When you have the right cooktop in your kitchen, you’ll notice a heightened enthusiasm for cooking. There’s more to choosing a cooktop than looking for the best heat output. This is an appliance you’ll be using virtually every day, so it pays to consider aesthetics, surface materials, ease of cleaning, safety, and compatible cookware. The below buying guide will seek to answer all of your burning questions.
Use the navigation links below to find the right machine based on your needs.
Cooktop Size & Fuel Source
The first consideration when buying a cooktop should be its size. The smallest cooktops start at 30cm (with two cooking zones), and the largest can reach up to 120cm. The most common size is 60cm, which typically features four cooking zones. Along with the size, you also want to consider what fuel source your cooktop is going to be using. We've provided you with an in-depth breakdown of all the advantages and disadvantages you can come to expect, with each type of cooktop.
Electric Cooktops
Available in solid and ceramic varieties, electric cooktops are favoured for their ease of use. Switching on the heat is as simple as turning the control knobs or pressing the electronic touch controls. However, compared to gas and induction models, it will generally take longer for the unit to reach your desired heat. Cleaning is easy, especially with ceramic models, as there are no grooves or trivets where food spills can accumulate. An electric cooktop will generally be the most sensible choice if you are sticking to a tight budget.
Advantages:
- Affordability: Electric cooktops are generally the most budget-friendly option.
- Ease of operation: Simply switch it on, and you're ready to cook.
- Easy cleaning: Ceramic glass cooktops, in particular, are very easy to wipe down, as there are no grooves or trivets where food can collect.
- Modern features: Many modern electric cooktops heat up much faster than older models.
Disadvantages:
- Energy efficiency: Electric cooktops are the least energy-efficient option compared to gas and induction.
- Slow heating: They take longer to reach the desired cooking temperature, especially for tasks like boiling water.
- Cookware limitations: You can only use flat-bottomed cookware, which might be restrictive for certain cooking styles, such as using a wok.
- Glass surface care: Ceramic cooktops require careful handling, as the glass surface can crack or scratch if subjected to heavy impacts.
Trinity 77cm Ceramic Touch Control 6 Zone Ceramic Cooktop TRC775
Yet to be reviewed
Delonghi 60cm 4 Zone Induction Cooktop SLI602
Yet to be reviewed
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops provide rapid, powerful heat, making them popular among professional chefs and serious home cooks. Ignition is sometimes a manual procedure that requires you to use a match, a lighter, or a pilot light. However, many modern gas cooktops allow for electronic ignition, meaning you will require both a plumber and an electrician. A great advantage of gas cooking is that a flame provides a clear visual aid for monitoring heat intensity. If stir fries are on your dinner rotation, gas cooktops with a wok burner will hold you in good stead. Gas cooktops can leave residual heat hanging in the air after cooking is finished, so you may want to think about alternative options if you have a small kitchen.
Advantages:
- Instant heat: There’s no waiting time for the cooktop to heat up—when the flame is on, the heat is immediate.
- Cost-effective: Gas is a relatively affordable energy source, and it’s also environmentally friendly.
- Cookware compatibility: Gas works with all cookware types, from flat-bottomed pans to round-based woks, especially if you choose a cooktop with a dedicated wok burner.
- Manual controls: Many people prefer the tactile feedback of manual knob controls rather than electronic touch controls.
Disadvantages:
- Gas availability: Some areas may not have access to a natural gas connection, though LPG bottles can be used as an alternative (requiring a licensed plumber for conversion).
- Heat output: Gas cooktops produce a lot of residual heat, which can make your kitchen environment uncomfortable.
- Safety concerns: The open flame poses potential safety risks, such as fire hazards or burns. Opt for a cooktop with flame failure devices for added safety.
- Cleaning difficulties: Food can get trapped around the trivets, making gas cooktops a bit more challenging to clean.
- Design: Gas cooktops tend to clash with a minimalist kitchen aesthetic.
Induction Cooktops
Over the past decade, induction cooktops have graduated from trendy curiosities to become popular and practical powerhouses in kitchens all over Australia. Induction cooking relies on energy from an electromagnetic field. Heat does not emanate from the cooktop itself, but from the cookware you are using. If you purchase an induction cooktop, you will need pots and pans that are ferrous (containing iron)—look for cast iron and steel cookware, and steer clear of copper and glass products. Because heat energy is centralised in your cooking vessel, cooking with induction is incredibly fast and any adjustments to temperature are registered almost immediately.
