guys Home Services takes the guesswork out of your Cooktop installation.
Cooktop size and burner guide
Choosing the right size cooktop comes down to your benchtop real estate and how many dishes you typically prepare simultaneously:
60cm cooktops (3-4 zones): The standard size for most Australian kitchens. Perfect for singles, couples and small families
70–75cm cooktops (4-5 zones): Often engineered to fit into a standard 60cm cutout, offering a larger cooking surface without requiring major benchtop modifications.
90cm cooktops (5-6 zones): Ideal for large families, spacious kitchens, and cooks who love to entertain. These frequently include 5-burner gas cooktops with high-output wok burners or 90cm induction cooktops with extra-large bridge elements.
“EXPERT ADVICE: “Don’t forget ventilation, your rangehood should always be equal to or wider than your new cooktop surface to extract steam and odours effectively.”
- Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking
Watch our helpful cooktop buying guides
From choosing the perfect cooktop to discovering the power of induction, our buying guides cover everything you need to know about finding the best cooktop for you.
Cooktop features and smart technology
Today’s cooktops do much more than just apply heat; they feature advanced automation and safety innovations designed to act like a personal kitchen assistant. Explore the top smart features and safety essentials to look for when upgrading your cooking space
Smart features
Bridge elements: Link two separate cooking zones together to create one giant heating area – perfect for griddles or oversized roasting pans
Hob2Hood connectivity: Wirelessly syncs your cooktop with a compatible rangehood, automatically adjusting the fan speed based on your cooking intensity
Pan sensors: Automatically detect the size of your cookware and adjust the heating zone to match, ensuring no energy is wasted.
Safety features
Flame failure device (Gas): A mandatory safety feature that automatically cuts off the gas supply if a liquid boils over and extinguishes the flame
Residual heat indicators (Electric/Ceramic): Bright warning lights that remain illuminated until the cooking surface has cooled down to a safe-to-touch temperature
Auto switch-off and child locks (Induction): Shuts down automatically if a pan is removed or if a zone operates for an extended period without adjustment. Lockable controls prevent accidental activation by little hands.
“EXPERT ADVICE: “If you have young children and safety is your number one priority when buying a new cooktop, then you can’t go past induction. No open flames, together with a number of excellent safety features, mean you can be sure your family will be kept safe.”
- Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking
Price guide: What you can expect to pay
The price of a cooktop varies depending on the technology, size and premium features selected.
Type | Price range (AUD) | Leading brands |
|---|---|---|
$349 to $2200 | ||
$349 to $4500+ | ||
$499 to $10,000+ | Asko, Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Miele, Smeg, Westinghouse |
Installation and power requirements
Important: All cooktops must be installed by a licensed professional. Gas cooktops require a licensed gas fitter, while induction and electric cooktops require a licensed electrician.
If you’re upgrading from a standard electric cooktop to a powerful induction model, your kitchen may require an electrical upgrade to handle the higher amperage. We highly recommend booking a site assessment before purchasing.
Leave the hard work to The Good Guys
Let The Good Guys Home Services handle delivery, installation and demonstration – and even environment-friendly disposal of your old appliance. All of our commercial installation work is backed by a 12-month warranty.
Ensure your new cooktop dimensions match your existing benchtop cutout before the installation team arrives.
More tips & guides
card media link to /whats-new/cooks-starter-kitchen
Alice Zaslavsky cook’s starter Kitchen guide
Updated 4 May 2026 · 4 mins readWritten by cook: Alice Zaslavsky
The kitchen is one room we’re guaranteed to spend hours of the day, whether grabbing a quick bite from the fridge as you shoot through to a morning meeting, or pottering away on weekends with the grandkids, jam burbling on the stove.
Which scenario sat closest with your reality, and when was the last time you took the time to optimise that space to what you need?
If you’re a proficient, passionate home cook looking for the latest gadget to up your game, or if you’ve ever felt like cooking was a chore or a bore, then it’s time to treat yourself to a new nifty thing or two to relight your fire.
No matter what kind of cook you are, here’re five of my fav bits of kitchen tech worth harnessing, all of which you’ll find at The Good Guys:
Want to learn more about Alice? Check out our Cooking appliance hub!
card media link to /whats-new/what-is-induction-cooking
Induction cooking: what is it & how does it work?
Updated 17 June 2026 · 3 mins readInduction Cooktops have made a huge entrance into the world of kitchen appliances. Having gained popularity for its quick cooking times, energy efficiency, and safety, it’s pretty much the best of everything.
How does induction cooking work? Should you consider making the cooktop change? With all the big brands, from Asko and Bosch to Miele and Smeg coming up with new and improved technological advancements in induction cooking, here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of making the switch. Read on for all the ins and outs of induction cooktops and why they could be the perfect match for your household.
card media link to /whats-new/induction-cooktop-vs-gas-cooktop
Induction vs Gas Cooktops: the great debate
Updated 13 May 2026 · 5 mins readCooktops have been a topic of hot debate since the dawn of the modern kitchen. Many amateur chefs are loyal to gas, while others have embraced induction as their chosen tool for cooking delicious meals for the whole family. But which one is better?
