6 Best Electric Cooktop Brands by Price

Cooking with Electric Cooktop

At a Glance:

What To Know About Electric Cooktops

Gas vs. Electric Cooktops: Pros and Cons

Cooking technology has seen a remarkable evolution over the years, with electric cooktops emerging as a sleek and efficient alternative to traditional gas stoves. As we step into a world where culinary passion meets cutting-edge innovation, selecting the perfect electric cooktop has become an exciting endeavor. In this article, we delve into the realm of kitchen excellence, exploring the six best electric cooktop brands that seamlessly blend performance, style, and affordability.

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What To Know About Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops are a popular choice for modern kitchens, offering efficient and precise cooking capabilities. These cooktops use electricity to heat up heating elements, providing a flat cooking surface suitable for various pots and pans. The two primary technologies used in electric cooktops are coil and smooth top.

Coil cooktops feature exposed metal coils that heat up when electricity passes through them. They’re generally more affordable but may be harder to clean and offer less even heating compared to smooth tops.

Smooth top cooktops have a sleek, glass-ceramic surface with embedded heating elements beneath them. These provide a more modern and streamlined appearance, and their flat surface makes cleaning easier. Smoothtops can offer better heat distribution and are often equipped with additional features like touch controls and timer settings.

When shopping for an electric cooktop, the price range varies depending on the size, brand, and features. Basic coil cooktops start around $300 to $600, while smooth top models with advanced features can range from $600 to $2,000 or more. High-end options may include induction technology, which uses electromagnetic fields for even faster and more precise cooking but generally comes at a premium price. Overall, the cost of electric cooktops provides a wide range of options to fit different budgets and cooking needs.

Gas vs. Electric Cooktops: Pros and Cons

Gas and electric cooktops are two popular choices for home kitchens, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision based on your cooking preferences and needs.

Gas Cooktop Pros

Here are the pros of using a gas cooktop in your kitchen:

Instant Heat Control: Gas cooktops offer immediate heat adjustments, allowing for precise cooking. When you turn the flame up or down, the change in temperature is almost instantaneous.
Even Heat Distribution: The open flame of gas burners provides more even heat distribution across the bottom of pots and pans, reducing the risk of hot spots.
Versatile Cooking Options: Gas cooktops accommodate a wide range of cookware, including woks and other specialized pots that require direct flame contact.
Lower Operating Cost: In many regions, natural gas is cheaper than electricity, resulting in lower operating costs over time.

Gas Cooktop Cons

Here are the cons of using a gas cooktop in your kitchen:

Higher Upfront Cost: Gas cooktops typically have a higher initial price compared to their electric counterparts. That’s especially true if you need to install a gas line in your home to power the device.
Ventilation Requirements: Gas cooktops produce combustion byproducts that need proper ventilation to ensure safe indoor air quality.
Cleaning Challenges: Gas cooktops can be slightly more challenging to clean due to the presence of burners and grates.

Induction Stove Types

Electric Cooktop Pros

Here are the pros of using an electric cooktop in your kitchen:

Smooth and Easy-to-Clean Surface: Smoothtop electric cooktops provide a flat, easy-to-clean surface without crevices or grates, making maintenance a breeze.
Lower Upfront Costs: Electric cooktops generally have a lower initial cost compared to gas or other models.
Safety Features: Some electric cooktops come with safety features like automatic shut-off and residual heat indicators, providing added peace of mind.
Downdraft Compatibility: A downdraft system is a ventilation mechanism designed to pull cooking fumes downward and expel them outside, instead of using a traditional overhead hood. With this compatibility, you can place your electric cooktop anywhere in the kitchen.

Electric Cooktop Cons

Here are the cons of using an electric cooktop in your kitchen:

Slower Heat Control: Electric cooktops take longer to heat up and cool down, which can be a drawback for certain cooking techniques that require rapid temperature changes.
Uneven Heat Distribution: The heating elements in electric cooktops may not distribute heat as evenly as gas burners, potentially leading to hot spots.
Limited Cookware Compatibility: Electric cooktops may not be suitable for all types of cookware, especially those that require direct flame contact, like woks.

Best Electric Cooktops by Price

Here are some of the best electric cooktops on the market organized from least expensive to most expensive:

GE 36” Black Built In Electric Cooktop

GE Black Built In Electric Cooktop

GE 36in Black Built In Electric Cooktop

Model #: JP3036DLBB

This GE electric cooktop might be the least expensive on the list, but that doesn’t stop it from providing users with expert features. That includes a power boil dual-ring element, a keep warm setting, and a melt setting, which gently melts delicate foods without scorching them.

