Struggling to control heat while cooking delicate sauces or searing meat just right? Despite recent advancements in cooking appliances, many home chefs find that a gas cooktop has the precision and instant flame response they to master meals.
The question is: Is a gas stovetop right for you? Find out in this guide as we’ll walk through five specific reasons gas cooktops are game changers. Then see which what it takes to be a good gas stove top in our gas cooktop buying guide, along with review top-rated models from trusted brands available at Fred’s Appliances.
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Rediscover the magic of gas cooktops with our selection of top models at Fred's Appliance.
Shop Gas Cooktops5 Reasons Cooks Prefer Gas Cooktops
Home cooks value the control and versatility that gas kitchen appliances provide. In this section, we’ll cover five key reasons gas cooktops remain a favorite by highlighting their performance, speed, and adaptability across different cooking tasks that electric options can struggle to handle with the same precision (CLICK THE ✅TO LEARN MORE):
✅More Heat Output
No other cooktop option delivers intense, immediate heat like a gas cooktop. With burners averaging 12,000 to 15,000 BTUs, you can sear steaks, sauté vegetables, or bring water to a boil faster than with mostelectric cooktop models. That higher heat output means less time waiting and more time cooking with control.
One key difference in the gas vs electric cooktop debate is this ability to generate powerful heat instantly. Home chefs who rely on gas cooking appliances appreciate the responsiveness and efficiency. Among all types of cooktops, gas models remain a go-to for those who want instant heat.
✅Intuitive Heat Control
A visible flame makes a big difference when cooking. With a gas cooktop, the flame provides a clear visual cue to help you instantly see how much heat you're applying. New cooks can better manage their timing, while experienced chefs rely on flame size to adjust techniques for grains, proteins, or vegetables. It’s one reason gas remains among the best cooking appliances for home use. When comparing different types of cooktops, few give you this kind of intuitive control, which makes gas a practical option for many kitchens.
✅Instant Heat Response
Cooking with gas means the heat responds the moment you turn the knob. Unlike electric burners that lag or induction cooktops, a live flame delivers instant results. For dishes like risotto or stir fry, quick adjustments can make or break the outcome. It’s one of the major reasons buyers choose a live flame when deciding between gas or induction cooktop models. That’s why many home chefs stick with a gas cooktop when consistency and timing are key.
✅Special Cooking Methods
Some cooking techniques just work better over an open flame. For example, flambéing requires direct contact with fire, which electric or induction surfaces can’t provide. What's more, stir frying demands high heat and quick movement, which is something a gas cooktop handles with ease, thanks to its powerful flame and wide burner access.
When comparing a gas or electric cooktop setups, gas consistently delivers the intensity needed for these methods. If you’ve ever asked yourself which cooktop is best for advanced cooking techniques, serious chefs and advanced home cooks tend to prefer gas models.
✅Gas is Compatible with All Cookware
Comparing an induction cooktop vs gas cooktop is a big topic right now in the market. Induction gives gas a run for its money, but they fall short when it comes to cookware compatibility. Only pots and pans with magnetic bases work on induction, which can limit your options.
On the other hand, a gas cooktop heats everything from cast iron to copper without issue. That flexibility means you can match the cookware to the recipe without any hesitation. When you compare gas cooktops with other types, this universal compatibility stands out.
How Does a Gas Cooktop Compare?
When comparing cooktops, it’s important to look at how they respond in real-time cooking situations. Gas models give you instant changes in flame size, while electric cooktops take several seconds to adjust (or longer), which can lead to overcooking or underheating.
About Heat Output
On the other hand, Induction responds faster than electric but still lacks the visual cue of a flame. In terms of heat output, gas typically delivers higher BTUs than electric, and while induction is powerful, its output depends on the pan’s contact and material.
Is It Easy to Cook on a Gas Cooktop?
User experience also differs. Gas gives tactile control and doesn’t require specialized cookware. Electric is simple but slower, and induction demands magnetic pots and pans, which can come with a learning curve for users.
What Makes a Good Gas Cooktop?
Not all cooktops are built the same, especially when it comes to power, layout, and flexibility. In this section, we’ll break down what makes a gas cooktop truly effective for home cooking, including burner count, total BTUs, and sizing options like the popular 36” gas cooktop for larger meal prep.
BTU Output
BTUs—or British Thermal Units—are a register of gas heat output. Most gas cooktops deliver between 12,000 and 15,000 BTUs, but burners with 20,000+ BTUs provide intense heat for rapid boiling and high-temperature searing. While they cost more, cooktops with higher BTU outputs means faster cooking and better control over tough cooking tasks.