If you’re building a new kitchen (or considering renovating your current one), chances are you may have stumbled into this debate. Before you decide what to buy, it’s important to understand how these cooktops work, plus the pros and cons of each. Who knows – you might even try something new based on what you learn!
card media link to /whats-new/kitchen-renovation-ideas
Top 10 ideas on how to renovate your kitchen
Updated 4 May 2026 · 5 mins readIf you’re considering taking on a kitchen reno, The Good Guys have the renovation ideas and advice to help you do it in style. Check out our top 10 ideas on how to make sure your kitchen renovation will give you joy for years to come.
card media link to /whats-new/keeping-kitchen-air-clean
5 easy ways to keep your kitchen air clean and healthy
Updated 4 May 2026 · 8 mins readGood air quality at home makes your space feel fresher and more comfortable. You might be surprised to learn that indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air - especially in the kitchen, where cooking can release particles and odours. Since we spend a lot of time cooking and gathering there, it’s important to keep the air clean. To help, we’ve put together 5 easy tips to keep your kitchen air fresh and inviting.
card media link to /whats-new/best-cheap-cooktops
Great value Cooktops that put the sizzle in your kitchen
Updated 11 May 2026 · 4 mins readWant to upgrade to a more efficient cooktop but don’t want to overspend? Or perhaps you’re looking for a cheap cooktop for a budget kitchen renovation? If you think you cannot afford the hottest cooktop tech and smart features, think again. At The Good Guys, you can have it all. Whether you’re set on a new electric or gas cooktop, or a super-slick and energy-efficient induction cooktop, we’ve got all the information you need to find the best value cooktop to buy. Get ready for seriously saucy stir-fries and Sunday brekkie pancakes, because these cheap cooktops are bringing the heat in the kitchen.
card media link to /whats-new/upgrade-your-cooktop
When to replace your cooktop and how to choose a new one
Updated 9 June 2026 · 3 mins readFor whipping up quick eats and chef-ing family feasts, every kitchen needs a hardworking cooktop. But gas, electric or induction… no stove will last forever and there are some tell-tale signs that your kitchen workhorse could be running out of puff. Or maybe you’re missing out on the latest tech to streamline meal delivery and clean-up. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for a cooktop upgrade.
card media link to /whats-new/why-smart-home-chefs-are-switching-to-induction-cooking
Induction cooking benefits: Why home cooks are making the switch
Updated 17 June 2026 · 3 mins readIf you’re considering an upgrade to your cooking and kitchen appliances, here’s what you need to know about making the switch to induction cooktops…
card media link to /whats-new/best-future-proof-cooktops
Bring the heat: how to future-proof your Cooktop
Updated 4 May 2026 · 4 mins readEver since humans gathered around the fire to cook their woolly mammoth stew, the hearth has been the hub of the kitchen. The last century saw us pivot from gran’s wood stove, to gas and electric hobs with built-in extractor hoods. Fast forward to today and we have futuristic cooktops that ‘magically’ merge with countertops, and offer cutting-edge technology borrowed from pro-chef kitchens.
Blowing out 70 candles this year, The Good Guys have seen every major cooking and cooktop evolution. OK, we weren’t around for the first Paleo Diet craze, but we were totally there for the second! So you can trust us when we say that we’ve scouted the best-in-class modern cooktop features for today’s kitchen – and beyond.
card media link to /whats-new/how-do-induction-cooktops-work
Why Induction Cooktops are the ultimate upgrade for modern kitchens
Updated 17 June 2026 · 3 mins readAustralian families need appliances that work hard, stay safe and help keep power bills down. So, could an Induction Cooktop be the ultimate choice for your home? Here are four reasons why making the switch could be a big win …
card media link to /buying-guide/electrolux-cooking-range
Upgrade to faster, more efficient cooking with an Electrolux, that fits seamlessly into your kitchen. Now available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/lg-cooking-range
Elevate your culinary experience with LG! Explore the innovative range of LG ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, and dishwashers available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/asko-kitchen-range-buying-guide
Discover ASKO's Kitchen Range including ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers – available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/miele-kitchen-range-buying-guide
Discover the Miele kitchen range including ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, rangehoods and more - available at The Good Guys.
card media link to /buying-guide/bosch-kitchen-buying-guide
Discover premium German designed Bosch ovens, gas cooktops, induction cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, rangehoods and coffee machines at The Good Guys.
Cooktops glossary
We'll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Tech talk | Definition |
|---|---|
Burners/Cooking zones | The individual areas used for heating pots and pans |
Trivets | Cookware supports on gas cooktops |
Wok burner | A high-powered burner made for stir-fry cooking and large pans, found on some gas cooktops |
Downdraft exhaust | A built-in ventilation system that pulls smoke and steam downward, removing the need for a rangehood |
Pause function | Temporarily reduces all zones to low heat on an induction cooktop, allowing you to step away safely |
FlexiZone/Full-surface induction | Replaces fixed rings with smart tech that detects pan shape, letting you cook anywhere on the surface |
PowerBoost/Boost mode | Funnels maximum wattage to a single induction zone for rapid heating, boiling water up to three times faster |
Invisible induction | Conceals induction coils directly beneath stone or porcelain benchtops for a completely hidden, seamless cooking surface |
Cooktop FAQs
While these terms are often used interchangeably around the dinner table, they actually refer to very distinct kitchen set-ups:
Cooktop: A standalone cooking surface built directly into your kitchen benchtop. It has its own controls and operates completely independently of an oven.
Stovetop: This is simply another word for a cooktop, or the physical surface layer of a traditional oven set-up.
Range (freestanding cooker): In Australia, a range is more commonly referred to as a freestanding cooker or a stove. It is an all-in-one, freestanding appliance that combines the top cooking surface and an oven underneath in a single unit.
While both feature a smooth glass surface, they heat food differently. Ceramic cooktops use traditional electric coils that heat up the glass surface itself. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to pass energy directly into the cookware.
Induction requires magnetic cookware. To test your current set, hold a kitchen magnet to the base of your pots and pans. If the magnet sticks firmly to the bottom, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop.
Allow the surface to cool completely. Spray with a dedicated ceramic glass cleaner or a mild vinegar-water solution. Wipe gently with a microfibre cloth. For stubborn burnt-on spills, use a specialised safety scraper angled at 45 degrees to gently lift the residue before wiping clean.