From simple kitchen tasks like preparing tea to more complicated ones like preparing dinner for your family, cooktops play an important role in our kitchens. Besides, cooktops are some of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. That means you should take your time when buying a cooktop to ensure that you choose one that suits your needs.
However, choosing the best cooktop can be a challenge, especially with the variety of cooktop designs out there to choose from. If you have a challenge in choosing the cooktop that best-suited for your kitchen and household’s needs, you are not alone—almost everyone struggles with this.
Eventually, you will need to balance your cooking habits, aesthetic preferences, and budget to get a cooktop that’s ideal for you. In this post, we shall discuss the top 5 master tips to guide you when buying a cooktop. Read on for more information.
Consider your space
The first thing everyone should consider when purchasing a cooktop is the available space in the kitchen. The last thing you’d want is to buy a cooktop that cannot fit in the space in your kitchen. Thus, you should measure the area where you want to install your cooktop before heading out to the store. Please note that you need to measure both the length and width.
Cooktops come in different sizes. Therefore, when checking the size of your cooktop, don’t forget to consider the type or model too. For instance, if you want to buy a small cooktop, but you cook many meals, consider choosing an induction cooktop since it cooks faster compared to electric and gas stoves.
Check your cooking habits
Yes, it’s important to consider your cooking habits since they will greatly determine the type and number of burners you should buy. For instance, if you cook many meals at a go, consider buying a cooktop with a minimum of five burners.
Below is a breakdown of induction, electric, and gas cooktops, which should allow you to choose a cooktop that suits your cooking needs and habits.
- Induction cooktops – these are the first option for most people because of the energy efficiency, even heat distribution, as well as fast cooking. Also, most people love remaining on top of the current technologies, making induction cooktops the first option for such people. And since induction cooktops don’t have tangible heat, they are safe for your kids. However, it’s important to note that you need special cookware like cast iron, stainless steel, or enamel cast iron if you buy an induction cooktop.
- Electric cooktops – most people love these because of the flexibility in power levels, heating efficiency, and they can fit different sizes and types of cookware. Besides, they are very affordable and the best choice for anyone on a budget.
- Gas cooktops – you can cook any food with a gas cooktop. They come with different options for heat burners, like high-and low-output burners. The reason why most people love gas cooktops is their ability to heat fast. Besides, it’s much easier to adjust the heat levels on gas cooktops. All in all, they are ideal if you have an existing connection at your house. But, if you don’t have an existing gas connection, it’s costly to get one installed.
Aesthetics
When buying a cooktop, choose one that matches the color scheme and these of your kitchen. For instance, you can choose a cooktop with a stainless finishing if all the fittings in your kitchen are stainless. An induction or electric cooktop can be the best option for a kitchen with a contemporary theme, whole gas cooktops are ideal for traditional kitchens. Most cooktops come in stainless, black, or white. Thus, you can match the cooktop with the rest of the appliances in your kitchen.
Safety and energy efficiency
If you are searching for an energy-efficient cooktop, go for an induction cooktop. These cooktops are 10% more energy-efficient than electric cooktops. Also, induction cooktops come with the latest technology, which makes them safe for the user. Because induction cooktops don’t heat the surface, there are zero risks of burns. Furthermore, they don’t emit heat, making them ideal for people living in hot areas or small houses.
Research
Never buy the first cooktop that you see. It’s always a good idea to take your time to research different models. Visit different home stores, department stores, kitchen appliance stores, and discount stores to compare the prices and models. Also, check different online platforms for good deals. Visit different websites to review different cooktops and compare their prices.
Also, before proceeding to your favorite store, check customer reviews. These reviews give honest feedback on the usability, durability, as well as energy efficiency of the cooktop you want to buy. You can make your decision based on these customer reviews. If possible, consult experts like the ones at Hartman’s Jacksonville appliance repair for professional advice.
Bottom Line
Whether you need to upgrade your kitchen or replace your old stove, it’s important to make sure that you buy a cooktop that suits your needs. However, it can be a challenge to find the best cooktop for your kitchen—especially because of the many brands and models out there. However, following these tips will make it easier for you when you go shopping for a cooktop.