Special Gas Burners
There are different types of burners on a gas cooktop.
🔵 Brass burners are durable and resist corrosion and deliver more consistent heat compared to steel gas burners.
🔵 Dual burners combine two flames in one, providing extra power when needed or gentle simmering for delicate dishes.
Burner Count & Size
Cooking habits right burner dictate how many burners the and size you need. A 30 inch gas cooktop with four burners suits smaller kitchens and everyday cooking needs. For higher cooking demands, upgrade to a 36” gas cooktop with five to six burners, ideal for families who prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.
For serious chefs or large households, a 48” gas cooktop provides six burners, which gives you maximum flexibility for complex meals. Each size balances space and cooking power to fit different lifestyles and kitchen layouts.
Learn More: The Gas vs. Electric Oven Debate
Featured Gas Cooktops We Recommend
Not sure which gas cooktop to choose? We're here to help you make the right decisions based on the size of your space and your cooking needs. Take a look at our gas cooktop reviews below so you can compare cooktops and their features, designs, and performances.
BlueStar® X-8 36" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
The BSDCTX8366B packs serious power and precision on a handcrafted 36-inch cooktop. With a total of 95,000 BTUs across six versatile sealed burners, the setup is perfect for serious cooks. It features a 25,000 BTU power burner for fast boiling and searing, plus five 14,000 BTU burners, all with a low 500 BTU simmer setting for delicate cooking. Heavy-duty cast iron grates and customizable knobs in 190 colors bring professional performance and personality to your kitchen.
Wolf® 36" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Professional Cooktop
Upgrade to the Wolf CG365P/S for dual-stacked sealed burners that can simmer at a whisper or deliver up to 18,000 BTUs. Continuous cast-iron grates let you slide pots across the surface without lifting. The signature red knobs and professional-grade stainless steel finish pair perfectly with other Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances for a unified kitchen design.
Monogram® 30" Stainless Steel Deep-Recessed Natural Gas Cooktop
The Monogram ZGU30RSLSS 30-inch gas cooktop is built with a powerful 20,000 BTU tri-ring burner that handles everything from searing to rapid boiling with ease. Sapphire-glass illuminated knobs for both style and function, clearly displaying heat levels. With continuous grates and sealed burners, cleanup and movement across the surface are effortless.
KitchenAid® 36'' Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
We can sum this KitchenAid 36-inch gas cooktop in one sentence: Finesse and firepower in one sleek surface. Master menus with the 20K BTU dual ring burner that handles everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil, while the Even-Heat simmer burner has low, consistent heat for melting or delicate sauces. Full-width cast-iron grates make it easy to slide pans around without lifting. Finished with a stain-resistant CookShield surface and premium multi-finish knobs, it’s both stylish and practical for everyday use.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KCGS556ESS Review:
“We chose KitchenAid to replace our old KitchenAid cooktop. The new cooktop is a great improvement. The variety of burners and heat ranges are very efficient in cooking various items. we are very pleased wit [sic] our choice.”
Thermador® Masterpiece® Pedestal Star® 36" Stainless Steel Natural Gas Cooktop
Searing steaks or gently melting chocolate has never been easier with this Thermador 30-inch gas cooktop. The patented Star Burners distribute heat more evenly than traditional round designs, and the powerful 18,000 BTU center burner brings serious heat. Two ExtraLow burners have ultra-precise simmer control for sauces and soups. Metal knobs with illuminated rings add a high-end touch while making it easy to monitor flame status.
Signature Kitchen Suite 30" Stainless Steel Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Cooktop
Shop This Signature Kitchen Suite Cooktop
Signature Kitchen Suite has serious firepower with smart functionality in this sleek 30 inch gas cooktop. The UPCG3054ST offers up to 18,500 BTUs of heat with dual brass burners that also drop to a gentle simmer. In a hurry? Use the RapidHeat burner to quickly boil water or sear meat.
We’re still big fans of cooking innovations, and that includes new-wave cooktops features such as induction, but there is nothing quite like cooking on a gas appliance. The drama, results, and intuitive controls are just a few reasons why home cooks still love preparing meals on them, but if you’re still curious if a gas cooktop is for you, allow us to help! Visit Fred’s Appliance near you today for expert advice on whether a gas cooktop is the right choice for you and your cooking style.
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 Gas Cooktops at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop cooking appliances 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 rediscover the perks of a gas cooktop. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: The Best Way to Clean a Gas Cooktop