Consider an electric cooktop if you are remodeling your kitchen or simply upgrading your stovetop. Our comprehensive guide will help you decide on what the best electric cooktops are for your kitchen. The number one feature of a smooth top electric cooktop is the fact that it’s easy to clean. This makes it the primary reason so many people want to install it.
When adding one of the best electric cooktops to your kitchen it will usually be installed to a solid surface countertop. This is done with safety guidelines that an experienced professional installer will know about. Whether you are installing an electric, gas, or induction countertop, you will want to make sure the type of countertop you choose can handle it.
While many professional chefs will say they prefer a gas stovetop there are still people who prefer electric. Additionally, adding a gas line might not be an option for you depending on your neighborhood and budget. On the other hand, some chefs have said that the only electric stovetop they would get is an induction electric stovetop. Induction is more responsive to temperature changes similar (but not quite) to a gas stove. Whereas a pure electric stovetop is slower to respond to the temperature changes. Therefore take a look at our well researched best electric cooktop guide.
The Best Electric Cooktops 2021
Even though it might be a little bit more difficult to control the temperature on an electric stovetop, there are many cooks who prefer electric. The best electric cooktops have a minimal design but come in all shapes and sizes. More importantly, they are easy to clean, and lastly are usually less expensive than a gas range. If you need a bakeware set that is easy to clean check out our guide.
Top-Rated Electric Cooktops!
- GASLAND Chef IH77BF 240V Electric Induction Cooktop.
The Gasland Chef Induction Cooktop is our pick for the best electric cooktops. Chefs prefer induction heat over standard electric. Another plus is that this comes in 6 sizes and has a safety lock for children. Allowing you to pick a cooktop that can fit into any type of kitchen that you have. If you are searching for what the best electric cooktop for the money is, look no further!
Pros:
- The 4 burners don’t require a lot of space. In turn, allowing you to have more counter space in your kitchen.
- Non-scratch surface.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Installation instructions not clear.
- The surface stays warm for 15 minutes after cooking is done.
- Ecotouch Electric Stove Top
For over 20 years the Ecotouch brand has been helping people through innovation and design.
The cooktop dimensions are 30.21 x 20.47 x 2.36 inches . The depth is 2.36″, which will make the cutout dimension 29.13″ x 19.29″. Therefore be sure to measure the hole that you want to drop this electric cooktop into. Which brand of the cooktop is the best will depend on if you want to go with a standard electric cooktop or an induction. This model is an induction electric cooktop.
Pros:
- Heats up fast.
- Easy to control the temperature, even down to a simmer.
- You can use this electric stovetop in an outdoor kitchen.
- Easy to install, even if you are not an electrition.
- No knobs, so you won’t have dirt or grime getting caught under them.
- No stainless steel borders around the perimeter.
Cons:
- The controls are too touch-sensitive, causing them to go on and off with the slightest touch.
- If your hands are wet, the electric stovetop controls may not respond to your touch.
- Powerful 30 inch Electric Cooktop 4 Burner: Along with 2 expandable elements, the built-in electric cooktop 4 burners reaches high power output of 6800W: 1200W+1200W+ 1100W/2000W(Dual) +1200W/2400W(Dual), which supports 4 dishes cooking simultaneously and meets all cooking needs including melting chocolate, heating milk, braise, fry, simmer, stew, steaming, boil, stir-frying and roast, great cooking helper with big meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas and etc.
