Cooktop confusion: make a choice that’s right for you
In the market for a new range? With so many options facing shoppers in every appliance store aisle, it can be overwhelming to consider all of the available features and benefits. One key decision that you’ll want to think through carefully is your choice of cooktop because there are very real differences between gas, induction and electric options. “Choosing a cooktop is very much a matter of personal preference. Making this decision requires a bit of self-reflection — what kind of cook are you, and what are the things that will matter to you most once that new range is installed in your kitchen?” explains Bob Park of GE Appliances. Here, he outlines some of the key differences between the different cooktop styles:
Cooking with gas
Speed and precision are the key benefits of a gas range. Not only can you actually see the heat level as soon as you turn on the burner, but temperature adjustments are essentially instantaneous, meaning no more waiting for a burner to heat up. Gas cooktops also give the kitchen a professional look, even if the most sophisticated cooking that will be happening in your kitchen involves boiling water. Of course, a gas range requires a gas hook-up in your kitchen, so you’ll need to factor that into your planning.
All about electric
Electric range tops are available in a few styles, but smooth tops, which feature radiant burners under a layer of ceramic glass, are by far the most popular. Park explains that electric cooktops ensure even cooking, making it easy to maintain a consistent temperature, which is especially useful when simmering. And electric ranges are easy to wipe clean. GE Appliances’ Edge-to-Edge cooktops, for example, have no silicone or crevices to catch crumbs, making clean up a breeze.
Induction cooking
Although many of us are less familiar with this type of cooking, Park urges people to take a look at this unique cooktop style. “Induction cooking combines the temperature responsiveness of a gas cooktop and the ease of cleaning of an electric cooktop. Plus, you get a safer, cooler cooking surface.” Induction cooktops use electromagnetic elements to heat the pan directly, rather than transferring heat from a radiant element to the pan bottom. This means the surface of the cooktop stays relatively cool to the touch no matter how high you turn up the heat. Keep in mind, though, that the pots and pans you use on an induction cooktop need to be made of a magneticbased material, like cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. (NC)