At a Glance:
4 Benefits of an Electric Cooktop
How Much do Electric Cooktops Cost?
3 Top Electric Cooktop Recommendations
Ask any passionate cook which fuel source is the best, and chances are that the overwhelming majority will say gas. The debate can get really heated (no pun intended), especially when faithful gas cooks start to point out all the pros of cooking on gas. So, what’s all the fuss? After all, even Julia Child can be seen using an electric cooktop on her now cult classic series The French Chef, proving it’s the cook that matters most.
We won’t deny it, cooking with a live flame does come with a lot of perks, but that doesn’t mean an electric cooktop is inferior. We’ll discuss why inside as we look at these appliances and why they may be the better choice for certain households. We’ll also review three electric cooktop models that demonstrate why home cooks should still consider these appliances serious contenders.
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Electric Cooktops4 Benefits of an Electric Cooktop
Still skeptical? These four benefits of gas cooktops may be enough to change your mind.
- Smooth Top Cooktops Are Easy to Clean
Unless they’re sealed — which often comes at a higher cost — gas burners are notorious for harboring crumbs and grease, which is a pain to clean. What’s worse, fallen debris can even clog a gas burner, preventing it from working properly or at all.
On the other hand, smooth top electric cooktops have no crevices where food can hide, and their flat surfaces can be cleaned with a brush and department store cleaners. Even ceramic coil cooktops are easy to clean; just lift the coil, clean the plate, and replace it.
- Electricity Produces No Harmful Gases
Recent studies have begun to reveal the less-than-glamourous side effects of cooking with gas. In fact, the topic has become such a big issue that major cities from New York to Seattle have started plans to completely eradicate gas cooktops and appliances from homes altogether in exchange for safer induction and electric models.
You won’t have to worry about that with an electric cooktop, though. Aside from ambient heat, there is virtually no byproduct that results from cooking with electricity.
- You Don’t Need Industrial Ventilation
Gas cooktops generate high outputs of heat, which is great, but in order to keep conditions in the kitchen comfortable, proper ventilation is necessary. The general rule is to provide 100 CFMs of ventilation — that’s cubic feet per minute — per every 10,000 BTUs of heat a gas appliance produces.
Some gas cooktops create 50,000 BTUs of heat, which out-rules most of the range hoods designed for conventional kitchens, forcing users to upgrade to industrial range hoods with more CFMs.
So, does an electric cooktop need a vent? Yes, but not nearly as much as a gas cooktop. In most cases, a standard range hood with about 300 to 450 CFMs is plenty of power to remove the heat produced by an electric cooktop.
- Electric Cooktops are Affordable
We’ll segue into the details below, but overall, electric cooktops sit at the bottom when it comes to the price point compared to other types of cooktops. Learn more below.
How Much do Electric Cooktops Cost?
The electric cooktop sector can be a little deceiving when it comes to price. The category claims both the most affordable and most expensive cooktop models on the market, which is why we recommend shopping for an electric stovetop by type.
Keep in mind that a 30 inch electric cooktop will obviously cost more than a 36 inch electric cooktop, but ultimately, how much countertop space you have will determine which size you should purchase.
Here’s a quick recap on how to measure to fit a cooktop before we dive into pricing.
$ Ceramic Coil Cooktops
Immediately recognizable for their spiral heating elements, ceramic coil electric cooktops are entry-level options best suited for apartments, condos, and households that do light cooking. These aren’t the most efficient, and the hot burners can be dangerous for any young, curious hands, but the coils do generate heat fast and are easy to use. These are the least expensive of the bunch, with average prices between $300 and $450 for a basic setup.
$$ Smooth Top Cooktops
The newer generation of electric cooktops is designed with featureless surfaces and heating elements located beneath smooth glass. The overall effect is a modern look that competes less with other elements in the kitchen. From there, buyers can choose between smooth top cooktops with touch controls for a completely flush presentation or knobs that look and perform like traditional cooktop controls.
For buyers with bigger budgets, there are also electric downdraft cooktop variations. These models are essentially smooth tops with a built-in ventilation system that claims to eliminate the need for an overhead range hood.
