Electric cooktops are available in two types: solid and ceramic.
Solid electric cooktops feature exposed solid heating elements that usually include a red light in the middle of each hob to indicate when the cooktop is in use.
Ceramic electric cooktops feature a flat glass surface. The glass is reinforced to withstand high temperatures, however you will still need to be careful not to smash heavy pots down onto the surface. Many people prefer this style of cooktop because it is easy to clean and it looks good.
Select models of ceramic electric cooktops will glow red when the cooking zone is in use.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying an electric cooktop:
When buying a cooktop, your first consideration should be size. The smallest cooktops start with a width of 30cm (featuring a maximum of two cooking zones), while the largest go up to around 90cm. While all cooktops are different, the most common size is 60cm (with four cooking zones).
If you are replacing an old cooktop, please measure the space available on your kitchen benchtop and then check the dimensions of the cooktop you're planning to purchase. Cooktop sizes have changed over the years, and you don't want to learn the hard way that your new cooktop is too big/small for the space.
A 60cm wide stove will give you 4 electric cooking zones, which should provide ample space if you only need to cook basic meals. Wider cooktops provide space for additional hobs - the more cooking zones you have, the easier it is to prepare large quantities of food.
A wide cooktop will safely and easily accommodate large pots and pans - which is fantastic if you have a growing family and need to cook a lot of food.
Selected models of electric cooktop feature touch controls instead of control knobs. These cooktops allow you to change the temperature simply by touching the glass surface with your finger. Touch controls are great if you want your cooktop to merge seamlessly into the kitchen benchtop. They also make cleaning easy.
Electric cooktops are available in basic white enamel, stainless steel, or glass ceramic (usually black). Of the three, glass ceramic tends to be most expensive. Ultimately, your purchase decision will come down to your budget and your aesthetic preference.
Some electric cooktops feature what's known as a dual or a double cooking zone. Available in ceramic glass models, this looks like a small ring inside a larger ring. It's a great feature to have because it means regardless of whether you use a small or a large pot, you can adjust the size of the cooking zone to suit. This leads to safer and more energy efficient cooking.
Available in selected models, automatic pan size recognition is a feature that maximises the energy efficiency of your cooktop. Sensor technology is used to detect the dimensions of the pan you're using, and then adjust the heating zone to match. This is good news for your food (it makes sure that the pan receives heat right to the edges) and for your electricity bills (it only uses as much power as is needed).
Selected models of ceramic cooktops feature a child lock to prevent your kids from playing with the controls.
Another feature to look out for is an automatic timer. Available in advanced models, the timer function allows you to program the cooktop to switch off (or lower the temperature) at a specified time - freeing you up to focus on other elements of the dish you're creating. (Note: it is not recommended that you leave your pot unsupervised at any time. Please read the manufacturer's instructions prior to use).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 1300 000 500.