Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops heat instantly with visible flame control, whilst electric cooktops require warming time and slower temperature response. Ceramic cooktops offer seamless surfaces for easy cleaning but consume more energy through slower heat adjustment.

Technology comparison:

• Gas: Instant heat, visual control, works with all cookware, natural gas or LPG fuel

• Electric hotplate/ceramic: Budget-friendly, slower heating, higher energy consumption, flat cleaning surface

• Induction: Fastest heating, magnetic field technology, safest surface (doesn't heat), requires compatible cookware

Induction cooktops match gas for rapid temperature response but require specific magnetic-base pots and pans. Gas works with existing cookware collections without replacement costs. Installation requirements differ significantly, with gas needing licensed gas fitter connection to natural gas mains or LPG bottles.

For safety reasons it is a legal requirement in Australia that Gas and all other types of Cooktops are professionally installed by a licensed electrician or gas fitter. Preparation helps ensure smooth installation and optimal long term performance, so with that in mind there are things to look at and help ensure the installation process goes smoothly.

Natural gas provides the most cost effective operation with a mains connection that's already available. Gas Cooktops run on Natural NG or Mains Gas while other models can run off bottled LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). For NG the home needs a Mains Gas connection available, and LPG will significantly increase the running costs of the Cooktop. LPG conversion kits are included with most models for installation flexibility. For LP Gas, simply look out for models called out with LPG in the title. Check mains gas availability in your area before buying for the lowest ongoing costs.

Before you purchase a Cooktop, ensure the bench space has been adequately measured so the Cooktop fits with enough space underneath for proper ventilation. Most Gas Cooktops come in 60, 70, 80 and 90cm widths. Larger households can benefit from wider cooktops with more burner options if they like to do lots of Cooking, so select a cooktop first to ensure a new kitchen build caters to the size. To replace an existing Cooktop, consider a matching Rangehood with a matching size for optimal ventilation performance.

Modern gas cooktops meet Australian and New Zealand standards requiring flame failure devices that automatically cut gas supply when flames extinguish. This prevents gas accumulation in kitchens if burners accidentally blow out. Professional cooktop installation by licensed gas fitters ensures safe operation.

Safety features and considerations:

• Flame failure protection: Mandatory safety device since July 2017

• Licensed installation: Legal requirement for all gas appliances in Australia

• Ventilation requirements: Rangehood recommended for proper air circulation

• Cast iron trivets: Brands like Westinghouse and Bosch provide stable cookware support

• Auto-ignition safety: Eliminates need for matches or lighters

Households with respiratory conditions benefit from proper ventilation managing particles released during gas combustion. Adequate rangehood extraction removes cooking by-products including nitrous dioxide. Cast iron trivets prevent cookware tipping by providing solid, level support across burner grates.

Once the right cooktop size is figured out, look at the number of burners available and their configuration. Larger cooktops provide more space between burners for simultaneous cooking. If you want to cook multiple dishes, check how much space is between them, for example a 90cm Cooktop with 4 burners will have more wiggle room over a 60cm four burner Cooktop.

Choose burner types and heat outputs to match your cooking techniques and preferences. There are generally four types of burners available on Cooktops. The auxiliary (small burner) is best for simmering and providing gentle heat for delicate cooking tasks which is great to be at the front for frequent stirring. Medium burners are ideal for everyday cooking like soups, curries and casseroles where quick temperature adjustments are key. Large burners are best for sustained high heat frying or boiling. Wok burners deliver maximum heat output for authentic Asian stir frying with dual wok burner models available for serious Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

For aesthetics there are a fair few options from stainless steel to sleek black gas on glass models from Fisher & Paykel, Miele or Smeg offering easier cleaning. Make sure to consider the right Gas Cooktop to suit either the existing or new planned kitchen design and aesthetics to avoid disconnects in a kitchen's layout.

Burner configuration determines cooking flexibility, with most gas range stove tops offering 4-6 burners in varying sizes. Auxiliary burners provide gentle heat for simmering delicate sauces, medium burners handle soups and casseroles, whilst large burners deliver sustained high heat for frying and boiling.

Essential specifications:

• Wok burners: High-output flames up to 5kW for stir-frying, typically centre or side-mounted

• Flame failure devices: Mandatory since July 2017, automatically cuts gas supply if flame extinguishes

• Trivet material: Cast iron for stability versus enamel-coated steel for lighter weight

• Ignition type: Electronic push-button versus manual match lighting

• Control knob placement: Front versus side mounting affects accessibility

• Simmer settings: Low-output capability for gentle heat maintenance

Gas stove dimensions typically measure 60cm, 70cm, 80cm or 90cm widths. Larger households benefit from 90cm models with increased burner spacing for simultaneous multi-pot cooking. Surface materials range from stainless steel for durability to gas on glass for easier cleaning aesthetics.

Best gas stove selection depends on household size, cooking frequency and available bench space. 60cm cooktops with four burners suit couples and small families, whilst 90cm models provide expanded capacity for larger households or frequent entertainers.

Consider burner configuration carefully - a 90cm cooktop with four burners provides more spacing than a 60cm four-burner model. Dual wok burner models from Artusi suit households requiring simultaneous high-flame cooking. Match cooktop width with rangehood dimensions for proper ventilation coverage during operation.