Each of the features in this 36-inch electric cooktop helps to make this cooktop one of the best on the market for your money. That’s because it gives you all the functionality you need to ensure your kitchen is operating effectively.

Whirlpool 36” Black Electric Cooktop

Whirlpool Black Electric Cooktop

Whirlpool 36in Black Electric Cooktop

Model #: WCE55US6HB

This sleek Whirlpool electric cooktop works with almost any kitchen’s aesthetic, thanks to its ceramic glass top, which also allows you to easily wipe up spills and messes after cooking. Next to that, the surface also has five heating elements, giving you more versatility in the kitchen. That includes a warm zone element and a FlexHeat dual radiant element, which allows you to heat up either a six-inch inner ring or a 10” expandable outer ring.

Frigidaire 36” Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop

Frigidaire Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop

Model #: GCCE3670AS

Though this Frigidaire electric cooktop offers similar features to others, such as its five heating elements and a warming zone, where it really shines is with its EvenTemp element. With this element, heat is evenly distributed across its surface, reducing hot and cold spots in your pan. That allows you to cook more confidentially, knowing that your food is being evenly cooked every time.

Frigidaire also ensures that this cooktop will pair perfectly with any of their electric wall ovens. That means, if you already have a Frigidaire oven installed, this cooktop is a perfect match.

Bosch 500 Series 30” Black Electric Cooktop

Bosch 500 Series Black Electric Cooktop

Model #: NEM5066UC

If you’re looking for cooking power, look no further than this Bosch electric cooktop. Not only does this 30 inch electric cooktop provide similar features mentioned in previous cooktops, but its focus remains on fast and efficient cook times. That’s especially thanks to its powerful 2,500W right-front burner, which heats up quickly and gives users much faster boil times.

This cooktop is also perfect for those who prefer clear communication and safety in their kitchen. Thanks to its two-level heat indicator, it will warn you if your cooktop is simply warm, or if it’s too hot to touch.

KitchenAid 30” Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop

Model #: KCED600GSS

Though this KitchenAid electric cooktop comes powered with features like its double-ring round element and its Even-Heat ultra element, it also comes with a downdraft ventilation system. That means you can put this cooktop almost anywhere in your kitchen and you never have to worry about placing a ventilation system over it.

That’s because this ventilation system comes with a 300 CFM exhaust rating, which means it can handle the venting of high-temperature cooking techniques. It also has a three-speed fan control, which can precisely match your cooking needs removing steam, grease, and odors from the air.

JennAir 30” Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop

JennAir Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop

Model #: JED3430GS

This JennAir electric cooktop with downdraft ventilation is very similar to the one offered by KitchenAid. It offers three speeds and proximity ventilation to capture smoke, steam, and more, whisking it down and out of your cooking space. However, thanks to its perimetric extraction, it also performs this task while maintaining a fairly quiet operation.

Next to that, this sleek cooktop also provides users with an aesthetically pleasing design thanks to its color-coordinating die-cast metal knobs, which work for both designs the cooktop comes in. That means you can feel good about this cooktop choice both for functionality and design.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about electric cooktops:

Is a Cooktop the Same as a Stove?

No, a cooktop and a stove are not the same. A cooktop refers to the surface with burners for cooking, often separate from an oven. A stove combines a cooktop and an oven in a single appliance.

Can an Electric Cooktop Be Replaced?

Yes, an electric cooktop can be replaced. It often involves disconnecting the old cooktop, installing a new one, and ensuring proper electrical connections. It’s recommended to hire a professional for safety and proper installation, as it requires dealing with electrical wiring and potentially modifying your countertop space.

How Long Do Electric Cooktops Last?

The lifespan of a cooktop typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on the usage, maintenance, and quality. Regular cleaning and care can extend its life, while factors like wear and tear, technological advancements, and repairs may influence its longevity.

Why Trust Texas Appliance?

With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built–in and free–standing appliances in the state of Texas.

We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors, and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity, and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.

Shop Electric Cooktops at Texas Appliance

Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop electric cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the perfect electric cooktop — whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.

Learn More: 3 Top KitchenAid Appliance Packages to Complete Your Kitchen