At a Glance
Gas Cooktops Types, Sizes, and Configurations
What to Look for in a Gas Cooktop
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
When designing or remodeling a small kitchen or kitchenette, a cooktop is the only way to go. Unlike ranges, gas and electric cooktops sit nestled within a cutout on your counter. You’ll be able to use the storage underneath to keep pots and pans easily accessible. In the right circumstances, cooktops work in larger kitchens as well.
Like ranges, there are many different types of cooktops. Both electric cooktops and gas cooktops are available with a range of designs and features. The decision for electric or gas cooktops may be made for you if you are remodeling an existing kitchen. When a gas line is available or easily installed, gas cooktops are preferred by cooks who like to maintain tight control on flame and temperature.
Not all gas cooktops are created equally. This guide will help you decide on the best gas cooktop for you.
Pros and Cons of Gas Cooktops
Is a gas cooktop right for your kitchen? Like any appliance, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making an investment. Gas cooktops are an alternative to ranges when designing small kitchens. Opting for a gas cooktop gives you additional storage for items you need when you cook. They keep pots, pans, and cooking utensils within easy reach without sacrificing cabinet space for other items.
Getting a gas cooktop does have a significant downside. Whereas a freestanding gas range is just slid into place where it will fit, a gas cooktop is installed on top of the cabinets similar to installing a kitchen sink into a counter cutout.
Know how to install a gas cooktop and whether or not you are able to handle it on your own. If you have a remodeler or cabinet installer, let them know right away that you are planning on installing a cooktop so that the counters can be designed and cut to accommodate one.
Hiring someone to install your cabinets and counters is more feasible when you opt for a cooktop over a range. Cooktops are much more budget-friendly. For example, the LG gas cooktop above runs $1,000 - $1,500 on average and has every bit as much cooking power as the cooktop on a similar $2500 - $3,000 LG gas range.
The only other downside to gas cooktops is that you will need to install a separate wall oven if you want to be able to bake. This is a good option for bakers who are willing to pay more for high-quality wall ovens over a range. It is also a good option for remodeling or designing small kitchens to maximize use of the space.
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Gas CooktopsGas Cooktops Types, Sizes, and Configurations
There are three main factors you need to consider when shopping for gas cooktops. If you are remodeling an existing kitchen, the size and ventilation needed for the cooktop may be predetermined. Choosing the right type and configuration of burners becomes even more of a deciding factor in these cases.
Burner Configurations
Look for gas cooktops that have enclosed or sealed burners for easier cleanups and to improve cooking safety. As for configurations, most gas cooktops have either 4 or 5 burners of varying sizes depending on the design.
Five burner 30” gas cooktops are available, but at least two of the burners will be smaller with the largest burner in the center. The four burner models give you more cooking surface for larger pans, and with a continuous burner grate you can still use the gas cooktop with a griddle.
Comparing BTUs on Gas Cooktops
What you use your gas cooktop for and how frequently should be considered when comparing BTU specs. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit is a measurement of the heat output of gas appliances like stoves, gas ranges, and gas cooktops. Now you might be wondering, “How many BTUs do I need?”
High BTU gas cooktops are really designed for pro-style chefs. The higher the BTUs, the faster you can cook a high-volume of food. Everyday home cooks don’t need all that power. Higher BTUs lead to higher price tags, more fuel usage, and more expensive ventilation requirements. But, if you’re a professional level cook, it could be worth the investment.
Ventilation Options
Ventilation is a must for any gas cooktop. If you don’t have the space for a range hood, you’ll need alternative ventilation. Luckily, there are a few different cooktop designs that make ventilation easy and effective.
The gas cooktops with downdraft are the most ingenious. They pull the smoke and odors back down through the cooktop and out through ductwork, eliminating the need for a range hood. But the ventilation options don’t stop there.
Consider the above KitchenAid gas cooktop. In addition to the downdraft ventilation design, this cooktop can be converted to a ductless system. With the purchase and installation of a ductless ventilation system, the smoke and odors can be recycled within the unit so that it can be placed almost anywhere.
What to Look for in a Gas Cooktop
There are some additional features you should look for when shopping for a gas cooktop. Auto electric relight is an important safety feature that prevents gas from being released without a flame. If the flame goes out, it will reignite on its own. Cast iron burner grates are durable and easy to clean, while continuous grates offer more functionality with griddles and larger pans.
Temperature control is another factor in choosing a gas cooktop. Gas can release heat into the room instead of focusing it on the pan or pot on the burner. Even though gas gives more control over the flame, it can be harder to control where that heat goes. Look for gas cooktops designed to circumvent this obstacle.
For example, the Thermador gas cooktop is designed to focus the energy and heat from the burner into the pans on the stove for more even heating and easier temperature control. It also has low heat modes so that you can simmer effectively with a small flame.
Finally, size is an important consideration when choosing a gas cooktop. A 36” gas cooktop with additional or bigger burners is nice, but it might not fit the cutout you have available. If you are just replacing the cooktop and not the cabinets or counters, you need to get a cooktop that fits the existing cutout. If you want a 36” cooktop over the standard 30” models, let your cabinet or counter installer know during the design stage.
Need more help figuring out the right gas cooktop for your kitchen? Our experts can help you make the right decision.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services and then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Gas Cooktops at Bekins
Stop by Bekins to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop gas cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you identify the best gas cooktop for your home — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Best Induction Cooktop Recommendations for Quick & Efficient Cooking
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