FAQ

A lot of people ask this question every time they have to make a choice on the type of cooktop to buy, and someone advises them to go induction cooking. Electric and gas cooktops seem to be more popular than the induction model models, and most people automatically go for either of those two. According to a consumer report on induction cooktops, induction cooktops are faster, safer, and much more efficient than either gas or electric cooktops. This is because an induction cooktop operates using an electromagnetic field below the glass surface, which transfers heat directly to the induction cookware, causing it to heat up. The cooktop doesn’t heat up, only the cookware. Which makes it safer (no exposure to direct fire or heat), and more comfortable to use and clean.

Downdraft cooktop, as opposed to a hooded cooktop, has a fan connected to a tube under the floor connecting to a vent. The fan sucks smokes and fumes from cooktop into the tunnel from which it is passed out through a vent. So why go for a downdraft cooktop? There are many good reasons for that. Most downdraft cooktops are cheap and affordable since there’s no need for additional installation, the pipes and vents are already built-in with the apartment, and the unit is too inexpensive. The unit is also easy to clean since you do not need to worry about the build-up of smoke and fumes. And usually, downdraft cooktops always have a stylish and compact design making it easy to handle.

Ceramic cooktops are state of the art designs. They are much safer and a lot of times more efficient. In some cases, these ceramic cases house the old fashion coil heating elements (which are not bad), but in most cases, inside the ceramic construction is a state of the art electromagnetic burner for induction cooking. Ceramic cooktops are usually very safe, compact, and fit for any countertop. We all can agree to the fact that ceramic materials always look good, so ceramic cooktops will undoubtedly benefit the aesthetics of your kitchen, giving it a classy look.

Induction cooktops (also called hobs in European countries) are basically an electromagnet used for cooking. Inside the external construction is an electronically controlled metal coil. When it is connected to a power source, electric current flows through the coil, and this produces a magnetic field all around it. The alternating current is used, as alternating currents keep reversing directions, these actions cause fluctuating magnetism, which then produces heat. So induction cooktops generate heat by continually changing magnetic fields.

Obviously, there is no exact answer to this question as the cost of various induction cooktops will depend on a lot of deciding factors, the most critical factor being the number of burners the cooktop comes with. The prices vary depending on the brand and the manufacturers. But for most, induction cooktops are more expensive than electric or gas cooktops, and for 2 burners induction cooktops, their prices range between $100 to $300, and some exquisite designs even cost more!

Cooktop grates are made of cast iron, and during the cooking process, the cast iron gets hot, and anything that falls or pours on it gets baked immediately, now this can be a bit of a hassle to get rid of so here is the best and easiest way for you to do that. All you need is some ammonia, yeah you read that right. Ammonia, the smell is not so great but it works quite well, all you need to do is get some ammonia, put the grate in a baggie with the ammonia and let it sit overnight, in the morning rinse the grate with warm water and you will be surprised as all the gunk will just wash off the grate. Or you can just get a hard brush with some cleaning solution and start scrubbing.

Obviously, you cannot scrub a glass hotplate with a brush; you will be defacing it; neither can you soak it in a liquid, so how do you get rid of all the gunk and baked grease on the cooktop? If you can afford to, you can head to the mart and get the expensive cleaning materials, specific for cleaning glass cooktops, or you can opt for the cheap option. Baking soda and vinegar will get the job done. First, spray the cooktop with the vinegar and wipe down with a towel, soak the towel in water to dampen then sprinkle some baking soda on the cooktop. Cover the cooktop with the damp towel and after some time, wipe off the baking soda from the cooktop with some elbow grease and the baking soda. Use razor for stubborn gunk.

Ceramic cooktops are easily scratch, so most manufacturers include individual sachets containing cleaning materials with the package. The sachets usually contain a special cleaner to remove grime and dirt from the cooktop without being so abrasive as to leave a scratch on the surface. Some manufacturers also include in the package, special scrapers that are safe to use on ceramic or even glass tops. But if you do not have this equipment, you can use the method for cleaning glass cooktops.

Usually, induction cooktops are easy to clean as only the cookware, and the cooking area gets hot. The body of the cooktop stays the same temperature, so any food material spilling on it will not get baked, and it can simply be wiped off using a towel. Just wait until you are done with your cooking, and the cooktop cools off. You can then pour a small amount of cooktop cleaner on the cooktop and wipe the top with the towel until the surface is clean. You can then use a dry towel to wipe the liquid off the cooktop. For heavy cleaning, you can use white vinegar and baking soda in the same method used for glass cooktops.