- Perfect Electric Stove Top 30 Inch Design: Modern sleek black smoothtop 4 burner cooktop electric with built-in design, ECOTOUCH radiant electric cooktop stove offers space-saving option for your lovely kitchenette, also quite an easy cleaning up design compared to those with knobs. Upgraded premium Ceramic Glass reduces the chance of glass cracking and it is high-temperature resistant, specially made for US houses
- Easy Control 30 Inch Electric Cooktop: Instead of changing setting step by step, you could achieve precise power level and timer settings by sliding finger over the slidding buttons. 1-99min Timer and Continue/Pause function makes cooking easy and enjoyable, almost heating up instantly due to application of premium heating elements, no more waiting for warming up. Now, set power&timer and then enjoy leisure cooking time
- Safe 30" Ceramic Glass Cook Top: Applied with with multiple safety protections, such as Residual Heat Indicator, Over-Temperature Protection, Auto-Shutoff Protection, Child Lock, these greatly protects the cooking safety of you and your families, also no induction radiation to children and pregnant women. Strict tested during manufacturing and approval by ETL standards, you could expect long lifespan of the electric cooktop 30 inch
- User Friendly 220v Electric Cooktop: Works with all kind cookwares and it comes 4.9ft premium conduited power cord fixed to the 30" electric cooktop, quite easy DIY installation with basic handy skills. Perfectly well packed and avoids any damage during shipment. Please confirm if the cooktop stove top is suitable before purchasing: works off 220~240V/60Hz(NOT for 120V), product size (WxDxH): 30 3/10"x 20 1/2" x 2 9/25", cut out size :(WxD): 29 3/20" x 19 3/10"
- Ramblewood 4 Burner 30″ Electric Cooktop, EC4-70, 7200W
This one is a simple electric cooktop, not an induction cooktop. Which means you don’t need to buy special pots and pans in order for it to work.
Pros:
- Low price point. (under $400)
- Simple to install.
Cons:
- Burners come on with the just about anything that touches them. Be careful!
- Takes a long time to bring water to a boil.
- 7200 W Radiant Burner. Precision digital control. 9 power levels. Timer function(99 Mins.).
- Output Power: 7200W (2000W 1800W 1200W 2200W). Input: 220-240V AC / 60Hz (for US/Canada).
- Glass dimension: 30"(W) x 20.08"(D) x 2.17"(H). *** Cut out dimension: 27.95"(W) x 18.9"(D).
- Simple and reliable. Safety features include Child Safety Lock & Residual heat indicator for hot surface warning
- One year warranty. Glass damage is exclusively covered by the warranty if determined to be the result of transportation or delivery mishaps and promptly reported upon receipt of the product.
- Empava Electric Stove Induction Cooktop
The Empava has great reviews, you have an option to buy the 2 burner cooktop or the 5 burner cooktop. This is definitely a runner up for one of the best electric cooktops, the ceramic glass surface is for sure a highlight!
Pros:
- Simple to set up.
- Great price point.
Cons:
- Temperature knobs break easily.
- Scratches easily.
- The USA & Canada ETL Certified Electric Stove Induction Cooktop designed and engineered in the USA by Empava Appliances with 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty.
- The flawless Empava smooth vitro ceramic glass surface allows for effortless cleanup, manufactured without the release of hazardous metals into the ground and withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping. Approved for installation over any Empava brand 24 in. under-counter single wall ovens. Most stainless steel and cast-iron cookware are induction compatible.
- Hot Surface indicator - An "H" will appear in the surface cooking area display let you know when elements are hot to the touch with just a glance. Pan size sensor heats the element to the size of your cookware and turns off when no pan is present for safety and more efficient cooking. With induction cooking, heat is generated directly in the cookware, so the cooktop stays cooler to the touch, with child control lock feature prevents unintended activation for added safety.
- Enjoy minimal cleanup with stain and heat discoloration resistant spills can’t burn onto the surface, easy-to-clean vitro ceramic smooth surface glass will provide you with a reliable cooktop for years to come.
- 9 Temperature level settings (120°F to 460°F) , 8 Power Level settings from 300W to 1800W on Left Burner, 6 Power Level settings from 300W to 1300W on Right Burner power sharing. It has a heating level from as low as 300w to fast boiling, accurate and easy temperature changes at the touch of a button, boil, stew, fry, stir fry, switch from one mode to another as needed, making cooking easy and enjoyable.
- Kenyon B41601 6-1/2-Inch Caribbean 2-Burner Cooktop
One great feature about this cooktop is that it features push to turn knob control for adjusting the temperature. As a result, you will not have the issue of it turning on accidentally. The touch-sensitive electric cooktop have been known to get turned on by brushing something against the surface. Do not worry about that happening here!
