Cooktops & Stove Tops

Compare the three main cooktop technologies for performance and efficiency. There are three basic types of Cooktop: Gas, Electric (also including Ceramic) and Induction.

Experience electromagnetic cooking with instant heat control and safety benefits. Induction Cooktops are stylish and modern, using a magnetic field to heat Cookware only and not the surface of the Cooktop. The surface stays cool to touch, preventing burns and making cleaning effortless. It can take a moment to completely wrap your head around it but unlike Ceramic Cooktops, Induction does not need to get hot to heat pots, pans and any other compatible cooking vessels. Achieve 85% energy efficiency with rapid heating and precise temperature control. This makes Induction an attractive option from both a safety and cooking perspective as induction takes very little time to heat up, cooks fast and uses less electricity overall. Gas Cooktops have the same quick and precise temperature control as Induction, but are overall less energy efficient.

Cook up to 50% faster with instant temperature adjustments like professional kitchens. There are many other benefits to Induction cooking, not only is it much faster than Gas or Electric Cooktops, it also allows for instant temperature adjustments and precise control. Higher upfront cost balanced by long-term energy savings and superior performance. They're generally the most expensive and require cookware that is specifically compatible with Induction to work, but in return is a safe, stylish Cooktop with superior performance to others.

Gas stove cooktops provide instant heat control through visible flame adjustment, allowing immediate temperature changes during cooking. Flame size directly corresponds to heat output, giving clear visual indication of cooking intensity. High-output wok burners suit Asian cooking techniques requiring intense heat.

Gas performance characteristics:

• Temperature control: Instant adjustment by turning knobs, visual flame feedback

• High-heat cooking: Wok burners 3500-5000W for stir-frying and searing

• Cookware compatibility: Works with all pot and pan types without restrictions

• Heat distribution: Direct flame contact with cookware base

• Power during outages: Operates during electricity failures with manual ignition

Induction matches gas for temperature responsiveness whilst achieving superior energy efficiency. Ceramic and electric models require warming time between temperature changes. Gas releases nitrous dioxide during combustion requiring adequate ventilation through rangehoods, particularly important for households with respiratory sensitivities.

Ceramic cooktop vs induction technology differs fundamentally in heating methods. Ceramic cooktops heat electrical elements beneath glass surfaces, which then conduct heat to pots and pans. Induction uses electromagnetic fields heating cookware directly whilst keeping surfaces cool to touch.

Technology comparison:

• Heating method: Ceramic heats glass surface, induction creates magnetic field in cookware

• Surface temperature: Ceramic gets hot during use, induction remains cool except where pot sits

• Energy efficiency: Induction 85% efficient, ceramic approximately 70% efficient

• Heat-up speed: Induction up to 50% faster than ceramic

• Cookware compatibility: Ceramic works with all cookware, induction requires magnetic-base pots

• Safety: Induction safer with cool surfaces, ceramic retains heat after switching off

Both feature smooth glass surfaces without places for dirt accumulation. Residual heat indicators on ceramic warn when zones remain hot. Induction's instant temperature adjustments match gas precision whilst maintaining superior energy efficiency. Check best cheap cooktops for budget-friendly options across both technologies.

Compare running costs and energy consumption across different cooktop types. Induction Cooktops are the most expensive to buy outright however they are also the most energy efficient. Save up to 50% on energy bills with induction's direct heat transfer technology. This is due to much faster cooking times and the magnetic field used to heat cookware can transfer energy with roughly 85% efficiency. Keep kitchens cooler with minimal heat waste and improved comfort. This efficiency will not only save on running costs but will mean that kitchens stay noticeably cooler.

Electric Cooktops are still reasonably efficient and cost less upfront however they have longer heat up times. Electric Cooktops can either have a Ceramic glass surface or solid hotplates as cooking zones.

Gas provides instant flame control but requires mains connection for best value. Gas is the least energy efficient Cooktop type. If you are considering a Gas Cooktop, check your home is connected to mains gas. Consider LPG conversion kits for homes without natural gas connections. If not it doesn't necessarily rule out a Gas Cooktop as many models can be connected to bottled LPG with included conversion kits, but it will make it more expensive to run without a mains gas connection.

