The kitchen is the beating heart of most homes. It’s where we come together to cook, eat and linger after mealtime. Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal or preparing a feast for family and friends, you need a good cooktop.
And there are so many different types of cooktops on the market these days; it can be hard to decide which one is right for your home. But don’t worry – I’m here to help! In this article, I’ll introduce you to the four basic types of cooktops: gas, electric, induction, and downdraft.
By understanding the pros and cons of each type, you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get ‘cooking’!
What are the four basic types of cooktops?
1. Gas cooktops
Gas cooktops are powered by natural gas or propane [1]. They’re typically less expensive than electric cooktops, and they heat up quickly however, they can be tricky to clean and they require proper ventilation.
2. Electric cooktops
Electric cooktops are powered by electricity, duh 🙂 They’re typically more expensive than gas cooktops, but they’re easier to clean. Electric cooktops can take longer to heat up than gas cooktops, but they offer more precise temperature control.
3. Induction cooktops
Induction cooktops use electricity to create a magnetic field that heats up the pot or pan sitting on top of it [2]. They’re very efficient and offer precise temperature control. However, they’re more expensive than gas or electric cooktops, and they require special pots and pans that are made from ferrous metals.
4. Downdraft cooktops
Downdraft cooktops ventilate the cooking area by drawing air down through a ductwork system beneath the cooktop. They’re typically used in island installations or when there’s no overhead ventilation hood available. Downdraft cooktops can be powered by either gas or electricity.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
Gas cooktop for kitchen
Uses of gas stove in kitchen
A gas stove offers many advantages for the home cook and one such benefit, is instant heat. With the simple turn of a knob, you can go from zero to full blast in seconds.
This is ideal for tasks like boiling water or getting a pan nice and hot before adding food. Gas stoves also offer more control when it comes to cooking temperature. You can make small adjustments to dial in the perfect heat for simmering, sautéing or searing.
Plus, there’s an added element of drama when cooking with gas – watching the blue flames dance around the pots and pans. For many people, cooking with gas simply feels more natural and instinctive than cooking with electricity.
Maybe it’s because gas stoves have been around for centuries, or maybe it’s because they evoke images of professional chefs working in busy kitchens. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that gas stoves have a certain appeal. If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, consider investing in a gas stove.
It just might become your new favorite way to cook.
Advantages of gas stove
Gas stoves have many advantages. They heat food quickly and evenly, so you can get dinner on the table in no time. They’re also more economical to operate than electric stoves, which can save you money on your energy bill.
And if you like to cook with cast iron skillet pans, you’ll be glad to know that gas stoves are the best way to heat them evenly and prevent them from rusting. Plus, there’s something about cooking with gas that just feels more authentic than cooking with electricity.
Whether it’s the sound of the flame or the smell of the gas, cooking with gas is a whole different experience than cooking with electricity. If you’re looking for a stove that will help you get dinner on the table quickly and efficiently, a gas stove is the way to go.
Disadvantages of gas stove
While a gas stove has many advantages, there are also some significant disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks is the risk of fire. Gas leaks are one of the leading causes of house fires, and stovetops are often the source of the leak. If there is even a small gas leak, it can quickly lead to an explosion [3].
In addition, gas stoves require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to prevent dangerous buildups of carbon monoxide and other fumes. Finally, gas stoves can be quite expensive to install and hooking up a gas line to your home can be costly as well.
Given these potential risks and disadvantages, you’ll need to decide whether a gas stove is a right choice for your home.
Electric cooktop for kitchen
Uses of electric stove
Electric stoves come in a variety of sizes and they can be either freestanding or built-in. Electric stoves usually have four or more burners, as well as an oven – most times (like mine), the oven is fitted separately to the unit.
The oven may be used for baking or roasting and it typically has a separate compartment from the burners. Some electric stoves also have a warming drawer, which can be used to keep food warm until it is ready to be served.
In addition to the standard features, some electric stoves come with extras like self-cleaning ovens, convection ovens (for yummy & ‘fast’ foods) and storage drawers. Electric stoves are convenient because they can be used anywhere there is an electrical outlet. They are also typically very easy to operate and maintain.
Advantages of electric stove
There are many advantages to using an electric stove. Perhaps the most obvious is that it is much safer than gas or propane, since there is no risk of explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric stoves also tend to be more efficient, since they convert all of the energy into heat, whereas gas stoves can lose up to 30% of their heat through the flue.
Electric stoves are also easier to control, since you can simply turn a knob to adjust the heat, rather than having to fiddle with a flame. Electric stoves are easier to clean than traditional stoves, as there are no crevices for dirt and grime to accumulate. Overall, electric stoves offer many advantages over their gas counterparts.