Overall, buyers can expect to pay anywhere between $400 and $800 for a ceramic glass cooktop.
$$$ Induction Cooktops
Although the industry classifies induction cooktops as in a class of their own, they’re technically still powered by electricity. But as far as price goes, induction stovetops sit at the top of the price spectrum, even above gas cooktops. Aside from a different heating method and a few exclusive advantages, induction setups are identical to smooth top cooktops.
Quick breakdown: Electric vs. induction
- Radiant cooktops heat the surface, where heat is then transferred to cookware.
- Induction cooktops heat cookware directly using electromagnetic waves, essentially turning the actual cookware into a heating element. This process only works with ferromagnetic cookware. You can test if your collection is compatible by placing a magnet on the bottom; if it sticks, it will react.
Buyers with standard-size countertops can find induction cooktops with an average price between $400 and $3,000.
✅ Heads-Up! Get the full scoop on electric vs induction cooktops in our full guide.
3 Top Electric Cooktop Recommendations
Whether you’ve changed your stance on electric or you’ve been a fan all along, these three electric cooktop picks are further proof that cooking with electricity is the way of the future. We’ve reviewed the top picks from our catalog to provide you with three electric cooktops, each intended for a specific budget. We’ve selected 36 inch electric cooktops for our list since they provide the most bang for the buck in terms of cooking zones.
Best Affordable Electric Cooktop: Samsung 36" Black Electric Cooktop
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As simple as the setup for this Samsung electric cooktop may be, it’s a beautiful centerpiece that adds modern flair to any kitchen. Designed with convenience in mind, this cooking arrangement includes dishwasher-safe knobs and a ceramic surface for easy cleanup with the wipe of a cloth. Five fully functional heating elements (many have a fifth element that is for warming only) give you the liberty to create full-course meals with less overcrowding.
Top Samsung NZ36R5330RK cooktop review: “This cooktop has exactly what we were looking for.”
Best Mid-End Electric Cooktop: KitchenAid® 36" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
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If you’re the neat cook who prefers to have your mise en place laid out before cooking, you’ll appreciate the design of this KitchenAid electric cooktop. All controls are placed directly front and center, showcasing KitchenAid’s knack for professionally inspired designs and attention to detail. The cooking surface uses exclusive Even-Heat Technology for better temperature regulation, a control comparable to a flame. That means you can simmer and melt just as easy as you can sear, and with four element sizes from six inches up to 12 inches in diameter, managing your menu and all its heat settings is easier than ever.
Top KitchenAid KCES556HSS cooktop review: “It's heats water to boiling faster than my old gas range.”
Best High-End Electric Cooktop: JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
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We hinted at it earlier, and now it’s time to introduce you to the latest variation on the electric cooktop: the Jenn Air downdraft electric cooktop. Jenn Air was the first brand to release this design as part of the complete Jenn Air electric cooktop catalog, and it’s been a hit in luxury kitchens since.
Included on this model is the JX3 Downdraft System, capable of siphoning off odors and heat at a rate of 297 CFMs, which is also available with ductless installation. You also get the premium power of Jenn Air technology, such as elements with up to 3,000 watts of power and a Triple-Choice element that can accommodate cookware in three sizes.
Top JennAir JED3536GS cooktop review: “This single integrated Jenn-air cooktop has a great design, and the multi-speed downdraft is flawless.”
We dare you to say electric cooktops are obsolete after reviewing their advantages and previewing three standout models from our lineup. While they’re not as popular as their counterparts, these cooking appliances aren’t going anywhere soon and continue to be convenient cooktop options for buyers looking for sleek presentations, to save money, or cooks who are still working on their cooking techniques.
There’s plenty more to see when it comes to electric cooktops, and Don’s Appliances is the place to start your search. We have an extensive catalog of electric-powered stovetops, from value brands to luxury names. Explore more by browsing our catalog online or visiting one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores near you today!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Electric Cooktops at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooktops online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you reimagine the electric cooktop and all its possibilities — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Measure Cooktop Size