Cooking is both an art and a science. Mastering the techniques required to prepare delicious meals takes practice, but having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference. At the heart of any great chef’s culinary setup is a powerful, durable cooktop or stovetop that makes cooking efficient and enjoyable. If you’re looking to upgrade your stove, this guide takes a close look at some of the best cooktops and stovetops on the market in 2024. Whether you love to cook for a crowd, whip up five-star restaurant quality meals at home, or simply need a dependable appliance for everyday cooking, there’s an option here for you.
Table of Contents
Gas Cooktops – Power and Precision
For generations, chefs and home cooks alike have relied on the responsive, precise heat of gas cooktops. Gas burners heat up and cool down rapidly, giving you superior temperature control compared to electric models. This allows for techniques like rapid boiling, simmering, searing, and more. Modern gas cooktops offer conveniences like simmering controls, automatic re-ignition, and burners in a wide range of BTU levels to accommodate everything from a rolling boil to the most delicate sauce.
Best Overall Gas Cooktop: Capital CTG3642X
With its combination of power, features, and price point, the Capital CTG3642X gas cooktop is a leading choice for most homes. This 36-inch cooktop houses 4 sealed burners, including an extra powerful 18,000 BTU “dual wok” burner designed for rapid boiling and stir-frying. The other burners include a 9,100 BTU power boiler and two 5,000 BTU standard burners for gentler cooking tasks. With a price tag under $700, this is an affordable workhorse that will handle nearly any home cooking demand.
Best High-End Gas Cooktop: Wolf CG365P/S
Serious home chefs love the performance and longevity of Wolf appliances, and the Wolf CG365P/S gas cooktop is no exception. With an extraordinary price tag hovering around $3,500, this professional-grade unit boasts cast iron grates, dual-stacked burners for a mammoth 23,000 total BTUs on the high output burner, and the signature red control knobs Wolf is famous for. With simmer abilities as low as 140 degrees and the power to rapidly boil a pot in minutes, this cooktop offers the very best in cooking power and flexibility.
Most Versatile Gas Cooktop: GE Café CGP95302M
For cooks who love gadgets and technology, the GE Café CGP95302M has an ace up its sleeve: an integrated griddle right in the center of the cooktop. This extra-large griddle is perfect for pancakes, bacon, grilled sandwiches, and more, while the 5 burners around the outside include a versatile oval burner for griddles or large pots. The burners range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs for all-purpose cooking. WiFi connectivity allows remote preheating, temperature monitoring, and burner control from your smartphone.
Best Budget Gas Cooktop: Whirlpool WCG55US0HS
Gas cooktops don’t have to break the bank. The Whirlpool WCG55US0HS provides basic gas cooking power at an affordable price. With a 30″ width, 5 sealed burners, and continuous cast iron grates, it can handle daily cooking for an average family. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, it’s a dependable workhorse of a cooktop that won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse. At around $500, it’s a great value pick.
Electric and Induction Cooktops – Convenience and High-Tech Cooking
Electric and induction cooktops offer perks like smooth glass surfaces, technologically advanced features, and built-in safety shut-offs. They work differently than traditional gas cooktops, but can still deliver delicious results in the hands of a seasoned home chef.
Best Overall Electric Cooktop: Kenmore Elite 95073
For a high-performing electric cooktop that won’t break the bank, Kenmore checks all the boxes. This affordable 30-inch model offers rapid heating elements ranging from 1,200 to a blistering 3,200 watts. The “dual” element can adapt to pots or pans of multiple sizes, while the “melt” setting on one burner is perfect for delicate tasks like melting chocolate without scorching. Automatic hot surface indicators, dishwasher-safe knobs, and sturdy ceramic glass round out the features.
Best High-End Electric Cooktop: Wolf CT365TS
Beauty meets brawn in the Wolf CT365TS, widely considered one of the most powerful and well-designed electric cooktops around. With knobs machined from solid blocks of metal and hand-polished steel trim, it’s a work of art for your kitchen. Each of the 4 burners packs high density, low wattage heating power ranging from 100 to 2,200 watts. They heat quickly but hold a set temperature with the precision of gas. At $2,670, it doesn’t come cheap, but for electric cooking purists, it’s a dream appliance.
Most Versatile Electric Cooktop: Frigidaire FPGC3077RS
This affordable 30-inch electric cooktop from Frigidaire offers 5 burners plus a handy 6-inch “warm zone” perfect for simmering sauces or melting ingredients like butter or chocolate. The large 8-inch element produces rapid heating up to 3,000 watts, while the other burners range from 1,200 to 1,500 watts for flexibility. The smudge-proof stainless steel finish simplifies cleanup. Automatic re-ignition means you don’t have to manually re-set the cooktop if the burner turns off accidentally.
Best Budget Electric Cooktop: GE JP3030SJSS
For shoppers watching their wallet, the GE JP3030SJSS electric cooktop delivers basic performance without extra bells and whistles. The 4 burners have heat settings ranging from simmer to high power, and the knobs are marked for intuitive use. While it lacks some convenience features of pricier models, it provides responsive temperature control for stovetop cooking. Matching finishes are available if you want a unified suite of appliances. At around $320, it’s an affordable and capable choice.
Best Induction Cooktop: Thermador CIT365NM
Induction cooking relies on magnetic technology to heat pans instantly, while the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch. This makes induction ideal for safety and easy cleanup. The Thermador CIT365NM model offers exceptional power, efficiency, and precision temperature control across 5 induction elements. At $3,800 it doesn’t come cheap, but for cooks who want the cutting edge in electric cooking, it can’t be beat.
Dual Fuel Ranges – The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between gas and electric? Dual fuel ranges provide the exact blend of gas burners and electric ovens many home chefs are looking for. Choose from pro-style models with 6 or more burners, dual ovens, and powerful ventilation options from brands like Capital Cooking, Fisher & Paykel, and more. Prices start around $2,500.
Freestanding vs. Slide-In Ranges
Freestanding ranges like Capital’s CGR5362S offer a timeless look. The finish sides are exposed due to greater clearance from countertops. Slide-in models like GE’s PS960YPFS have a built-in look aligned with countertops but need a gap for ventilation. They cost slightly less, averaging around $1,100 vs $1,300 for freestanding.
Also Read:-
Additional Features to Consider
- Continuous grates make it easy to slide pans from one burner to another
- Griddles or grill surfaces add versatility
- Front control knobs are convenient vs. back panels
- Digital displays allow greater precision
- Self-cleaning options reduce the effort for cleaning ovens
- Stove tops with sous vide modes provide water bath cooking
- Downdraft ventilation controls stove top smoke and aromas
Take Your Culinary Skills to the Next Level
Whether you love hosting dinner parties or find joy in whipping up weeknight meals, a quality cooktop or stovetop is essential. Models from leading brands like Capital Cooking, Thermador, and Wolf give home chefs unmatched power and performance. Choose from the specialized precision of gas burners, the high-tech functionality of induction, or the balanced control of dual fuel ranges. With the right appliances elevating your cooking game, you’re on your way to becoming the envy of all the foodies in your circle!