Cooking for long hours on a stretch or continuously, without cleaning at intervals will leave your cooktop pretty dirty and all grimy. Cleaning this may then seem quite scary at first, with all the pile of gunk and grease, but it is quite easy. If your cooktop is dishwasher safe, then stick it inside the dishwasher, that’ll do the job, but if it’s not, then you have to do it manually. Remove the burner caps and wash them in hot soapy water. Use a scrubber with hot soapy water to clean the cooktop surface, you can also use the scrubber to the burner knobs. Spray the surface with clean water, then wipe it dry with a towel or rags, leave everything to dry. Re-assemble the cooktop after all the components are dry.

For a lot of people, induction cooking is a new concept, and most people are not yet familiar with the operations and use of these designs. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to operate and use an induction cooktop. The first and most crucial step is to get the right cooktops, any cookware with some iron on the bottom will do. Turn on your induction cooktop using the power button or knob, depending on the type available. Place the cookware on the cooktop, the cooktop will sense your cookware and start to heat it up immediately. Then you can start cooking.

Cleaning appliances with stainless steel construction is usually quite easy. But if you still can’t figure it out, here’s some help for you. Make a solution of warm water with any cleaner that does not have chlorine in it, dip a towel or kitchen cloth in the solution, wring it to squeeze out any excess solution, then place it over a section of your cooktop. Use as many towels or cloths as needed until the whole cooktop is covered, let it sit for 15 minutes if you notice the towels drying, sprinkle some solution on it. After the time is up, remove the clothes and gently scrub off the stains with a soft sponge or brush. Wipe it off with clean water and use a clean, dry towel to wipe off excess water. Use vinegar water to polish the surface and let it dry.

Glass cooktops are incredibly fragile and prone to getting damaged often. Now it can be quite a hassle having to take the cooktop to technicians to help you repair it every time it gets damaged, so you need to be able to DIY anytime you have such problems.

If it is just a mild scratch, it can be buffed and polished up, but if it is a major deep scratch or even a broken or cracked glass, then you need to replace it. This is quite easy.

Make sure your cooktop is disconnected from the power source, locate where the screws that hold the glass in are located, unscrew the glass surface, and remove the broken glass.

Put in the replacement part and screw it in. If the problem is with the heating, i.e., the cooktop is not heating up properly, then check the switch and the burners; one of these will be responsible for the problem.

Even though induction cooktops have more complex construction and functionality than gas and electric cooktops, they are straightforward to turn on. Just plug your induction cooktop to a power outlet, then flip the power switch or turn the knob depending on which is available on the cooktop.

A lot of people are always confused when they want to get a cooktop, and they end up asking this question. We can’t give you a specific answer, but the best way to choose a cooktop is for you to consider all your cooking needs and capabilities with your budget then get a cooktop that will meet all your needs within your budget. Also see our review and guide for cooktop here

A better question is, “Do I want a similar cooktop to my old cooktop?” If the answer is yes, then go on ahead and get a cooktop that offers similar abilities as your old cooktop. But if you want something different, then you need to be sure of what you want, probably make a list of the things you want in your new cooktop then go out and look for that cooktop that will give you all the things you want in your new cooktop and doesn’t have the things you hated in your old cooktop.

Definitely, The average temperature needed for stir-frying meat is 330°F, which is like the medium temperature setting for most induction cooktop, while for vegetables, the ideal temperature is 210°F. So if you’re wondering if induction cooktops will be hot enough for stir-frying, that answer is definitely yes!

Often times, cooktops are mistaken for cooktops, ditto for cooktops mistaken as stoves. But they are actually different. They both serve the same purpose, of course (supply heat for cooking food) But the main difference is in there structure and functionality.

A stove can be the entire cooking appliance containing the burner, the fuel storage, the heat source, and the cooktop, yes, the cooktop. While the cooktop only houses the burner and the mechanisms that convert the fuel to heat. The cooktop needs to be attached to an external fuel source while the stove houses its fuel source. But in the case of electric stoves and cooktops, there’s little to no difference.

A better question is, “what is the standard size?” Just with all appliances and equipment, cooktops come in different sizes, some of which have been termed standard, mainly because they are in popular demand. Now “standard size” depends on a lot of factors.

And the standard is only determined by what each individual consider and accepts as standard, so all cooktops are a relatively standard size. But if you’re still not satisfied with that reply, most two burner and three burner cooktops are the standard size for private use, but for commercial use, five-burner and six-burner cooktops are the standards.

The main difference between this two is their external construction, one of which is glass and the other ceramic material, Both are quite fragile so you know you should be extremely careful with the way you handle them. For glass cooktops, the ability to increase heat levels is not much like that of the ceramic material. They tend to crack in the long run before their ceramic counterparts. Glass cooktop, however, is much easier to clean, but ceramic cooktops are easier to maintain.

