Cooktops

There are three basic types of Cooktop: Gas, Electric (also including Ceramic) and Induction.

Induction Cooktops are stylish and modern, using a magnetic field to heat Cookware only and not the surface of the Cooktop. 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. 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.

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. 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.

Induction Cooktops are the most expensive to buy outright however they are also the most energy efficient. This is due to much faster cooking times and the magnetic field used to heat cookware can transfer energy with roughly 85% efficiency. 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 is the least energy efficient Cooktop type. If you are considering a Gas Cooktop, check your home is connected to mains gas. 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.

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. Applying a protector can make cleans easier, while our range of Cooktop Cleaning solutions are great for more intense jobs.

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.

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. 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 Cooktops can be harder to clean, while emerging Gas on Glass models from the likes of Fisher & Paykel or Miele can make cleaning easier.

Gas Cooktops provide instant heat control and you can use the size of the flame to differentiate between high, medium and low heat. With burners designed specifically for woks, this often gives Gas Cooktops an edge for high flame cooking. 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.

For fast cooking that is as adjustable as gas and more energy efficient than any other Cooktop, consider an Induction Cooktop. If you can get past the higher price point, they are the safest, easiest to clean and most responsive Cooktops on the market today.