How to Choose a Cooktop

If you enjoy cooking and spend a great deal of time using your cooktop, you'll want to invest in something dependable, convenient and appropriate for your kitchen. A careful analysis of your cooking habits will make selection easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Product Brochures
• Measuring Tapes
• Consumer Reports
• Consumer Reports
• Consumer Reports

1. Measure the area where your cooktop will be placed. Most cooktops are 30 or 36 inches wide.

2. Consider the venting needs for your cooktop and how you will accommodate them.

3. Decide if you want a gas or an electric cooktop.

4. Select the surface for your cooktop. Possibilities include porcelain-enamel, ceramic-glass or sealed tops that keep spills from going under the cooktop.

5. Pay special attention to cleaning features. Lift-up cooktops and removable grates and knobs make the cooktop easy to clean.

6. Look for special features such as a simmering burner, a power burner, burners that adjust heat output to the size of the pan on the burner, grilling capabilities and automatic pilot lights.

7. Discuss the warranty, what it covers and whether it is included in the cooktop price.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you are able to install the cooktop yourself, you may have to pay extra for installation.

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on 4/13/2009 Don't overlook "Induction Cooktops"! The prices have come down in recent years and the benefits are worth every penny."Cooking Green - Induction Cooktops - Cooking Cool!" on www.byoh.com is an excellent article. It's under the "Kitchen 4" category.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to discuss installation of a backsplash of ceramic tile or metal to diffuse heat when using all burners w/ large pots. If not done a melting/discoloration situation could
occur on back wall.