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Step 1
Decide what type of cooktop you are looking for. The choices are standard electric and induction cooking.
Induction cooking is great for speed cooking or boiling water very fast. That being said, you may have to buy all new cookware if you don't currently own the right type of cookware. You will need magnetic bottom pans and pots (just any type that a magnet will stick to) or the induction cooktop feature will not work. Not only is induction faster, it is also more energy efficient than your conventional electric cooktop.
Traditional electric cooktops will stay hot for a period of time and may burn someone who is unaware that the cooktop was recently in use.
Note: Copper pots and aluminum pots will not work unless they have a special coating on the bottom of the pot specifically for induction. Typically ceramic and glass pots will not work with induction cooking. -
Step 2
What size are you looking for? The standard size of any cooktop is 30 inches but they are available in both smaller and larger sizes and are measured in width.
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Step 3
The color you choose for your electric cooktop is important. Many people choose to use the same color, style and manufacturer as their wall oven for a uniformed appearance.
Typically, a stainless steel cooktop will cost more than any other color unless you are looking at the new glass appliances in black and white which may cost just as much and are easier to keep clean. -
Step 4
Decide how many burners you need. The standard cooktop has 4 burners, two in the front and two in the back but many new cooktops have 5 burners or more.
Generally speaking, the more burners the cooktop has, the more expensive the cooktop will be.
