Induction Cooktops

About Cooktops

Cooktops are an excellent way to enhance your kitchen's functionality and style. They provide a premium cooking surface for preparing meals, without the need for an oven beneath. Cooktops come in a variety of options, with gas and electric being the most common. Some models even feature modular designs, allowing you to add optional accessories like grills, griddles, or woks to elevate your cooking experience.

Whether you're preparing meals for a crowd or just a quick dish for yourself, a new cooktop from US Appliance Center can help you get the job done. Their sleek, space-saving designs make them ideal for replacing outdated stoves or as part of a kitchen remodel. At US Appliance Center, we offer a broad selection of cooktops from top brands, all featuring the latest technologies and design options.

Choosing the Right Cooktop

Cooktops are the heart of any active kitchen, similar to a traditional range. However, with no oven underneath, you’ll save valuable space that can be used for extra storage. This design also means less heat radiating around you while you cook, making it a more comfortable cooking environment.

Whether you're searching for a 30-inch gas cooktop with downdraft, a 36-inch model, or specific cookware and accessories, US Appliance Center has a variety of options to meet your needs. Cooktops typically come in 30-inch and 36-inch widths, but there are also smaller and larger options available. Most 30-inch models feature four heating elements, while larger cooktops tend to have additional burners, giving you more flexibility for cooking multiple dishes at once.

Cooktop Flexibility

Cooktops offer flexibility in installation as well. They can be placed on a kitchen island or countertop, providing storage space underneath. If you have a separate wall oven or don’t use an oven frequently, a cooktop can be a great solution. They can be powered by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or electricity. While electric cooktops are the most popular, both gas and electric options offer excellent cooking performance. Many electric cooktops feature heating elements under a smooth glass surface, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops also use electricity but operate differently than traditional electric models. Instead of directly heating the cooktop, induction technology uses electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware itself. This results in faster heating, greater energy efficiency, and a surface that remains cool to the touch during use.

Key Benefits of Induction Cooktops:

• Cool-to-the-touch surfaces during cooking
• Faster heating compared to traditional gas or electric models
• Greater energy efficiency
• Easier cleanup due to the smooth surface

Cooktop Features & Options

When selecting a cooktop, the first decision is whether to choose gas or electric. Your existing kitchen setup may influence your choice, but both options provide excellent cooking experiences. Gas cooktops are often favored by chefs for their precise temperature control and fast heating, while electric cooktops are known for their ease of use and affordability. Glass-top electric models have smooth surfaces, which make cleaning a breeze.

If you're looking for the latest in kitchen technology, an induction cooktop is worth considering. These models heat faster than gas and offer superior energy efficiency by transferring heat directly to the cookware. They're also the safest option, especially for homes with young children. Though induction cooktops are more expensive, their benefits make them a smart investment.

Burner Options

When choosing a cooktop, consider the number of burners you need. Four-burner and five-burner models are the most popular, but options range from two burners to as many as six. Gas cooktops with griddles or built-in grills allow you to expand your cooking capabilities, from making pancakes for breakfast to grilling steaks indoors. Other available features include high-heat burners, digital controls, and bridge elements, which create a larger cooking surface for oversized pots and pans.

Cooktop Ventilation

No matter which type of cooktop you choose, proper ventilation is essential to clear smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. Range hoods are a traditional solution, but some cooktops come with integrated downdraft ventilation. This built-in system eliminates the need for a separate hood, drawing smoke and odors downward and away from your cooking area, ensuring fresh air circulation.

Tips for Cleaning Your Cooktop

Spills and splatters are inevitable, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be difficult. To maintain your cooktop’s appearance, it’s best to clean it after each use. For tougher messes, like burnt-on food, choose a cleaner designed for the specific material of your cooktop, such as ceramic or glass. A simple mixture of baking soda and water can also be effective.

Cleaning Electric Cooktops

Before cleaning electric cooktops, ensure the stove is off and cool. Use a sponge or cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe the surface. If you have coil burners, you may need to clean them more thoroughly.

Cleaning Gas Cooktops

For gas cooktops, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water before scrubbing. Always finish by wiping down the entire surface with clean water and drying with a fresh cloth.

Daily Maintenance

For best results, wipe down your cooktop daily and deep clean as needed, depending on how often you cook.

Measuring & Purchasing Your Cooktop

Before making any appliance purchase, especially cooktops, be sure to measure your available space carefully. We recommend scheduling a professional measurement to ensure an accurate fit.

At US Appliance Center, we carry a wide variety of cooktops to suit every home and budget. From sleek electric models to professional-grade gas cooktops and energy-efficient induction options, we have the perfect cooktop for your kitchen. And with our delivery service, you can count on your new cooktop arriving when and where you need it.