Induction cooktops are smoothtop appliances that utilize powerful electromagnets to generate heat.

Induction cooktops operate using the principles of electromagnetism and induction. An induction cooktop operates using an electromagnetic field created by the alternating current supplied to the metal below the glass surface. This creates heat, which is then transferred directly to the induction cookware placed on the top, causing it to heat up.

Downdraft cooktop is a cooktop equipped with a fan that sucks smoke and fumes down into a pipe laid under the floor instead of having hood traps all the smoke.

These cooktops are not equipped with extractor fans or a cooking hood attached to the top. But it has a downdraft fan that sucks smoke into a pipe, through a tube and out through a vent.

Just as the name implies, a ceramic cooktop is a cooktop made of ceramic material. Mainly for its exterior construction. Ceramic cooktops feature coiled heating element housed inside tempered ceramic materials.

While cooking, these elements are electronically heated, and the heat is then transferred to the burner. The burners are usually made of steel materials that can conduct and withstand high temperatures. Apart from stainless steel and glass, ceramic is another viral material used for housing electrical and heat appliances.

Now, this is a tough question to answer because it depends on a lot of factors but with careful review and consideration of popular opinion. It was accepted that the best Induction cooktop is the GE Profile PHP9036SJSS. It features five different burners with different heating capabilities. This 36-inch cooktop has vitro glass construction and is available in black color. It is the best in terms of value for money.

This is definitely Bosch NGM5655UC500 36-inch Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop. This cooktop is fit for anyone looking for an excellent cooking experience. The 36-inch cooking unit has a spacious cooking surface that can accommodate 5 pans or pots at the same time.

The unit has a stainless steel construction that is easy to clean and maintain, it can produce a maximum of 16000BTUs per hour combined from the five burners. Thanks to its simple design, the device is easy to operate.

The GE Profile PP7036SJSS 36″ Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop is our pick for this one. This electric cooktop is designed to look like an induction cooktop safe for the control knobs attached to the sides instead of soft buttons available in induction cooktops.

This electric unit has a total of five heating elements with varying sizes and heating capacity. The total wattage of this cooktop is between 1200Wand 3000W. This unit is equipped with anything you could ever want in an electric cooktop. You should check it out.

Before you buy that induction cooktop, you must know the type of cookware you can use with the cooktop. This is because induction cooktops do not work with any and every available cookware, only cookware made with materials that have specific magnetic properties.

These are magnetic based materials such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Aluminum, copper, or glass cookware will not work with induction cooktops. If you’re not sure if your cookware can work with induction cooktop, try sticking a piece of magnet to it; if it sticks, then it is induction compatible.

Under normal circumstances, “No” But as with all electrical appliances, it can cause a fire if there is a problem with the power supply, power outlet, or the plugging cable.

Gas cooktops are very easy to install, so you can do it as a DIY project if you want to, The installation steps and procedures should be stated in the manufacturer’s instructional manual.

If you can follow the steps in the manual, you will be able to fully install your gas cooktop without needing the help of a technician at all. If your gas cooktop does not come with an installation instruction, you can check online for tips on how to go about the installation process.

This depends on the fault with the glass cooktop. If the problem is related to the glass surface (cracked or broken), the glass surface can be replaced. If the problem is with the metal ring conducting electricity, it can be repaired or repaired depending on the extent of the fault. Depending on the severity of the damage to the glass cooktop, the damaged part can be repaired or replaced.

The answer to this question comes down to price performance and preference. For convenience and flexibility, cooktops certainly are one up on ranges. Also, cooktops are certainly cheaper than ranges.

While you will spend nothing less than $1500 on a good range, you can get an excellent cooktop for $900 and below. And also, as mentioned before, cooktops are very much flexible and can be tailored to your cooking habits. Considering all these factors, we can say cooktops are better than ranges.

Cooktops are definitely not out of style, they are very much in popular demand, and more than 80% of homes in the United States have a cooktop, and the need for cooktops keeps increasing daily.

Of all the various types and designs of cooktop available right now, the induction cooktop is still the safest. This is because, unlike gas cooktops, they do not produce naked fire, and unlike electric cooktops, it is not prone to short-circuiting and electric shocks. In other types of cooktops, the whole body of the cooktop gets heated when the cooktop is operational, but in induction.

In short, if you want a reliable cooktop should go for a gas cooktop. If you would love in safety and faster, go for an induction cooktop. So I hope this cleared your doubt, Also read more here, I write a full gas vs. induction cooktop.