Pros:
- Manual push temperature control.
- Heats up quickly.
- Great for a kitchenette or studio apartment.
- The best electric cooktops with knobs.
Cons:
- Not recommended for extra-large pots and pans. Large pots and pans might hit the knobs and start to melt them.
- Electric Cooktop: Enjoy the fun of efficient cooking with the Kenyon B41601 Caribbean 2-Burner Cooktop. This sleek electric cooktop combines value with virtue, offering smooth, clear black glass and effortless operation for a nice cooking experience.
- Safety Features: Crafted from durable ceramic glass, this 120V cooktop includes safety features that are uniquely Kenyon. The heat-limiting cooking surface prevents accidental burns, while the ON and HOT burner indicator lights provide added peace of mind.
- Knob Control: With push-to-turn knob controls and infinite heat control, our electric cooktop lets you easily adjust the heat to your desired level. The quick-to-heat radiant ribbon elements ensure that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly every time.
- Complements Your Kitchen: Our electric cooktop is designed to fit into a standard countertop cutout of the same size. The smooth black glass with white graphics gives the cooktop a modern and sophisticated look that will complement any kitchen decor.
- Other Details: The electric cooktop with two 6.5” burners is approved by UL/C-UL and has been tested for safety and compliance with electrical standards. Available in black, the cooktop includes a 3-year product replacement assurance by the manufacturer.
- Bosch NITP066UCBenchmark 30″ Black Electric Induction Cooktop
Lastly, the sixth item on our list for the best electric cooktops is a high-end induction cooktop made by Bosch.
With a high-end cooktop like Bosch, it has more options for increasing the temperature. Having 18 heat setting will give you more control over your cooking. The Bosch electric cooktop also has a large heat element for a griddle or an extra-large pan.
Pros:
- 18 heat settings.
- Comes with a timer built into the electric cooktop.
- Very responsive and quick to heat up and cool down. (comparable to a gas burner)
Cons:
- Must place the induction-compatible pot right in the center or the large burner in order for it to work.
- The price is high.
- 4 Cooking Zones + SpeedBoost
- 3,600 Watt
- 11" Element
- FlexInduction Zone
- PreciseSelect 17 Settings
Types of Electric Stovetops [What are the Best Electric Cooktops?]
Smoothtop electric
A smooth top electric stove has the heating element underneath a seamless piece of a glass-ceramic blend. This type of stovetop is so easy to clean, which is precisely why many homeowners choose it. Not having to scrub the circular metal trays that are underneath a coil stovetop just might be reason enough to purchase a smooth top electric stove.
Another feature that smooth top electric stoves have is the warming zone. It is essentially an element dedicated to providing lower heat to keep foods warm.
Traditional coil stovetop
This type of stove uses circular burners or coils which house the heating element. You don’t need special cookware for a coil or ring top burner stove. The coil burners glow red and get very hot when they are turned on. Coil stoves have drip pans underneath the coils, which have to be routinely cleaned. Cleaning these drip pans can be such a hassle. In turn, being the primary reason people upgrade to a smooth top electric stove.
Smoothtop Induction Stovetop
Oftentimes the smooth top induction cooktops are the better than the traditional electric cooktops. How does an induction cooktop work? Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field which induces a current into the pot.
First, you turn on the induction cooktop. Second, an alternating current is passed through a copper wire. Third, this results in a magnetic field which induces energy into the pot.
Are All Glasstop Stoves Induction?
No, a glass top stove can be an electric cooktop or induction cooktop. Both induction cooktops and standard electric cooktops will have a blend of glass and ceramic on the surface. They are called smooth top stoves.
Ceramic Cooktops Vs. Induction Cooktops: What’s the Difference?