Disadvantages of electric stove
One of the disadvantages of electric stoves is that they can be more expensive to operate than other types of stoves. This is because electricity rates tend to be higher than those for other fuels such as natural gas or propane. In addition, electric stoves may not be as durable as other types of stoves.
They can be damaged by power surges and their heating elements can break down over time. Additionally, electric stoves may not provide as much heat as other types of stoves, making them less effective for cooking in large pots and pans.
Finally, electric stoves can create a safety hazard if they are not properly installed and maintained. Improperly installed electrical wiring can create a fire hazard.
For these reasons, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of electric stoves before choosing one for your home.
Induction cooktop for the kitchen
How to use an induction cooktop stove
If you’ve never used an induction cooktop stove, the idea of cooking with magnets may seem a bit strange. But induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular in home kitchens, due to their energy efficiency and fast cooking times. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using an induction cooktop stove (thanks to my mother-in-law for allowing me to use and test hers):
- Place a pot or pan on the cooktop. Make sure that the cookware is magnetic – if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it will work on an induction cooktop.
- Choose a cooking setting on the stove. Most induction cooktops have settings for low, medium, and high heat.
- Once the cooktop is turned on, the magnetism will cause the pot or pan to heat up. The size of the pot or pan will determine how quickly it heats up – larger pots will take longer to heat than smaller ones.
- When the pot or pan has reached the desired temperature, use oven mitts to remove it from the cooktop. Be careful not to touch the cooktop itself, as it will be very hot.
Advantages of induction stove
An induction stove is a type of stove that uses electromagnetism to heat up cookware. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages over traditional stoves. One advantage of induction stoves is that they are much more energy-efficient than other types of stoves.
Induction stoves also heat up much faster than traditional stoves, which can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. Additionally, induction stoves are much easier to clean than other types of stoves since there are no open flames or hot surfaces.
Induction stoves also offer a more personal cooking experience since you can see and control the heat more easily. Overall, induction stoves have many advantages that make them an appealing option for anyone looking for a new stove.
Disadvantages of induction stove
While induction stoves have a lot of advantages, there are also some disadvantages to using them. One of the main disadvantages is that they can be more expensive than other types of stoves. They also require special pots and pans that are made out of a conductive material, such as cast iron or stainless steel.
If you don’t have the right type of cookware, you won’t be able to use an induction stove. Additionally, induction stoves can be difficult to clean because the cooktop needs to be completely smooth in order for the magnetic field to work properly.
If there are any bumps or dirt on the cooktop, it can cause the food to scorch or stick. Finally, induction stoves can give off a loud hum when they’re turned on, which can be annoying for some people. Despite these disadvantages, induction stoves are becoming increasingly popular in homes and restaurants because of their many benefits.
Downdraft cooktop
What is a downdraft cooktop?
A downdraft cooktop is a type of stove that has a ventilation system built into the cooking surface. This system helps to remove smoke, fumes and odors from the kitchen while you are cooking. Downdraft cooktops are available in both gas and electric models.
Most models have a fan that is located underneath the cooking surface. The fan pulls air down through the cooktop and into the ventilation system. The air is then exhausted out of the kitchen through a ventilation duct or an exhaust fan.
Downdraft cooktops are a great option for kitchens that do not have a lot of space for a range hood or other type of ventilation system. They are also a good choice for people who have allergies or respiratory problems.
Pros and cons of downdraft ventilation
Chefs prefer specific cookware at home and the same applies with their cooktops. Some home chefs prefer downdraft ventilation because it doesn’t require a separate hood and can be installed directly into the countertop or stove. It’s also effective at capturing smoke and odors before they have a chance to disperse throughout the kitchen (as mentioned above).
However, downdraft ventilation has a few drawbacks. First, it’s not as good at removing heat from the cooking area, so it can make the kitchen uncomfortably warm. Second, because the fan is located beneath the cooking surface, it can be noisy.
And finally, it can be difficult to find replacement filters for older models. Overall, downdraft ventilation has its pros and cons, but it’s still a popular choice for many home cooks.
Before you go…
If you’re looking for a new cooktop, or are outfitting a kitchen from scratch, it’s important to know the different types of cooktops available and their respective pros & cons. But that’s not all – you also need to take into consideration things like your lifestyle, budget and cooking habits.
With all of that in mind, we hope this guide has been helpful in narrowing down your options and helping you find the perfect cooktop for your home. Happy cooking!
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.