At a Glance:
Electric Cooktop Pros and Cons
Avid cooks don’t hesitate to rave about cooking with gas, but when it comes to cooking on an electric cooktop, not everyone is a fan. But we’d argue many of the naysayers of electric cooktops base their experience on flashbacks of coil stovetops, which do the job and are ideal for casual cooks, but for foodies who love to get in the kitchen and cook, the excitement of a gas cooktop is hard to outdo.
But modern electric cooktops are slowly undoing those aversions, offering sleeker cooking stations that are appealing the to the eyes with controls temperature management that is just as impressive. If you haven’t prepared a meal on a cooktop recently, see just how far these cooking appliances have come with our guide featuring electric cooktop reviews of the top brands and models that are reimagining the world of cooking with electricity.
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Shop NowWhat is an Electric Cooktop?
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An electric cooktop is like your traditional cooking surface, but instead of using gas, it runs on electricity. Rather than using flames as a heat source, electric stovetops rely on radiant heat that transfers from the source to ceramic or glass, where it then transfers one last time to cookware. While coil cooktops are still a thing, they’re becoming less available and are considered budget options, but overall, they work in the same fashion.
With various electric cooktop sizes available—typically between 24” and 36”—electric cooktops are designed to fit both spacious and compact kitchens.
Electric Cooktop Pros and Cons
Despite being the constant runner-up to gas (and even induction cooktops these days), buyers are surprised to learn electric cooktops come with their fair share of advantages. Of course, there are some details to consider, which we cover in this quick side-by-side comparison.
Pros:
✅ Even Heating: Electric cooktops deliver consistent temperature across the cooking surface, ensuring food cooks uniformly.
✅ Safety: No open flames reduce risks of burns or kitchen fires.
✅ Sleek Design: The flat, modern design of an electric stovetop easily complements most kitchen aesthetics.
✅ Ease of Cleaning: A smooth surface makes wiping off spills and splatters a breeze, especially those made of ceramic glass like many electric cooktops.
✅ Adaptable Temperature Control: Electric cooking allows for precise temperature adjustments, making delicate cooking tasks easier.
✅ Pricing: Electric cooktops are typically the most affordable option compared to gas and induction.
Cons:
✖ Slower Heat Response: Cooking on an electric cooktop can take longer to heat up or cool down compared to gas stovetops.
✖ Potentially Higher Energy Bills: While electric cooktops use heat output more efficiently than gas counterparts, they’re inferior to induction cooktops.
✖ Surface Sensitivity: Ceramic or glass tops can be prone to scratches if not handled with care.
✖ Flat Cookware: Warped, bent, and damaged cookware that doesn’t sit flush to an electric cooktop’s surface might not cook evenly.
Learn More: How To Clean Electric Stove Top
Overall, electric cooktops are an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize safety, design, and easy maintenance. They are especially suited for those living in areas without a natural gas supply or those who desire a modern, streamlined look in their kitchen.
What To Look for In a Cooktop
While cooktop features aren’t as diverse as the ones on an oven or range, what your setup includes is still important. When shopping for an electric cooktop, keep in mind your specific needs and cooking habits. While all these features can enhance your culinary experience, prioritize those that align most with your daily kitchen routines. After all, the best appliance is one that caters perfectly to your individual requirements.
After conducting our own electric cooktop review, these are the features we feel provide the most functionality for cooks of all levels.
| Feature | Why it Matters | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Glass Surface | Not only does a ceramic glass surface give the cooktop a sleek appearance, but it's also incredibly easy to clean. Say goodbye to those tough scrubbing sessions—spills and splatters can be wiped away effortlessly from this smooth surface on a ceramic cooktop once it has cooled down. | ||
Learn More: Choosing The Right Kitchen Oven
Best Electric Cooktop Brands
The (slight) downside to being the most affordable cooktop option is that pretty much every manufacturer will have a model for selection. If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend the following brands, which we give top ratings to design, durability, and their value in terms of the features they offer.
| Brand | Why We Recommend It | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Café is renowned for weaving luxury seamlessly into everyday kitchen appliances. Their electric cooktops exemplify that philosophy with a harmonious blend of high-end performance and style. Unique finishes, touch controls, and sync burners designed for longer cookware are some standout features. Typically categorized as high-end brand with prices between $2,000 and $2,220, Cafe electric cooktops are for those who seek a dash of sophistication in their culinary space. |
| |
| A staple in many households for decades, Frigidaire appliances are the epitome or reliability. Electric cooktops from the line maintain this reputation, showcasing features like quick boil elements, expandable burners, and surfaces that simplify the cleaning process. Frigidaire electric cooktop models often range from mid-tier to the premium spectrum in terms of price, ranging between $1,100 and $1,200. | ||
Top Rated Electric Cooktops
So far, we’ve covered the basics and brands buyers need to know about before buying an electric cooktop. Now, let’s take a look at some of the models that impressed us for their design and features.
