A Guide to Cooktops:
What To Know When Considering a Cooktop

Gas Cooktops

Many chefs may prefer gas cooktops – fueled by natural gas or propane – for convenient quick heating and precise burner control. Gas is ideal if you love the perfect sear, simmer and wok cooking and are all about control.

SEE MODELS

Radiant Cooktops

Radiant cooktops are refined in design with responsive elements capable of reaching high temperatures. They are easier to clean versus gas due to their smooth surface. Many models also come with expanding and contracting burners to better match your pot sizes and a protective coating to avoid scratching.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops work very differently than other types of cooktops. An electric current is passed through a coiled copper wire underneath the cooktop, which creates a magnetic current throughout the cooking vessel to produce heat. Because the heat is transferred directly to the cooking vessel and not through the cooktop surface and then the vessel, induction cooktops cook more quickly and more efficiently than radiant and gas cooktops. Similar to radiant, induction cooktops offer a smooth surface making them easier to clean compared to gas cooktops. Induction cooktops sometimes offer expanding and contracting burners to match your pot sizes providing your cooktop with more versatility. In addition, induction cooktops also offer precision enabling effective high heat cooking but also low, consistent heat for difficult tasks like melting chocolate.

Cookware must be made of a magnetic metal to work on induction cooktops. To check if your pan works on an induction cooktop, simply hold a magnet next to it. If it sticks to the surface, your pan is compatible. Another way to determine compatibility is to place a pan on the cooktop itself. If the display flashes or you hear clicking, the pan is not compatible. If incompatible pans are used, inconsistent cooking results might be experienced.

With the purchase of a qualifying KitchenAid electric induction cooktop, for a limited time you will receive a bonus gift of a set of KitchenAid® induction cookware.*

*Limited time offer. While quantities last. Learn More

Coil Cooktops

Coil cooktops are popular for their affordable prices. However, they tend to be more difficult to clean.

Coil cooktops are not available through KitchenAid.

Need a cooktop with the perfect fit for your kitchen? A number of different cooktop sizes are available to best fit your needs.

Cooktops are commonly available in 30”, 36”, and 48” widths. To cater to small spaces, some brands offer cooktops with 15” and 24” widths. The depth can range fairly significantly based on the model and fuel type; the general range is between 20” and 28” deep.

The number of cooktop burners in most cases is related to the width of the cooktop. 15” cooktops often just have 1-2 burners, 24” and 30” cooktops often have 4-5 burners and 36” cooktops often have 5-6 burners. Cooktops that are 48” wide could have as many as 8 burners but many have less and offer additional features such as a Grill or Griddle.

Although most commonly available in black or stainless steel, there are various cooktop styles and colours to compliment your desired kitchen aesthetic. Induction and electric cooktops tend to hold a more modern or contemporary look while gas cooktops have a classic feel. Black tops can sometimes be edged in stainless steel. Some cooktops are available with knobs and some with touch control.

Downdraft Cooktops

Downdraft Cooktops have a built-in ventilation system within the cabinet below that sucks smoke and odours right off the cooking surface. This means you don’t need an additional overhead ventilation hood, which adds flexibility on where to place your cooktop and creates openness in the kitchen. Downdraft cooktops offer a wide range of venting options.

You will typically need more open space under the counter for installation and a proper external floor or wall ventilation for external venting. Always check the installation instruction guide provided by the manufacturer. Check with your builder or cabinet supplier to make sure the cabinet materials used will not discolour, delaminate or sustain other damage.

Cooktops can be installed on a countertop against the wall or, if you want to be more engaged with your guests as you cook, on an island. Some wall ovens can be installed below a cooktop. Ventilation is also a major consideration when deciding where to install your cooktop. You need to ensure there is adequate room to install ventilation that meets your cooktop requirements. This can sometimes be difficult, so use this pairing guide to find the right ventilation for your KitchenAid cooktop.

Though most cooktops slightly protrude out from counters, some sit completely flush with the countertop– a feature often found with luxury radiant and induction cooktop brands.

Manufacturers include templates in their installation guides, so the countertop can be cut to fit your new cooktop. Just be sure your have and follow the manufacturer dimension guide and template.