Cooktops

What are the different types of cooktops?

A cooktop is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your kitchen so it's important to take the time to find one that is best suited to your cooking style. Discover the three types of cooktops to choose from below:

• Gas Cooktops - Using either natural or LPG gas, these cooktops use a flame and quick-heating burners to cook food.
• Induction Cooktops - A type of electric cooktop, induction cooktops use electromagnetic induction to directly heat your cookware.
• Electric Cooktops - Also called ceramic cooktops, they use electric coils or a heating element to heat the surface of the burners and the cookware.

Are induction cooktops better than gas?

This is a heated debate among many! There are three main types of cooktops to choose from: gas, electric, and induction. Induction cooktops use a magnetic field to quickly heat the base of the cookware, offering precise temperature control and shorter cooking times than conventional cooktops. Because induction cooking only heats the pan and not the surrounding surface, it can be more energy efficient than its gas or electric counterparts. Induction cooktops also have a seamless, easy-to-clean tempered glass surface that makes them a crowd favourite in modern kitchens.

Gas cooktops are designed for power and precise heat control. The open flame of a gas cooktop acts as a visual indicator of the heat level, making for a more intuitive cooking experience. Plus, gas cooktops can accommodate any type of cookware, unlike induction which requires pots and pans to be made of a magnetic material like iron or steel.

Electric cooktops are still a popular choice, as they offer even and consistent heat distribution, precise temperature control, and an easy-to-clean surface. However, they lack the rapid response of gas or the precision of induction.

What should I look for when buying a cooktop?

When choosing the right cooktop for your kitchen, it all boils down to space, cooking needs, and style. The first thing to consider is the size of your cooking space. At Harvey Norman, you'll find a broad selection of cooktop sizes from 30cm, 60cm, and 70cm up to more generous 90cm and 100cm cooktops.

You'll also need to consider the amount of cooking you will be doing, as this will directly impact the number of burners you'll need. If you prefer to have a few pots going at the same time, opt for a cooktop with 4 or 5 burners rather than a compact model with only 2 or 3 burners. Style is also important if you want your cooktop to match the look and feel of your kitchen. Browse our impressive range of stainless steel or ceramic glass models in an array of colours including white, silver, or black to find the right style for your kitchen.

Looking for more than just a new cooktop? Make magic in your kitchen with Harvey Norman's lineup of the latest and greatest kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ovens, freestanding ovens, rangehoods, dishwashers, and microwaves.