Are ceramic cooktops the same as induction cooktops? Both electric cooktops and induction cooktops have a smooth ceramic surface. When most people are referring to a ceramic cooktop they are referring to a traditional electric cooktop, not induction. An electric ceramic cooktop is a smooth top appliance, that has heating coils underneath the surface of the glass. Not all cookware will work on induction cooktops. However, you can brown meats or veggies in the dutch oven by Great Jones, on an induction cooktop, then roast the entire pot in the oven.
While they are called ceramic cooktops, in all reality they are a blend of ceramic and glass. This blend of glass and ceramic is a very strong substance that can withstand high heat without shattering.
If you want a smooth surface, non-induction cooktop go with an electric cooktop. A ceramic electric cooktop has a heating coil underneath the flat ceramic/glass blend. This coil heats up and then transfers the heat to the ceramic cooktop, which in turn warms the pan. This being the reason why eclectic cooktops take more time to heat food. An important feature to realize is that they are less precise than a gas or induction cooktop. For this reason, we chose the GASLAND Chef IH77BF 240V Electric Induction Cooktop, as our pick for the best electric cooktop.
The Best Electric Cooktops, Induction is High on the List!
On the other hand, an Induction cooktop uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to heat up the coils. This electrical current transfers energy into a metal ferromagnetic pot or pan. The pan must be placed on the surface in order to induce the magnetic field. When the ferromagnetic pot comes in contact with the induction cooktop, it will heat the pot through Joule heating. In simpler terms, the food heats up by placing a pot that is a good conductor on the stovetop.
Some major differences in ceramic cooktops vs induction cooktops are:
- Induction requires compatible pots and pans. You must buy cookware that is labeled to be used with induction cooktops.
- Induction heats the food faster.
- With an induction cooktop, you have more control over temperature, similar to a gas range.
Induction cooktops are becoming more popular now than 10 years ago. The global induction cooktop market is on the uprise and each year grows a little bit bigger. Single burner induction cooktops are very popular in Japan. Primarily allowing Japan to be at the forefront of induction cooking.
Most major appliance brands offer cooktop ranges in gas, electric, and now induction.
How to tell if your cooktop is electric or induction?
Did you just move into a new apartment or house and need to know if your stove is electric or induction? Read below for info on how to tell the difference between an electric cooktop or induction. If you are looking for the best electric cooktops then our guide above will help you choose. Finding the right under-counter toaster oven for your new apartment is also going to make cooking meals at home fun.
Firstly you will need to know whether you have an electric or induction stove because you’ll need to know what type of cookware to buy for your new home. Cookware is specially designed with magnetic bottoms, this allows it to work on an induction stovetop.
- An induction cooktop should be labeled with the word “induction” somewhere on the glass surface.
- If you don’t see this label, then turn the stovetop on. Does it glow red? If it does then you most likely have an eclectic cooktop, not an induction.
- Look for the manufacture label, then google it and find out exactly what type of cooktop you have.
- Turn the stovetop on and feel from a distance if the surface is getting hot. If it is then you have an electric cooktop.
Do Chefs Prefer a Gas stovetop or an Induction Cooktop?
Ask almost any chef and they will always say that they prefer a gas stovetop. Some chefs, utilize a combination of gas stovetops and induction. For example, In the Mother Jones article, Chef Barber at New Yorks Blue Hill restaurant mentions that he has an electric single burner induction top at every food prep station. This allows him and his staff to utilize gas for the recipes that require more temperature control. At the same time, they have the option to utilize the induction cooktops. Oftentimes Chefs have an emotional attachment to the open flame of a gas range. Which is why we Chefs get so passionate when talking about our gas ranges.
Final Verdict: What Are The Best Electric Cooktops?
Being that the Gasland Chef features so many size options with a great price point, it comes in at #1. I would have to say it is definitely a contender for the best electric cooktop, specifically since it is an induction smooth top. Especially with so many chefs saying that their #1 alternative to gas would be induction. Another bonus is that the 4 burner cooktop is under $350 and you can get it delivered on Amazon Prime. The child safety lock is also a great feature.
If you are looking for more of a high-end cooktop model with more features then go for our Bosch pick. Many of the electric cooktops will come with a money-back guarantee if you order them through Amazon.
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