Follow these simple cleaning tips to maintain optimal cooking performance and appearance. Whatever type of Cooktop you decide on it's always best to clean up spills straight away, as once spills dry on a Cooktop they can be much harder to clean later. Use specialised cooktop cleaners for stubborn stains and protective coatings. Applying a protector can make cleans easier, while our range of Cooktop Cleaning solutions are great for more intense jobs.

Remove control knobs during deep cleaning to prevent buildup underneath. If the Cooktop has control knobs, it's a good idea to remove these when cleaning to stop dirt and grime getting trapped and building up underneath.

Induction surfaces stay cool, preventing spills from burning on during cooking. Since Induction Cooktops don't get hot, spills don't get cooked on to the surface (unless trapped under a hot saucepan) so simply wipe away with a damp cloth at the time. Touch controls need regular cleaning to maintain responsiveness and functionality. Induction and Electric Ceramic Cooktops have a continuous flat surface sometimes with touch controls meaning there are no places for dirt to get trapped, but make sure to keep touch controls clean to ensure they're always responsive. Gas-on-glass models offer easier cleaning than traditional gas cooktops. Gas Cooktops can be harder to clean, while emerging Gas on Glass models from the likes of ASKO, Fisher & Paykel or Miele can make cleaning easier.

Clean spills immediately regardless of oven range tops type, as dried residue becomes significantly harder to remove. Applying protective coatings to ceramic and induction surfaces makes subsequent cleaning easier. Specialised cooktop cleaning solutions tackle stubborn burnt-on stains. Cleaning methods for different stove tops can be summarised by the following:

• Induction: Surfaces stay cool preventing spills burning on, wipe with damp cloth immediately

• Ceramic glass: Use ceramic cooktop cleaner and scraper for burnt residue, avoid abrasive pads

• Gas trivets: Remove grates and burner caps, soak in hot soapy water, scrub with non-scratch brush

• Gas-on-glass: Wipe flat surface like ceramic, clean burner components separately

• Control knobs: Remove during deep cleaning to prevent grime buildup underneath

Touch controls on induction and ceramic models need regular cleaning to maintain responsiveness. Glass on stove top surfaces benefit from protective film applications between uses. Gas-on-glass models from ASKO, Fisher & Paykel and Miele simplify maintenance compared to traditional gas designs.

Choose based on cooking style, energy preferences, and kitchen ventilation requirements. Gas Cooktops provide instant heat control and you can use the size of the flame to differentiate between high, medium and low heat. Perfect for high-heat cooking like stir-fries and wok cooking techniques. With burners designed specifically for woks, this often gives Gas Cooktops an edge for high flame cooking. Consider ventilation needs if you have respiratory sensitivities. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, keep in mind that gas releases small amounts of contaminants like nitrous dioxide when burned, however plenty of ventilation via a Rangehood can help disperse this.

Electric Ceramic Cooktops (as opposed to Electric Cooktops with solid hotplates) have an easy to clean surface and whilst they are not as precise or instantaneous to control as other Cooktops, they are particularly good at maintaining a steady and low heat perfect for example to temper chocolate. Westinghouse, Bosch & Smeg cooktops all have fantastic Ceramic Cooktop options.

Induction delivers restaurant-quality performance with home kitchen safety. For fast cooking that is as adjustable as gas and more energy efficient than any other Cooktop, consider an Induction Cooktop. Safest option for families with children and most energy-efficient choice. If you can get past the higher price point, they are the safest, easiest to clean and most responsive Cooktops on the market today.

Stainless steel surfaces suit contemporary and professional kitchen designs, offering durability and heat resistance. Black glass provides sleek modern aesthetics across ceramic cooktops and induction models. Gas-on-glass combines traditional flame cooking with easier-to-clean flat surfaces. Common options:

• Stainless steel: Professional appearance, fingerprint-prone, requires regular polishing

• Black ceramic glass: Modern styling, shows smudges less than stainless, scratch-resistant coating

• White ceramic glass: Light appearance, complements white cabinetry, requires careful cleaning

• Gas-on-glass: Flat glass surface with gas burners, easier maintenance than traditional trivets

• Cast iron trivets: Traditional gas aesthetic, heavy-duty support, requires seasoning

Miele cooktops and Bosch cooktops offer premium finishes with bevelled edges. Smeg cooktops provide retro and contemporary styling options. Fisher & Paykel cooktops feature minimalist New Zealand design aesthetics.