A kitchen wouldn’t be a kitchen without a cooktop. Likewise, it’s no surprise that cooking enthusiasts are often fiercely loyal to their preferred type of cooktop. Chances are you’ve already heard some pretty strong opinions about which one is best. The truth is, every type of cooktop has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Today we’ll help you compare them so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Gas Burner
Let’s start with the tried and true option. They might not be especially high tech, but gas burners are still well-liked by many cooks because of the precise temperature control they offer. They take a little longer to heat up than electric cooktops, but once they do you can easily make fine adjustments to the temperature as you cook. It’s also very easy to visualize these changes because you can watch the flame for reference.
Electric Coil
If you’re not keen on the idea of cooking over an open flame, an electric coil cooktop might be a good alternative. Electric coils provide even, reliable heat over a broad surface that works well with cookware in a variety of sizes. Because they coils retain heat, however, they don’t offer the precise temperature control of gas burners.
Electric Ceramic
These are similar to electric coil cooktops, except the coils are recessed beneath a flat glass-ceramic surface. Like electric coil cooktops, these heat up quickly and provide consistent heat, but they don’t work as well with certain types of cookware. Copper, aluminum and ceramic cookware in particular don’t play well with electric ceramic cooktops. Pots with concave bottoms don’t work well on flat ceramic cooktops either.
Induction
Finally we come to the most modern cooktop option. Induction cooktops offer the precise temperature control of gas burners, and they can boil water even faster than electric cooktops. Rather than radiating heat like other types of cooktops, induction cooktops use a magnetic field to apply heat directly to cookware. This makes them very safe and energy-efficient. The only caveat is that they only work with magnetic cookware.
At Ivy Lea Construction, our experienced team of home improvement contractors can work with you to design the perfect kitchen for you and your family. Give us a call or contact us online today to get your hassle-free estimate.