Advantages:
- Speed: Induction cooktops can bring a large pot of water to a boil faster than gas cooktops, making them highly time-efficient.
- Precision: Temperature adjustments are immediate, making induction ideal for dishes that require exact heat control.
- Energy efficiency: Induction is one of the most energy-efficient cooking methods, as the heat is generated directly within the cookware, minimising energy loss.
- Safety: The cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, induction cooktops automatically switch off when cookware is removed, preventing accidents.
- Comfortable kitchen environment: Since the heat is contained in the cookware, your kitchen remains cooler compared to gas or electric options.
- Minimalist design: The sleek, flat surface of induction cooktops adds to the visual appeal of a minimalist kitchen and can double as extra bench space when not in use.
Disadvantages:
- Cookware requirements: Only ferrous (magnetic) cookware—such as stainless steel or cast iron—can be used with induction cooktops. Copper and glass cookware are not compatible.
- Flat surface required: The cookware must have a flat base, which can make it difficult to use traditional round-bottomed woks (although induction wok adapters are available).
- Potential surface damage: Rough handling can scratch the glass surface of the cooktop, especially when shaking or moving cookware during cooking.
- Spill management: Since the cooktop surface is flat, spills can spread easily, potentially leaking under the glass and causing electrical issues. Some models include boil-over detectors to mitigate this risk.
- Higher upfront cost: While induction cooktops are more expensive to purchase, their energy efficiency can result in long-term savings.
Compact and Portable Cooktops
A two-burner cooktop is ideal for kitchens that are short on space, and for households of one or two people. Measuring 30cm wide, you can install one of these cooktops next to a larger cooktop if you need some extra burners to help your culinary creations come to fruition. Alternatively, you can pair a 30cm induction cooktop with a 30cm gas cooktop to create a multifaceted cooking surface.
If you’re really low on space, a portable cooktop may be the choice for you. Portable cooktops feature no more than two burners, and they can be handy for entertainers who want to multitask with an additional cooking area. Due to their size, these units heat up immediately, and you can also use them as keep-warm stations. If you’re a keen camper, a portable cooktop can be a handy addition to your caravan.
When the Price is Right
With the cost of living always on the rise, being budget conscious is more important than ever. Thankfully when it comes to home appliances, like our Cooktops, you can always find one that suits your needs and won't break your bank. To make things as easy as possible, we've already put together all of our budget friendly models in one easy click. Remember, cheap doesn't mean bad - it just means you get the items you are after, at a great deal!
Spezialist 34cm 2 Burner LP Gas VitroCeramic Cooktop S30342VCLPG
Yet to be reviewed
TRINITY 30cm Gas Cooktop 2 Burners Stainless Steel TRG302SS
Yet to be reviewed
Westinghouse 30cm 2 Burner Induction Cooktop WHI323BE
Yet to be reviewed
Common Cooktop Features
Flame failure device
A mandatory feature on all modern gas cooktops, a flame failure device will cut off the gas supply if your flame goes out, helping to prevent gas leaks.
Trivets
Gas cooktops are fitted with trivets for optimum support of your pots and pans. Cast iron, favoured for its sturdiness, is the most common trivet material. Enamel trivets, however, are generally easier to clean.
Wok burner
Ideal for Asian cuisines, a wok burner will provide high, even heat over large areas. Not only great for sizzling stir fries, you can also use this burner for faster boiling of pasta water.
Residual heat indicators
Common on ceramic glass models, residual heat indicators will glow red if the cooking surface is still hot to the touch.
Bridge element
More common on high-end models, you can create a bridge element by linking two individual elements together. This comes in handy when cooking in a larger pot.
Cooking Packages
If you are renovating and need a complete ensemble of cooking appliances - oven, cooktop, and rangehood - purchasing a cooking package is a smart way to go. Some packages even contain a dishwasher. Not only will a package save you money compared to buying appliances separately; you will also have a kitchen that looks visually cohesive.
Bosch Serie 2 Oven and Gas Cooktop Pack HBF134EB0APBH6B5B80A
Yet to be reviewed
Bosch Cooking Package HSB738357ADWP96BC50A
Yet to be reviewed