Recommended Café Electric Cooktop: Café™ 30" Black Electric Cooktop
Shop This Cafe Electric Cooktop
Simple yet effective, this Café 30” electric cooktop is everything modern home cooks could want with user-friendly controls that are a breeze to operate, regardless of your tech skills. Plus, its sleek design adds a sophisticated touch to the kitchen, making it a space you'll enjoy being in. With the ability to cook with up to 3,000 watts of power across a dynamic cooking surface with expandable rings, bridging elements, and even guided cooking, this cooktop reimagines the way you think about cooking with electricity.
Featured Café CEP90301TBB review: “Love the easy cleaning and cooking of the cooktop. Never liked electric cooking before, this has changed my mind.”
Recommended Frigidaire Electric Cooktop: Frigidaire® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
Shop This Frigidaire Electric Cooktop
This 30” electric cooktop from Frigidaire is a major contender for bargain hunters looking to update their kitchen with a sleek cooking setup. Its spacious design allows you to prepare multiple dishes at once, making meal prep efficient even on the busiest of days according to electric cooktop reviews. Like many of the nearly 600 5-star reviews, we also love the easy-to-clean stainless steel surface that keeps your kitchen looking sleek and tidy, while the cooktop's safety features, including indicator lights for active heat elements, offer peace of mind when cooking with little ones around—all for less than $900.
Featured Frigidaire FFEC3025US review: “Amazing cooking experience. This cooktop is great, with its quick heat and dual burner settings. It makes cooking enjoyable and it's an easy clean up.”
Recommended GE Electric Cooktop: GE® 36" Stainless Steel Built In Electric Cooktop
It’s hard to outperform the reliability of GE, especially at the enticing price of this 30” model. It offers ample cooking space with five radiant elements and a sleek, easy-to-clean surface. The control lock adds a safety feature, and the stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any kitchen, making it the best electric cooktop for shoppers interested in a domestic cooktop brand with durability they can trust.
Featured GE JP3036SLSS review: “So far, we love this new stove. Heats will and quickly. Looks great. I like all the features with usefully sized and placed burners, and heat indicator lights.”
GE Profile™ 30" Black Built-In Electric Cooktop
Shop This GE Profile Electric Cooktop
Tonight, let your cooktop teach you how to prepare a meal with the Guided Cooking feature on this GE Profile electric cooktop. It’s part of this smart cooktop’s Wi-Fi compatibility feature, which also gives users the power to control the appliance from a smart device. This setup features five radiant elements for rapid, even heating, and a sleek, easy-to-clean surface. The modern black design fits seamlessly into any kitchen aesthetic, making it as stylish as it is functional.
Featured GE Profile PEP7030DTBB review: “This is a gorgeous product that works as advertised. It has a sleek look and the controls work effectively.”
KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Shop This KitchenAid Electric Cooktop
Ready for an industry-first? This 30” cooktop from KitchenAid features an integrated downdraft ventilation system that eliminates the need for a separate hood. It’s the ultimate hack for a sleek, modern kitchen that’s free of clutter. The 10-inch Even-Heat™ Ultra element ensures even and consistent heat for optimal cooking results. With its neat stainless steel design, it adds a modern touch to your kitchen while offering high functionality and performance.
Featured KitchenAid KCED600GSS review: “Looks like a million dollars. I purchased this a few months ago and my wife still gets compliments from her friends when they see it.”
Electric cooktops offer a blend of modernity, efficiency, and style, making them an excellent choice for today's kitchens. When you're ready to upgrade or invest in one, Fred’s Appliance is the go-to destination in the inland Northwest. With a curated selection and unmatched expertise, discover why so many trust Fred’s Appliance for our kitchen needs. See more online or visit one of our appliance stores today to learn more!
FAQs
Does an electric cooktop need a vent?
While electric cooktops don't produce open flames like gas cooktops, it's still advisable to have a vent. Vents help in removing odors, smoke, and excess moisture produced during cooking. As a general rule of thumb, you should have 100 CFM of ventilation for every 10,000 BTUs or between 300 and 500 CFM for a standard 30” electric cooktop.
Are electric cooktops as good as gas?
Both electric and gas cooktops have their advantages. Electric cooktops offer consistent heat, a sleek design, and are often easier to clean. Gas cooktops provide immediate heat and allow for precise temperature control. The choice between them largely depends on individual preferences and specific cooking needs.
Can you replace electric cooktop with gas?
Yes, you can replace an electric cooktop with a gas one. However, this requires ensuring that a gas line is available or can be installed and might also involve some additional costs and modifications to your kitchen setup. It's recommended to consult with a professional before making such a change.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Electric Cooktops at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop cooktops online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you with finding the best electric cooktop. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: Exploring The Best Wall Oven Features